Through the Zadni Koperszady Valley to the Kopa Pass and the Bielska Pass.
The trail through the Valley of Zadnie Koperszady to the Pass under Kopa and the Wide Bielska Pass combines the beauty of the Bielskie and High Tatras. The goal of this hike is to visit two stunning passes, offering exceptional views of the surrounding mountains. This route is perfect for hikers seeking a relatively easy, yet rewarding trek, with plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy. It’s an ideal choice for those who want to experience the grandeur of the Tatras without facing challenging technical sections.
Hiking Time: 4h 15min
Difficulty Level: Easy
Difficulty and Exposure: Gentle ascents, no exposure
Safety Equipment: None
Scenic Value: High – breathtaking views of the High and Bielskie Tatra Mountains
Highest Point: Szalony Przechód (1934 m a.s.l.)
Elevation Gain: Approx. 930 m
Who is this trail for?
This trail is perfect for hikers with moderate fitness levels who want to experience the beauty of the Tatras without taking on extreme challenges. It’s ideal for those looking to enjoy magnificent mountain views and appreciate nature’s wonders, but who aren’t seeking difficult or dangerous paths. It’s a great option for a one-day hike that allows you to immerse yourself in the charm of both the Bielskie and High Tatras.
Photo Gallery
First Steps from Jaworzyna Spiska
The adventure begins in Jaworzyna Spiska, a small village located about 6 km from the Jurgów border crossing. If you’re staying in Zakopane or Bukowina Tatrzańska, it will only take around 30 minutes by car to reach this starting point. Shortly after beginning your hike, you will follow a wide path leading into the Valley of Jaworowa. Along the way, you will hear the sound of the Jaworowy Potok stream, which flows from the Żabi Jaworowy Staw. You’ll also get glimpses of beautiful peaks such as Jagnięcy, Kołowy, and Lodowy.
See where the peak is
Polana Gałajdowa – the First Panorama
After around 40 minutes of walking, you’ll reach Polana Gałajdowa (also known as Polana pod Muraniem), which offers a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the view of the majestic Lodowy Szczyt peak. This location will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
Valley of Zadnie Koperszady – Hiking in Peace and Quiet
Soon after Polana Gałajdowa, the trail leads alongside the Koperszadzki Potok stream as you enter the Valley of Zadnie Koperszady, passing through a small rocky gorge called the “Bramka” (Gate). This is one of the most scenic spots on the trail. The valley then widens, offering stunning views of the Bielskie Tatras, including Murań, Nowy Wierch, and Hawrań. The name “Koperszady” comes from the German word “Kupferschacht,” meaning copper mine, as there were mining activities in this area long ago.
The ascent through the valley is gentle and pleasant. The trail passes through forests, meadows, and grassy slopes, and soon the Jagnięcy Szczyt peak appears in front of you. As you climb, the views of the Bielskie Tatras become even more impressive.
Pass under Kopa – the Junction of the Trail
After about 2 hours of hiking from Polana Gałajdowa, you’ll reach the Pass under Kopa. Although the view from here is somewhat limited, it’s worth taking a short 10-minute detour to the Wyżnia Przełęcz pod Kopą, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the White Lakes Valley and the Kieżmarski White Lake. This is also where the trail splits: to the right, it leads to the Kieżmarska Valley, and to the left, it continues toward the Wide Bielska Pass.
Szalony Przechód – the Best Viewpoint
The next part of the trail takes you from the Pass under Kopa to the Wide Bielska Pass. After a short while, you’ll reach Szalony Przechód, the highest point of the hike (1934 m a.s.l.), which offers some of the best panoramic views. From here, you can see Kieżmarski Szczyt, Łomnica, Durny Szczyt, and the entire Bielskie Tatra range. On one side, there is the Płaczliwa Skała and Hawrań, and on the other side, the Jatki ridge.
Wide Bielska Pass – the End of the Hike
The final section of the trail is a gentle descent from Szalony Przechód to the Wide Bielska Pass. While the view here is somewhat limited, you’ll still enjoy a nice view of the grassy, limestone Płaczliwa Skała and distant peaks like Łomnica, Kieżmarski, and Durny Szczyt. If you continue your hike, you can descend to Ždiar via a green trail.
Fun Facts
- The name “Koperszady” derives from the German term “Kupferschacht,” referring to ancient copper mining activity in the area.
- Szalony Przechód is the highest point on the trail and offers one of the best panoramic views of the High and Bielskie Tatras.
- Along the way, you’ll pass through meadows that were once used as pastures, now offering excellent viewpoints of the surrounding mountains.
