Many people visit Tatra National Park on tours that tick off Zakopane and the highlights of the Tatra Mountains in a day. Day trips typically begin in Krakow, but if you're staying in Slovakia, it’s possible to explore the Tatras from Poprad too. As well as mountain scenery, some tours also include a cable car ride, plus a visit to a ski jumping area and a thermal bath complex.
To enter the park, you must buy a ticket from one of the ticket booths near the entry point.
Tatra National Park is a great spot for wildlife lovers—it's home to endangered and endemic species. Look out for Tatra chamois, red deer, brown bears, Eurasian lynxes, and snow voles.
Experienced hikers should check out Rysy—the park's highest peak and one of its highlights.
The hiking trails are signposted and easy to follow.
The huge size of Tatra National Park means there are multiple entry points in both Poland and Slovakia. One of the most popular start points is Zakopane—a resort town two hours from Krakow. Once in Zakopane, you can walk to an entry point of Tatra National Park, or you can get a local bus or taxi to other village entry points such as Kuznice, Leśniczówka, and Kościelisko.
It’s best to visit Tatra National Park during months when the weather is mild and it's safe to hike. Late spring (May or June) is a good time to beat the crowds and enjoy good weather, and September is also good for hiking. To sidestep the biggest crowds, avoid the peak months of July and August.
Translated as the “eye of the sea” in Polish, the Morskie Oko is one of the most famous lakes in the Tatra National Park. Famous for its clear water and spectacular natural beauty, the lake is surrounded by the Carpathian mountain range. Visiting in spring or fall is best, as the trails can be very crowded during the summer months.
