winter
Avalanches in the Tatras: the rules that save lives
Avalanches in the Tatras do not forgive a rush. Check the bulletin, the weather, the ground and the decisions that help you get back safely from a ski tour or a hike.
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winterWhere to go in the Tatras in winter with children? 8 reliable places
See where to go in the Tatras in winter with children, safely: valleys, meadows and places in Slovakia, plus how to pick a route for a family day in good conditions.
planningTatra sights with little effort - 9 good ideas
Tatra sights with little effort: reliable places, cable cars and short walks when you want to see the mountains without a long hike or extra risk.
planningHow to plan a trip up Rysy without stupid mistakes
How to plan a trip up Rysy: the route, the weather, the kit, the fitness and the decisions that let you enjoy the summit without needless risk in the Polish Tatras.
autumnAutumn in the Tatras: how to plan routes without the traps
Autumn in the Tatras can give you quiet, colour and the first winter traps. See how to choose routes, what to wear, and why not to underestimate a sudden change in the weather.
gearHigh boots or low shoes for the Tatras?
High boots or low shoes for the Tatras? See when the ankle needs support, and when a lighter shoe makes more sense on a Tatra trail.
logisticsPlanning a Tatras trip without a car - what works?
Planning a Tatras trip without a car: getting there, where to stay, minibuses, queues and trails. See how to avoid getting stuck in Zakopane and set off into the mountains without the stress.
zakopaneKościelisko or Zakopane: where to stay?
Kościelisko or Zakopane for a stay? Check the drive, the crowds, the views and the convenience, and pick a base that matches your trails, budget and the kind of trip you actually want.
for familyCan children go up Kasprowy Wierch?
Can children go up Kasprowy Wierch? We look at the cable car, the trails, the weather and the rules, so a family trip does not end in stress in the Tatras in winter.
zakopane8 best viewpoints in Zakopane
The best viewpoints in Zakopane and nearby: 8 places for a Tatra panorama. Check the approach, the crowds, the weather, and pick a view that matches how you feel today.
planningScenic trails around Kasprowy Wierch
Scenic trails around Kasprowy Wierch, from Goryczkowa to the ridges. Check the cable car, the weather, the difficulty, and a sensible plan B for a day in the Tatras.
planningHow to read a Tatra tourist map without getting lost
How to read a Tatra tourist map: trail colours, contour lines, walking times, and the traps that help you avoid a bad decision before you leave the valley.
appsMountain apps: reviews before you set off into the Tatras
Mountain apps: reviews of maps, weather and rescue. What is actually worth having on your phone before a Tatra trail. Practical, and without the illusions.
planningHow to buy a TPN ticket online without getting stuck in the queue
See how to buy a TPN ticket online, pick the right entrance and time, and avoid queues, payment mistakes and the stress of sorting it out on the morning you set off.
planningIs Wołowiec hard? A look at the route to the summit
Is Wołowiec hard? See how much effort the climb takes, where the route wears you out, when to turn back, and how to plan the day with some sense.
safetyBears in Zakopane - what to do if you meet one
Bears in Zakopane: where you might meet one, how not to provoke the animal, and what to do on the trail if a bear stands in your way. Without the panic.
planningThe Kasprowy cable car - when does it run, and who is it for?
Check when the Kasprowy cable car runs, how weather and maintenance change the timetable, and how to plan the day so you are not standing for hours or walking into a July crowd.
safetyDo you need insurance in Slovakia? Mountain rescue guide
Find out whether you need insurance in Slovakia. The EHIC covers basic healthcare, but will not cover HZS mountain rescue or helicopter costs after an accident.
planningChains in the Tatras for beginners, without panic
Chains in the Tatras for beginners: how to judge a route, get through a hard section, and know when to turn back safely in bad weather and a crowd.
tipsTatra Parking, Buses & Trailhead Access. Complete Logistics Guide
Where to park in the Tatras and how to catch local buses? Practical guide to TPN online parking reservations, Kuźnice car restrictions, cash-only rules and Slovakia access.
planningHow long a mountain trail takes, without guesswork
The time on a trail sign is not a verdict. See what stretches it in the Tatras, and how to plan a route with a safe margin so summer stays calm.
planningWhen are trails closed in the Tatras? The dates
Check when trails close in the Tatras, which routes the limits cover, and how to plan a day so you do not hit a closed valley in season.
rankingThe most beautiful meadows of the Western Tatras - 7 routes
The most beautiful meadows of the Western Tatras mean views, quiet and strong goals for a day. Check the routes, the season, the effort and how to head out safely.
mountain hutsPolish Tatra mountain huts for a proper overnight stay
Polish Tatra mountain huts can shorten a route, but they need a booking and a sensible plan. See where to sleep and what not to underestimate in the Tatras.
- logistics
Parking at Palenica Białczańska - how to plan the drive
Parking at Palenica Białczańska: the drive, current rules, arrival times and a plan B when a long tourist queue is already waiting at the gate to Morskie Oko.
safetyA storm in the Tatras - what to do on the trail?
A storm in the Tatras - what to do on the trail? Check when to turn back, where to seek shelter and how to reduce the risk of a lightning strike in the mountains without panic.
slovakiaFees for Slovak trails: what do you actually pay?
Fees for Slovak trails: check when you pay for parking, a cable car and a night, and why a rescue can cost more than the whole Tatra trip.
gearWhat to take to the Tatras in summer? A list without the nonsense
What to take to the Tatras in summer? Check a list for valleys and high trails: clothing, water, a map, a first-aid kit and gear for a storm and a cold snap when the weather turns.
gearWhat to wear in the Tatras in summer - what to put on for the trail?
What to wear in the Tatras in summer without guessing: check layers, shoes, a jacket and a spare set that work in the valleys and high in the mountains on a hike.
tipsHow to avoid the crowds in the Tatras without getting up in the night
How to avoid the crowds in the Tatras: pick days, hours and trails, use Slovakia, and react sensibly to the weather, for the whole holiday.
slovakiaNew rules for entering the Slovak Tatras
New rules for entering the Slovak Tatras: what to check before you go, where restrictions apply, and how not to bounce off a closed trail without the nerves.
safetyOrla Perć - is it hard for a hiker?
Is Orla Perć hard? Learn about the exposure, chains, real effort and the conditions when it is wiser to pick another Tatra trail without forcing it.
tipsMorskie Oko: how long on foot? Real trail time
Morskie Oko: how long on foot? Check the real walk from Palenica, pace on the trail, stops, weather and a return plan without the summer rush and queues.
tipsLake Czorsztyn attractions for 1 day
Lake Czorsztyn attractions: castles, boat trips, Velo Czorsztyn and views. See what to pick, where to stop, and how to dodge the crowds in summer heat.
zakopaneAccommodation in Zakopane near the trails - where to sleep?
Accommodation in Zakopane near the trails: check where to sleep so you can set off early, skip the jams and match your base to real plans in the Tatras, with less morning chaos.
tipsHiking in the rain in the Tatras: safety
Hiking in the rain in the Tatras: safety, gear and decisions that help you get back without stupid risk, getting chilled, or wet frustration on the trail.
tipsCzerwone Wierchy - difficulty and the real risk
Czerwone Wierchy difficulty: check who this trail is for, how much fitness it takes, where the exposure is, and when it is wise to turn back before a summer storm.
for familyTrails with kids in the Tatras - 7 routes without the traps
Trails with kids in the Tatras: routes that do not overestimate their strength. Check times, difficulty, weather, pushchairs, crowds and the rules of a safe turnaround.
ranking7 beginner-friendly trails in the Tatras, without the stress
Beginner trails in the Tatras: proven valleys, lakes and viewpoints. Pick a destination, a start time and the right gear without the risky mistakes along the way.
safetyTatra weather - how to read the forecast before you go
Tatra weather can turn a good plan into a wet retreat. Learn how to read forecasts, spot a storm coming, and match your route to the conditions in the Tatras.
trails8 of the best Tatra trails for a good day
Eight Tatra trails for one specific day: difficulties and walking times. The full trail catalogue is separate — this is a shortlist, not a map of the whole park.
trip reportThe Tatras at full throttle and a cycling reset. Our 5-day marathon (and the drive back to Szczecin)
How do you squeeze the most out of a holiday when you have to drive across the whole of Poland? Here is our plan: 4 days of hard hiking in the Tatras and 1 day of cycling chill by Lake Czorsztyn to loosen up the knees.
for beginnersTrial by fire. How do you take a friend into the Tatras without ruining your friendship?
You are in iron shape and want to show your friend or partner the beauty of the Tatras? Before you drag them onto Orla Perć in trainers, read how to plan the trip so they do not come home in tears.
planning15 tabs open in your browser? How to plan a Tatras trip without losing your mind
You look up a trail, then a hotel, then tickets for the thermal baths... and suddenly you have 20 tabs open. See how from today you can do it all in one place, over your morning coffee.
weatherSun in Zakopane, a storm on Kasprowy. Why do the mountains lie about the weather?
You check an app: sunshine and 25°C. You reach the top and suddenly you are running from lightning. Learn how to read weather forecasts in the Tatras and why the “before noon” rule can save your life.
winterCrampons or microspikes? How to prepare your gear for a winter trip in the Tatras
Microspikes for valleys, crampons and an ice axe for steep summits, merino layers and gloves. The winter gear you need for hiking in the Tatras.
affiliateHeat at the bottom, a fridge at the summit. How should you dress for the Tatras so you do not ruin the trip?
A sunny morning in Zakopane is the worst advisor when you are packing your backpack. See how the layering system works and why one clothing mistake can turn a summit hike into a nightmare.
pieninyI betrayed the Tatras for the Pieniny. We did Sokolica and Trzy Korony in one day (with bikes!)
What to do when you are tired of the crowds under Giewont? Head to Szczawnica. Here is our plan for the perfect loop: hike up to the most famous peaks and cycle back along the Dunajec Gorge.
foodI ate, I paid, and I didn’t go broke. Where to eat after hiking in Zakopane?
You hiked for 10 hours and you could eat a horse with hooves? Here’s what to try in Podhale without falling for tourist traps on Krupówki — and what’s actually worth paying for.
gearMountain backpacks: Why your old school backpack will ruin your holiday
A gym sack on Rysy? A cube backpack from high school in the Kościeliska Valley? See why a good backpack matters as much as boots — and how to choose one without wasting money.
easy routesWant the High Tatras but scared of chains? The easiest rocky summits
Do you dream of “real”, sharp, rocky mountains, but the thought of exposure and chains makes your legs shake? Here’s a list of summits you’ll reach like climbing stairs — without climbing gear.
gearMountain gear: What you can save on and what’s worth paying extra for
A 2,000 zł jacket for a walk in the Kościeliska Valley? Overkill. But market boots on Świnica? That’s asking for trouble. Here’s what to cut costs on — and what to splurge on.
photographyWhy are your Tatra photos boring? 5 simple smartphone photo tricks
You’re standing on Szpiglasowy Wierch, the view takes your breath away, you take a photo... and on your screen it’s a flat, grey blob. See how to take smartphone photos in the Tatras so your friends on Instagram drop their jaws.
easy routesQuick picks: 5 short Tatras trails when you only have half a day
You arrived Friday afternoon? You’re leaving in the morning, but you still want to feel the mountains? Or you just overslept? Here are 5 short but spectacular Tatras trails you can do “in one go”.
culture5 Types of Tourists You’ll Meet on the Trail (And Would Prefer to Avoid)
The mountains are a great place to reset your head... as long as you’re not following someone who turned their backpack into a nightclub. With a wink, we check who’s conquering the Tatras in summer.
appsDid Your Phone Battery Die on the Trail? How to Survive With Your Phone in the Mountains
Your phone is your map, flashlight, camera, and emergency call all in one. What happens when you see 1% battery in the middle of the Czerwone Wierchy? Here’s how to get the most out of your phone.
budgetHow Much Does a Day in the Tatras Really Cost? Hidden Costs and "Receipt of Doom"
Afraid of "receipt of doom"? A trip to the Tatras can cost 30 zł or 500 zł per day. See where your money disappears, how much mountain-hut food costs, and why small change in your pocket can save the day.
tipsWhy Do Traffic Jams Form in the Tatras? The Anatomy of a Mountain Crowd
Spending two hours in a queue for a chain is normal in the Tatras in summer. Where do mountain traffic jams come from, where are they guaranteed, and what can you do to avoid spending your holiday in a human snake?
safetySolo in the Tatras: Madness, courage, or the best decision you'll ever make?
Friends cancelled the trip and you've got a free weekend? Here's why heading into the hills alone isn't a death sentence, how to do it with your brain switched on, and where to start so you're not gambling with luck.
safetyBlisters, "power cuts," and raw skin. 5 tricks that will save your holiday
Did your boots rub your heel raw on the first kilometer? Did you suddenly lose all energy and cannot take another step? See how to handle the most common physical mishaps in the mountains without calling TOPR.
mountain hutsMountain huts in the Tatras: Where is the best food, and where do you feel the real mountains?
Morskie Oko, Murowaniec, or Ornak? Which hut feels like a train station, and where can you still feel the magic of old-school alpine outings? A subjective guide to Tatras buffets and overnight stays.
safetyWhat should you really fear in the Tatras? (It is not bears)
Worried that a bear will eat you on the trail or that you will fall into a ravine? We check the GOPR/TOPR statistics. The real killers in the mountains look completely different.
tipsToilets on the trail: A taboo subject we need to talk about
“When nature calls, nature calls. But what do you do when there’s nothing but rocks around you and the next mountain hut is three hours away? How do you relieve yourself in the mountains without damaging the environment or burning with embarrassment?”
weatherWhat to Do in Zakopane (and Around It) When the Weather Turns Bad
Rain in Zakopane? Valleys you can still walk, caves, thermal baths, the TPN Nature Education Centre and the Tatra Museum. 5 ways to save a rainy day.
mountain hutsYour first night in a hostel: What the guidebooks don’t tell you (but it’s worth knowing)
Sleeping in a room with 15 strangers, no hot water and a scramble for boiling water? A night in a Tatra mountain hut is an adventure you need to be prepared for
tipsThe Tatra Mountains without the crowds in the middle of the summer holidays? 5 tried-and-tested tips (and trails)
Does Morskie Oko remind you of Krupówki, and are you stuck in a traffic jam on Giewont? It can be avoided. Find out how and where to go so you can hear your own thoughts in the middle of August.
winterThe Tatra Mountains in winter: Why is your ‘easy summer trail’ now a deadly trap?
You’ve been to Giewont in the summer, so it’ll be a piece of cake in the winter? Think again. See how snow changes the game in the Tatras and when ‘ordinary’ crampons just aren’t enough.
cultureCulture on the trail: How not to annoy others (and animals)?
To say ‘hello’ or not? Who has right of way on the chains? And why is a drone the worst idea in a national park? A quick guide to mountain etiquette.
slovakiaPoland vs Slovakia: Where to go in the Tatras? A big clash between neighbours
Crowds on Giewont or empty slopes (and high prices) in Slovakia? Kwaśnica or Vyprážaný syr? We’re finding out which side of the Tatras to choose so you won’t regret your holiday.
appsYour phone in the mountains: 5 apps you must install before you set off
Which apps to install before hiking the Tatras: an offline trail map, the Ratunek rescue app, a storm radar, a summit forecast and the TPN e-ticket.
for familyThe Tatra Mountains with a pushchair? Top 10 routes where you won’t lose a wheel
Do you think that with a baby in the Tatra Mountains, all you’ll be doing is strolling down Krupówki Street? Nonsense. Here’s a list of trails where you can take your pushchair, work up a sweat and see the ‘real’ mountains.
- kasprowy wierch
5 things you never knew about Kasprowy Wierch
Kasprowy Wierch is not just about the cable car and skiing. This mountain has its own history, its own secrets and its own records. Here are a few facts you can impress your friends with whilst queuing for the cable car.
autumnAutumn in the Tatra Mountains
Hiking the Tatras in September and October: red grass on the Czerwone Wierchy, seas of mist, fewer crowds, plus short days and freezing evenings to plan for.
foodGastro-Tatras: What should you eat at the mountain hut to make sure you don’t regret it?
Apple pie in Dolina Pięciu Stawów or sour soup in Murowaniec? Pork chop or pancakes? A brief guide to the best food at an altitude of 1,500 metres above sea level.
inspirationFrom the Valley to Rysy. The Tatra Development Path – how to plan for progress?
Many people make this mistake: they visit the Tatra Mountains for the first time and immediately set out to tackle Orla Perć or Rysy. The result?
tipsThe 7 deadly sins of tourists in the Tatra Mountains (and how to avoid them)
Setting off at 11:00? Jeans? Music blaring from your speakers? Find out how to avoid embarrassing yourself (and getting into trouble) in the mountains. A short, no-nonsense guide.
gearWhat to pack for a summer trip to the Tatra Mountains? A checklist
What should you pack in your rucksack so you don’t have to lug a ton of stuff around, but still stay warm? A tried-and-tested list of things that really come in handy (and those you can leave at home).
kasprowy wierchThe queue for Kasprowy: How can you avoid queuing for four hours?
Legend has it that some people are still standing in Kuźnice to this day. Find out how to avoid the crowds, buy a cheaper ticket, and why the touts outside the station are a bad idea.
- transport
Busy Zakopane: Buses, traffic jams, and hidden stops. How to get around?
Where do the shuttles to Kuźnice depart from? How much does the ticket cost and why don’t drivers like card payments? A short guide to getting around Zakopane without your own car.
A short break in the Tatra Mountains – September 2024
A report on our September trip to the Tatra Mountains. Our itinerary, ambitious goals and adventures on the trails.
Popular trails
Difficulty: ModerateWestern TatrasGiewont from Strążyska
Start: Dolina Strążyska · via Polana Strążyska and Przełęcz w Grzybowcu
- 3:15 h
- Time
- 6 km
- Distance
- +1014 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: ModerateWestern TatrasKasprowy Wierch
Start: Kuźnice · via High-mountain observatory (IMGW) and The highest restaurant
- 5:31 h
- Time
- 12.9 km
- Distance
- +986 m
- Ascent
Difficulty: EasyWestern TatrasDolina Kościeliska (The Kościeliska Valley)
Start: Kiry · via Mroźna and Mylna Caves and Kraków Gorge
- 2:59 h
- Time
- 11.1 km
- Distance
- +355 m
- Ascent
Latest galleries
Gubałówka on foot
September 2026
Dolina Kościeliska and Pawlikowski's window
September 2026
Velo Czorsztyn
September 2026