The Tatras are the highest mountain system of the Carpathians, its highest point is the top of Rysy (2499 m). The High Tatras are characterized by altitudes of 1800-2500 m, glacial cirques, deep valleys and a large number of mountain lakes. Here is the most famous ski resort in Poland – Zakopane. Check jibin123 for customs regulations and visa requirements of Poland.
The Western Tatras are safer and “friendly” to tourists, the heights there range from 1700 to 2100 m, there is more greenery and free space.
How to get there
You can travel from Warsaw to Zakopane by train.
Skiing
The Zakopane ski resort is ideal for both beginners and pros. Here Polish customs, specific dances and songs, national costumes, dialect and intricate original architecture echo and complement the breathtaking nature of the “Polish Alps”. The local slopes are suitable for skiers of all levels. Beginners will be put on skis by the best trainers.
From the surrounding area you can get to Zakopane by cable cars. The largest ski area in Zakopane is Kasprowy Wierch, the second mountain Gubałówka is located north of the city, there are also Nosal and Polana Szymoszkowa slopes.
Ski pass
The cost of renting ski equipment: snowboard: 1 day – 8-10 EUR, 6-7 days – 40-50 EUR; skis of modern models: 1 day – 10-12 EUR, 6-7 days – 50-60 EUR; simple skis: 1 day – 6-8 EUR, 6-7 days – 30-40 EUR; snowblades: 1 day – 7-10 EUR, 6-7 days – 35-45 EUR.
In the high season, due to the increased crowding in Zakopane, it is better to go to neighboring villages and nearby resorts – Bukowina Tatrzanska, Bialka Tatrzaska, Poronin, where the tracks are just as good.
Entertainment and attractions in Tatras
The Tatras are divided into the High Tatras and the Western Tatras. The Highlands are dotted with bodies of water and are considered a territory that attracts bold tourists eager to conquer steep routes, treacherous ledges and breathtaking abysses, while the Western ones are marked by beautiful caves, lush greenery and spacious spaces.
The most famous Mickiewicz and Wielka Siklava waterfalls are best viewed in the spring, at sunrise. The largest lake, Morskie Oko, is especially loved by tourists.
2 things to do in the Tatras
- Buy a souvenir in the pavilion of the Pieninsky National Park.
- Book a tour along the Dunajec River, which includes trout fishing. It is better to contact the “Bureau of tannyh apartments” on the street. Sienkiewicz in Zakopane.
Trekking
If you are not yet in the mood to conquer the peaks of the Tatras in the literal sense, walking along one of the beautiful valleys at their foot will also impress a lot. Chocholovska, Kościeliska, Stronzyska or Fish Stream Valley are suitable for this. In winter, you can safely get up on skis and surf a variety of tracks.
Conquering the Rysa Peak, the highest point of the Tatras, is a noble goal and, pleasantly, attainable. It is better to take a tent on a hike, since the journey will take more than one day, or you will have to spend the night at the Sea Eye. It is better to pitch a tent on the shore of the Black Lake near Rysy. The ascent to Rysy from the Black Lake takes 3 hours 20 minutes, the descent takes 2 hours 30 minutes. After the descent, you need to reach the Palenitsa Glade. It’s another 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The walk from Zakopane through Gubalowka to Butorovski Wierch is an easy route that is suitable even for the unprepared. You can climb Mount Gubałówka by cable car or on foot. It will take 1 hour from the Tourist House on the black marked trail. At the top you need to turn left and walk 20 minutes along the road, and then 10 minutes along the path to Butorovsky Verkh. Descent by another cable car.
You can go down from Butorovsky Wierch on foot along the blue-marked trail in Zakopane, which will take 1 hour. Another option: from Butorovsky Verkh, go along the path with a green mark to Kiry (it’s 1.5 hours).
Rafting
In addition to hiking in summer and skiing in winter, in Zakopane you can go rafting on the Dunajec River. Rafting is carried out from May 1 to October 31. The raft accommodates up to 10 people. To arrive at the start of the rafting, at 9:00 on platform N 2 of the Zakopane bus station, you need to take a bus to Szczawnica. The ticket must be purchased before the pier (Przystan) in Sromovce Kanti. After 1 hour 20 min. you will be at the pier. Tickets are sold inside the pavilion. There are 2 options: rafting to Szczawnica, which takes 2 hours 15 minutes, and rafting to Krostsenko, which takes 2 hours 45 minutes. You can return to Zakopane from the end point of the rafting by bus, which takes 1 hour 40 minutes.
