Rybi Potok Valley

The Rybi Potok Valley is a valley in the High Tatras, a branch of the Białka Valley, formerly also called the Morskie Oko Valley. It covers about 11.5 sq km and is about 5.5 km long. It branches off at an altitude of about 1,150 m, roughly 4.5 km south of Łysa Polana.

Structure and nature

This is a typical glacial valley with a stepped structure. On the middle step lies the second largest lake in the Polish Tatras, Morskie Oko, from which the Rybi Potok stream flows. Lateral, terminal and ground moraines can be seen along the valley, and a mountain hut was built on the terminal moraine ridge above the lake. All the vegetation zones are found here, from the lower montane forest to the rock peaks, including primeval upper montane spruce and stone pine forests. There are about 350 species of vascular plants, and the animals include deer, bears, lynxes, marmots and chamois.

Trails

The valley is open to hikers. Trails lead to the mountain hut and to Morskie Oko. In front of the hut, a path leaves through Opalone to the Valley of the Five Polish Ponds, and further paths run around the lake, to Czarny Staw pod Rysami and up Rysy.

By the lake stands the PTTK mountain hut at Morskie Oko.

Practical information

• Location: Tatra National Park, Tatra County.
• For trail colours, walking times and entry rules, check the national park website.