Annual Leave Explorers

^{Hey there! Just a heads-up: This page includes affiliate links, which means if you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission. But don’t worry! We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe in.}

My summer weekend in Zakopane was one of the most memorable trips I have done. How this quaint, beautiful town and unbelievably beautiful landscape isn’t more spoken about is beyond me. On top of that, it is so cheap you can truly relax and enjoy the weekend without worrying about your wallet.

What really tipped Zakopane over the edge as one of my favourite weekend trips was the challenge of Poland’s highest mountain. to be able to achieve such a fantastic climb in one day is truly unique, with unbeatable scenery along with it. Below is my experience on this climb.

Zakopane:

We flew into Krakow which was very easy to do, then got the bus to Zakopane, this is just over a 1hr30 in a rented car and 2hr30 in a bus so very easy to do either way. I loved the cobbled stone streets and mountain feel of the town, and easily spent the day exploring. There are lots of really fun and very affordable bars to visit.

Where to stay:

Aparthotel Cristina: https://booking.tp.st/QLBAgkUa with accomodation being so cheap we splashed out to a 5 star hotel we could never normally afford, we even rented the spa out for as little as 10 Euros for the hour! The food was absolutely delicious and breakfast was included.

Hotel Paryski: https://booking.tp.st/qGr2nvMX this is just as nice a hotel and a lot cheaper.

Restaurants:

You can’t avoid the grilled meat and potatoe meals in Zakopane, whatever time of year you go. Here are some good restaurants we ate in:

The restaurant in hotel Cristina and delicious meal out: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/KU4er93k

A great cheap eat for soups and dumplings: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/mADpd7HS

A must do to get that real Polish experience: https://tripadvisor.tp.st/INYj8bS5

The first part of the hike is along a road, with horse drawn carts passing you by. you walk through beautiful forests towards Morskie Oko, and the famous mountain hut. From the mountain hut you start the real ascent up to the breath taking view of Czarny Staw pod Rysami. as you walk over this path you are greeted by a bright blue mountain lake. I really recommend you at least get to this point, as it is an amazing view of the Tatra mountains. You will have a leisurely walk around the lake up to the last scramble to the top of Rysy mountain

Climbing Rysy, Poland’s highest peak, is a thrilling adventure in the Tatra Mountains. Even with basic climbing skills and no special gear, I enjoy hikes that offer a challenge without needing intense training. Rysy fits the bill perfectly—it’s tough enough to feel like a big achievement, but still doable with a good level of fitness. And the views are totally worth it!

Things to note:

Trail Conditions: The trail to Rysy is well-marked and maintained, but it can be challenging, especially in adverse weather conditions. Hikers should be prepared for changing weather patterns, especially at higher elevations.

Duration: The duration of the climb depends on the chosen route and hiker’s pace. The ascent typically takes between 4 to 6 hours from Morskie Oko on the Polish side.