2025 Tatra County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in May)

Last year, for the first time, I visited the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane with my friends — and honestly, it completely stole my heart. The beauty of this place, the fresh mountain air, the snow-capped peaks — it left such a deep impression on me that the desire to return never really left. So this year, we’ve already planned our return for mid-June — and I’m incredibly excited. I can’t wait to compare the emotions and sensations from last year to what this next trip will bring. One of the most breathtaking spots was, of course, Morskie Oko — the famous lake nestled among majestic peaks. And if that wasn’t enough, we hiked even higher to reach the incredible Czarny Staw pod Rysami (Black Lake under Rysy). It felt like we were standing in a painting — the sparkling, mirror-like water reflecting the towering mountains all around us. It was pure magic. The contrast of white snow on the peaks and the deep, glacial blue of the lakes — it’s something that simply stays with you forever. Even now, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a nature lover, or just someone looking to breathe in some serenity — I can’t recommend this destination enough. It’s peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable. Tatra Mountains, Zakopane, Morskie Oko, Czarny Staw — they’re not just places, they’re emotions. And if you ever get the chance to visit — go for it with all your heart. You won’t come back the same. This is my big, heartfelt recommendation — and I can’t wait to be back.#aprilblooms #hiking #hikingtrails #mountainview #nature

#travel #outdooradventure #hiddengems Nestled at the foot of the majestic Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is a charming town in southern Poland that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural heritage. Often overshadowed by more famous European destinations, Zakopane remains an underrated gem waiting to be discovered. What to Do: Zakopane is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The town serves as a gateway to the Tatra National Park, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking mountain vistas, shimmering alpine lakes, and lush valleys. Gubałówka Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, easily accessible via a funicular ride. In winter, Zakopane transforms into a ski haven, boasting some of the best slopes in Poland. For a more relaxed experience, stroll through Krupówki Street, the lively heart of Zakopane, lined with shops, cafés, and restaurants. Don’t miss a visit to the wooden Chapel in Jaszczurówka, an architectural masterpiece showcasing the town's traditional Zakopane Style. Why It's Special: Zakopane's authentic charm lies in its rich folklore and traditional highlander culture. You’ll find cozy wooden cottages adorned with intricate carvings and locals donning colorful regional attire. The town’s slower pace and intimate connection to nature make it a refreshing escape from the crowds. What to Eat: Savor local delicacies like Oscypek, a smoked sheep’s cheese unique to the region, often served with cranberry sauce. Warm up with a hearty bowl of Kwaśnica, a tangy sauerkraut soup, or indulge in traditional highlander dishes like Placki Ziemniaczane (potato pancakes) and roasted lamb. When to Visit: Zakopane is a year-round destination. Summer offers pristine hiking conditions, while winter turns the town into a snowy wonderland. Spring and autumn are quieter seasons, perfect for soaking in the natural beauty without the crowds. Whether you're seeking adventure, tranquility, or cultural immersion, Zakopane and its stunning mountain ranges promise an unforgettable experience off the beaten path.

I had an amazing time hiking in the Tatra Mountains in Poland. The trails are incredibly diverse, ranging from easy, scenic walks to more challenging routes that can take a few days to complete. I loved how quickly the landscape changes—one moment you're walking through greenery of a forest, the next you're surrounded by rugged peaks. I did a couple of shorter hikes that took roughly 5 to 6 hours each, but the longer ones would definitely appeal if you want more adventure. The views are honestly jaw-dropping at every turn. One thing to note is that the weather can change quickly, so it's important to be prepared with layers and check forecasts. The atmosphere is peaceful and the air so fresh—it’s a great place to really disconnect. Definitely worth visiting for anyone who enjoys nature! Tip: it's Europe, so every path is marked, and it's really difficult to get lost. however it's still wilderness, so facilities of scarce, and I would truly recommend to bring everything you need like water and snack snacks do #europetrip #poland #tatras #hiking #mountainview

the polish tatras The Polish Tatras, located in southern Poland, are a magnificent mountain range known for their rugged beauty and picturesque landscapes. They offer a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and mountaineering. The highest peak, Rysy, stands at 2,499 meters above sea level and provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. Visitors can explore charming alpine villages, crystal-clear mountain lakes, and dense forests, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.#cherryblossom2024

The Tatra Mountains are the highest in the Carpathians, straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, with part in Poland and part in Slovakia. The Tatra National Park in Slovakia is the most famous, it is a biosphere reserve approved by the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme, but even so, it is still considered a niche tourist destination, and the Upper Tatra Mountains in Poland are even more obscure. In fact, the Tatra National Park in Poland is one of the most frequented national parks by Poles, and even becomes the second capital of Poland after the start of the winter skiing season, with a third of the population taking advantage of the holidays to ski here. The winter skiing activities in the Tatra Mountains are abundant, and the facilities are also very complete, and its skiing season can even last until May of the next year. The Tatra Mountains are also a paradise for hiking. I have written several posts about the Tatra, because it is really beautiful here, but for Chinese and even tourists from all over the world, it is unknown here, Slovakia and Poland are both niche tourist destinations, and the Tatra Mountains are even more niche within the niche. In fact, the terrain here is very similar to the Alps, except for glaciers, everything the Alps have, this place has, and the cost of travel is lower than in the Alps. The people here are also very friendly to Chinese tourists, and traveling here will not make you feel strenuous. Of course, except for long-distance hiking enthusiasts, I still recommend that you choose to drive by yourself when you are traveling freely here, or find a local guide to take you around, this area is too large, and there are many villages worth seeing.

The Tatra Mountains, situated in southern Poland and northern Slovakia, boast breathtaking landscapes and serve as a haven for nature enthusiasts. Zakopane, a charming town nestled at the foothills, is the gateway to this alpine paradise. Renowned for its wooden architecture and vibrant culture, Zakopane attracts visitors seeking both adventure and relaxation. The Tatra National Park protects the diverse flora and fauna of the region, while the towering peaks, including the iconic Rysy, offer challenging hikes and panoramic vistas. In winter, Zakopane transforms into a winter sports hub, with skiing and snowboarding drawing thrill-seekers to its snow-covered slopes. #christmastrip #mountains #localguides

The main street in Zakopane is Krupówki Street. Every tourist visiting Zakopane goes to a place that is off-limits to automobile traffic and is covered in granite cubes. It only fills up with people in the evening on beautiful mornings when visitors are out on the ski slopes or mountain routes. Krupowki Promenade is packed all day long. The majority of Zakopane's eateries, bars, clubs, discos, and shops are located at Krupówki. It is an area that is bustling with activity practically all of the time. a store where you may buy on sale to pricey clothing, woodworks, souvenirs, and delicacies. Along the main street, you can find oscypki, a traditional Podhale delicacy. Oscypek is a smoked cheese created only in the Tatra Mountains region of Poland from salty sheep milk (pronounced Osch-öpeck; plural: oscypki). The maker of oscypek goes by the name "baca," which also refers to a shepherd in the mountains. Oscypek is typically consumed raw, grilled, or fried. With local lingonberry or cranberry jam, its smokey, salty flavor is excellent. My favourite was the redykołka, a semi-hard cheese made from half-fat sheep's milk And formed in unusual shapes of small animals, birds, hearts or spindles. The cheese was smooth and white on the interior while it is straw-coloured on the exterior due to having been smoked. Its taste is slightly salty, smoky and spicy. Yum 😋💕😊 #shopandtrip #foodie #mytripvlog #awesomepic #tripblazers #Polishfood #polandtravel #europe