2025 Bukowina Tatrzanska Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The highlight of my trip to Poland was stepping onto Morskie Oko in January. Located in Tatra National Park, this is Poland's most famous alpine lake, and the snow-covered scenery felt like walking into a fairytale 🏔️💙 We started early from Zakopane, taking a horse-drawn carriage up the mountain (such a charming experience 🐎). The path was flanked by snow-covered forests, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere! Upon reaching the lake, we explored on foot. The lake's surface was completely frozen due to the low temperatures, covered with a thick layer of snow, allowing us to walk directly on it—a truly unique experience ❄️❄️ Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake area was serene and majestic. The silence was only broken by the sound of footsteps crunching through the snow, making every step feel like a healing moment for the soul ✨ If you love winter hiking, this destination absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list! 📍 Destination: Morskie Oko (Tatra National Park) Location: Tatra National Park, Poland 🚗 Transportation: From Zakopane, you can take a bus or taxi to Palenica Białczańska (the hiking entrance). We opted for a horse-drawn carriage ride up the mountain and walked down, enjoying the scenery from different perspectives 💡 🧣 Helpful Tips: In January, the lake is completely frozen, so you can safely walk on it. Be sure to wear anti-slip snow boots, warm clothing, and gloves! This snowy hiking trip was truly moving 💓 The stunning snowy lake and the healing power of nature made for a perfect ending to my Poland journey. If you're planning a winter visit to Europe, Morskie Oko is a must-see!

The Ocean Eye in Zakopane, Poland is one of the most famous attractions in Poland and is known as Little Switzerland. To reach the Ocean Eye, you must first take a minibus with a sign saying "Ocean Eye" in front of the Zakopane train station. The journey takes about 30 minutes. After arriving, you can choose to walk to the Ocean Eye by yourself (about 2.5 hours) or take a horse-drawn carriage (1 hour + half an hour of walking). Because it was late May when we went there, the weather was a little cold, about 11-13 degrees, and there was still snow by the lake. You can also see that there is still snow on the mountains across the lake. Even so, it is still very beautiful. The lake is frozen in winter, but the lake water is very green in summer. It is beautiful no matter which season you go. #Poland #Zakopane

Location - Zakopane, PL Lodging - Morskie Oko Mountain Hut Summit the tallest point in Poland and stand at the border of PL & SK. The trail takes you up two beautiful mountain lakes and up the high tatras. This route is challenging, but rewarding. Hike is 12.8 Km round trip from Morskie Oko lake to the summit. As you reach the final Km tocth summit, the trail gets very steep and there are chains to assist with the climb. Previous mountaineer experience is recommended. Trail is very slippery if raining. The views from the summit are unparalleled. Hike down (carefully) the same trail and then reward yourself with a meal and drink at Morskie Oko hut. #morskieoko #zakopane #polandtravel #rysy #countryhighpoints #mountaintop #mountainview

#summervacay #MyFavoritePhoto #HiddenGems #NatureLovers Who says Europe’s only fairy tale spots are in Switzerland? Deep in the Tatra Mountains lies a gem called Morskie Oko — the “Eye of the Sea.” 💎🏔️ The lake’s water is as clear as sapphire, surrounded by snowy peaks ❄️⛰️ Every step on the hike feels like walking through a storybook 🌲✨ Known as Poland’s most beautiful spot, some even call it “Little Switzerland” 🇵🇱❤️ But here’s the best part — Poland’s prices are way more budget-friendly than Switzerland’s for these stunning views! 🙌💸 How to get there: From Krakow, it’s best to drive or take a bus to Zakopane (Poland’s famous ski resort) ⛷️🏞️ Then transfer to a shuttle to Palenica Białczańska (the hiking start point and park entrance) 🎒🚶♂️ ⏰ Bus schedules: More frequent in summer, fewer in winter — so check ahead! #PolandTravel #MorskieOko #TatraMountains #HikingAdventures #LittleSwitzerland

From Zakopane train station, you can take a minibus for about 40 minutes to the Morskie Oko parking lot. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a sea of parked cars and long lines of people buying tickets, a testament to its popularity as Zakopane's most visited attraction. The walk from the parking lot to Morskie Oko is approximately 8.3 km, mostly on gently sloping asphalt roads. A round trip, including a walk around the lake, totals about 20 km. Alternatively, you can opt for a paid horse-drawn carriage ride. We chose to hike up and down the mountain. The forest on the left side is likely the Slovakian border. Enjoying the scenery along the way, the hike wasn't too exhausting, and we reached the lake in about two hours. Upon first sight of the Eye of the Sea, the lake's water shimmers in clear, gradient shades of blue under the sunlight, surrounded by towering mountains. The highest peak, Rysy, though partially veiled by clouds, still exudes grandeur. The entire lake area is indeed breathtaking. Morskie Oko is the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains and a magnet for tourists. The lakeside is bustling with visitors. We found a rock to sit on by the lake, enjoying the stunning view while having lunch. After circling the lake, we retraced our steps back to the parking lot.

Last year, for the first time, I visited the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane with my friends — and honestly, it completely stole my heart. The beauty of this place, the fresh mountain air, the snow-capped peaks — it left such a deep impression on me that the desire to return never really left. So this year, we’ve already planned our return for mid-June — and I’m incredibly excited. I can’t wait to compare the emotions and sensations from last year to what this next trip will bring. One of the most breathtaking spots was, of course, Morskie Oko — the famous lake nestled among majestic peaks. And if that wasn’t enough, we hiked even higher to reach the incredible Czarny Staw pod Rysami (Black Lake under Rysy). It felt like we were standing in a painting — the sparkling, mirror-like water reflecting the towering mountains all around us. It was pure magic. The contrast of white snow on the peaks and the deep, glacial blue of the lakes — it’s something that simply stays with you forever. Even now, just thinking about it gives me goosebumps. Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a nature lover, or just someone looking to breathe in some serenity — I can’t recommend this destination enough. It’s peaceful, powerful, and unforgettable. Tatra Mountains, Zakopane, Morskie Oko, Czarny Staw — they’re not just places, they’re emotions. And if you ever get the chance to visit — go for it with all your heart. You won’t come back the same. This is my big, heartfelt recommendation — and I can’t wait to be back.#aprilblooms #hiking #hikingtrails #mountainview #nature

#Poland #Zakopane #OceanEye Tatra National Park 📍Address: Kuźnice 1, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland 💰Average consumption: Round trip ticket: PLN 30 Tickets: PLN 11 💞Recommended reasons: The Eye of the Ocean in the Tatra National Park is a famous natural landscape. After arriving at the entrance of the national park, you can walk slowly or take a horse-drawn carriage up the mountain. The one-way distance is about 8 kilometers. You can enjoy the scenery of the forest along the way. The higher you go, the more you can see the snow-capped mountains. The scenery along the way is very beautiful🥰 🗓️Itinerary: Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy) is located in the suburbs of Zakopane. You can take a bus from Zakopane Bus Terminal to get there. The journey takes about 40 minutes (the last bus back to the city leaves at 17:20). It is recommended to set aside at least one or two days to explore the attractions in the suburbs of Zakopane.

Nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is a hiker's paradise in Poland. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced adventurer, the trails here offer spectacular views, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Here are the top 10 hikes in Zakopane you absolutely can’t miss! 🏞️🌄 1. Giewont One of Zakopane's most iconic peaks, Giewont offers a challenging but rewarding hike. The summit, shaped like a sleeping knight, provides panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains and the surrounding valleys. 2. Morskie Oko This popular trail takes you to the stunning Morskie Oko lake. The hike is relatively easy and the crystal-clear water with towering peaks around it is pure magic. 3. Kasprowy Wierch Take the cable car up or hike to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch for breathtaking views and the chance to see the alpine landscapes of Zakopane. This trail is great for both summer and winter hikers! 4. Rysy For the more experienced hikers, Rysy is the highest peak in Poland, offering a tough but rewarding trek. The views from the top will make the effort worth it. 5. Nosal A short but steep hike, Nosal offers panoramic views of Zakopane and is ideal for those looking for a quick escape into nature with stunning vistas. 6. Czarny Staw Pod Rysami A more challenging hike that takes you to a beautiful glacial lake, Czarny Staw offers spectacular views, especially at sunset. The surrounding area is a haven for nature lovers. 7. Świnica One of the most popular routes for more experienced hikers, the Świnica trail provides a challenging climb and incredible views of the Tatra Mountains, lakes, and valleys. 8. Dolina Pięciu Stawów This trail takes you through a series of stunning mountain lakes, with crystal-clear waters surrounded by high peaks. It's a peaceful escape into nature, perfect for photographers. 9. Tomanowa Przełęcz A fantastic hike for those seeking a quiet, scenic route. The Tomanowa Przełęcz offers beautiful views and a chance to see wildlife like marmots and eagles. 10. Hala Gąsienicowa This easy-to-moderate trail is perfect for families or those looking for a less demanding hike. It offers views of alpine meadows, traditional wooden huts, and the majestic surrounding mountains. Local tip: Wear sturdy shoes, especially on steeper hikes, and always bring plenty of water and snacks for energy! 🥾🥤 #ZakopaneAdventures #HikingInPoland #TatraMountains #MountainViews #ExplorePoland #NatureLovers 🏞️🌲

This stunning lake in Zakopane offers crystal-clear waters and breathtaking mountain views. Hike to the top for unforgettable scenery or take a horse-drawn carriage. Don't miss this natural wonder! #poland #travel #hiking #morskieoko

#2024wish My trip to the Sea Eye began with a 4-hour hike through a wildlife reserve, surrounded by waterfalls and freely roaming animals. The air, even in summer, remained refreshingly cool, though the water was too chilly for a swim. On the way back, we opted for a horse-drawn carriage, making the overall journey a day-long adventure. I highly recommend dedicating the entire day for this excursion, as reaching the lake by car or bus is impossible. Bicycles and motorcycles are also prohibited in the reserve. Despite the long queue for the horse-drawn carriage, it was truly an unforgettable experience. In 2024, I hope to return to that enchanting place. #2024wish #zakopane #poland

📍Location: 8GX253WC+V2 ⏰Opening hours: 24 hours 💶Admission: 8PLN This is Lake Morozkie Oko, a lake that can be reached from Zakopane, known as the Alps of Eastern Europe! I recommend going leisurely and taking your time looking around! When you see the blue lake and the magnificent mountain range surrounding it🏔️, you will feel like your stuffy speed will burst💥! By the way, this is a place that you can visit as a day trip from Krakow How to get there from Krakow: Take a bus from Krakow Central Station to Zakopane🚌(reservation required) - Take a minibus from Zakopane to Morozkie Oko🚐(cash) - Get off and trek to the lake🚶‍♀️or take a horse-drawn carriage🐴! The road to the lake is also so beautiful that you can heal while going🍀 The trekking takes more than 2-3 hours, so I recommend that only those who are confident in their physical strength try it:) It takes about 1 hour to go up and 30 minutes to come down by carriage. You must bring Polish money (cash) to use the carriage and minibus💕 #TravelMonth #KrakowTravel #Krakow #Poland #PolandTravel #Poland #Zakopane #MorowskieOko

Getting There - 30 minutes by taxi from zakopane Attractions - lakes, hiking, trails Hotels - none Food & Restaurants - cafes along the way Shopping - none #mytripvlog #tripblazers #mountainview #2023travelwish #morskieoko #zakopane #poland

Where do you go for your vacation? There is a saying in Poland that says, “When life gets unbearable, there is always Zakopane.” Zakopane is such a beautiful city! There is a “Morskie Oko” lake in the Tatra National Park in Zakopane. You can go there by 1 hour by carriage + 30 minutes of trekking or 2-3 hours of trekking. It is difficult, but trekking is the best way to truly experience Morskie Oko. It is the clearest lake I have ever seen, and you can clearly see the fish. You can also meet deer here and there during the trekking😲 #Vacation

Mok, located in Zakopane, Poland, means "Eye of the Ocean" in Chinese and is also known as "Little Switzerland". It has an altitude of 1,393 meters. You can choose to hike up the mountain or take a horse-drawn carriage, both of which allow you to enjoy the mountain scenery along the way. It takes about 2-3 hours to hike up the mountain, and 1 hour to take a horse carriage. After getting off the carriage, it takes about 15 minutes to walk to Morskie Oko. When I visited in May, there was snow on the mountains on the opposite bank and on the ground near the lake. The green lake and the snow-white mountains reflected each other. This is the power of nature.