The Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range in Poland and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. You will find both easy valley walks and demanding high-mountain routes here. Below is a list of the most popular places and trails in the Tatras with short descriptions.
Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw pod Rysami
Morskie Oko is the largest and most famous lake in the Tatras. The path leads along an asphalt road from Palenica Białczańska and is accessible for most visitors. More ambitious hikers can continue up to Czarny Staw pod Rysami, from where there are impressive views of Rysy and the surrounding walls.
Valley of Five Polish Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich)
One of the most beautiful high-mountain valleys in the Tatras. It is home to several large lakes and a mountain hut. The trail requires good fitness, but the reward is wide panoramas and a truly alpine landscape.
Kościeliska Valley and Smreczyński Staw
Kościeliska Valley is an easy and very popular walking route in the Western Tatras. Along the way there are many caves and side valleys. The turn-off to Smreczyński Staw leads to a quiet forest lake at about 1,227 m above sea level.
Giewont
One of the most recognisable peaks in Poland. Several routes lead to the summit, the most popular starting in Kuźnice. The final section is secured with chains and is very crowded in high season.
One of the routes goes via Hala Kondratowa:
Kasprowy Wierch
You can reach the top by cable car from Kuźnice or hike up using several trail options. Kasprowy Wierch is an important viewpoint and a base for high-mountain routes towards Czerwone Wierchy and Świnica.
Chochołowska Valley
The longest valley in the Polish Tatras. In early spring it is famous for mass crocus blooms. The route is wide and relatively easy, so it is often chosen by families with children.
Rusinowa Polana and Gęsia Szyja
Rusinowa Polana is a scenic alpine meadow located between Bukowina Tatrzańska and the High Tatras. From Gęsia Szyja there is a panorama of the High Tatras, including Gerlach and Rysy. The trail is moderately difficult.
Nosal and Sarnia Skała
Short, scenic peaks ideal for half-day trips. Nosal lies close to Zakopane, while Sarnia Skała offers wide views of Giewont and the Strążyska Valley.
Zakopane – the gateway to the Tatras
Zakopane is the largest tourist centre at the foot of the Tatras and the main starting point for most popular trails. From here you can reach Kuźnice, Kościeliska Valley, Chochołowska Valley or Palenica Białczańska. The town offers extensive accommodation, dining and transport infrastructure, although it can be very crowded in high season. Away from the centre and Krupówki Street, however, you can still find quieter districts and many walking routes leading straight into the mountains.
The Tatras offer enormous diversity — from gentle valley walks to high-mountain routes with scrambling elements — so everyone can choose a trail suited to their experience and fitness.
Malvina Dunder 
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