Within a 25-kilometre radius of Zgorzelisko Glade in Małe Ciche lies one of the most attraction-packed regions in Poland. Skywalk Heart of Poronin, thermal baths fed by natural geothermal waters, cable cars, family-friendly hiking trails suitable for strollers, museums showcasing Zakopane-style architecture, and traditional Highlander restaurants — all within a 15–25 minute drive.
This guide was created for anyone planning a weekend getaway, winter holiday, or longer stay in the Tatra Mountains who wants to know what is truly worth visiting, how much it costs, and how to get there. We’ve grouped the attractions by travel style: families with children, rainy-day activities, outdoor adventures, culture, and local cuisine. At the end, you’ll find three ready-made itineraries (for 1, 2, and 3 days), along with answers to the most frequently asked questions.
The Municipality of Poronin sits at the crossroads of Podhale’s three main tourist destinations: 18 km from central Zakopane, 12 km from Białka Tatrzańska, and 15 km from Bukowina Tatrzańska. Each destination can be reached by car in less than 20 minutes, allowing visitors to explore the region’s top attractions while staying in one convenient accommodation, without having to move every day.
Małe Ciche, Murzasichle, and Zgorzelisko Glade—among the least crowded villages at the foot of the Tatra Mountains—offer an authentic Highland atmosphere and accommodation prices significantly lower than those in Zakopane. From the meadows of Małe Ciche, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Tatra range, stretching from Koszysta and Wołoszyn, across the Slovak peaks of Vysoká and Gerlach, to the Czerwone Wierchy ridge and the iconic silhouette of Mount Giewont.
Zgorzelisko Glade is situated at an altitude of 1,075 metres above sea level and serves as a natural starting point from which all major Tatra destinations spread out in every direction. The glade is also home to Skywalk Heart of Poronin — the first panoramic attraction in Poland fully accessible to families with strollers and visitors with disabilities.
The region’s newest attraction, officially opened on 31 May 2025. An 854-metre-long wooden walkway, 2.5 metres wide with a maximum incline of only 6 degrees, leads through the treetops to the top of the structure. With no stairs, it is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchair users. Viewed from above, the tower forms the shape of a traditional Highland heart, inspired by Podhale folk ornaments and symbolism.
At the top you’ll find:
Standard (ages 12+)
76 PLN
Reduced (ages 3–12, visitors with disabilities)
58 PLN
Senior / Pensioner
68 PLN
Children under 3
Free
Family 2+1
194 PLN
Family 2+2
246 PLN
Slide — Single Ride
10 PLN
Slide — 6-Ride Package
50 PLN
The Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children) saves 24 PLN compared to purchasing tickets individually. For the latest complete price list, visit skywalk-poronin.pl/en/price-information/
Opening hours vary by season. From May to September, the attraction is open daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. In April and October, it is open until 6:00 PM, while during the November–March season it closes at 5:00 PM. Last admission is one hour before closing. Current opening hours are available at skywalk-poronin.pl/en/opening-hours/
Skywalk Heart of Poronin is located 18 km from central Zakopane (approximately a 15-minute drive). Visitors can use seven parking areas offering more than 770 parking spaces. Details are available at skywalk-poronin.pl/en/parking-access/. Alternatively, you can travel to the Małe Ciche Ski Resort and take the chairlift to the top. The upper station is located just steps away from the Skywalk entrance.
The best time to visit is early in the morning (9:00–11:00 AM) or late in the afternoon, when the setting sun bathes the Tatra Mountains in warm shades of orange. During the summer season, it is recommended to book your visit in advance.
During the winter season, the resort offers six floodlit ski slopes ranging from 90 to 1,300 metres in length, a chairlift, three drag lifts, a snowpark, equipment rental, and a ski school. A free ski bus operates throughout the winter, transporting skiers from all parts of the village. In summer, the chairlift runs from the lower station directly to the Skywalk Heart of Poronin, providing a convenient option for visitors who prefer to reach the top without hiking.
The glade where the Skywalk is located reaches an elevation of 1,105 metres above sea level at its highest point. Even without entering the attraction, it offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the area. An easy walk across the Zgorzelisko ridge is a favourite route for families with children and senior visitors—and best of all, it is completely free.
Located in the heart of Poronin, this easy walking trail leads to a gentle hill with beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. It is an excellent choice for visitors who are not experienced hikers but still want to enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery. Unlike Zakopane’s busiest trails, Galicowa Grapa offers peace and tranquillity.
In the centre of Poronin, you’ll find a modern pump track featuring rollers and banked turns where riders can build momentum using body movement rather than pedalling. The track is free to use and is perfect for children aged seven and older, as well as teenagers. Nearby, next to the Municipal Cultural Centre, there is also a large playground for children up to 12 years old and a climbing wall built on the local volunteer fire brigade tower.
This 16-kilometre circular cycling route passes through Wierch Poroniec, Zgorzelisko Glade, and Tarasówka. With an elevation gain of approximately 230 metres, it offers a moderate level of difficulty, making it suitable for adult cyclists and teenagers.
Zakopane town centre is located 18 kilometres from Zgorzelisko Glade, just over a 20-minute drive away. The route passes through Małe Ciche, Murzasichle, and Bukowina Tatrzańska, making Zakopane an ideal destination for either a morning excursion or an evening out.
Krupówki is the best-known street in the Polish mountains, lined with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and art galleries. At the southern end of the promenade, you’ll find the traditional market beneath Gubałówka, where you can buy oscypek smoked cheese, traditional Highland footwear (kierpce), wool sweaters, hats, and handcrafted wooden souvenirs. For the most enjoyable experience, visit Krupówki outside peak hours—either in the late morning or during the evening after dinner.
One of the most iconic attractions in the Tatra Mountains, Kasprowy Wierch is served by one of Poland’s oldest cable cars, operating since 1936. The journey from Kuźnice to the summit (1,987 metres above sea level) takes approximately 20 minutes. From the top, visitors can admire breathtaking views of both the Polish and Slovak High Tatras. Tickets and online reservations are available at pkl.pl/kasprowy-wierch.
Tip: During the peak season, tickets at the ticket office are often sold out by 8:00 AM, so booking online in advance is highly recommended.
Gubałówka is home to Poland’s most modern funicular railway, featuring panoramic glass roofs and connecting Zakopane town centre with the summit of Gubałówka (1,126 metres above sea level). It is a perfect attraction for families with young children, offering a short and comfortable ride, spectacular mountain views, restaurants, summer activities such as tubing and the gravity slide, and winter ski slopes. More information is available at pkl.pl/gubalowka.
The trail to Morskie Oko begins at Palenica Białczańska, where parking and shuttle bus services are available. The hike is 8 kilometres one way and usually takes around two hours. Visitors can also choose to travel part of the route by traditional horse-drawn carriage, although queues can be long during the high season. Entrance to Tatra National Park requires an admission ticket. Current ticket prices can be found at tpn.gov.pl.
These are two of the most beautiful and easily accessible valleys in the Tatra Mountains. Their wide, well-maintained paths are suitable for families with strollers. In spring (typically March and April), Chochołowska Valley becomes famous for its spectacular carpets of blooming crocuses. Kościeliska Valley is known for its fascinating caves—including Mroźna Cave and Mylna Cave—as well as its impressive limestone rock formations.
The legendary ski jump associated with Adam Małysz is open to visitors throughout the year. During the summer season, visitors can ride an inflatable tube down the ski jump’s inrun track, creating a thrilling experience for teenagers and adults alike.
Białka Tatrzańska is located 12 km from Zgorzelisko Glade (approximately a 15-minute drive), while Bukowina Tatrzańska is 15 km away (around 15–18 minutes by car). Both destinations are renowned as the thermal spa capitals of the Podhale region.
One of the most famous thermal spa complexes in Podhale, Terma Bania features indoor and outdoor pools filled with naturally heated geothermal water maintained at 34–38°C, drawn from a depth of 2,500 metres. The complex includes several themed zones: Water Park, SPA, Relaxation, Fun, and Summer Zone. Together, the pools cover nearly 1,400 m² of water surface. Visitors can also enjoy an extensive Saunarium with Finnish saunas, Russian banyas, a stone grotto, and steam baths. Official website: termabania.pl
Another flagship thermal spa destination in Podhale, Termy Bukovina offers 20 indoor and outdoor pools supplied with geothermal water heated to 30–38°C, sourced from a depth of 2,400 metres. The complex also features eight different sauna experiences, children’s play areas, swimming pools, and water slides. Open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Official website: termybukovina.pl
Gorący Potok is one of the most distinctive thermal spa resorts in Podhale, celebrated for its natural woodland setting and traditional wooden architecture. The complex features 21 outdoor thermal pools seamlessly integrated into the surrounding forest. Unlike many thermal spas, the geothermal water (34–40°C) is used in its natural form, without chemical treatment, and is exceptionally rich in sulphur and other beneficial minerals.
The resort offers:
Official website: goracypotok.pl
Which Thermal Spa Should You Choose?
- Terma Bania is the classic family favourite, offering one of the region’s best children’s play areas.
- Termy Bukovina is the most modern complex and boasts the largest number of pools.
- Gorący Potok stands out thanks to its peaceful forest surroundings and traditional wooden architecture, making it an excellent choice for visitors seeking a closer connection with nature.
During the summer season, Kotelnica Białczańska offers a rope park, the free “Dwarfs’ Village” playground, and a panoramic viewing terrace overlooking the Tatra Mountains, Gorce Mountains, and Pieniny Mountains. In winter, it transforms into one of the region’s premier ski resorts, with slopes suitable for every skill level. The seasonal “Ice Town” skating rink also operates during the winter months.
A fantastic attraction for children and teenagers, featuring courses of varying difficulty levels with professional safety systems. Special routes are available for children from 3 years of age. During the season, the park is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Perfect for younger visitors, the mini zoo offers close encounters with sheep, goats, rabbits, and ponies. It is an educational attraction open throughout the year, with a short maintenance closure in November.
A solitary limestone rock rising above the Białka River, this important archaeological site is famous for Stone Age discoveries. The area can be explored on a short, free walk, making it an excellent destination for visitors interested in geology and history.
The Poronin, Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska, and Bukowina Tatrzańska region is one of the best family-friendly destinations in Poland. Most attractions are accessible for strollers and offer children’s play areas as well as family-oriented facilities.
Legend: ✅✅ Excellent choice | ✅ Recommended | ❌ Not recommended
Attractions for Toddlers (0–3 Years)
Families travelling with toddlers have plenty of excellent options. Skywalk Heart of Poronin features a walkway specifically designed for strollers — 2.5 metres wide, with a gentle 6-degree incline and no stairs whatsoever. Both Terma Bania and Chochołowskie Thermal Baths offer dedicated paddling pools and children’s areas for the youngest visitors. For animal lovers, the Tatra Mini Zoo remains a timeless favourite, allowing children to interact closely with friendly farm animals.
Attractions for Children Aged 4–10
This age group enjoys the widest range of attractions. The Skywalk slides are especially popular (PLN 10 per ride or PLN 50 for a six-ride package).
Other excellent choices include:
Attractions for Teenagers
Older children often look for more exciting experiences.
Top recommendations include:
Weather in the Tatra Mountains can change within an hour. Fortunately, the region offers plenty of indoor attractions, ensuring that even a rainy day doesn’t spoil your holiday.
All major thermal spa resorts — including Terma Bania, Termy Bukovina, Chochołowskie Thermal Baths, as well as the smaller Termy Szaflary and Gorący Potok — are just as enjoyable in the rain as they are on sunny days. Relaxing in 38°C geothermal water while watching mist drift across the Tatra Mountains is one of Podhale’s signature experiences.
Few visitors realise that Skywalk Heart of Poronin offers a completely different atmosphere when surrounded by fog. The elevated walkway literally leads through the clouds. Trees disappear into the white mist, and upon reaching the upper viewing terrace, visitors often find themselves above the cloud layer, surrounded by nothing but sky. For many guests, this creates an even more memorable experience than the famous panoramic mountain views.
Aqua Park Zakopane features a bowling alley, while Hotel Belvedere offers virtual golf and billiards. If you’re looking for a challenge, Let Me Out provides a selection of themed escape rooms suitable for groups of friends and families alike.
A small museum run by passionate local enthusiasts, showcasing traditional Highland costumes, farming tools, and handcrafted items. The museum’s host, Adam Gąsienica, is well known for his captivating storytelling about Tatra legends, local customs, and regional history.
Within 8–10 kilometres of Zgorzelisko Glade (approximately 10–15 minutes by car from Skywalk), you’ll find several outstanding regional restaurants, each with its own distinctive atmosphere.
Address: Polana Zgorzelisko 91, Małe Ciche
Style: Authentic traditional Highland restaurant built entirely of wood.
Highlights:
Perfect for: Visitors looking for a genuine Highland atmosphere, families, and travellers arriving by car.
Address: Małe Ciche 91 (next to Skywalk Heart of Poronin)
Style: A cosy, stylish restaurant combining European cuisine with traditional Polish flavours.
Highlights:
Perfect for: Families, groups of friends, and visitors looking for an alternative to traditional Highland inns.
Address: Tatrzańska 5F, Poronin
Style: A small, intimate restaurant offering an authentic Highland atmosphere.
Perfect for: Couples and smaller groups seeking a quieter dining experience away from the crowds.
Across all three restaurants, you’ll commonly find regional favourites such as:
Day 1 – Poronin & Małe Ciche:
Skywalk Heart of Poronin → Zgorzelisko Glade → Lunch at Karczma Muzykancko → Afternoon cycling on the Tarasówka Route → Traditional Highland dinner
Day 2 – Zakopane:
Krupówki Street → Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car → Museum of the Zakopane Style → Dinner on Krupówki
Day 3 – Białka Tatrzańska & Bukowina Tatrzańska:
Terma Bania or Termy Bukovina (morning) → Lunch overlooking the Tatra Mountains → Kotelnica Białczańska (Dwarfs’ Village for children or the rope park) → Return in the evening
Day 4 (Optional Bonus):
Visit Tatra National Park:
More information is available here
There are seven parking areas around Zgorzelisko Glade, providing more than 770 parking spaces.
Parking fees:
Some parking areas are connected to Zgorzelisko Glade by short walks of 1–8 minutes, while others are located in Małe Ciche, where visitors can reach the attraction via the chairlift. The latest parking information and interactive map are available at skywalk-poronin.pl/en/parking-access/
The most convenient way to explore the region. All major attractions provide on-site parking.
Public buses and minibuses operate between Zakopane, Poronin, Białka Tatrzańska, and Bukowina Tatrzańska. Services continue year-round, although schedules are generally less frequent during the winter season.
During the winter season, a free ski bus operates throughout Małe Ciche, providing convenient transport for skiers staying in the village.
Attraction
Price
Standard Admission
Skywalk Heart of Poronin
PLN 76
Terma Bania (Białka)
Approx. PLN 95 / 2 hours
Termy Bukovina
Approx. PLN 99 / 2 hours
Chochołowskie Thermal Baths
Approx. PLN 99 / 2 hours
Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car
Approx. PLN 150
Gubałówka Funicular Railway
Approx. PLN 30
Tatra National Park Entrance Ticket
PLN 11
Child / Reduced Admission
Skywalk Heart of Poronin
PLN 58 (ages 3–12)
Terma Bania (Białka)
Approx. PLN 75
Termy Bukovina
Approx. PLN 79
Chochołowskie Thermal Baths
Approx. PLN 79
Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car
Approx. PLN 120
Gubałówka Funicular Railway
Approx. PLN 25
Tatra National Park Entrance Ticket
PLN 5.50
Prices for thermal baths, cable cars, and Tatra National Park admission are approximate and may change. We recommend checking the latest prices directly on the operators’ official websites before your visit.
The Tatra Card is a discount card issued by municipalities in the Podhale region. It provides discounts at thermal baths, restaurants, and selected tourist attractions. Before your trip, check whether your accommodation provider participates in the programme and what benefits are available.
Skywalk Heart of Poronin offers special rates for school groups (PLN 52 per person) and groups of more than 25 people (PLN 64 per person). Advance reservation is required.
The most popular attractions near Zakopane include Skywalk Heart of Poronin (Europe’s largest glass viewing terrace), thermal baths (Terma Bania, Termy Bukovina, Chochołowskie Thermal Baths), Chochołowska Valley, Morskie Oko, and cable cars to Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka. The region also offers lesser-known hidden gems such as Zgorzelisko Glade, Galicowa Grapa, Wierch Poroniec, and Obłazowa Rock.
The most popular family attractions around Poronin include:
Within a 15-minute drive, families can also visit:
A weekend (2 days) is enough to see the main highlights. For a complete experience covering Poronin, Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska, and Bukowina Tatrzańska, we recommend planning 3–4 days.
Approximate visiting times:
Yes. Skywalk Heart of Poronin was designed as an attraction accessible to everyone. The walkway is 2.5 metres wide, has only a 6-degree incline, and contains no stairs. Wheelchairs and baby strollers can move around freely throughout the attraction. Reduced tickets for visitors with disabilities cost PLN 58, while children under 3 enter free of charge.
The best rainy-day attractions near Zakopane include:
Interestingly, Skywalk Heart of Poronin is open all year round, and visiting in fog creates a unique experience of literally walking through the clouds. For many visitors, it becomes even more memorable than the classic sunny mountain panorama.
Yes. Teenagers can enjoy:
Skywalk Heart of Poronin is located 18 km from central Zakopane, on Zgorzelisko Glade in Małe Ciche (Municipality of Poronin). Driving takes approximately 15 minutes via Murzasichle. An alternative option is to travel to Małe Ciche Ski Resort and take the chairlift directly to the Skywalk structure. Complete transport and parking information:
skywalk-poronin.pl/en/parking-access/
There are no thermal baths directly in Poronin itself, but within 15 km of Zgorzelisko Glade visitors can reach three major thermal complexes:
All offer naturally heated geothermal waters with temperatures ranging from 30–38°C.
Free attractions in the region include:
The Poronin Pump Track is also completely free.
Current 2026 Skywalk Heart of Poronin prices:
Family tickets:
Additional slide tickets:
Current prices:
skywalk-poronin.pl/en/price-information/
Within 8–10 km of Zgorzelisko Glade, three recommended Highland restaurants include:
Address: Kościuszki 66C
A family-friendly restaurant with a children’s play area, live music, and a dog-friendly policy.
Address: Za Torem 41A
Traditional Podhale cuisine served in generous portions.
Address: Tatrzańska 5F
A cosy restaurant offering an authentic Highland atmosphere.
All three serve regional favourites such as kwaśnica, moskole, grilled oscypek, and other traditional dishes.
The Poronin area is one of Poland’s most diverse tourist destinations, offering attractions for every age group and every type of weather. Thanks to its central location on Zgorzelisko Glade, Skywalk Heart of Poronin serves as a natural starting point for exploring the entire region.
Opening Hours • Ticket Prices • Parking Map • Group Offers • Events
See you among the clouds!:)
This article was prepared by the Skywalk Heart of Poronin team. All prices and opening hours are current as of June 2026. For the most up-to-date information, please always check the official websites of individual attraction operators before your visit.