Forget the Alps:
Why the Tatras are Europe’s
Best-Kept Hiking Secret
Everyone is completely fascinated by the Alps, the Pyrenees, and the Dolomites. And look, they’re beautiful. But if you want a mountain experience that is rugged, wildly beautiful, and deeply rewarding without the massive Alpine crowds, you need to look at the Tatra Mountains on the border of Poland and Slovakia.
We recently spent three full days hiking, exploring, and indulging in the incredible local food. It was nothing short of spectacular. If you’re looking to plan an unforgettable trekking trip, here is how we tackled three perfect days in the Tatras:
Day 1: The Gorge Hike En Route from Krakow
On the drive down from Krakow toward the mountain hub of Zakopane, we stopped for a hike in the stunning Pieniny National Park to trek through the Dunajec River Gorge. This is the area famous for its dramatic, towering limestone cliffs that shoot straight up from the riverbed. While a lot of tourists choose to raft down the river, hiking along the cliffs gives you incredible, elevated vantage points of the border between Poland and Slovakia. It’s the perfect way to break up the drive.
Day 2: The 18km Trek to Morskie Oko
Morskie Oko (which translates to “Eye of the Sea”) is famously rated as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Tucked deep inside the High Tatras, it’s surrounded by jagged peaks that look like a fortress. We tackled the full 18-kilometer (11-mile) round-trip hike to get there. The trail winds through dense pine forests and past rushing waterfalls before opening up to the emerald-green lake.
Day 3: Chasing Summits on Kasprowy Wierch
On our final day, we tackled Kasprowy Wierch, one of the most iconic peaks in the range. Now, most tourists choose to take the famous cable car straight to the top. But where is the fun in that? We decided to hike the entire way up.
It’s a challenging, steep ascent that pushes your legs, but standing on the ridge line at the summit is a massive rush. Looking down at the cable car passing below knowing you conquered the mountain on your own two feet makes the view from the top taste so much sweeter.
The Ultimate Reward: High-End Indulgence
The absolute best part about hiking in the Tatras? The recovery. After clocking serious mileage on the trails, we spent our evenings indulging in Zakopane. Think hearty mountain cuisine, smoked oscypek cheese grilled with cranberry jam, local vodka, and soaking sore muscles in the region’s famous thermal baths.
The Tatras give you world-class alpine terrain by day and incredible culture and comfort by night. It’s an absolute must-add to your travel bucket list.
“Some lessons are best served neat.”
—Nurit