Tatra Mountains Hiking Adventure in Poland and Slovakia

This itinerary is dependent on local weather conditions and adaptable to the ability level of the group. We will assess the weather during our tour and adapt our hikes as needed. In general, during good weather we can hike higher up in the mountains and during poor weather we prefer to stay lower. To put the difficulty into perspective, a modest uphill hike is perhaps 300 - 500 meters of elevation gain while over 1,000 meters gain would be more strenuous.

DAY 1

We meet in the city of Kraków in southern Poland and transfer to the storybook mountain town of Zakopane—Poland’s beloved gateway to the Tatry Mountains. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy lunch on your own—perhaps grab a hearty bowl of goulash or a fresh oscypek cheese from a market stall—before we lace up our boots for our first hike in the Tatra Mountains. We start the hike by walking up the gradual Strążyska Valley just outside Zakopane along a mountain stream. We reach a glade in the forest and turn along a ridge top trail. The incline increases, but the route is still moderate as we ascend to Czerwona Przełęcz (Red Pass) and then up to Sarnia Skała, a limestone peak offering excellent views of the High Tatra mountains above and Zakopane below. It is then down the Dolina Białego (White Valley), past the small Sarni Wodospad waterfall, and back to our car. This hike is the perfect introduction to the Tatras—two tranquil valleys, one rewarding summit, and endless alpine beauty. Tonight, we’ll toast our first day together at a traditional "mountain people" restaurant complete with a raucous, fun house band playing traditional music.

Main Hike: 8 kilometers with 495 meters of elevation gain

DAY 2

After breakfast, we set off just 15 minutes west of Zakopane to begin a full-day trek to the spectacular Czerwone Wierchy—Poland’s legendary “Red Peaks.” Our route takes us up the Dolina Kościeliska (Kościeliska Valley), a large green glacially-carved valley with a wide stone path. Once a hub for traditional sheep farming, before being incorporated into the Tatry National Park, the valley still holds rustic shepherd’s huts tucked into the landscape, quiet reminders of a bygone era. As we go further, we leave the open grasslands behind (along with many of the casual walkers out for a picnic) and ascend through wooded slopes. We pass Skała Piec, a peak with excellent views, before we reach the high mountains. Here we turn right on a path that serves as the border with Slovakia and hike past the four Red Peaks, including the highest, Kresanica, at 2,122 meters. We’ll pause for a trail lunch with a view, then descend via an entirely different route through another picturesque valley, completing an epic loop that showcases the wild and varied beauty of the Tatra National Park. The shorter route for today stays within the valley and reaches a mountain hut. Dinner tonight is at a local brewery where we can taste the product while eating Polish cuisine.

Main Hike: 15 kilometers with 1,373 meters elevation gain
Short Route Option: 6.5 kilometers with 344 meters elevation gain

DAY 3

After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and embark on one more hike in Poland before transferring to Slovakia. Our destination today is Kasprovy Wierch, a major peak in the Tatra Mountains that also houses Poland's largest and most famous ski resort. We have multiple hiking options today, but our primary route starts at the cable car station, heads to the left through a forest, and then enters the tundra of the higher elevations. We reach Hala Gąsienicowa, one of the most iconic alpine meadows in the Tatra Mountains, and pass the Murowaniec hut (more on that later). The trail steepens as we climb toward the summit of Kasprovy Wierch, where sweeping vistas stretch across two countries. After taking it all in, we descend back to Murowaniec for a well-earned alpine hut lunch, then complete the loop via a different, scenic valley trail. Feeling extra adventurous? Skip the hike up to Kasprovy Wierch and opt for an even more challenging trek to the peaks of Karb, Kościelec, and/or Granaty—serrated, jaw-dropping summits. Prefer to keep it mellow? Turn back at Murowaniec after lunch, or ride the cable car up and enjoy an easier downhill walk. After our hike, we will drive 1.5 hours into Slovakia, around the eastern edge of the Tatra, and to our mountain hotel for the night.

Main Hike: 15 KM and 1,069 meters elevation gain
Short Route 2 Option: 9.8 kilometers with 599 meters elevation gain
Long Route Option: 20 kilometers and 1,069 meters elevation gain

DAY 4

Today is our first hike in Slovakia! Our destination is a pair of crystal-clear alpine lakes tucked high in the mountains and surrounded by towering peaks. We begin our journey along the peaceful shores of Velický Lake, where a cascading waterfall tumbles from above. We then walk up Velický Valley, with four-peak Mount Bradavica overshadowing us on the right, and up and over the Poľský hrebeň (Polish Ridge). We soon reach the stark and beautiful Zamrznuté Pleso (Frozen Lake). This serene lake is surrounded by rocks and is often wrapped in ice, even late into the summer, hence why it's called "Frozen Lake." For those wanting a shorter day, this is a perfect turnaround point. But if you're up for more adventure, we continue down from the ridge to a second alpine gem: Litvorové Pleso. We’ll pause here for a trail lunch beneath the towering High Tatras and, afterward, we return with an optional short but steep jaunt up Vychodna Vysoka pak for views. It is then back to our cozy mountain lodge, where hot showers, a bit of rest, and a hearty Slovak buffet dinner await.

Main Hike: 10.7 kilometers with 1,092 meters of elevation gain
Short Route: 6.6 kilometers and 626 meters of elevation gain
Long Route: 11.7 kilometers and 1,191 meters of elevation gain

DAY 5

It’s our final day on the trail, and we’re making it count. We rise early and lace up our hiking shoes for one more breathtaking hike to the secluded Batizovské Pleso. Our trail begins in the opposite direction of yesterday’s route, weaving in and out of the tree line.The first part is relatively flat but about halfway to the lake we exit the trees and make a steep climb to the lake, which sits at the base of the long, wide, glacially-carved Batizovské valley. After the hike, we return for a quick shower and check out before saying goodbye to the Tatras and making our way back into Poland, onward to the cultural gem of Kraków. In the afternoon, we’ll dive into the city’s rich history on a guided walking tour, exploring the expansive Rynek Główny, the largest medieval square in Europe, the park that replaced the previous city walls, and the Jewish quarter. Tonight, we’ll celebrate our incredible journey with a festive final dinner in town, raising a glass to mountain lakes, new friends, and memories that will last long after we’ve unpacked our bags.

Hike: 6.7 kilometers with 297 meters of elevation gain

DAY 6

This morning, we say goodbye to Kraków and Poland. Flights depart throughout the day, taking you home to North America or onward to your next adventure.