Top Things to do in Tatra National Park
10 Nature & Parks in Tatra National Park That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Tatra National Park, Poland including Rysy, Szczyt Mnich, Orla Perc Trail, Rysy Peak, Dolina Pieciu Stawow Polskich, Lake Morskie Oko, The Black Pond, Dolina Chocholowska, Dolina Koscieliska, Dolina Lejowa.
1. Rysy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By J_Jurate - Vilnius, Lithuania
The hike is spectacular!! You can hike the peak from Slovakia and/or Poland. We ascended from Slovakia and descended in Poland which was amazing 14 hours hike (with very many stops). Slovak side is physically easier and less scenic, while Polish side is much steeper and very narrow at a few places which causes some congestions as in generally this is one of the most popular and busiest hikes in the region. Good hiking gear is a must, but there is no need for ropes or so. Last few hundred meters to the top require scrambling. Views are absolutely fantastic!!
2. Szczyt Mnich
3. Orla Perc Trail
4. Rysy Peak
5. Dolina Pieciu Stawow Polskich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By JustDiveIn - Miami, United States
We started the day by parking in Palenica Bialczanska, cost to park 25zl. Its best to start as early as possible to avoid the crowds, we were parked and ready to hike at 6 am, by then the parking lot was already half full mostly hikers that are going to Rysy peak. National Park entrance is 5zl per person. The first hour of the hike, about 3km, is along a paved road, that leads to Morskie Oko, this is the red trail. At Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza waterfall there is a rest area, with tables and bathrooms, there is a path that goes through the forest, this is the green trail which leads all the way to the valley of five lakes. Near the top you can continue on the green trail where you will end up at Wielki Staw (Large Lake) or you can take the black trail, which is a bit harder and has a steeper incline. We choose the black trail as there was less hikers on it. The black trail leads you directly to the Five Lakes mountain chalet by Przedni Staw (Front Lake). If you take the green trail to the top you will see the magnificent Siklawa waterfall which is a 70m high waterfall. The first three lakes are together, Przedni(Front lake), Maly(Little lake), Wielki(Big lake). If you want to see the other two lakes you need to get on the blue trail to Zadni Staw, although it is quite a hike, to see Czarny Staw (Black lake) which is closer you need to get on the blue trail, then get on the yellow trail. We visited the three lakes and headed back, as the weather was starting to change. It took use 3 hrs to get to the lakes and then about the same to return since there was more hikers on the trail. Overall the hike is very good, you cross a few bridges over streams, the entire trail is picturesque. Near the top, on the green trail, there are some rocks that can be slippery. Tips: Make sure to wear hiking boots with all the rocks along the trail it is easy to twist an ankle. Hiking poles are very helpful, when using them you put less stress on your knees. Keep an eye out on the weather while you are hiking it changes very quickly in the mountains. If there is rain or thunderstorms in the forecast do not go into the mountains. If you found this helpful feel free to hit the Thank button below. Happy Travels.
6. Lake Morskie Oko
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 856 reviews
Reviewed By cdcheng - Muntinlupa, Philippines
We went November 2019. To our pleasant surprise, it snowed the day before. So, when we started our trek to Morskie Oko, everything was covered in fresh white powder snow. AMAZING!! Be prepared to spend at least 6 hours for the trip. This needs to be done during daylight. So, if you're coming in during November, suggest to start around 7am or even earlier as soon as there is sunlight. Going there: If you don't have a car and you're coming from Zakopane, there are buses that roam around the city that go to Morskie Oko, you can go to a bus stop along the street's main road and catch a bus there (or see the bus schedule). it takes around 30 minutes from the main city to the starting point of the trek. Going to/from Morskie Oko: From the parking lot, you can either walk (will take 1.5 - 2.5 hours per one way) or ride a horse carriage+short walk (50 pln going up, 30 pln going down - cuts walking time by more than half). Bring your own beverage because there is no stall along the road. in Morskie Oko - there are wonderful cafes / restaurants that can sell water, hot chocolate, hot wine, sandwiches etc. It makes up for a nice treat after that trek. Then, in MOrskie Oko, be amazed at the stunning view and you can actually walk around the lake perimeter! :)
7. The Black Pond
8. Dolina Chocholowska
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By N6044PCmariom - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
I decided together with my girlfriend to visit the West Tatras. I'd like to share a couple of tips that can make your trip even better. Starting Point: Siwa Polana. Direction towards: Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej. Accommodation: Zakopane. Time of the year: August. - Feel free to drive your own car to Siwa Polana. There are many parking lots available for around 20 zł for full day. Taking the bus from Zakopane is also an option but if you are with 2 or + people consider driving. - Rent a mountain bike for 50 zł. At the parking lot you'll see the many available bikes for rent. This is a good way to reach the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej (hut/restaurant of Chochołowska), and from there start your real hike. There are 8km from the park main entrance until the hut, with beautiful views. However, the landscapes and views awaiting for you after the hut are more impressive. So it's better to save your energies for the hike after the hut. Consider peak Grzes (1.45h hike from hut). - In case you decide to go from Zakopane to Siwa Polana by bus, wait for the right bus. The minibus 84 goes from Zakopane centrum and leaves you at the main entrance of the park. All other buses will leave you at a crossing, 10min away by foot from the main entrance. - Enjoy a Bigos, coffee and a beer at the Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej with a beautiful view before continuing your journey. Best Bigos I've had in Poland so far. Good luck in your trip and hope you enjoy this less popular but as beautiful side of the Tatra Mountains.
9. Dolina Koscieliska
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The entrance to the Kościeliska valley is close to the village of Kiry 8 km west from Zakopane in the western part of the Tatra mountains. There is a regular bus connection with Zakopane. Alternatively people go by car, but the parking lots near the park entry are expensive (30 Zloty) as many tourists visit this valley. The trail or rather road into the valley is in excellent condition and follows a river most of the time. The valley is wide, though there is a small gorge to get through at one point. In the lower part there are meadows and forests on the slopes of the lower hillsides. Higher rocky peaks tower in the background. Facilities such as toilets along the way are good. The PTTK refuge is 5½ km from the park entry. If you are a peace and quiet seeker in good physical shape, it is best to combine a walk through the valley with a hike into the upper part. I hiked up to Ornak (1853m) : yellow marked trail through forest from the refuge to Iwaniacka przelecz (1459m), then green marks up towards the south to the summit (very good views, but windy). I hiked down the same way (in all 5½ hours up and down from the park entry at Kiry). In retrospect it would have been better to descend to Chocholowska from the col at Iwaniacka as there are fewer tourists at that side.
10. Dolina Lejowa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
One of the quietest places in Tatra National Park. This 4 km long valley is located in western Tatra, between overflowing valleys of Koscieliska and Chochołowska. Yellow tourist trail runs the length of the valley.
