Nature & mountains
The most beautiful lake in the Tatras. Get there before the crowds and the light is yours.
Photo: Maksym Harbar / Unsplash
Morskie Oko is a deep green lake under the highest granite peaks of the Tatras. The walk in is long but easy, on a paved road through the forest, and fit walkers can climb on to Czarny Staw, a second lake higher up.
It’s also Poland’s busiest trail. I plan an early start, book the parking you need in advance, and time it so you sit by the water while most people are still on the way.
If you can walk four hours on a gentle slope, you are fine. The climb on to Czarny Staw is steeper and I only add it if your legs say yes.
Turquoise water between limestone cliffs, a short tram ride from the Old Town. Bring your swimsuit.
A flat riverside bike path from Wawel to a Benedictine abbey on a white cliff. Monks’ beer and cheese at the end.
Poland’s smallest national park: white rock towers, caves, castle ruins and a Renaissance castle on a cliff.
