Hiking in the Tatra Mountains
Hiking is one of our favourite activities when on vacation. It is an amazing way to experience a place, meet people and appreciate nature. There are a lot of beautiful hikes in the Balkans. However, recent travel conditions have made it more difficult to get there. So recently, we decided to try hiking in the Tatra Mountains of Poland which are just a short flight from Edinburgh and many other European destinations.
We arrived in Krakow where we spent a couple of days exploring the old city. Then it was time to head south to the resort town of Zakopane and explore the mountains. During the summer, this town is bustling with tourists eager to experience the immense mountains drenched in beautiful, bright sunshine. During the winter, the snow is the main attraction for snow sport fans. However, during the shoulder seasons, the town is much quieter.
We Travel from Krakow to Zakopane
We visited Zakopane in October so it was nice and quiet. However, the weather was colder and the days were shorter. The cooler weather was nice for hiking but just look out for some early snow on the higher peaks.
Having heard great things about the Tatra Mountains we had planned to do a basic hike – our particular hike is known as the Valley of the Five Lakes. This hike does what it says on the tin! It takes you past five stunning lakes. However, we were a little limited with the shorter days so we planned a modified version that we could fit into our day. We now had our route planned and were ready to go!
After taking an afternoon to get a feel for Zakopane, we headed out early the next morning to begin our hike in the Tatra Mountains. The mini bus departed from the town centre and we met it just up the road from our hotel. The journey took about 30 mins and cost about 2 euros.
On arrival at the start of the trail we paid entry into the Tatra Mountain National Park (7zł or around €1.50) and set off on a concrete road towards Lake Morskie Oko.
At first, we followed a small crowd along the red route. People were generally a mixture of avid hikers, kids in buggies and locals out for a stroll. The group soon started to break up and the route became much quieter. Barely 10 minutes into the walk and we were in awe of the beautifully rugged surroundings.
After around 40 minutes of following the tarmac path, we took a right off the concrete road and onto a rocky, uphill trail through the trees. This is where things got a lot more interesting. We followed the green trail down to the river and back up as it snaked through the valley.
Snack Time, and a Quick Rest from Hiking
After a while, we reached a small clearing where we stopped for some snacks and snaps. Only the more dedicated hikers took this route so there were very few people around by this point.
After refuelling, we continued on the green trail. The trails are signed by small, coloured markers on trees and rocks. They are subtle, but enough to keep you right.
Having chosen to wear untested walking shoes, blister paranoia was beginning to set in…(no photos of this moment). But we were soon distracted by another wonder of nature and moved on.
Eventually we came to a signpost. Here we had to brush up our polish skills but understood that we had the option to keep following the same Green Trail or take the new and exciting Black Trail – Black it is! This trail was more challenging but more direct.
Definitely one of the toughest parts of hiking in the Tatra Mountains!
The trail wound up the face of the mountain providing spectacular scenery but requiring a few stops to rest.
After climbing for a bit, we spotted a small, wooden cabin at the top of the hill with a pulley system. This was now our target.
The path had become a bit slippery with last weeks compacted snow, so it was slow going for a few hundred meters.
Lunch in the Tatra Mountains
After reaching the hut, and this particular peak, we found another old shepherd’s hut. This time converted into a restaurant! We stopped in and had a large bowl of potato and sausage soup and some bread. However, most people had beer. This is most likely where the aforementioned pulley system comes into use (to transport the food and beer…not the drunks…) This is also the location of two of the five lakes so we head to the shore for some photos.
Replenished, we join onto the Blue Trail which heads away from the lakes and up a long, steep, rocky path. Days are short and we are pushed for time so must stick to our planned route. The other lakes will have to wait.
Our path ahead is long, steep and rough, but the views make it so worth it!
Our efforts along the trail were greatly rewarded with fantastic views of the two lakes.
Further on, we were treated to spectacular views across the valley to the north.
We go up and over the next peak and start our descent towards Lake Morskie Oko.
A View of Morskie Oko
After winding down the hill for a while, we can eventually make out Lake Morskie Oko from up high. What a great place for a Pitt stop!
By this point, the path was very rocky and we descended for a while before arriving at Lake Morskie Oko.
When we finally arrived at the lake, it was quite busy compared with the other locations we had visited that day. Mostly due to its phenomenal beauty but also its relatively easy access.
The craggy mountains rise out from the water. From where we were, we could see a small cave in the rocks. Throughout the hike we had been hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the parks wildlife. However, we just had to make do with what surely must be the bears home…
From Morskie Oko, we had another 2 hour walk on the tarmac road back to the car park and the bus stop.
The road is so smooth it is used by kids in strollers and horse drawn carts. However, we avoided the equine shuttle as they seemed to be a little over worked.
From here, we took the bus back to Zakopane and stopped in a traditional cosy wooden restaurant for a well-deserved meal.
It was a long day but we were definitely glad that we took one of the longer trails as it was so rewarding! But if you don’t have the time, the shorter walk to Lake Moskie Oko is well worth the effort.
Thinking about hiking in the Tatra Mountains? Check out this link to discover more about ZAKOPANE.
Where to go next?
With so many places to explore in Europe, why not try Sofia, Bulgaria next? There is plenty hiking around Vitosha Mountain and a lot to see in the city too!
Have you visited Poland or The Tatra Mountains? Are you planning a trip and need more information? Drop a comment in the box, we’d love to hear from you! Get the Tatras on your bucket list and pin Hiking in the Tatra Mountains for later!
This looks like the most incredible place! I loved reading about it and the photos are gorgeous!
Wow, this looks incredible to hike through! The Tatra Mountains are still on my list, so it’s great to know you can still enjoy some of the hiking trails in the off-peak season.
Oh my gosh! What a gorgeous place. This blog post made me want to get on my hiking boots immediately.