Center for active protection of amphibians and reptiles

Thermal springs at the mouth of Dolina Olczyska is a natural place of living for many species of amphibians and reptiles. The place took its name from salamanders which were numerous here ages ago and were called “lizards” or “salamanders” (“jaszczury” in Polish) highlanders. The concept of establishing a center for protection of amphibians in the place of former thermal pools was established in 2003. The aim of this project was to create conditions closely replicating the natural ones, in which it will be possible to breed and observe rare and endangered species of amphibians: salamanders, newts and frogs, and reptiles: lizards and snakes. An additional very important aspect was the need for ecological education of society.

An educational route consisting of five stops was marked on the site. More information about the path can be found on the boards and in the guide issued by the TNP in 2006. Animals have several artificial reservoirs that look like a natural, overgrown bog at their disposal. There is a common frog, a common toad, a yellow-bellied toad, an alpine newt and Carpathian newt, and a fire salamander.

Opening hours and tickets
The resort is open every day during the working hours of a nearby ticket office. The property is closed during other hours. In the resort, entrance tickets to the Tatra National Park are applicable.

Contact
Wylot Doliny Olczyskiej
34-500 Zakopane
telephone +48 18 20 233 12 
e-mail: infotur@tpn.pl
website: www.tpn.pl