Tatra Mountains (Tatry)

Most visitors opt to explore the Tatras Mountains on a day trip, and tours run from Krakow in Poland or from Poprad in Slovakia. Popular destinations for a day tour include the resort town of Zakopane, where you can visit the Tatra Museum and ride the funicular to the top of Mt. Gubalówka; Morskie Oko Lake, where horse carriage rides are a fun activity; the mountain village of Zdiar in Slovakia, known for its traditional log cabins; and the ski resort of Kasprowy Wierch, reached by cable car. If you want to venture farther into the mountain landscapes, you’ll also find plenty of options for hiking in the High Tatras Mountains.

• The Tatras Mountains are a must for avid hikers and outdoor adventurers.

• The weather in the mountains can change quickly, and it can get cold at high altitudes even in the summer months, so pack for all seasons.

• Unless you are an experienced hiker, it’s recommended to hike with a local guide.

• A 4WD is recommended for driving in the Tatras Mountains.

• Facilities for hikers are very limited, so take everything you need, including sunscreen, snacks, and plenty of water.

The most convenient entry point to the mountains on the Polish side is Zakopane, about a 2-hour drive south of Krakow. To reach Zakopane by public transportation, it’s a scenic 3.5-hour train ride or a less-scenic but quicker 2.5-hour bus ride from Krakow. To get around in the mountains, transportation is limited so it’s best to book a group or private tour.

May through September are the best months for hiking and visiting the lakes. While resorts like Zakopane can get busy in July and August, the vast mountains make it easy to escape the crowds. For winter visitors, the main ski season runs from December to early May.

During the summer months, you can hike the Tatras’ 155-mile (250-kilometer) network of trails, ranging from challenging mountain summits to short scenic walks, or venture into the caves around the Koscieliska Valley. Other popular activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and even paragliding. In winter, Kasprowy Wierch is the go-to destination for skiing and winter sports, with around 9 miles (15 kilometers) of runs.

Beginner hikers can explore the Tatra Mountains via Koscieliska Valley, starting at Kiry. This point is accessible by minibus from the bus station in Zakopane or the bottom of Krupowki Street. The stroller-friendly trail is wide and marked, and leads to Hala Ornak hut in 1.5 hours.

Yes, you can visit the Tatra Mountains year-round; different experiences depend on the season. It’s possible to explore the area's vast hiking trails in spring, summer, and fall, with spring crocuses and fall foliage being big draws. Then in winter, snowboarders and skiers flock to take advantage of the area’s frequent snowfall.

The top attractions in the Tatra Mountains are the stunning lake of Morskie Oko, with its mountain scenery backdrop, and the resort town of Zakopane, known for its wooden architecture and lively Krupowki Street. Additionally, the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Railway offers spectacular panoramic views.

Yes, you typically have to pay a small fee to hike in the Tatra Mountains. Upon entry to trails, there is usually a ticket booth that requires a small entry fee. These fees go towards preserving the environment as well as rescue services. Also, parking fees can apply for parking lots in Tatra National Park.

The Tatra Mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, lynxes, wolves, red deer, alpine marmots, and around 200 species of birds, such as golden eagles. It’s also home to the Tatra chamois—a subspecies of chamois (a mountain goat) only found in the High Tatras.

There are several ways to get to the Tatra Mountains from Krakow. The most cost-effective is the bus (such as the Flixbus or a local service). These routes typically take 2–3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive or get a taxi, which usually takes around 75 minutes.