Top Things to do in Tatra National Park
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What to do and see in Tatra National Park, Southern Poland: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Discover the best top things to do in Tatra National Park, Poland including Rysy, Lake Morskie Oko, The Black Pond, Dolina Chocholowska, Dolina Koscieliska, Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza - Waterfall.
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. 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! :)
3. The Black Pond
4. 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.
5. 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.
