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 Polish and Slovakia, and are part of the Tatra National Park. They are the only alpine range in Poland. Their wild and rugged beauty attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
Although peaks such as Giewont, Kasprowy Wierch or Rysy win the hearts of experienced climbers, the Tatra Mountains offer something for everyone. Mountain streams rushing through the valleys, picturesque glades and crystalline ponds make it a paradise for those who seek peace and closeness to nature, and the highlander culture, rich in traditions, music and cuisine, adds even more 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 Fish Stream Valley. There is no doubt that it is the most visited place by tourists in the vicinity of Zakopane. The trail to Morskie Oko begins 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 along the route, you can see the Mickiewicz Waterfalls – 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 Black Pond.
The Valley of Five Polish Ponds with an area of approx. 6.5 km belongs to one of the most beautiful valleys in the High Tatras between Morskie Oko and the ridge of Orla Perć. Elevated high above the upper border of the forest at an altitude of over 1665 m above sea level, it 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 get to 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 beginning of the trail begins in Kiry, a town located about 100 km from the centre of Zakopane. 10 minutes 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. Also of interest are the following caves: the Frosty Cave, the Mylna Cave and the Dragon’s Den. On the way to the Kościeliska Valley there are numerous branches leading m.in. to the Miętusia Valley, from which you can reach the Miętusia Przysłop and the Tomanowa Valley, leading to the beautiful Tomanowa Pass.
A popular route in the vicinity of Zakopane is to follow the trail to Hala Gąsienicowa all the way to the Black Pond 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 Kalatówka clearing, and behind it Giewont. Next, coming out of the forest to the gentle slope of the Skupniów Upłaz, on the left side we have the Olczyska Valley below, and then Kopieniec with the huts of the juhas. On the right, at the bottom, the Jaworzynka Valley, then the Giewont massif and in the distance Babia Góra. Behind us is the panorama of Podhale – Zakopane and the surrounding villages. We reach the pass between the kopy, here the trail from Kuźnice through the Jaworzynka Valley joins on the right. The peaks of Orla Perć begin to emerge in front of us, and after a while below we can see the Gąsienicowa hall with the Murowaniec shelter. Going further, you reach the Black Pond – at the foot of the trails leading to the famous Orla Perć.
The Chochołowska Valley is an obligatory tourist trail located approx. 20 km from Zakopane. It is the longest valley (approx. 10 km) located the westernmost part of the Tatra National Park. Siwa Polana, the place where the route begins, can be reached from the center of Zakopane by car or bus. The trail to the Chochołowska Valley is an easy road, with a slight slope, which can be easily overcome by families with children and the elderly. Enthusiasts of bicycle trips can rent two-wheelers and ride practically the entire valley on a bike. From the Chochołowska Valley you can go on a trip to the mountains, e.g. Bobrowicka Pass, Borowiec, Grześ or 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 hiking trails leading to Kasprowy Wierch, but the shortest one starts in Kuźnice and is marked with a green trail. At the beginning of the route, the hike takes place along the Bystra stream, and then to Myślenickie Turnia, where there is an intermediate station of the famous cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. Here the first, more extensive views to the west and southwest and thus to the Goryczkowa Valley are noticeable. On the last part of the hike, you can see the upper station of the chairlift on the left. In winter, the Goryczkowa Valley is open to skiers (along with the Caterpillar Cauldron located on the other side of the Kasprowy peak).
Located in the Tatra National Park, it is one of the most sought-after mountain objects to climb by 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. Access to Giewont is possible through as many as three available tourist trails: the red and blue Strążyska Valley, the blue Kondratowy trail, as well as the Mała Łąka Valley along the yellow and blue trails. The route leading through the Strążyska Valley starts from Zakopane, more precisely from the lower section of Krupówki. Finding ourselves on the Strążyska clearing, we follow the red trail for approx. 40 minutes ascent to the Grzybowiec Pass. From the fork of the trails above the pass, we go further uphill to the ridge of Grzybowiec (1417 m a.s.l.). Along the way, there are beautiful views of Giewont and the Red Peaks. Then we reach the Kondracka Pass Wyżnia, where the red trail ends. Further on, the blue trail leading from Kuźnice leads to the top of Giewont.
Świnicaa popular high-mountain trail in the Polish Tatra Mountains. From Hala Gąsienicowa, you can climb 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 Tatras, stretching from the Western Tatras to the High Tatras.
Rysy is a symbol of mountains and at the same time the highest point in Poland. Its northwestern peak, which rises to 2499 m above sea level, attracts numerous lovers of adventure and nature. It is part of the Crown of the Polish Mountains, making Rysy an important destination for those who dream of reaching the highest peaks in the country.
The route to Rysy itself differs depending on the side from which the climb is undertaken. On the Polish side, the path leads through the picturesque Rybi Potok Valley, passing by the beautiful Morskie Oko and the Black Pond near Rysy. It’s a challenging, but extremely scenic approach. On the Slovak side, on the other hand, the climb to Rysy is considered to be a bit easier. The less steep and technical nature of this route attracts many tourists who choose this route to reach the summit. No matter which side you choose, climbing Rysy always provides an unforgettable experience, great views and great satisfaction.
One of the most difficult tourist trails in the Tatra Mountains is Orla Perć, whose trail leads along the side ridge of the Tatra Mountains on the section Świnica – Krzyżne Pass. Orla Perć is secured with chains, buckles and ladders on many long stretches, which means that the trail is dangerous and it is recommended to wear a helmet to protect your head. For tourists wishing to reach the top of Orla Perć, a one-day trip is quite a challenge, which involves more than 10 hours of climbing. It is recommended to divide the passage into 2-3 convenient sections. Accommodation can be found along numerous descent routes, e.g. from the side of Five Polish Ponds. From Zawrat Orla Perć it leads further to: Mały Kozi Wierch – Zmarźle 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.
This is where you can find a balance between the excitement of adventure and harmony with nature.
Take a deep breath and hit the trail!
