Hiking in the Tatra Mountains: Where fairytales and natural wonders meet.
I know, I know. The sentence above sounds a bit cheesy. But believe me, it’s true. The Tatra Mountains feel like one of those places that are just magical; you couldn’t describe them if you tried. And the good news for hikers among us is that there are many different hikes in the Tatra Mountains! From turquoise lakes to wooden cottages to cobbled paths, it’s all there!
In this guide, I will take you through the best hikes and provide relevant information, such as when to visit, the best places to stay, and more.
Stick around to find everything you need to prepare for your awesome trip to the Tatra Mountains!
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What and where are the Tatra Mountains
While not as famous as the Swiss Alps or Italian Dolomites, the Tatra Mountains are one of my favorite mountain ranges in Europe! With peaks that rise well over 2000 meters above sea level, you can expect the most dramatic views!
The Tatra National Park is located on the border in between Slovakia and Poland. This means that both countries have great access to this mountain range, and thus, its incredible hikes (both countries are covered in this guide, too!).
In Poland, the main town that grants you access to many trailheads is Zakopane (aka: The winter capital of Poland). This town is one of the coziest I’ve ever visited, even in summer! I loved the wooden architecture and the amazing vibes in this town. It’s quite popular amongst the Polish and Slovaks, but many other travelers don’t even know about this town, so it feels very hidden.
In Slovakia, the biggest gateway town to the Tatras is Poprad. This town is something different… With amazing views over the mountains, it’s an amazing place to base yourself, but know that the entrance to the national park is a bit further from the town. However, Poprad is still an amazinf little town, that I absolutely loved!
When to visit the Tatra Mountains
My visit to the Tatra Mountains (Zakopane, to be exact) was during mid-September, and I loved it. It was not too crowded; just enough people to make for a cozy vibe and great conversations.
I do believe that the Tatras are great for visiting all year round, as there is also a huge winter sports culture, with incredible ski slopes. Still, if you are going there for hiking, I highly recommend visiting in the shoulder season.
The best time to visit the Tatra Mountains is from April to October, but May and September/October would be my pick. In May, you can admire the stunning wildflowers in pleasant temperatures and with minimal crowds. In September/October, the trees and plants start changing their colors, which is an incredible sight. It’s a great place to enjoy some of the last sunrays of the year while exploring the mountains.
Where to stay in the Tatra Mountains
There are many practical places to base yourself, during your trip to the Tatra Mountains. Here are the best places and why:
Poprad, Slovakia – Gateway to the Tatras
Best connected town with an airport, train station, and easy access to all mountain resorts by electric railway. Ideal if you want a mix of city comfort and day trips.
Highlights: AquaCity spa, good restaurants, and views of the Tatras historic Spiš region attractions (like Spiš Castle)
Best accommodations:
Luxury – Hotel AquaCity Mountain View
Budget – Apartmán Poprad Veľká
Apartment/Family – Premium Apartment Centrum
My favorite – Kalix Boutique Hotel
Tatranská Lomnica, Slovakia – For Cable Cars & Easy Trail Access
Right at the foot of Lomnický Štít, with many trails starting in town. Great if you want to hike straight from your accommodation or take a cable car up. This town has the highest ski resort in the Tatras.
Highlights: Lomnický Štít cable car, alpine scenery, and cozy chalets.
Best accommodations:
Luxury – Hotel Lomnica
Budget – APLEND Hotel Lujza Major
Apartment/Family – APLEND Vila Beatrice
My favorite – Wellness Cottage CEDER
Štrbské Pleso, Slovakia – For Lakes & High-Altitude Hikes
A quiet resort built around a stunning lake at 1,350 m. Trails begin right from town, perfect for hikes to Rysy or Kôprovský štít.
Highlights: Mirror-like lake views, luxury mountain hotels, and a serene atmosphere.
Best accommodations:
Luxury – Hotel Patria
Budget – Vila Emma
Apartment/Family – APLEND Hotel Ovruč
My favorite – Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras
Zakopane, Poland – Lively Base for the Polish Tatras
Bustling town with great infrastructure, countless hikes, and lively après-hike options. Best if you want both adventure and culture.
Highlights: Krupówki Street, thermal baths, Giewont, and Morskie Oko hikes.
Best accommodations:
Luxury – Slow Tatry Boutique Resort&SPA
Budget – Villa Nova
Apartment/Family – Domki pod Gubałówką
My favorite – Diamond Glamp & Jacuzzi
How to get to the Tatra National Park and entrance fees
As mentioned above, Poprad has its very own airport and central train station. This makes the Tatra mountains very accessible from Slovakia. If you plan on visiting the Tatras from Poland, you can still use Poprad to get there, or when arriving by train, head straight for Zakopane.
Once you’ve found your base, how do you get to the hiking trails?
Well, that depends on the location of your base. I stayed in Zakopane, and there were several trailheads accessible from the town, and others by bus.
From Poprad, for example, getting to the trailheads would also be by public traffic. In the other towns mentioned as a base, you’ll find that the trailheads are quite nearby.
Once you arrive at a trailhead, there is a small entrance fee, that you need to pay at the beginning. Here’s a small overview:
Tatra National Park Entrance Fees
Polish side (Tatrzański Park Narodowy – TPN):
There’s a small entrance fee at most trailheads.
- Adults: 10 PLN (about €2.30)
- Children, students, seniors: 5 PLN (about €1.15)
- Tickets: Can be bought in cash at park entrances or online at tpn.pl/zwiedzaj/e-bilety
There is also an option for a weekly pass (for 45 PLN ~€10.30), which might save you some money.
Slovak side (TANAP – Tatranský Národný Park):
There’s no general entrance fee to enter TANAP. However:
- You must pay for mountain rescue insurance, which is required for hiking above forest areas (not included in normal travel insurance).
- Tickets for cable cars or lifts (e.g., to Lomnický Štít or Skalnaté Pleso) are separate and optional.
Best hikes in the Tatra Mountains: Poland
The hikes in this guide vary in length and difficulty, ensuring there is a perfect hike for everyone. They go in order from easiest to hardest.
Dolina Kościeliska (to Hala Ornak)
- Length / route: ~10.9 km out & back (Kiry → Hala Ornak and return).
- Duration: ~3.5-4 hours including stops.
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate. Mostly walking on good paths, gradual climb, not much exposure. Easy enough for many hikers.
- Highlights: Beautiful valley views, shepherd huts, forest sections, interesting karst caves (e.g. Jaskinia Mroźna etc.), good changing scenery.
The Dolina Kościeliska is truly amazing. It’s one of the easiest hikes near Zakopane, making it popular amongst elderly people and families, too. The paths are easy to walk, and there is some elevation gain (about 250 m), but it’s very minimal, compared to other hikes in this guide.
There are several amenities along the route, including toilets, picnic benches, and a mountain hut with warm drinks and food.
Especially in Summer, it can get quite crowded on the trail (and the parking or buses to the trailhead), so make sure to prepare beforehand and come early, or later on the day (2-3 pm).
Read this guide for more important information about the Dolina Kościeliska hike.
Smreczyński Staw via Dolina Kościeliska
- Length / route: from Hala Ornak to Smreczyński Staw (and return), roughly 3-4 km one way depending on starting point.
- Duration: ~1 hour one-way; ~2-2.5 h total if return.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. Some rocky patches but generally accessible.
- Highlights: A glacial pond with striking mountain backdrop, peaceful forest/valley sections, less crowded than the biggest peaks. Great short day walk.
If you still have some energy left after doing the Dolina Kościeliska hike that is mentioned above, you could extend your hike to Smreczyński Staw. This will extend the hike by 3-4 km one-way.
And why should you go for this option?
Simple. Because of the stunning rivers, tremendous views, and a picture-perfect glacial lake…
If you can, I highly recommend extending your hike by this short bit that is so rewarding!
And how? When you’ve arrived in Hala Ornak, just follow the signs to Smreczyński Staw. From there, I recommend using a map or Google Maps to get back to the trailhead, or simply retrace your steps.
Palenica Białczańska → Morskie Oko
- Length / route: ~17.2 km round trip (walking from Palenica Białczańska to Morskie Oko and back).
- Duration: ~5 hours return with breaks.
- Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is long and partly on paved or groomed road, not technically difficult. Steady effort.
- Highlights: One of the most famous glacial lakes in the Tatras, beautiful landscapes, often reflections in the lake, good facilities at the end (hostel, food), very scenic.
If this is not the most famous family-friendly hike in Poland, I don’t know what is. Morskie Oko, also known as Poland’s most beautiful lake, it a must-see on your trip to the Tatra Mountains.
It’s an easy hike, on a mostly asphalted road. From Zakopane there are many buses going to Morskie Oko, and they drop you off at the beginning of the route in Palenica Bailczanska. From there, it’s about 8,5 kilometers to the mountain hut on Morskie Oko. There are toilets on the route.
From Morskie Oko, I chose to hike a bit further up, to Czarny Staw Lake. This extension was a bit more demanding, so only do this if you’re fit enough.
Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy Loop (via Hala Gąsienicowa – Kurtkowiec – Litworowy Staw)
- Length: ~11–13 km loop
- Duration: 4–5 h
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Highlights: Beautiful alpine lakes, mountain meadows with stone huts, perfect mix of accessibility and alpine atmosphere
(Trailhead: Kuźnice → Murowaniec hut → Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy → return via Kurtkowiec and Litworowy Staw.)
Another one of my favorite hikes is definitely this one; taking you through a stunning valley with shepherd’s huts and dramatic mountains in the backdrop. On this hike I realized how beautiful Poland really is. With many lakes and ponds on the way, and the most extraordinary views, this hike will blow your mind.
The trailhead is reachable by foot or by bus from Zakopane.
Giewont via Hala Kondratowa
- Length / route: ~11.7 km total (round trip – via Hala Kondratowa up to Giewont, then back)
- Duration: ~5-6 hours, depending on pace and traffic.
- Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. The approach via Hala Kondratowa is moderate; final ascent has rocky sections and chains, exposure near the summit. Good fitness needed.
- Highlights: Panoramic views from the summit (including views back over Zakopane), iconic “Sleeping Knight” ridge silhouette, good mixture of meadows, rocky terrain, forest.
As it is quite difficult for me to stay fit to do mountain hikes (as I live in the Netherlands, aka flat country), I chose not to do hikes that are too challenging. However, with a challenge also comes a reward: absolutely stunning mountain views!
So, if you are fit, you must do this or one of the following hikes.
Valley of Five Polish Ponds (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich)
- Length / route: 23.8 km according to one AllTrails listing for an extended return route; shorter options exist.
- Duration: ~8-9 hours for full out & back including the valley and return.
- Difficulty: Hard. Long, significant elevation gain, some steep sections, may involve rough terrain.
- Highlights: Stunning ponds, dramatic mountain scenery, waterfalls (Siklawa, etc.), great alpine views, peace and scenic diversity.
Don’t you just love the way this place sounds; Valley of Five Polish Ponds?! I do! It sounds magical, like a place from a story book. And believe me, you will be pinching yourself at times, to make sure you’re not dreaming.
This specific hike in the valley is a true must if you’re in for a full day of hiking. You must be fit though, so only do this hike if your body is up for it.
If you do this hike, make sure to stop often to enjoy the scenic views!
Zawrat Pass (via Five Ponds Valley or Gąsienicowa)
- Length / route: Starting from things like Murowaniec / Five Ponds Valley up via Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy to Zawrat Pass and back or on. The full hike is quite long: ~8-10 hours.
- Duration: ~8-10 hours.
- Difficulty: Very Hard. Sections with chains, exposed ridge walking, some scrambling. Good experience needed.
- Highlights: Spectacular ridge views, dramatic passes, high alpine lakes, feeling of being deep in the mountains, excellent viewpoints.
The Zawrat Pass is another incredible day hike in the High Tatras, that will grant you with truly amazing views. This hike is a lot of fun too, as you get to pass sections with chains, that are a tad more dangerous than the rest of the route (for me, danger = fun). Still, make sure to be super careful to avoid any accidents!
Make sure to read this guide before doing the Zawrat hike!
Orla Perć (Eagle’s Path)
- Length / route: ~4.5 km along the ridge for the main Orla Perć route (from Zawrat Pass to Krzyżne Pass) but interconnected with surrounding approach/hiking this becomes a full-day route.
- Duration: ~6-8 hours (just for the Orla Perć section in good summer conditions) plus time to get to/from the trailheads.
- Difficulty: Very Hard / Alpine-exposed. Numerous ridges, ladders, chains, steep rock, and exposure to cliffs, with a risk of falling stones. Only recommended for experienced hikers.
- Highlights: Possibly the most dramatic ridge walk in the Polish Tatras: high peaks, great views in all directions, sublime alpine atmosphere, the sense of challenge.
The Eagle’s Path hike in the Polish Tatras, though challenging, is truly spectacular. It is one of the most dangerous hikes in the area, so you must be well prepared before embarking on this challenge. This hike is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Still, the views you’ll be rewarded with, are out of this world!
Best hikes in the Tatra Mountains: Slovakia
Again, in this part of the guide, the hikes are in order from easiest to hardest.
Bielovodská Dolina (White Water Valley) – just the valley walk
- Length / route: ~9.2 km one-way (so ~18-20 km return if doing full). Some shorter options exist.
- Duration: ~2h 40m one-way to Polana Pod Vysokou (~3 h depending on pace) for the easier section.
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate (the first section is very gentle; ends when it becomes steeper if you go higher). Good for a longer but not overly strenuous outing.
- Highlights: Peaceful walk along the Bielavoda river, forested valley, beautiful clearing at Bielovodská poľana (~1018 m), bridge crossings, gradually opening views, getting toward the high-valley atmosphere. Great for avoiding crowds.
If you are looking for something easy that is still super scenic, you might want to consider hiking through the Bielovodská Dolina Valley. In this hike you also get lots of flexibility, to shorten or lengthen it. But according to the length above, you can easily do this hike in a morning or afternoon, and still have some time left in your day for exploring other parts of the Tatras!
Full Bielovodská Dolina → Litvorové Pleso variant
- Length / route: ~24 km return when going up Bielovodská Dolina up to Litvorové Pleso.
- Duration: ~9 hours approximately.
- Difficulty: Moderate-to-Hard. The first part in the valley is easy, then it becomes steeper and rocky as you approach the lake; the altitude gain becomes more demanding.
- Highlights: Litvorové Pleso is beautiful, the scenery changes a lot, great views of the central ridges, sense of remoteness in the upper valley. Great day hike.
So if you want to lengthen the hike above, you might want to follow this route. Basically, on the point where you would return in the easy hike, you simply just walk on, until you hit the lake. It does get a lot stepper than it was in the valley, making the route a bit more difficult. Still, it’s doable for beginners with a normal level of fitness.
Slavkovský Štít from Starý Smokovec / Hrebienok
- Length / route: ~15 km round-trip (approx) from Starý Smokovec via Hrebienok, up to Slavkovský Štít and back the same way.
- Duration: ~9 h total (up ~5h15, down ~3h50) as an all-day tour.
- Difficulty: Hard. Significant elevation gain (~1460-1500 m), rocky path, sections above tree line, some exposed / steep parts. Requires good fitness.
- Highlights: Excellent panoramic view from the summit over the High Tatras, views into Veľká Studená Dolina, contrast of forest / meadows / rock, solitude once you’re past the more popular sections.
From here on, you will only have hard routes. This one, for example is incredibly steep. But again, you will get incredible views, over the Slovakian side of the Tatras.
Slavkovský štít is the fourth highest mountain peak that can be reached on a marked trail in the High Tatra mountains in Slovakia, at 2452 meters above sea level. This hike is quite worth the time and effort, so make sure to see if it’s for you!
Koprovský štít
- Length / route: ~21 km return trip (from Štrbské Pleso, via Popradské Pleso or via Hincovo plesá depending on variant).
- Duration: ~6-8 hours.
- Difficulty: Hard. Trail includes steeper sections, rocky terrain, potentially scree on ascent/descent, alpine terrain high up. Not technical in terms of needing ropes, but demands fitness.
- Highlights: Fantastic views from the summit over many of the High Tatras lakes (Hincovo plesá etc.), less crowded than Rysy, good mixture of scenery (forest → high alpine).
The Koprovský štít is also a hike I would highly recommend doing! Starting at the beautiful Strbske Lake, and several lakes on the route, you will get amazing views (and photos of them), during this hike. With less crowds than many hikes on the Polish side, you’ll feel more calm when hiking this mountain (except for during the steep parts, you will not feel calm then).
Rysy Peak (Slovak side)
- Length / route: ~20-22 km round-trip via the standard route from Popradské Pleso, passing Malé Žabie and Veľké Žabie Plesá, up to Chata pod Rysmi and the summit.
- Duration: ~8-10 hours depending on fitness, breaks, conditions.
- Difficulty: Very Hard. Steep climbs, sections with chains and ladders, high altitude, possibility of snow even in summer in some parts. Requires good preparation.
- Highlights: One of the most iconic peaks straddling Poland/Slovakia; 360-degree views; high-alpine lakes; the sense of achievement; often clear views of Gerlachovský štít etc.
One of the most impressive peaks in the high Tatras is definitely Rysy Peak. With its stunning views of both Morskie Oko, on the Polish side, and Gerlachovský štít; Slovakia’s highest peak, your camera will be glued to your face.
This hike is very demanding, though, and you need to be prepared before going! Make sure you have a good fitness level and take lots of food and water with you!
Velická & Malá Studená Dolina loop via Priečne Sedlo
- Length / route: ~22-25 km loop (using both valleys and crossing the Priečne saddle) if doing full circuit. If you only go partially (one valley out & back) less.
- Duration: ~9-10 hours (full loop); shorter if partial.
- Difficulty: Very Hard. High elevation gain, technical pass (Priečne sedlo), exposure, long day, and need for good mountain skills.
- Highlights: Dramatic alpine valleys, waterfalls, ridges, amazing lake scenery, varied terrain; very rewarding, especially for experienced hikers.
The last hike on this list is definitely not the least! But it’s also not for everyone. This dangerous hikes is only for the skilled hikers out there, with a very good fitness level. Is that’s you, then I highly recommend doing this hike!
With the most rewarding views, this hike probably makes the top of this list, view-wise. Priečne Sedlo part is the most demanding, but also the most wonderful experience. This hike should be on your itinerary!
6 General tips for hiking in the Tatra Mountains
#1 Start Early
The weather in the Tatras can change quickly, especially above the tree line. Begin hikes early in the morning to avoid afternoon storms and crowds on popular routes like Rysy or Giewont.
#2 Check Weather and Trail Conditions
Always check the official Tatra National Park (TPN or TANAP) websites or mountain huts for current conditions. Trails can close due to snow, ice, or bears, even in summer.
#3 Bring Proper Gear
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip, and pack layers, a waterproof jacket, snacks, and plenty of water. Many trails include rocky or chain-protected sections where good footwear is essential.
#4 Carry Cash
Mountain huts, cable cars, and park entrances often don’t accept cards, especially on the Polish side. Bring some cash (PLN or EUR) for entry fees, food, and transport.
#5 Respect the Rules
Stay on marked trails, as off-trail hiking is not allowed in Tatra National Park. Wild camping and swimming in lakes are prohibited to protect the fragile alpine environment.
#3 Get Insurance (Slovak Side)
In Slovakia, mountain rescue operations are not free. Buy mountain rescue insurance before hiking above forest level; it’s inexpensive and can be purchased online or at tourist offices.
Final thoughts on the Tatra Mountains hikes
I hope that this guide has given you some clarity on the best hikes in the Tatra Mountains. Now it’s time to pick the ones that are perfect for you, book your accommodation and get ready for your trip!
Happy travels!
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