Winter Hiking Guide to the Tatra Mountains: Best Trails and Breathtaking Views Near Zakopane
- ptakuyap15
- 2022年5月21日
- 読了時間: 5分
更新日：10月8日
The Tatra mountain region, located on the border between Poland and Slovakia, is a popular destination that attracts many hikers year-round. In this blog, I’ve shared my experience of enjoying a winter hike in the Tatras.
1.About ZAKOPANE
Zakopane is a beautiful town located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, and on clear days, you can enjoy views of the mountain range even from within the town.
It’s easily accessible, and the city center is more developed than I expected, with shopping malls and well-known brand stores lining the streets. In addition to restaurants and bars, there are hospitals and mobile phone companies, making it seem quite convenient for daily life.
However, rent appears to be slightly higher than in other areas, so it’s worth looking into.
I’ve also introduced more about Zakopane in this blog.
Zakopane is also a town where the culture of the Goral people—often referred to as the “Mountain People”—remains deeply rooted.
You can experience their unique dialect, traditional clothing, music, and dance. The town is filled with wooden houses, giving it a charming atmosphere that I personally loved.
I stayed in an Airbnb located on the outskirts. A bit far from the central bus station, restaurants or supermarkets but I really liked how close to trailheads and the quiet environment.
I noticed the fridge in the communal kitchen had many travel magnets of various destinations in Poland and most of them were somewhere near the sea.
I told the airbnb owner that I am so jealous of her living in the quiet environment near the mountains.
She shrugged and explained that she is more fan of the sea.
I was reminded that people always long for what they don't have.
Reflecting on my own experience, I longed for life in NZ when I lived in Japan and once I got used to life in NZ, I started wanting the excitement of the urban life in Japan.
I suppose I might be like her once I move to Zakopane?
2. Recommended Trails in the Tatra Mountains in Winter
If you plan to hike in the Tatra Mountains during winter, crampons or snowshoes are almost essential. Snow can start accumulating as early as the end of September, so be sure to check the weather forecast and prepare thoroughly.
2.1.Świnica (2,301m)
Distance: 22.5 km
Elevation Gain: 1,462 m
Time: 7:00
Water Sources: None
AllTrails Link ▶︎
During winter, Kasprowy Wierch is bustling as a ski resort. The slopes leading up to it are relatively gentle, and I was surprised to see that you can easily reach the summit using the cable car.
For those looking to save time, taking the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch and starting the hike from there could be a good option. The round-trip fare is 139 złoty.
That said, the hiking route itself was surprisingly quiet, allowing me to enjoy the snowy mountain scenery at a leisurely pace.
The area around the cable car station was a bit crowded and lively. There are restaurants, cafes, and water refill stations nearby, making it a perfect spot to take a break.
Once you pass Kasprowy Wierch, the trail changes completely. A narrow path continues along the mountainside, and in some sections, the slope becomes quite steep, requiring careful footing.
The closer you get to Świnica, the more you can capture powerful photos that convey both the harshness and the beauty of winter.
As I was making my way toward Świnica, a passing ranger warned me, “You’ll need an ice axe from here on.” They explained that it would be dangerous to continue along the narrow mountainside with just snowshoes.
The wind gradually picked up, making it difficult to move forward with just snowshoes. Facing the towering presence of Świnica ahead, I decided it was best not to push my luck and turned back.
Watching hikers, equipped with ice axes and crampons, ascend Świnica in groups, I felt a spark of inspiration to one day try serious mountaineering myself.
Distance: 21.87 km
Elevation Gain: 803 m
Time: 5:30
Water Sources: None
AllTrails Link ▶︎
Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy is a beautiful alpine lake located at an elevation of about 1,620 m.
It’s relatively easy to access from the town of Zakopane, and many hikers start their trek from the Kuźnice area at the foot of the mountains.
Along the way, the expansive Hala Gąsienicowa opens up, and every time the mountains peek through the trees, it’s exhilarating.
It’s a pleasant hiking route to the lake that takes just a few hours even at a relaxed pace.
The area around the lake is very open, making it perfect for taking stunning photos—though the wind was extremely strong that day.
Behind the lake, Kościelec and Świnica rise majestically, creating a breathtaking scene that feels as if you’ve stepped right into a painting.
The surface of the lake was covered with thick ice, frozen solid enough to walk on. Walking across the frozen lake amid the silent, snowy landscape felt truly magical—though the wind was incredibly strong!
The lake is also famous as a junction where several hiking routes in the Tatra Mountains converge. After taking a break by the lake, you can continue upward, with routes to Zawrat Pass and Świnica being particularly popular.
We, too, felt tempted to climb the mountains visible beyond the lake, but this time we didn’t have the proper gear and had to give it up. Even so, the view of the snow-covered peaks from the lakeshore was breathtaking, making it such an inspiring place that we can’t wait to return fully prepared for another attempt.
2.3.Sarnia Skala
Distance : 10.80km
Elevation Gain : 783m
Time : 3:16
Water Source : No
AllTrails Link ▶︎
Compared to the trails 1 and 2, Sarnia Skała is a shorter and easier course to hike.
Standing at an elevation of 1,377 m, this small rocky peak is a popular trail that can be easily enjoyed by beginners and intermediate hikers alike. What makes this route so appealing is that it’s easy to walk yet offers truly spectacular views.
Once you reach the summit, a magnificent panorama of the Tatra Mountains unfolds before you. The most striking sight is Mount Giewont.
We wanted to go to Giewont initially but the trail was closed so ended up going to Sarnia Skala instead. However, Sarnia Skala also had a great view of the mountains and the town of Zakopane.
The trail goes a few reps up and down so a little challenging, especially with snow and
