The Tatras are the highest mountain range in Carpathian Mountains. They cover an area of 785 km2 in Poland and Slovakia. Their highest elevation is Gerlach (2654 m), on the Slovakian side and Rysy (2499 m) on Polish side, on the border with Slovakia. The Tatras consists of the internal mountain chain of the Western Tatras and Eastern Tatras, which in turn consist of High Tatras and White Tatras.
The climate here is that of mountains in the temperate zone, and there are marked high-mountain features. The higher slopes and peaks are sometimes covered with snow or ice throughout the year. The strong warm wind called the “halny” blows at regular intervals, mosttly in October and May.
The most characteristic feature of alpine-type Tatra landscape is the vertical zonation of vegetation types. The Tatras have a diverse variety of plant life . They are home to more then 1000 species of plants. While spruce is the dominant tree, there are also beeches, firs and arolla pines. A typical Tatra plant, uniquely forming its own vegetational layer here, is the dwarf mountain pine, while besides it we may find various gentians, edelweiss and crocuses. The best-known animals are the brown bear, chamois, alpine marmot, lynx and golden eagle.
1954 brought the establishment of the Tatra National Park, tasked with the protection and preservation of the area’s nature. Facilitated access for responsible tourists is a further goal, and the visitor has some 250-km of marked trails and 8 huts shelters to choose from.
The overall nature of the Tatras together with their easy accessibility make them the summer and winter resort. The most popular destination is Zakopane. The town is teeming with tourists all year around. Hikers can take advantage of trails in Tatra National Park, totaling some 250 kilometers as well as numerous other tracks in the area. Good conditions for downhill skiing last in the vicinity of Zakopane from November to early on famed upper mountainside of Kasprowy Wierch peak and from December through March on artificial ski slopes closer to the town. Other outdoor activities include cycling, climbing, cave exploration, swimming, tennis, cross-country skiing, and skating. Many tourists come to Zakopane just to enjoy spectacular scenery, crisp air, strolls, cable-car rides, street performances, sightseeing, varied amusements, etc.
Arrival to Krakow. Transfer to Zakopane, popular resort situated at the foot of Tatra Mountains. Welcome dinner with Highlander bonfire .
Your guide will take you on a brief overview tour, including Wielka Krokiew ski jump, the church in Jaszczurowka, Krzeptowki Sanctuary, old parish church built in 1847 and the Peksowy Brzyzek cemetery with amazing wooden tombs. Just beyond the church is the Museum of Zakopane style. You may also wish to visit Villa Atma housing a museum dedicated to great Polish composer Karol Szymanowski. For magnificent panoramic views of the Tatra range, our guide will take to the top of Gubalowka Hill by funicular railway. The first station of the funicular can be found at the end of the most famous street in Zakopane – Krupówki. Continue with a stroll along Krupówki, the bustling mall lined with restaurants, cafes and local shops. During Zakopane tour do not forget to try its local specialty– “oscypek” cheese. Before the end the tour you will discuss the details of your walking tour on next day.
After meeting with guide take a time to set up the route and discuss the last details of the tour. The route is set up individually according your expectations and physical fitness and usually can be slightly modified during the tour.
We offer half-day tour and full-day tours. We are flexible and open to your suggestions. We can change the tour from longer to shorter and vice-versa.
The most popular tours are:
Half-day tours (approx 4 hours)
1. Zakopane and Kasprowy Wierch incl. cable car ride
2. Zakopane and Strazyska Valley
3. Zakopane and Bialego Valley
Longer half-day tours (approx 6 hours)
1. Chocholowska Valey
2. Koscieliska Valley
3. Morskie Oko
Full day trips
The Kasprowy Wierch Mount (1987 m asl)is a good starting point for excursions in West and High Tatras. There is a variety of peaks you can climb in: Mount Giewont, Mount Swinica, Morskie Oko though the Five Lakes Valley. If you re not ready for hiking in High Tatras, we suggest walking in one of the most beautiful valleys of West Tatras.
You can stay longer in Zakopane or end our stay. Transfer to Krakow or another destination.