Tatra Mountains Travel Guide
Travel to Tatra Mountains - The Polish Alps
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Registered on UNESCO's list of Biosphere Reserves, Tatra National Park is located in the southern part of Poland, and encompasses both Polish and Slovakian parts of the range. Well developed for hikers and winters sports enthusiasts, it is also the largest alpine-type massif in Central Europe with Mt Rysy (2499m) as its Polish high point. For mountain lakes, caves, waterfalls and scenic valleys, look no further.
In Malopolska region, on the Polish side, the National Park was established in 1954 and extends some 51 km in length. About 3/4 of the area is covered by forests, and a 1/4 by alpine meadows and rock towers. Most of the Tatras are on the Slovakian side, The Polish Tatras are just 1/5 of the whole. The Tatras are formed of both hard granite, which makes frayed soaring crags, and limestone, which makes more gentle shapes with numerous caves inside.
Attractions in Tatra Mountains
Mountain scenery, activity and Polish-alpine villages are the draw for the Tatras. The rich fauna of the Park is represented by many endemic, rare and protected species. Most interesting are the chamoix and marmot, which have been protected since the mid 19th Century, as well as brown bear, and a number of bird species, including golden eagle, falcons, wall-creeper, and alpine accentor. Higher parts of the forests are inhabited by capercaillie, black grouse, and hazel grouse. Red and roe deer as well as small rodents are common in the forests.
Activities in Tatra Mountains
In summertime, hiking, biking and mountaineering are popular pursuits, whilst winter sports provide the action when the snows arrive. A week could easily be spent walking trails in the High Tatra.
For hikers, the trails in the Tatras are well marked with plates and coloured stripes. In difficult areas there are special buckles, chains and even ladders. However, to use them you must not be afraid of heights, need to be fit and have good health. For inexperienced mountain walkers, taking a local guide would be a sensible option.
Another popular activity is rafting along the gorge of the Dunajec River in the Pieniny Mountains, which has been popular for over 150 years.
Details of walking routes, timings and transport links are available locally, particularly in regional centre Zakopane, from the local tourist offices. Alternatively, for those keen to pre-plan, expert local activity operators have an excellent knowledge of the best trails and routes, and can pre-book private guides.
Relaxing
Krupówki in Zakopane is regarded as one of the top five streets in Poland when it comes to eating out or relaxing in a choice of restaurants/bars - many of which are very alpine in style and decor, serve very traditional Polish foods, and offer live traditional music. A very atmospheric setting, particularly in the depths of winter!
Getting Around
Zakopane is the gateway to the Tatras, about 100 km to the south of Krakow, close to the border with Slovakia. Driving from Krakow takes around 2 hours along national road number 95. Zakopane has a railway connection. It can be reached by train from all the major cities of Poland. The nearest major junctions are Chabówka, Sucha Beskidzka and Krakow.
Taxis are available in town, but ideally private transport will allow the greatest flexibility for exploring the surrounding area. Visitors, however, are recommended to leave their cars at the car parks and use the public transport. By using buses, ski lifts, and private minibuses you can get everywhere quickly and cheaply.
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