When is the season for hut-to-hut hiking in Tatra Mountains?

The best season to hike the Tatra Mountains is typically from late spring to early fall ( June to September ). This period offers warmer weather, clearer skies , and the full bloom of alpine flora , enhancing the trekking experience with breathtaking landscapes. Trails are more accessible, and the risk of snow and ice is lower, making it safer for all types of hikers. It's also an excellent time for wildlife observation. However, always check local weather conditions and trail updates before planning your hike.

What do fitness and technical difficulty mean?

Our tours are graded on a scale from 1 to 5 to assess their level of difficulty - 1 being the least challenging and 5 the most. This rating helps you understand the fitness level required and the extent of hiking involved. Suitable for those who engage in regular physical activity, most tours demand five to seven hours of trekking daily. " Technical difficulty " refers to the skill level necessary to navigate the trails. A rating of 1 indicates easy, wide paths akin to gravel roads, whereas a 5 suggests rough, irregular terrain requiring the use of hands for progression. Essentially, a higher rating necessitates greater balance and proficiency in navigating complex trails.

How far in advance do I need to book the tour?

Booking your tour early is essential, as accommodations along the trail tend to be reserved quickly. This ensures you secure your accommodation in advance.

What if I can’t continue the tour?

Although the trails often run near farms or small villages , some are located in more secluded areas where it’s just not possible to stop. If you sustain an injury, it’s best to contact local emergency services. However, there's no need for excessive concern. The trails you'll be on are well-rodden , ensuring you won't be left alone in case of an incident. However, if you simply find yourself unable to continue hiking, it's possible to stop your journey, take a rest in some of the nearby mountain huts and then proceed your way back or to the nearest village.

Do mountain huts have showers?

Mountain huts in the Tatra Mountains provide basic amenities to hikers, including beds, meals, and in some cases, showers. Always bring wet wipes just in case.

Do I need a sleeping bag?

There’s no need to bring your sleeping bag, as the huts provide pillows and blankets. However, still bring your sleeping liner.

Is there cell reception in the mountains? Do huts have wi-fi?

Cell reception in the mountains fluctuates greatly. Generally, if a town is in sight, you're likely to have a signal. This holds true for mountain huts as well; you might need to step outside to find a connection. As for Wi-Fi, it's hit or miss, with only a select few huts offering access, and many without.

Can I pay by card in the huts?

This variability extends to payment methods as well, with only a few huts accepting card payments . So, just to be safe, it’s always important to carry cash with you during your trek.

What to do in case of bad weather?

In the event of bad weather, properly dressing can allow for progress in light rain. However, avoid hiking during storm warnings. If adverse conditions arise, public transportation can be used to proceed to your next destination and compensate for any delays.

The Highlights of Polish Tatras

4 days / 3 nights

1/9

Show all 9 photos

Dive into the heart of the Tatra Mountains with a 4-day hiking tour, featuring top highlights in this UNESCO-protected region in Poland.

Starting point

Zakopane

Finish point

Zakopane

Season

From July to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Dive into the heart of the Tatra Mountains with a 4-day hiking tour, featuring top highlights in this UNESCO-protected region in Poland.

Starting point

Zakopane

Finish point

Zakopane

Season

From July to October

Technical level

3/5

Fitness level

3/5

Tour type

Hut-to-Hut

Marvel the traditional architecture of the picturesque resort town Zakopane
Explore the unique beauty of the Valley of Five Lakes
Uncover the legends of Tatrasâ iconic Morskie Oko lake
Marvel at the impressive view of the highest peak of Tatra Mountains
Immerse yourself in the majesty of UNESCO-protected natural wonders

Itinerary of the trip

Begin your journey in Zakopane, a charming mountain town at the heart of the Tatra range. Stroll through streets lined with wooden chalets, known for their traditional Zakopane-style architecture, explore the vibrant Krupówki Street, and taste local delicacies.

As the sun sets, the town's vibrant nightlife comes alive. Enjoy a hearty meal of local specialties, such as Oscypek cheese, and rest up for the exciting days ahead.

Gallery

After breakfast, board a bus to Palenica Białczańska, the starting point of your trek into the heart of the Tatra National Park.

Today, you'll journey through the Valley of Five Lakes, considered to be the most scenic valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The path weaves through lush meadows and dense pine forests, passing Wielka Siklawa, the highest waterfall in Polish Tatras, before opening up to breathtaking views of a series of five stunning lakes.

Your final destination is Morskie Oko, the largest and fourth-deepest lake in the Tatra Mountains, located at an impressive altitude of 1,395 meters. You will spend the night in a mountain hut next to the lake, guarded by the highest peak in the Polish Tatras, Rysy.

Hiking

13 km and 955 m of elevation gain / 545 m of elevation loss

Gallery

Rise early to witness the sunrise casting golden hues over Morskie Oko and listen to the folklore stories about the "Eye of the Sea", suggesting an underground tunnel linking the lake directly to the sea.

After breakfast you can make a 3,5-kilometer lap around the lake before you head back and make your descent through the stunning array of landscapes. On the trail you can make some new discoveries, from hidden waterfalls to the curious wildlife of the Tatras. Upon reaching Palenica Białczańska, you'll catch the bus back to Zakopane.

The evening is yours to reflect on your adventure, perhaps celebrating with a traditional Polish feast and tales of the trail.

Hiking

8.5 km and 30 m of elevation gain / 420 m of elevation loss

Gallery

On your final day, the beauty of Zakopane beckons for one last exploration. Take a leisurely walk through the local markets, where artisans sell their crafts, or enjoy a quiet moment in one of the many cafes. Depending on your departure time, you can also explore Dunajec River, for a traditional wooden boat ride.

Gallery

FREE ITINERARY

Get Your Travel Itinerary

Loved the itinerary? Enter your email below, and we'll send a copy straight to your inbox.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR TRIP

Want to make some changes?

Tailor made holidays - let uss know what works for you and we will make it happen.

Customize your holiday

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

2x Accommodations with half-board in Zakopane

1x Accommodations with half-board in Morskie Oko mountain hut

Entrance fee to Tatra Mountains National Park

Tour design and organization

A booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions

24/7 support during your tour

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Single supplement

Take a 4-day journey that shines a light on the Polish Tatra Mountains, a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage, often overshadowed by its Slovakian counterpart yet equally magnificent.

Your self-guided journey will begin in a picturesque town Zakopane, which offers a blend of rich culture, traditional wooden architecture, and a scenic backdrop that looks lifted from a fairy tale. From here you will venture into the UNESCO-protected Tatra National Park, where the High Tatras unfold before you as you hike up to the must-visit spots for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike.

The well-marked trail will lead you to the most famous lake in Tatras, Morskie Oko, via the most scenic route in Polish Tatras, featuring the stunning beauty of the highest waterfall in Poland and a series of five pristine lakes.

The trek is moderate in difficulty, as a part of the trail features steep steps and uneven stones. As such, it demands a reasonable level of physical fitness and hiking experience to be able to hike 2-6 hours daily.

Please note, that there is a small entry fee to the Polish Tatras: 5-day pass costs 50 zł or 11,53 €.

Our commitment to you goes beyond the trails. We will book your accommodation, provide you with a detailed itinerary, and equip you with GPS navigation through a user-friendly app. Local recommendations and logistical support are part of our package, ensuring a hassle-free adventure.

Ready to take the plunge into Poland's natural beauty?

Start planning today!

The sooner the better - guaranteed availability and best prices if you don't wait for too long.

Inquire now

Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating

+17

Leslie Nelken

Verified customer · 1 month ago

Hut-to-Hut set up our accommodations and routes to hike in the High Tatras of Slovakia. Everything went very smoothly. The app with the description for each day and the GPS trail guidance went perfectly. The packing list and links to weather and emergency sites were easily accessible.

Show all 3 photos

Alex R

Verified customer · 1 month ago

A fantastic 10 day hike in Slovenia. The customer service could not have been better when we had to change our start date at short notice. Similarly when one of the passes was closed on the hiking trail the automatically organised a bus transfer to take us to the next point at no additional costs. Again when one of the hotels was ‘problematic’ and demanded we pay (despite this being booked through the company) they were on the phone in minutes and had forwarded through a refund within 24hrs. As for the hike - simply stunning!

Show all 3 photos

Satu Taiminmäki

Verified customer · 1 month ago

Communications with Hut-to-hut personnel was pleasant, quick and helpful. The initial guidelines for preparing for the trip (what to bring and so on) was necessarily thorough for a first timer in the Alps. The description of each days' journey was helpful in preparing for planning your food and drinks. The gps app was good to check your whereabouts. I would have found an estimate for the duration of each journey beforehand helpful yet I understand that it can be difficult as we all fare differently. For a healthy female in her late 40's with moderate physical status (meaning 2-3 times of gym per week and brisk daily walking/bicycle instead of jogging or running) a trip of rating 3/5 in challenging was pretty rough yet doable. My 16yrs old son not doing much aerobic training adabted quickly to the needs of that trip. Just to give a reference if anyone is wondering what the ratings might mean to them. 😊 All in all so happy we did this and a big thank you for the Hut-to-hut crew!

Birgit Kindler

Verified customer · 1 year ago

We had a lovely hike today with our guide Klemen. He personalized the tour on our needs and interests, so that we saw places we wouldn't without his experience. The hike was a little bit slippery after the rain from the last days and it went a lot upwards, but it was totally worth it! Thanks again :)

Show all 3 photos

Claudia Ossa

Verified customer · 2 years ago

9 day hiking trip including rafting and mountain biking. Sadly the weather didn’t help, we had a lot of rain, but Klemen modified our plans, making it a great experience after all. Klemen is an excellent guide and I highly recommend him!!!

Show all 5 photos

Ann Swainson

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Thank you so much for a fantastic trip. It was absolutely stunning, well organised, and a brilliant trip. Special thanks to Jan for his kindness & support on what was a personally challenging trek.

Show all 3 photos