Morskie Oko Guide: Honest Review of Morskie Oko in Poland

Morskie Oko, also known as the “Eye of the Sea”, is a stunning mountain lake in Poland. This natural attraction is located in the Tatra National Park and is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and excellent hiking opportunities.

As the largest lake in the Tatras, it attracts millions of visitors each year. While its popularity is well-deserved, it also means that proper preparation is essential for your trip.

If you’re planning a visit to Morskie Oko, here’s everything you need to know to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our guide covers all the essentials for your visit: how to get to the lake, what to do in the area, where to stay and eat, and what to prepare for in advance.

So let’s look at the most common questions and topics that come up when planning a trip to Morskie Oko in Poland.

Where is Morskie Oko located in Poland?

Morskie Oko is located in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, right near the Slovak border. It is about 8.5 kilometers from Palenica Białczańska, where the main parking lot is, and 10 kilometers from Łysa Polana, where the other parking lots are.

The beautiful lake is surrounded by majestic peaks and has an area of around 34 hectares. This makes it the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains.

The nearest small town to the lake is Zakopane, while the nearest large city is Kraków.

Is Morskie Oko worth a visit?

Visiting Morskie Oko is worth it, but only under certain conditions. We won’t lie—despite the lake’s beauty, our trip to Morskie Oko was not the most enjoyable. You can read more about that below.

Morskie Oko is famous for its stunning views, similar in beauty to Italy’s Lago di Braies. The hike to the lake is interesting, offering beautiful landscapes and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Tatras.

Overall, whether it’s worth visiting the lake depends on your plans. If you’re in southern Poland or nearby Slovakia, it’s a must-see. However, if you have to travel a long distance, there might be better options in Europe that offer similar natural beauty with fewer negative experiences.

Traveling to Morskie Oko has several advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll summarize honestly and briefly:

Advantages of visiting Morskie Oko

• Hiking trails: A pleasant, well-maintained trail leads to the lake.
• Horse-drawn carriage service is available: Along most of the trail, so you don’t have to walk a lot.
• Breathtaking views: There are stunning views along the way, at the lake, and everywhere in the area.
• Wildlife: You also have the chance to experience local wildlife up close, such as photographing deer from very close range.
• There are other beautiful places to visit in the area as well. For example, the easily accessible Czarny Staw pod Rysami lake, which is located very close to Morskie Oko.

Disadvantages of visiting Morskie Oko

• Many local service providers were rude to us: They didn’t tell us the price for the horse-drawn carriage and just turned away, and bus drivers were aggressive.
• Hardly anyone spoke English: We had to search hard to find anyone who spoke it at all.
• Overpriced: A day trip for two people, including a car and a horse-drawn carriage, can cost 100–150 euros, just considering the expenses at the lake.
• Limited good food options: There are few fast food choices, and the staff is not trained to handle food allergies, so they can’t tell you what’s safe to eat.
• Getting to the lake is difficult: There can be long waits for horse-drawn carriages, and parking issues are common, even with online reservation.
• There are huge crowds: Even on a typical weekday, which can make the experience less enjoyable.

Best time to travel to Morskie Oko

The best time to visit Morskie Oko is from late spring to early autumn, that is, from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant and there is no snow on the hiking trails.

Summer, especially July and August, is the peak season with many tourists in the area.

If you prefer fewer crowds, we recommend visiting in May, early June, or September.

How to get to the Morskie Oko

We will explain in detail how to get to Morskie Oko.

Morskie Oko is about 8.5 kilometers from Palenica Białczańska, where you will find the nearest parking and the start of the trail, and it is about 10 kilometers from Łysa Polana, where there is additional parking.

The parking lots are easily reachable by car, public transport, from Zakopane, Kraków, or Slovakia.

From Kraków

By car

From Kraków, it’s about 110 kilometers (68 miles) to the Morskie Oko parking areas, and the drive takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.

Starting from Kraków, you first drive on Route 7, then switch to Route 47, and after Szaflary, you can take smaller roads to reach Łysa Polana near the Slovak border.

Route 7 is of good quality, mostly with two lanes in each direction. The later sections are smooth but narrower roads. Despite the good roads, be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during peak season.

By public transport

For public transportation, only buses are available, which are slower than driving. You can take local buses or FlixBus from Kraków to Bukowina Tatrzańska or Zakopane, where you can transfer to reach Łysa Polana. The closest public bus stop to Morskie Oko is called Brzegi Łysa Polana. The journey takes about 3 hours.

You can check your options and plan your route using Google Maps.

From Zakopane

By car

Driving from the town of Zakopane to Łysa Polana takes about 35 minutes and covers 22 kilometers. This is the most time-efficient and straightforward option if you plan to visit Morskie Oko: stay in Zakopane and drive to the nearest parking area.

Although this option may not be cheap and there could be parking issues, we chose it for the flexibility.

By public transport

From Zakopane, there are regular buses to Łysa Polana, which is a convenient option for reaching Morskie Oko. The trip takes about 40 minutes, just a bit longer than driving, and it saves you the hassle of parking.

Parking at the Morskie Oko

The parking areas are about 8.5 to 10 kilometers from the lake, and you cannot park closer because tourist cars are not allowed in.

The parking lots are named Palenica Białczańska and Łysa Polana on Google Maps.

It’s important to note that the closer parking lot fills up very quickly. Even if you have an online reservation, you may be redirected to the farther Łysa Polana parking lot if there is no space available there.

Our advice is to arrive very early at the parking lot (around 8-9 AM) or expect to park in the farther lot. However, if you arrive late, around 2-3 PM, you might still find a spot in the closer lot as the early visitors finish their hikes. So, either plan to arrive very early or consider a later afternoon visit.

Parking fee

It’s recommended to book parking online in advance to avoid being left without a spot. You can purchase the online parking ticket on the Tatra National Park website through the provided link. The site is not fully in English, so you might need a translation app.

The ticket price in 2024 ranges from 55 to 75 złoty (PLN), which is about 13 to 18 euros. If you buy the ticket within 3 days of your arrival, expect the higher price. If purchased earlier, you can get it at the lower rate.

Bus between the parking lots

Shuttle buses run between the two main parking lots. If you end up parking at the farther lot or arrive by bus at Łysa Polana, you can save about 1.5 km of walking by using these shuttles.

These shuttles usually park in large numbers at the Palenica Białczańska parking lot. At Łysa Polana, you might find staff near the parking area (we saw them at the roundabout) who can provide information about the shuttle service.

The bus fare is about 15–20 złoty (3–4 euros) one way.

If you prefer to walk, expect to cover about 1.5 km to reach the closer parking lot, where you’ll also find the entrance to the national park.

Entrance ticket to Morskie Oko

Although it might surprise some readers, you will need to pay an entrance fee to visit Morskie Oko. The Tatra National Park charges an entrance fee of 10 złoty (approximately 2.5 euros) per person during the high season.

It’s a good idea to purchase this ticket online through the national park’s website to avoid queues at the ticket office. The staff will check your ticket upon entry, and no further action is required.

Getting from the parking lot to the Morskie Oko

There are several ways to reach Morskie Oko from the parking lots. From the closest parking lot, you essentially have two options: you can either walk or take a horse-drawn carriage.

Horse-drawn carriages to the Morskie Oko

We planned to take the horse-drawn carriage up and walk down, but this didn’t work out. When we arrived in the morning, there were so many people waiting for the carriages—about 100 people on a Monday morning—that we ended walking up.

The carriages fill up very slowly because the horses are rested and fed often. It’s not unusual to wait for hours to get to the lake by carriage. We’d estimate that there are between 8 and 15 carriages, but this is insufficient for serving so many tourists.

Each car can carry around 10–14 people. Sometimes it was unclear why only 10 people were allowed on a carriage while 100 people waited below, but it’s likely due to weight limits and the horses’ capacity.

Payment is made at the carriage, usually once you are already aboard, which is an unusual practice. We had trouble finding out the price in advance. Sometimes tourists were told the price only after getting on the carriage.

From what we’ve heard, the fare for the ride up is about 100 złoty, and the ride down is around 60 złoty. But it looks like they don’t share the prices, so they can adjust them and charge more if needed.

It’s advisable to carry cash if you want to pay for a carriage ride, though we did see card terminals with the drivers. If you’re paying in cash, it’s better to have zloty with you, though some drivers might accept euros.

The carriages operate from early morning until it gets dark, so they’re available throughout the day.

Hiking to the Morskie Oko

The most popular way to reach Morskie Oko is by walking. The road from the parking lots is 8.5 to 10 km long, and it’s a well-maintained asphalt road. Although there is a significant elevation gain of over 400 meters, the trail is easy to walk because it doesn’t have steep sections.

So for those in decent shape, we definitely recommend hiking.

It’s important to note that horse-drawn carriages and occasional cars also use the asphalt road. Along the way, there are a few spots where it’s worth taking a break, like a waterfall, a few springs, and stunning viewpoints.

Additionally, you might spot some local wildlife and plants during the hike. For example, we had the chance to photograph deer up close.

There are also some pedestrian trails along the way that are supposed to be shorter than the asphalt road. These trails are beautiful, especially in summer, when they’re lined with pink flowers. However, we don’t recommend taking them, as they don’t really save time and are much more difficult to walk on compared to the paved road.

As mentioned earlier, there can be long queues for the horse-drawn carriages, sometimes causing wait times of several hours. That’s why we chose to hike. We didn’t regret it! Even though our hike turned out to be over 25 km, and we were very tired, it was worth it both financially and time-wise. If we had waited for a carriage at the parking lot, we might have spent the whole day just getting up to the lake.

We also chose to hike down, as the situation was similar: horses were resting, and there were dozens of people waiting for the carriages. After some consideration, we decided to walk. In the end, we were overtaken by the carriages in the last 1 km, so those who paid for a carriage only saved a few minutes.

It’s worth noting that the horse-drawn carriages only go to a stop about 2 km from the lake, so if you choose the carriage, you’ll still have about 2 km of hiking to reach the lake.

No matter which option you choose—whether you walk 2 or 10 km—at the end of the hike, you’ll arrive at the stunning lake Morskie Oko. From the local mountain hut, you’ll immediately be greeted by the most beautiful view of the lake.

From there, you can descend a stone staircase directly to the lake’s edge.

At that point, two additional hiking trails start, both rocky and with occasional steps, that circle around the lake. So if you still have the energy, feel free to walk around the lake as well. The trail is about 2.5 km long.

How to prepare for the hike to Morskie Oko

Here are some tips and information for those planning to walk to Morskie Oko:

• The entire hike up took us over 2 hours, and coming down took about 1.5 hours. On top of this, add time for breaks, meals, time spent at the lake, and potentially hiking to the upper lake as well. So, make sure to allocate enough time for your visit: it’s best to plan for a full day.
• Always carry enough water and food for a half or full day. The hike can be long, and it’s essential to stay hydrated and energized.
• While hiking boots are recommended, they are not mandatory.
• You won’t need trekking poles unless you plan to explore other hiking trails.
• Always have cash for unexpected needs, such as paying for the horse-drawn carriage or buying food.
• Along the way, there are a few portable toilets, and at the hut near the lake, you’ll find a paid restroom.
• Ensure you have sun protection, as the sun can be quite strong in the mountains.
• Be prepared for possible rain, as the weather in the Tatra Mountains can be unpredictable and rainy.
• If you don’t speak Polish, be prepared for some language difficulties, since very few people speak English in the area.

Where to eat near Morskie Oko

On the way to Morskie Oko, you’ll find some places where you can buy food, but these are mostly limited to fast food options.

There are food stands at the Palenica Białczańska parking lot, a few more along the trail, and at the lake itself, you’ll find the Schronisko PTTK Morskie Oko, also known in English as the PTTK Morskie Oko Mountain Hut, as well as a bar where you can get quick bites.

But since the food options are limited, we recommend bringing your own meals and using the local options only as a backup.

Best things to do around the Morskie Oko

Once you reach Morskie Oko, it’s worth spending a few hours around the lake. You can either relax or engage in some activities. Here are a few tips:

Visit the second lake, Czarny Staw pod Rysami

Near Morskie Oko, about 1.7 km from the hut and just 600 meters from the lake’s southern shore, is another lake called Czarny Staw pod Rysami. Although that lake is smaller, some find it even more beautiful than Morskie Oko, so it’s definitely worth visiting!

The path to the upper lake is steep, with stone stairs and slippery sections.

While a trekking pole might help, you probably don’t want to carry it for the whole trip. You can reach the lake in regular hiking shoes if you watch your steps.

The elevation gain is just under 200 meters, so it’s a bit challenging, but the view is worth it!

Allow approximately 45 minutes to climb to the upper lake and 30 minutes to descend, plus the time you spend at the lake. Visiting the lake will therefore take at least 1.5 to 2 hours in total.

Photograph the surrounding landscape

The area around Morskie Oko is stunning, making it a great place for nature photography. You can capture the beautiful mountain lakes, impressive peaks, colorful plants, and interesting wildlife.

Picnic by the lake

You can find several spots around the lake to get close to the green water and enjoy the views. It’s even better if you bring some tasty food and have a picnic by the lake.

Climbing near Morskie Oko

For more adventurous visitors, the area around Morskie Oko offers exciting climbing and hiking opportunities.

Rysy, the highest peak in Poland, is a challenging climb with spectacular views.

For rock climbing, the Tatra Mountains have various routes and bouldering spots suitable for different skill levels.

Popular areas include Miedziane and Granaty. Ensure you’re well-prepared and consider hiring a guide if needed.

FAQ: Practical tips for visiting Morskie Oko

As we finish covering the key details, let’s address some common questions with brief answers.

Is the hike to Morskie Oko easy?

The hike to Morskie Oko is easy but long. Therefore, we recommend being well-prepared, as visiting the lake and its surroundings can take half a day or even a full day.

In short, be ready for a moderate hike, even if you don’t plan to explore other areas.

Is it worth paying for the horse ride?

If you’re less fit or have mobility issues, it’s worth considering. It’s also recommended for families with young children.

However, we saw people in wheelchairs and many families with small children on the trail, so the access is definitely doable without horses.

Don’t count on saving time with the horse-drawn carts, as there’s often a long wait for them. So, if you’re thinking of saving time, it might be better to walk.

How long does it take to visit the Morskie Oko?

Walking from the Łysa Polana car park took us over 2 hours uphill and about 1.5 hours downhill. We were among the fastest, so this is the minimum time you should allocate for the hike.

Add time for activities at the lake, meals, bathroom breaks, and waiting in certain places, so visiting Morskie Oko will take around 5–7 hours.

If you plan to hike to the upper lake as well, expect the total duration to be 7–10 hours.

For us, with about 25 km of hiking, breaks, a lunch, visiting the upper lake, and taking photos, the whole trip took approximately 9–10 hours.

Can you swim in Morskie Oko lake?

No, swimming is forbidden in Morskie Oko. Anyway, the water is very cold, so swimming is not pleasant.

Are dogs allowed at the Morskie Oko?

No, dogs are not allowed in the Tatra National Park! You will be told at the entrance if you bring a dog, and you could easily miss the tour, so leave your dog at home.

Is it worth visiting Morskie Oko in winter?

Morskie Oko is also popular in winter. If you’re interested in snowy landscapes, you can visit during this season. The snowy mountain scenery is like a winter wonderland, although reaching the lake is more challenging and requires additional preparation. However, there are fewer crowds and lower prices, making it a worthwhile option.

Other attractions in the Tatra Mountains

Valley of Five Polish Lakes

The Valley of the Five Polish Lakes (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich) is a beautiful area in the Polish Tatras, known for its five stunning lakes.

The lakes are:

• Wielki Staw Polski (Great Polish Lake): The largest and deepest of the five lakes, offering breathtaking reflections of the surrounding peaks.
• Zadni Staw Polski (Rear Polish Lake): Positioned further back in the valley, it is surrounded by rugged terrain and provides a serene environment.
• Czarny Staw Polski (Black Polish Lake): Renowned for its dark waters, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
• Mały Staw Polski (Small Polish Lake): A smaller but picturesque lake, nestled amid the alpine landscape.
• Przedni Staw Polski (Front Polish Lake): The lake closest to the valley entrance, often the first one hikers encounter.

The hike through the Valley of the Five Polish Lakes offers stunning views and varied scenery, including alpine meadows, rocky outcrops, and crystal-clear waters. The trail is moderately challenging, featuring some steep ascents and rocky sections.

Exploring this valley is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountain Range, with each lake presenting its own unique charm and excellent photo opportunities.

Rysy Peak

Rysy is the highest peak in the Polish Tatra Mountains, standing at 2,503 meters (8,213 ft) above sea level. It is located on the border between Poland and Slovakia, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Tatras.

The hike to Rysy is challenging, with some rock scrambling, making it perfect for experienced hikers.

From the summit, you can enjoy stunning landscapes and the unique experience of being in two countries at once. Both the Polish and Slovak trails provide beautiful scenery, including lakes and rugged terrain.

Visiting Rysy is a memorable adventure for those seeking breathtaking views and a challenging climb.

Zakopane

Zakopane, known as the “Winter Capital of Poland,” is a picturesque town at the base of the Tatra Mountains. It’s a year-round destination, offering skiing in winter and hiking in the warmer months.

• Outdoor activities: Zakopane is perfect for outdoor lovers, with ski resorts in winter and hiking trails in summer.
• Krupówki Street: The town’s vibrant main street is full of shops, restaurants, and cafés, offering a taste of local culture and cuisine.
• Góralska culture: Discover the unique Góralska heritage through Zakopane’s traditional wooden architecture and local museums.

Zakopane provides a blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty in the heart of the Polish mountains.

High Tatras in Slovakia

The High Tatras in Slovakia are a stunning mountain range known for their dramatic peaks, scenic valleys, and beautiful glacial lakes. Among the most notable spots are:

• Štrbské Pleso: This picturesque lake is one of the most popular destinations in the High Tatras. It’s easily accessible by car, making it a great option for those looking for a quick and scenic getaway. The area around the lake is well-developed, offering various hiking trails, restaurants, and even a ski resort in winter.
• Zelené Pleso: Zelené Pleso, or Green Lake, is a breathtaking spot nestled high in the mountains. Reaching it requires a long and challenging hike, but the effort is well worth it. The emerald-green waters of the lake, surrounded by steep rocky peaks, are reminiscent of Austria’s Seebensee or Italy’s Lake Sorapis. The trail to Zelené Pleso offers stunning views, making it a must-visit for avid hikers and nature lovers.

Exploring the High Tatras offers a variety of experiences, from easily accessible beauty to challenging adventures in more remote areas.

So, that’s what we think you should know about Morskie Oko in Poland. With this detailed description, we’ve tried to give you as much information as possible to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as can be.

Morskie Oko is undoubtedly the one of the most beautiful lakes in the world, but unfortunately, the large crowds and focus on making money can sometimes spoil the experience for visitors. Neither we nor many other tourists left feeling completely satisfied, even though the natural beauty and hiking opportunities are amazing.

Overall, you shouldn’t miss Morskie Oko if you’re in the Tatra Mountains or nearby, and if you’re curious about one of the best places in Poland. It’s a wonderful place, even if it has become too touristy. We hope that over time, the local people will be able to improve things, and everyone can enjoy their time there properly.