They are much smaller, but it doesn’t detract from their beauty. The Polish Tatras have something to offer to anyone who visits them, and at any time of year. The mountains of our neighbors amaze us and encourage us to explore the unknown.
Pack your backpack, change some zloty and go wandering to our northern neighbors. Head to the Polish Tatras, where you will experience the adventure of discovering natural beauty. In addition, the Polish Tatras are known for no seasonal restrictions, which means you can visit them all year round. This triple combination is what attracts Slovaks to the Polish Tatras. Look at the majestic peaks from the other side and discover the sites the Poles are proud of, first through our tips and then with your own eyes by planning an unforgettable trip.
Treasure of the Tatras: Morské oko (The Sea Eye)
Who hasn’t visited „Morské oko“ as if they weren’t in the Tatras at all. The largest lake of the High Tatras lies on the Polish side. Several times a year, it is literally overcrowded with tourists, because trips to it are popular with us Slovaks and the Poles. Especially during the school holidays and holidays you will meet crowds of people here. The view of the lake will truly subdue you. The huge peaks reflecting on the calm water surface will charm you so much that you will want to come back.
Czarny staw pod Rysmi
Ďalší poklad poľských Tatier je ukrytý pri dobre známej výstupovej trase na Rysy. Tú každoročne navštívi početný zástup turistov, ktorí chcú zdolať najvyšší vrch Poľska. Odmenou za výstup k slovensko-poľskému hraničnému vrchu je v prvom rade nádherný výhľad a vodný skvost Czarny staw (Čierne pleso). Pleso púta pozornosť svojím typickým tmavým sfarbením, za ktoré vďačí dvom druhom siníc: Pleurocapsa polonica a Pleurocapsa minor.
Another treasure of the Polish Tatras is hidden by the well-known ascent route to Rysy. This is visited annually by a large crowd of tourists who want to conquer Poland’s highest mountain. The reward for climbing to the Slovak-Polish border mountain is first and foremost a magnificent view and a water gem Czarny staw (Black Lake). The lake attracts attention with its typical dark color, owing to two kinds of cyanobacteria: Pleurocapsa polonica and Pleurocapsa minor.
Dolina Gąsienicowa
Dolina Gąsienicowa is an interesting place popular for hiking and climbing activities. At the same time, it forms an imaginary border between the High and West Tatras. In the valley you will find the main starting point of the hiking trails – the vast area of Hala Gąsienicowa, from where you can get off to Kasprov hill or „Ľaliové sedlo“ (saddle) and hike through the ridge of „Červené vrchy“ (Red Hills).
Sleeping Knight „Giewont“
You can spot the national peak of Poles from afar because of its unmistakable shape. According to a legend associated with it, there are sleeping knights in the Tatras who will come to defend the country whenever needed. The greatest of these knights was turned into stone and since then lies on his back with his hands crossed and a shield on his breasts. In short, Giewont is fascinating not only because of this legend, but also for the magnificent views that you will have from the top. It is not surprising that both Poles and Slovaks are striving for a climb and often do not hesitate to stand in a long queue just to see its magnificence.
Zakopane
We all know that the other side of the Tatras attracts visitors with beautiful nature and countless opportunities for interesting trips. Those who like history and admire the unique Tatra architecture, will not miss the opportunity to stop in Zakopane at least for a while. The Tatra town with its original wooden buildings is the heart of the Tatras.
There is a steady bustle on the main street Krupówki, where you can enjoy a tasty coffee or a sweet cake in one of the well-known cafes. After a short break, the historical monuments are literally called for. The most important monuments are the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa, the Church of the Most Holy Family or an extraordinary “house upside down”. The diversity of the town only underlines the atmosphere of the Polish Tatras and makes them a unique place to visit.
