Tucked into a glacial cirque at 1183 m above sea level in the Karkonosze Mountains, Mały Staw is one of those rare spots that feels genuinely wild even on a busy hiking day. The crystal-clear water, the towering ridges above, and the cosy mountain refuge right on the shore make this a highlight of any Karkonosze itinerary.

The lake sits in a natural amphitheatre formed by the slopes of Równia pod Śnieżką and Smogornią. Its water is remarkably clear, yet even in summer it barely reaches 14°C — a refreshing sight rather than a swimming spot. For much of the year the surface is frozen solid and the surrounding terrain lies under a thick blanket of snow, creating a truly spectacular winter landscape. Spring and autumn bring low mist drifting across the water, giving the place an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The river Łomnica, rising on the nearby plateau of Równia pod Śnieżką, flows right through the lake.

• Karpacz Górny — blue trail towards Śnieżka, passes directly along the lakeshore, difficulty: moderate
• Main Sudeten Trail (red) — runs along the western edge of Równia pod Śnieżką above the lake, difficulty: moderate

• The lake lies within Karkonosze National Park — leaving marked trails and entering the water is prohibited.
• The 'Samotnia' mountain refuge on the shore serves hot meals and offers accommodation.
• Accessible year-round, but trails can be icy in winter — proper footwear or crampons recommended.

The lake is home to a glacial relict flatworm species, a living reminder of the Ice Age, alongside alpine newts, brown trout, and a melanistic form of the common toad. The 'Samotnia' refuge stands on the site of a 17th-century shepherd's shelter — history runs as deep here as the mountains are tall.