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The Tatra Mountains are part of the Carpathian Range
and run across the Polish-Slovakian border with about one
quarter of the mountains in Poland. This beautiful area is
geographically diverse and offers a wide range of recreational
activities in all seasons. The granite peaks provide a wide
variety of hikes as well as good skiing in the winter. Surrounded
by picturesque valleys with the emerald Lake Morskie Oko
nearby, many are content to enjoy the views of the alpine-like
mountains as they cycle around the town or simply sit beside
a pool in the summer. For those who are seeking a bit more
of an adventure, the Tatras are full of accessible trails
for all different levels of trekking, along with guided mountaineering
tours and paragliding operations for the fearless.
Where to go and how to get there
The Polish side of the mountains can be reached most easily
from the lively town of Zakopane, which is about two
hours by car from Krakow, and provides a myriad of
resources for exploring the area. There are minibuses that
go from the town to the trails and valleys in the Tatras,
as well as a range of accommodations and restaurants.
Zakopane is the most crowded during holiday periods and winter
weekends. If you want to avoid the crowds, there are also
lodging options in the surrounding villages. On the Slovakian
side, Stary Smokovec is the place from which to base
your adventure and also has hotels and campsites available.
To get there, you can take the train via Poprad from Bratislava.
When to go
The time of year you decide to go to the Tatras depends on
what activities you want to do there. From December to May
is ski season and from May to September is the time to go
hiking or just relax around the lakes.
Equipment
Most important for hiking is a pair of high-topped hiking
boots. Most injuries that occur in the Tatras are reportedly
a result of inadequate footwear. Protecting yourself against
the cold is also a concern in the colder months so a hat,
coat, and enough liquid and food are essential. In summer,
you should also have a windbreaker or raincoat with you.
Things to see and do
Trekking
There is a wide range of hikes in the Tatras, for everyone
from families to the expert trekker. The trails are generally
well marked and often have metal bars, ladders and chains
in areas that may be a bit more difficult to navigate. This
allows even those who are not experienced hikers to enjoy
many of the trails with scenic views. There is also a cable
car that runs from Kuznice, which is two miles south
of Zakopane, to the summit of Mt. Kaspowy Wierch for
a spectacular view in the winter or summer. If you take the
cable car up during the summer, you can explore the area at
the top for most of the day which includes a lot of the great
mountain ridges as well as the beautiful Orla Perc
(Eagle's Path). Be warned though, that the summer months bring
a hot sun and long lines for the cable car.
For those who want a relaxing, easy hike surrounded by scenic
views and wildlife, try exploring the Chocholowska and
Koscieliska Valleys or the Dolina Strazyska and
the Regle dales. If hiking in the Dolina Strazyska,
there is the waterfall Siklawa which rushes down rocks
from the direction of the Giewont Peak, which can be
used as a destination point. The Morskie Oko (Sea Eye)
lake and the Czarny Staw Lake are also great areas
for hiking, climbing and gorgeous views. If you want a greater
challenge, you can tackle the Rysy Peak, the highest
peak in Poland for a view of hundreds of peaks and twelve
major lakes. This is a more serious climb and hikers should
pay attention to equipment and weather conditions. The trek
can be done in one day or you can stay at a mountain hut on
the way. If you want to attempt the highest peak in the Tatras,
which is in Slovakia, you have to be with a guide or be an
"organized climber," which entails going to the
mountain guides in Slovakia and registering as someone who
is part of a mountaineering club and has experience. You also
must have the correct gear.
Skiing
In the winter, there are four major ski operations in the
Zakopane area that have an extended ski season which runs
into early May. Mt. Kasprowy Wierch is the most famous
ski area in Poland while Antalowka and Gubalowka are good
for beginners. Mt. Nosal has a well known slalom slope
for advanced skiers and there is a natural ski jump at Wielka
Krokiew which has smaller jumps off to the side. Cross
country skiing is also available and is usually done on the
Droga pod Reglami trail or on the slopes of the Gubalowka
and Cyrhla hills.
Wildlife
The logo of the Tatra National Park is a Tatra Mountain
Chamois, a sub-species of the mountain antelope, sometimes
called a "mountain goat." There are rarely seen
in the winter but often spotted near trails in the summer
months. There are also marmots, deer, boars, lynx, and
birds of prey to look out for. More intimidating, are
the brown bears that live in the Tatra region. They
are generally not a threat to hikers but there is a small
percentage that have become accustomed to feeding out of trash
bins near mountain lodges causing them to lose their natural
shyness, and becoming a threat to tourists. This is not a
major problem although tourists may want to read up on these
animals just in case they happen upon a rare sighting.
Other activities
If you want to do something active other than hiking, there
are caves to explore in the Koscieliska Valley and
paragliding and biking are also available in the region. Zakopane,
besides being a source of accommodation, is also a Gorale
cultural center.
This area is well known in Poland for the Polish highlander's
unique culture which is seen in their traditional clothing,
music, wood carvings, and ornately carved wooden houses. If
wandering around town or taking a break from the cold, stop
in a local haunt to sample some oscypek (cheese made
from sheep's milk) and Goral tea (tea with spirits).
In the winter, you can take sleigh rides on top of the mountain
ridges.
Trekking tip
It is important to note that although you can physically cross
from Poland into Slovakia through the mountains, it is officially
illegal and you could cause yourself a lot of immigration
problems if you are not a European Union citizen. Also, the
national parks in both countries are very strict about their
many rules, and only organized climbers on either side are
allowed to go off the marked trails. |
