If you have already visited all the sights of Zakopane or came only for the mountains, here are some suggestions for popular routes in the High and Western Tatras.
Morskie Oko. Morskie Oko is the largest and one of the most famous Tatra lakes. And, perhaps, the most popular option for a walk in the mountains. Buses to Morskie Oko leave from the bus station, the ticket costs 30 PLN (€ 6.7) in cash. For those traveling by car, there is a paid parking lot on site. To enter the National Park, you need to buy a ticket at the ticket office, and then choose a convenient route: to Morskie Oko (red trail) or to Rusinową Polanę (black trail). Distance – 7.7 km, the journey will take 2.5-3 hours.
Morskie Oko – Czarny Staw pod Rysami. Czarny Staw pod Rysami owes its name to the color, which is probably associated with the blue-green algae living in the water. Having reached Morskie Oko and rested, go around the lake and head up the path (distance – 1.8 km, time – 1 hour). Along the way you will come across a waterfall, and at the top you will have a view of the second deepest lake in the Tatras. Inexperienced hikers are not advised to go further: the routes that start from the second lake require preparation.
Rusinowa polana i Wiktorówki. The start of the trail is from the National Park, then follow the signs through the forest. An hour later you will find yourself in a clearing with a stunning view of the mountains, mainly from the Slovak side. At the edge of the clearing there are wooden benches and tables where you can rest, and a hut where you can buy sheep milk products during the sheep grazing season. Then follow the blue signs to the temple: the Chapel of Our Lady of Jaworzyn in Wiktorówki (Kaplica Matki Bożej Jaworzyńskiej na Wiktorówkach), also known as the Chapel of Our Lady Queen of the Tatras, is a place that is often visited by tourists. Situated in a dense spruce forest, it is conducive to reflection and contemplation. Distance – 5.9 km, travel time – 2 hours.
Dolina Pięciu Stawów. The route is very pleasant and beautiful. Despite the fact that this is a valley, stamina and good physical fitness will not hurt, because the route is not short and the climb is significant. In colder periods, be careful near the waterfall: the water often freezes on the rock, which makes this section of the route more adventurous. Once you get to the valley, you will see a spacious view of several lakes and the majestic Tatras and you can rest in the famous tavern. Distance – 8.3 km, travel time – about 4 hours.
Kasprowy Wierch. Kasperowy Wierch. We get there by local bus/minibus to Kuźnice, pass the funicular. Then we recommend choosing the green trail from Kuźnicy via Myślenickie Turnie, which will take you to the top in three hours. On the way back, you can return from the summit along the yellow trail to Hala Gąsienicowa – it will take you to Kuźnice in three hours. The views from the top are breathtaking! At the top, you can have a snack in a cafe and go on a further hike (choose a route based on difficulty), if you do not plan to go back down right away.
Rysy. Rysy is the highest peak in Poland. The trail leading from Morskie Oko to Rysy is picturesque, but difficult andis intended for experienced tourists and climbers. Tourists going to Rysy should be well equipped: a helmet is a must, and sometimes even at the beginning of summer, due to the stagnant snow, an ice axe and crampons will be needed. Distance – 4.7 km, travel time – a little over 4 hours.
Some more route options in Zakopane:
Gęsia Szyjka
Hala Gąsienicowa oraz Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy
Nosal
Kalatówki
Dolina Białego
Sarnia Skala
Dolina Małej Łąki
Dolina Kościeliska
Dolina Chochołowska
Szpiglasowy Wierch
Kozi Wierch
Orla Perć – najtrudniejszy szlak w Tatrach
Kościelec
Giewont
Czerwony Wierchy
Ornak oraz Starorobociański
Difficulty categories of mountain routes in Zakopane:
| Czerwone Wierchy |
   |
8 godz. 30 min |
| Dolina Białego – Sarnia Skała – Dolina Stążyska |
  |
3 godz. |
| Dolina Chochołowska |
|
2 godz. 20 min |
| Dolina Kościeliska |
|
1 godz. 40 min |
| Dolina Olczyska – Kopieniec |
|
2 godz. 45 min (przez Wielki Kopieniec na Cyrhlę), 1 godz. 45 min (na Kopieniec) |
| Dolina Roztoki – Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich |
|
2 godz. 30 min |
| Dolina Strążyska |
|
1 godz. |
| Droga pod Reglami |
|
3 godz. |
| Hala Gąsienicowa |
|
2 godz. 15 min |
| Hala Gąsienicowa – Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy |
|
45 min |
| Hala Kondratowa – Giewont – Dolina Strążyska |
|
6 godz. |
| Morskie Oko |
|
2 godz. 30 min |
| Morskie Oko – Czarny Staw pod Rysami |
|
1 godz. |
| Orla Perć |
|
11 godz. 30 min |
| Rusinowa Polana i Wiktorówki |
|
2 godz. |
| Rysy |
|
4 godz. 15 min |
Material prepared by: alp.org.ua