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Best hikes in Zakopane: 5 trails recommended by Peaks and Pubs

At the foot of Poland’s Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is made for days spent outdoors. The scenery here’s about as dramatic as it gets, there are all sorts of hiking routes on offer to suit different levels and preferences, and there’s also great food, hotels and spas to get stuck into after a day’s adventures.

We’ve caught up with Sam Matthew, better known online as @peaksandpubs, who visited Zakopane during summer 2026, to get the lowdown on the hikes he’d recommend and his top tips for a summer holiday here.

Sam’s favourite hikes in Zakopane

Zakopane’s top trails range from gentle valley walks to high mountain summits in the Polish Tatra Mountains, with plenty in between. Sam’s favourites include Sarnia Skała, Nosal, Strążyska Valley and Giewont, while Morskie Oko is top of his list for his next visit.

1. Sarnia Skała via Dolina Białego

‘This is one of the best hikes we did, taking a route through Dolina Białego valley and up to the summit at 1,376m. The ridgeline is fairly exposed and rocky so it feels very dramatic at the top. Sarnia Skała sits just below the higher peaks in the area, so you feel surrounded by the big mountains as well as being pretty high up yourself. It’s a relatively testing alpine route, and you’re rewarded by views all the way up, including right back down to Zakopane. I got some great photos on this hike.’

Best for: dramatic views
Walking time: approx. 3 hours 30 mins (9km out-and-back)
Difficulty: moderate to hard – some steep and rocky sections that need careful footwork
Start and end point: start and finish at the entrance to Dolina Białego (which means White Valley), which is 2km from Zakopane. Getting here: walk or take a taxi from Zakopane.

2. Kuźnice to Nosal loop

‘This is one of the most popular hikes in Zakopane and for good reason – the trail is well-marked and easy to follow and has a high views-to-effort ratio. From the little mountain hub of Kuźnice, you start ascending quite quickly through woodland and then the views open up to reveal some truly spectacular landscapes. From the rocky summit at 1,206m you get a panoramic view across lots of the bigger peaks in the region.’

Best for: maximum scenery for minimum mileage
Walking time: approx. 2 hours (4km loop)
Difficulty: moderate – some steep and rocky sections
Start and end point: Kuźnice, about 3km from Zakopane.
Getting here: you can walk, take a taxi or jump on a local bus (line 10) Kuźnice from Zakopane.

3. Strążyska Valley

‘If you want views of the peaks without hiking up them, or just an easier day out, I’d recommend walking along the Strążyska Valley. The route runs alongside a river and the sound of the water in the quiet valley was lovely, especially as on the day we did this route we were lucky enough to have it more or less to ourselves. At the end of the valley, you can detour up some steps to reach the 23-metre high Siklawica Waterfall. And don’t forget to look up and try to spot the huge iron cross that stands on top of the nearby Giewont peak.’

Best for: an easier walk
Walking time: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours (5km out-and-back)
Difficulty: easy – mostly gentle with a gradual incline, though the path is stony in places
Start and end point: the entrance to Strążyska Valley, about 2.5km from Zakopane.
Getting here: you can walk, take a taxi or jump on a shuttle bus from Zakopane’s main bus station.
A mountain range seen through tree branches.
The summit of Giewont with its distinctive iron cross. © Archive of Zakopane Centre of Culture

4. Kuźnice to Giewont

‘This is often said to be one of the best hikes in Poland and I fully agree – it’s one of the best I’ve ever done. It’s for experienced hikers only, being long with rugged terrain and exposed summits. The final section takes you up to the 15m-high iron cross on top of Giewont peak. This stretch is across rocks that can be slippery, so sturdy boots are a must, and there are chains to help you. This is the section where you can expect to see quite a few other hikers during summer, but you can take in the super dramatic landscapes without going right up to the summit if you prefer.’

Best for: experienced hikers
Walking time: approx. 5 hour 30 minutes (12km out and back)
Difficulty: hard – rocky terrain with lots of elevation gain
Start and end point: Kuźnice, about 3km from Zakopane
Getting here: you can walk, take a taxi or jump on a local bus (line 10) to Kuźnice from Zakopane.

5. Morskie Oko – Sam’s hike for next time

‘I can’t not mention Morskie Oko, the largest lake in the Polish Tatra Mountains because the path that loops around the lake beneath giant peaks is the most famous hike in Zakopane. Unfortunately, we couldn’t do this route on this trip because temporary road closures meant the route wasn’t accessible, but it’s just another reason for me to go back to Zakopane.’

Best for: iconic Tatra mountain scenery
Walking time: approx. 5 hours for the full return walk from Palenica Białczańska (20km including the lake loop).
Difficulty: moderate – paved path to the lake with a rocky trail around it.
Start and end point: you can walk the 8km paved path through forest from Palenica Białczańska to reach the lake, then start the loop from the PTTK Morskie Oko Mountain Hut. Or horse-drawn carriages and seasonal Tatra National Park e-buses can take visitors part of the way along the route.
Getting here: take a shuttle bus marked ‘Morskie Oko’ from Zakopane’s main bus station to reach Palenica Białczańska in around 40 minutes.
The green lake of Morskie Oko in Poland surrounded by mountains.
The lake of Morskie Oko near Zakopane

Sam’s top tips for a summer holiday to Zakopane

  • If you plan to do lots of hiking during your trip, choose your accommodation carefully. Staying at the Rysy Boutique Hotel puts you on the south-eastern side of town which is handy for major trailheads, and you’re only a short walk from the central bus station too. The hearty breakfasts here will set you up well for a day on the trails, plus there’s a sauna and jacuzzi to come back to.

  • You’ll need to get a ticket for the Tatra National Park to explore Zakopane’s best hikes. You can buy tickets online or at kiosks at major park entrances like Kuźnice and Palenica Białczańska.

  • The main hiking trails around Zakopane are well signposted, but it’s a good idea to buy a proper trail map in Zakopane or from Tatra National Park information points.

  • While you’re in Kuźnice, make time to ride the cable car to the top of Kasprowy Wierch mountain. At almost 2,000m high, the panoramic views from the top are a sight you won’t forget.

  • Get stuck into the local food and drink while you’re here. Expect lots of hearty stews, sausages, smoked oscypek cheese and moskole potato cakes – plus generous portions in most places. And the local, traditional restaurants are the place to be during the evenings with a friendly vibe, authentic feel and often live music too.

  • There’s nothing quite like a spa sesh after a day in the mountains. Lots of hotels here have spa facilities, or you can visit the Aqua Park Zakopane with an outdoor terrace pool overlooking the mountains.
The Kasprowy Wierch cable car travelling above forest and mountains in Poland.
The Kasprowy Wierch cable car from Kuźnice
Inspired to explore the Tatra Mountains on foot? Start planning your holiday to Zakopane or check out more tips and inspiration on our Lakes & Mountains homepage.

Main image: © Archive of Zakopane Centre of Culture

Author: Polly Bryan

Last updated: 18.09.2026

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