Trek the Polish Tatra Mountains
The impressive Tatra Mountains take centre stage on this walking holiday in Poland – and they’re one challenge every walker wants to tick off the list. The crowning glory of the Carpathian Mountain range rises to heights of up to 2,000 metres and over 300 peaks form a formidable border with neighbouring Slovakia. You’ll have the chance to ascend the scenic Boczan Ridge via the rugged Karb Pass and Black Lake, climb the popular summit of Glewont, and take a cable car ride over the borderlands. And given the park’s status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, there’s the chance to spot chamois, wild lynx, and even Carpathian brown bears, too.
What you’ll love
- Exploring the best of the Tatra Mountains on foot
- Reaching the summit of Wolowiec in Tatra National Park
- Crossing the border to walk in neighbouring Slovakia
- A host of wildlife-spotting opportunities
- Sampling Polish food and drink in charming Zakopane
- Visiting rustic Polish villages
What’s included
- Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
- HF Holidays Tour Manager
- Comfortable accommodation
- Half-board (breakfast and evening meal)
- All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
- Air-conditioned transport
- Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Welcome to the Radisson Blu. Unpack and settle in.
Option 1 - Kopieniec
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 1 350 feet (400m)
In summary: A short bus ride takes us to Toporowa Cyrhla where we’ll set off on our walk through the village and forest towards a mountain clearing. We’ll summit Wielki Kopieniec (1,328 m) and be rewarded with views towards the Polish Tatra Mountains. We’ll descend for lunch at Olczyska, then climb to Nosalowa Pass and descend again to Kuźnice. Finally, we’ll walk back to the hotel alongside the Bystra River.
Highlight: The views from Wielki Kopieniec.
Option 2 - Black Lake
Distance: 9.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 2 300 feet (700m)
In Summary: From Kuźnice we’ll set off into Tatra National Park. Ascending the Boczań ridge up to the wide pass at Między Kopami, we’ll enjoy far-reaching views down towards town. We’ll visit the hut at Murowaniec for refreshments before striding out to take in Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy (the Black Lake) - the perfect spot for lunch. We’ll then retrace our steps into Jaworzynka Valley and back to Kuźnice.
Highlight: The beautiful Black Lake.
Option 1 - Przysłop Miętusi and Droga pod Reglami
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 1 350 feet (460m)
In summary: This walk starts at Kiri, a park entrance to the west of the town. We takes in two valleys, crossing a low pass with attractive mountain pasture in between. We walk back to the hotel along the track on the edge of the National Park with extensive views towards the town.
Highlight: Enjoy stunning mountain scenery.
Option 2 - Giewont from Kuźnice
Distance: 9 miles (15km)
Ascent: 3 120 feet (950m)
In summary: An early start allows us to reach this popular summit before the crowds. The walk ascends via the Kondratowej hut before reaching the summit with its large steel cross. We return to the hotel via the national park boundary path.
Highlight: The final scramble to the summit using fixed chains - exciting but achievable!
Both parties go by bus to Kuźnice and take the cable car to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch at 1987 m., on the border between Poland and Slovakia. Outstanding views of both parts of the Tatras will open out as both parties walk the short distance to the summit of Beskid (2012 m).
Option 1 - Kasprowy Wierch by cable car & Kalatówki
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 1 500 feet (450m)
In summary: Once we’ve returned to Kuźnice by cable car, we’ll continue on a cobbled track to the Kalatówki mountain hotel for lunch. We’ll return on a smaller path through the forest, winding our way over a low ridge before descending through picture-perfect Białego Valley (or White Creek Valley) back to the hotel.
Highlight: The beautiful White Creek Valley
Option 2 - Kasprowy Wierch by cable car & Kopa Kondracka
Distance: 9 miles (14.5km)
Ascent: 1 700 feet (530m)
In summary: Once we’ve gone up Kasprowy Wierch by cable car we’ll turn west along the undulating ridge to reach Kopa Kondracka (2,500m). Our route then reverses to the col and descends to the Kondratowa refuge for refreshments and back to Kuźnice.
Highlight: Walking the undulating ridge to Kopa Kondracka.
Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include:
Hotel: Relax in the hotel and surrounds.
Zakopane: Visit the old cemetery where all the prominent people of the area are buried including artists and writers, plus the Tatra Museum which was founded in 1875 and is one of the oldest regional museums in Poland. Have lunch in the centre of town and then visit the bustling street market and taste the traditional smoked cheese. The Zakopane-style timber architecture is very interesting, including several wooden churches.
Dunajec River rafting: Spend the day rafting on the Dunajec River. This will give you a chance to view the mighty limestone cliffs while sailing down the river. You may have a chance to spot some rare bird species, such as the Black Stork. Packages can be booked including the transport from the hotel and rafting fees. There are some sightseeing opportunities to the Niedzica dam and castle on the journey.
Krakow: Visit the oldest city in Poland, and the capital from 1038 to 1569. Its architecture extends across Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque, including the Wawel Catherdral and the Royal Castle on the banks of the Vistula River. It has the largest medieval market square in Europe and also is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. You can go by train (3½ hours) but the quickest journey is by bus (2 hours). English speaking tours are available in the city.
Option 1 - Rusinowa Polana
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 660 feet (220m)
In summary: After a bus ride to Wierch Poroniec, we’ll enjoy a gentle walk through the woods to Rusinowa Polana, a clearing dotted with shepherds’ huts and flocks of sheep. It’s also bestowed with great views over the High Tatras. We’ll visit a chapel in the Valley of Golden Creek and the Mickiewicz waterfalls, named after the great Polish romantic poet.
Highlight: The beautiful Mickiewicz waterfalls.
Option 2 - Five Polish Lakes
Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)
Ascent: 2 200 feet (670m)
In summary: A bus will take us to Palenica Białczańska before we make our way to the Mickiewicz waterfalls. Up in Roztoka Valley, we’ll be able to admire the Siklawa waterfall, the biggest in the Tatras. Then, we’ll head along Siklawa up to the Valley of Five Polish Lakes and visit the highest refuge in the Polish Tatras at 1,670 m for lunch. We’ll return to the bottom of Roztoka valley via an alternative trail.
Highlight: Soaking up the atmosphere of the mountains while relaxing at the refuge.
Option 1 - Strbske Pleso and Popradske Pleso
Distance: 7.5 miles (12km)
Ascent: 1 350 feet (400m)
In summary: A bus will take us to the Strbske Pleso ski resort where we’ll walk around the lake before climbing towards the higher lake, Popradske Pleso via a balcony path with fine views. Here we’ll have lunch at a hut then walk around the lake and return to the bus via a different path.
Highlight: The mountains reflecting in the lake at Strbske Pleso.
Option 2 - Plesnivec Hut and White Lakes Valley
Distance: 12.5 miles (20km)
Ascent: 3 200 feet (980m)
In summary: Enjoy a long but beautiful walk in Slovakia. Once we’ve travelled by bus to Tatranska Kotlina we’ll walk up the Valley of Seven Springs, visiting the Chata Plesnivec hut on the way. Climbing further up, we’ll reach the Valley of White Lakes where we’ll stop for lunch and then keep ascending to a high pass (Kopske Sedlo) and descend down along Zadne Med’odoly valley to Javorina – the last Slovakian village before Polish border.
Highlight: The sense of achievement from reaching Kopske Sedlo.
Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences - Zakopane
Just a short stroll from the centre of Zakopane, the Radisson Blue is a perfect base for exploring Poland’s Tatra Mountains. Stylish rooms come kitted out with wooden floors and warm colours, while facilities include two restaurants and a café. There’s also an indoor pool, well-equipped gym, a hot tub, and a sauna.
Rooms
The hotel has 158 comfortable modern en-suite bedrooms.
All rooms have:
- TV
- Room safe
- Hairdryer
- Tea/coffee making facilities
About your stay
There are 2 Restaurants, Scottish themed bar and a bar in the lobby.
There is a wellness centre with state-of-the art Gym, swimming pool, hot tub and sauna.
Food & drink
Our holidays at Radisson Hotel are on a Half Board basis and include breakfast and evening meal.
Breakfast
The hotel offers a buffet including fruit juices, fruit, selection of breads & cakes, cereal, tea and coffee.
Lunch (payable locally)
You can buy ingredients from the shops in town. On certain days it may be possible to eat in a local café. Your leader will advise.
Evening meal
Dinner is served in the Modrzejowa Restaurant.
Drinks
The hotel's bars serve a selection of wines, beers and other refreshing drinks.
Getting to Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences - Zakopane
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
30 Jun - 07 Jul 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,950 £1,850 Double from £1,649 £1,549 pp |
from £1,649 £1,549 pp |
from £1,950 £1,850 |
Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
07 Jul - 14 Jul 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,950 Double from £1,649 pp |
from £1,649 pp |
from £1,950 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
01 Sep - 08 Sep 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
|
08 Sep - 15 Sep 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport Single from £1,750 Double from £1,449 pp |
from £1,449 pp |
from £1,750 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
30 Jun - 07 Jul 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,550 £1,450 Double from £1,249 £1,149 pp |
from £1,249 £1,149 pp |
from £1,550 £1,450 |
Save £100 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
07 Jul - 14 Jul 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,550 Double from £1,249 pp |
from £1,249 pp |
from £1,550 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
|
01 Sep - 08 Sep 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire | Trip Notes | ||||
|
08 Sep - 15 Sep 2024 8 nights |
Itinerary Single from £1,500 Double from £1,199 pp |
from £1,199 pp |
from £1,500 |
Trip Notes | Book Now | |||
Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Krakow Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
8 nights
from
£1,449pp
with flights
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here
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