Hiking trails in the Tatra Mountains – your mountain adventure begins here.
The Tatra Mountains are one of the most picturesque and fascinating mountain ranges in Europe. They lie on the border of Poland and Slovakia, and are part of the Tatra National Park. They are the only range in Poland with an alpine character. Their wild and raw beauty attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
Although peaks such as Giewont, Kasprowy Wierch and Rysy win the hearts of experienced climbers, the Tatra Mountains offer something for everyone. Mountain streams running through the valleys, picturesque glades and crystal-clear ponds make them a paradise for those looking for peace and closeness to nature, and the highland culture, rich in traditions, music and cuisine, adds to the unique atmosphere.
The most beautiful places in the Tatra Mountains – adventure in the mountains for everyone!
Morskie Oko is the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains, located in the Rybi Potok Valley. There is no doubt that it is the most frequently visited place by tourists in the Zakopane area. The trail to Morskie Oko starts in Palenica Białczańska, which can be reached by car or bus. The rest of the route (approx. 8 km) can be covered on foot along an asphalt trail with a fairly gentle slope. About halfway through the route, you can see Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza – charming Tatra waterfalls with a height of 3 to 9 m. After reaching Morskie Oko, you can go for a walk around the lake and then go to the slightly higher-located Czarny Staw.
The Valley of Five Polish Ponds, with an area of approximately 6.5 km, is one of the most beautiful valleys located in the High Tatras, between Morskie Oko and the ridge of Orla Perć. Erected high above the upper forest boundary at an altitude of over 1,665 m above sea level. discovers five beautiful lakes that reflect its name. The simplest trail leading to the valley is marked in green and starts at the height of the shelter in Roztoka. Before that, however, you should reach Palenica Białczańska by car or bus and start your hike calmly.
The Kościeliska Valley located in the Western Tatras is one of the most beautiful valleys near Zakopane in terms of landscapes. The trail begins in Kiry, a town about 10 minutes away from the center of Zakopane by car or bus. The entire route runs along a valley road with a gentle slope, during which you can admire interesting, crystalline rocks in the valley or the Kościeliski stream. The following caves are also worthy of interest: Jaskinia Mroźna, Mylna and Smocza Jama. There are numerous branches along the way to the Kościeliska Valley, leading, among others, to: to the Miętusia Valley, from which you can reach Miętusia Przysłop and the Tomanowa Valley, leading to the beautiful Tomanowa Pass.
A popular route near Zakopane is to follow the trail to Hala Gąsienicowa up to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy. The trail starts in Kuźnice and is marked in blue. The beginning of the road leads through the forest, but at the height of Boczań you can admire the first views of the Kalatówki clearing, and Giewont behind it. Next, coming completely out of the forest onto the gentle slope of Upłaz Skupniów, on the left side we have the Olczyska Valley below and beyond Kopieniec with the Yuhas huts. On the right below the Jaworzynka Valley, then the Giewont massif and Babia Góra in the distance. Behind us is a panorama of Podhale – Zakopane and the surrounding villages. We reach the pass between Kopami, here on the right there is a trail from Kuźnice through the Jaworzynka Valley. The peaks of Orla Perć begin to emerge in front of us, and after a while below we see the Gąsienicowa pasture with the Murowaniec shelter. Going further, you reach Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy – the foot of the trails leading to the famous Orla Perć.
The Chochołowska Valley is a mandatory tourist trail located approximately 20 km from Zakopane. It is the longest valley (approx. 10 km) located furthest west within the Tatra National Park. You can reach Siwa Polana, the place where the route begins, from the center of Zakopane by car or bus. The trail to the Chochołowska Valley is an easy route, with a slight slope, which can be easily traversed by families with children and the elderly. Fans of cycling trips can rent two-wheelers and ride practically the entire valley by bike. From the Chochołowska Valley you can go on a trip to the mountains, e.g. Bobrowicka Przełęcz, Borowiec, Grzesia or the much more demanding Wołowiec.
Morskie Oko is the most popular destination for trips in the Tatra Mountains. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Tatras.
The extraordinary peaks of the Tatra Mountains – discover their picturesque diversity!
There are several tourist trails leading to Kasprowy Wierch, but the shortest of them starts in Kuźnice and is marked with the green trail. At the beginning of the route, the hike takes place along the Bystra stream, and then to Myślenickie Turnie, where there is an intermediate station of the famous cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. Here you can see the first, more extensive views to the west and southwest, and thus to the Goryczkowa Valley. On the last section of the hike, you can see the upper station of the chairlift on the left. In winter, the Goryczkowa Valley is open to skiers (together with Kotło Gąsienicowy located on the other side of the Kasprowy peak).
Located in the Tatra National Park, it is one of the most desirable mountain attractions for tourists. From the very top of Giewont there is a beautiful view of Zakopane and the Tatra peaks. It is located between four valleys: Bystra, Mała Łąka, Kondratowa and Strążyska. Reaching Giewont is possible via three available tourist trails: the red and blue Strążyska Valley, the blue Kondratowy trail, and the Mała Łąka valley along the yellow and blue trail. The route leading through the Strążyska Valley starts from Zakopane, specifically from the lower section of Krupówki. Finding ourselves in the Strążyska clearing, we follow the red trail to the 40-minute ascent to the Grzybowiec Pass. From the fork in the trail above the pass, we continue uphill, reaching the Grzybowiec ridge (1,417 m above sea level). Along the way, there are beautiful views of Giewont and Czerwone Wierchy. Then we reach Wyżnia Przełęcz Kondracka, where the red trail ends. Further on, the blue trail leading from Kuźnice leads to the top of Giewont.
Świnica is the most popular high-mountain trail in the Polish Tatra Mountains. From the Gąsienicowa pasture you can enter it through the Świnicka pass or the Zawrat pass. Świnica is one of the symbols of the Tatra Mountains – majestic, beautiful but also very dangerous with a characteristic peak. It rises on the main ridge of the Tatra Mountains, close to Orla Perć. From the top you can admire one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Tatra Mountains, stretching from the Western Tatras to the High Tatras.
Rysy is a symbol of the mountains and the highest point in Poland. Its north-western peak, which rises to 2,499 m above sea level, attracts many adventure and nature lovers. It is part of the Crown of Polish Mountains, making Rysy an important destination for those who dream of conquering the highest peaks in the country.
The route to Rysy itself varies depending on the side from which you are climbing. From the Polish side, the path leads through the picturesque Rybi Potok Valley, passing the beautiful Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw pod Rysami. It’s a demanding but extremely picturesque approach. On the Slovak side, climbing to Rysy is considered slightly easier. The less steep and technical nature of this route attracts many tourists who choose this route to reach the peak. Regardless of the side you choose, climbing Rysy always provides unforgettable experiences, wonderful views and great satisfaction.
One of the most difficult tourist routes in the Tatra Mountains is Orla Perć, which runs along the side ridge of the Tatra Mountains on the section Świnica – Przełęcz Krzyżne. Orla Perć is secured with chains, clamps and ladders on many long sections, which means that the trail is dangerous and it is recommended to wear a helmet to protect your head. For tourists who want to reach the peak of Orla Perć, a one-day trip is a big challenge, which involves more than 10 hours of climbing. It is recommended to divide the crossing into 2-3 convenient sections. Accommodation can be found along numerous descent routes, e.g. from Pięciu Stawów Polskie. From Zawrat, Orla Perć leads further to: Mały Kozi Wierch – Zmarzłe Czuby – Zmarzła Przełęcz – Zamarła Turnia – Kozia Przełęcz – Kozie Czuby – Wyżnia Kozia Przełęcz – Kozi Wierch – Żleb Kulczyńskiego – Granaty – Buczynowe Czuby – Wielka Buczynowa Turnia – Krzyżne Pass.
You can also get to Kasprowy Wierch by cable car, which has been running since 1936.
The Tatra Mountains are a place where everyone, regardless of age or experience, can find something for themselves.
An amazing region that tempts climbers and tourists with its wild beauty and variety of climbing routes. It also invites you to spend quiet moments of contemplation, surrounded by pristine nature that shows its power and delicacy.
It is here that you can find the balance between the excitement of adventure and harmony with nature.
Take a deep breath and hit the trail!
