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About

Tatra National Park is located in the Tatra Mountains of the southern middle part of Poland.  The national park encompasses an area of 81.71 miles (211.64 sq km). 

The Tatra Mountains create a shared border between Poland and Slovakia.  Slovakia invests in protecting the mountain area with the sister national park under the same name (Tatra National Park Slovakia).

The High Tatras and the Western Tatras make up this part of the mountainous region of Poland.  The Tatras are characterized by sharp-jagged peaks and stunning rock formations.  Rysy is the highest summit in Poland reaching a height of 8,199 feet (2,499 m). 

Wielka Sniezna is the longest from over 600 caves found within the national park boundaries.  It stretches a distance of 11 miles (18 km) with a maximum depth of 2,671 feet (814 m).  Wielka Siklawa is the tallest waterfall with a height of 230 feet (70 m).

Morskie Oko is the largest lake based on the surface area encompassing an area of 3,756,604 square feet (349,000 sq m).  Wielki Staw is close in surface area, but it is a hundred feet deeper topping out at a depth of 260 feet (79.3 m).

Tatra National Park is home to endangered and endemic wildlife species.  Some of the park’s popular species include brown bear, gray wolf, Eurasian lynx, and the European otter.  The Tatra chamois and marmot are two of the highly protected species of the park.

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Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park

Things to See

Tatra National Park is a European highlight recognized by CNN as one of the world’s 30 best parks to visit. It is a true alpine national park and the most visited national park in Poland.

Rysy

For mountain lovers, Rysy is one of the highlights of the park.  It is the highest peak in the park as well as the country.  Rysy has a summit of 8,199 feet (2,499 m). 

Rysy actually three peaks on the mountain.  The middle summit accounts for the highest point with the north-western peak coming second at 8,199 feet (2,499 m) and the south-eastern peak at 8,114 feet (2,473 m).

The Rysy mountain actually sits on the border between Poland and Slovakia.  Although not the highest point, the northwestern peak lies on the Polish side and is part of the Crown of Polish Mountains.  The other two peaks are in Slovakia.

There is a glacial lake, Morskie Oko in Polish, affectionately called “eye of the sea.” The lake is located on the Polish northern side of the Rysy mountain.

Tatra National Park Trails

There are over 170 miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore the national park and the abundance of alpine wilderness offered to travelers. Hikes vary in length ranging from a short hour-long to all-day treks and even multi-day outings.  The trails vary in difficulty and some are paved making it accessible to all. Because of the terrain, the majority are rated moderate to difficult.

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Kuznice, Murowaniec, Ksiezowka Trail

This is a moderate rated trail that covers a distance of 9.3 miles (15 km).  It is a loop trail that provides a scenic view of and along a lake.  It does have an elevation gain of 3,681 feet (1,122 km) however it is over lesser inclines. 

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Chuda Przelaczka Loop Trail

This is a 9.9-mile (15.9 km) loop trail with 3,487 feet (1,062 m) of elevation gain.  The loop travels up the mountain and along a river.  It is commonly taken for backpackers and camping.

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Wielki Giewont Trail

This trail travels up the most noted peak in Poland.  The trail is difficult with 3,162 feet (963.8 km) of elevation gain.  It provides panoramic views of the mountainous landscape as well as chances to see wildlife. It covers a distance of 8 miles (12.9 km).  Birdwatching is a popular activity of this trail.

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Morskie Oko Lake

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: This trail leads to the iconic Morskie Oko Lake, the largest in the Tatra Mountains.

The well-maintained path is accessible for most hikers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the chance to see the pristine lake, a jewel of the national park.

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Giewont Summit

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: Known for its distinctive cross at the summit, Giewont is a popular hike offering panoramic views of Zakopane and the Tatra range.

The trail includes steep sections and chains for assistance, making it an exhilarating climb for adventurous hikers.

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Kasprowy Wierch

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 2,950 feet (900 meters)

Description: This trail to Kasprowy Wierch provides stunning alpine scenery and the opportunity to take a cable car down after reaching the summit.

It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike, offering views of both the Polish and Slovak sides of the Tatras.

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Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (Valley of Five Polish Lakes)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,600 feet (792 meters)

Description: This scenic trail takes hikers through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras, home to five stunning glacial lakes.

The path offers diverse landscapes, including waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

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Rysy Summit

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 12.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 4,900 feet (1,494 meters)

Description: As the highest peak in Poland, Rysy offers an unforgettable hiking experience.

The trail is demanding, with rocky terrains and steep climbs, but it rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the Tatras and the satisfaction of reaching the top of Poland.

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Morskie Oko Lake

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 5.5 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 1,640 feet (500 meters)

Description: This trail leads to the iconic Morskie Oko Lake, the largest in the Tatra Mountains.

The well-maintained path is accessible for most hikers, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and the chance to see the pristine lake, a jewel of the national park.

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Giewont Summit

Rating: Moderate to Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 6.2 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,300 feet (700 meters)

Description: Known for its distinctive cross at the summit, Giewont is a popular hike offering panoramic views of Zakopane and the Tatra range.

The trail includes steep sections and chains for assistance, making it an exhilarating climb for adventurous hikers.

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Kasprowy Wierch

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 4 miles one way with an elevation gain of about 2,950 feet (900 meters)

Description: This trail to Kasprowy Wierch provides stunning alpine scenery and the opportunity to take a cable car down after reaching the summit.

It’s a challenging yet rewarding hike, offering views of both the Polish and Slovak sides of the Tatras.

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Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich (Valley of Five Polish Lakes)

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 9 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 2,600 feet (792 meters)

Description: This scenic trail takes hikers through one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras, home to five stunning glacial lakes.

The path offers diverse landscapes, including waterfalls and panoramic mountain vistas, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

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Rysy Summit

Rating: Difficult

Distance and Elevation Gain: 12.4 miles round trip with an elevation gain of about 4,900 feet (1,494 meters)

Description: As the highest peak in Poland, Rysy offers an unforgettable hiking experience.

The trail is demanding, with rocky terrains and steep climbs, but it rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the Tatras and the satisfaction of reaching the top of Poland.

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