1. Morskie Oko
- Where: Tatra Mountains, Poland
- Starting Point: Palenica Białczańska parking lot
- End Point: Morskie Oko lake
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
- Distance and Type: 8 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, May to October (weather permitting)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Morskie Oko is a glacial lake located in the Tatra Mountains, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. The 8 km out-and-back trail starts at the Palenica Białczańska parking lot and takes hikers through a forested area and up to the lake. The trail is well-marked but has some uphill sections that require some caution. Hikers can observe the local flora and fauna along the way, including a variety of tree species, birds, and sometimes even wild animals such as bears. At the lake, hikers can take in the stunning views before making their way back down the trail. This is a popular hike for anyone looking for a moderate challenge and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains. However, due to its popularity, the trail can get crowded during peak season, so it’s best to plan accordingly.
2. Pieniny Mountains
- Where: Pieniny Mountains, Poland
- Starting Point: Sromowce Niżne
- End Point: Trzy Korony summit
- Time Needed: 4-5 hours.
- Distance and Type: 9 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from May to October
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby towns such as Szczawnica and Krościenko nad Dunajcem.
The hike starts from the small village of Sromowce Niżne and takes you through the beautiful Pieniny Mountains. You will hike through a forested trail and reach the summit of Trzy Korony, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, you will also pass by the Dunajec River and the famous Dunajec Gorge. The trail is moderately challenging with some steep ascents and descents, but it is suitable for most hikers with a moderate fitness level.
3. Ojców National Park
- Where: Ojców National Park, Poland
- Starting Point: Ojców village
- End Point: Pieskowa Skała Castle
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 4 kilometers point to point
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Best time to hike is from April to October
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options available in the nearby cities of Kraków and Olkusz.
The hike starts from the picturesque village of Ojców and takes you through the beautiful Ojców National Park. You will hike through a forested trail and pass by the stunning limestone rock formations that the park is known for. The highlight of the hike is the Pieskowa Skała Castle, which is perched on a rock outcrop and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is easy to moderate with some rocky sections and steep ascents and descents, but it is suitable for most hikers with a moderate fitness level.
4. Góry Stołowe National Park
- Where: Góry Stołowe National Park, Kłodzko Valley, Poland
- Starting point: Parking lot at Karłów village
- End point: Błędne Skały (Errant Rocks) viewpoint
- Time needed: 2-3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time to hike: During the spring, summer, and autumn months (which are from April to October).
- Where to stay: There are several accommodation options in the nearby town of Kudowa-Zdrój, including hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Góry Stołowe National Park is known for its unique rock formations, including Błędne Skały. The hike to the viewpoint offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-marked and relatively easy, although there are some steep sections and rocky terrain to navigate. Visitors should be prepared with sturdy hiking shoes and plenty of water.
5. Kampinos National Park
- Where: Kampinos National Park, Poland
- Trail Head: Kampinos National Park visitor center
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Distance and Type: 3 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Kampinos National Park is a beautiful natural area located just outside of Warsaw, Poland. This 3 km hike takes hikers through a small section of the park, offering a glimpse of the local flora and fauna. The trail is well-marked and takes hikers through a mix of forest and open fields, with mostly flat terrain and some gentle slopes. Along the way, hikers can observe the local wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and foxes. The trail ends back at the visitor center, where hikers can learn more about the park’s history and conservation efforts. This is a great hike for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Poland’s natural landscapes without committing to a long or difficult hike.
6. Biebrza National Park
- Where: Biebrza National Park, Poland
- Trail Head: Gugny parking lot
- Time Needed: Approximately 2 to 3 hours (depending on pace)
- Distance and Type: 4 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, from May to October (when the park is open to visitors)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Biebrza National Park is a beautiful wetland area located in northeastern Poland. This 4 km hike takes hikers through a small section of the park, offering a glimpse of the local flora and fauna. The trail is well-marked and takes hikers through a mix of wetland and forest terrain, with some uneven terrain and wet areas. Along the way, hikers can observe the local wildlife, including rare bird species such as the Aquatic Warbler and Great Snipe. The trail ends back at the Gugny parking lot, where hikers can learn more about the park’s history and conservation efforts at the nearby visitor center. This is a great hike for anyone who wants to experience the unique beauty of Biebrza National Park’s wetlands and observe some rare bird species.
7. Babia Góra National Park
- Where: Babia Góra National Park, Poland
- Trail Head: Zawoja Markowa parking lot
- Time Needed: 3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 7 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, from May to October (when the park is open to visitors)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Babia Góra National Park is in the Beskid Mountains of southern Poland. This 7 km hike takes hikers through a beautiful section of the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The trail is well-marked but can be challenging, with steep climbs and descents along the way. Along the way, hikers can observe the local flora and fauna, including the park’s resident chamois population. The trail ends back at the Zawoja Markowa parking lot, where hikers can enjoy a meal at the nearby restaurant or explore the park’s visitor center. This is a great hike for experienced hikers looking for a challenging climb and stunning views of the Polish mountains.
8. Tuchola Forest
- Where: Tuchola Forest, Poland
- Trail Head: Cisowa Góra parking lot
- Time Needed: 2 hours.
- Distance and Type: 5 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, from May to October (when the park is open to visitors)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Tuchola Forest is a beautiful forested area located in northern Poland. This 5 km hike takes hikers through a scenic section of the forest, offering a chance to observe the local flora and fauna. The trail is well-marked and takes hikers through a mix of forest and wetland terrain, with some uneven terrain. Along the way, hikers can observe the park’s resident wildlife, including deer, wild boar, and various bird species. The trail ends back at the Cisowa Góra parking lot, where hikers can explore the nearby nature center and learn more about the park’s history and conservation efforts. This is a great hike for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Tuchola Forest and observe some local wildlife.
9. Kozłowa Góra
- Where: Kozłowa Góra, Poland
- Starting Point: Kozłowa Góra parking lot
- End Point: Kozłowa Góra peak
- Time Needed: 1 hour
- Distance and Type: 2 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Easy
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, year-round (weather permitting)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Kozłowa Góra is a small mountain located in southern Poland, offering a short but scenic hike. The 2 km trail takes hikers through a forested area and up to the peak of Kozłowa Góra, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The trail is well-marked and has some uphill sections but is otherwise easy. Hikers can observe the local flora and fauna along the way, including a variety of tree species and birds. At the peak, hikers can take in the stunning views before making their way back down the trail. This is a great hike for anyone looking to get some exercise and enjoy some beautiful scenery without committing to a longer or more challenging hike.
10. Bieszczady National Park
- Where: Bieszczady Mountains, Poland
- Starting Point: Ustrzyki Górne parking lot
- End Point: Tarnica peak
- Time Needed: 3 hours.
- Distance and Type: 6 kilometers circuit
- Difficulty: Moderate
- When to Hike: Best to hike during the day, May to October (weather permitting)
- Where to Stay: There are several accommodations available in the surrounding area such as hotels, guesthouses, and campsites.
Bieszczady National Park is in the southeastern part of Poland, known for its stunning landscapes and unique flora and fauna. The Tarnica peak hike is a popular trail within the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The 6 km loop trail starts at the Ustrzyki Górne parking lot and takes hikers through a forested area and up to the peak of Tarnica, which stands at 1,346 meters above sea level. The trail is well-marked but has some uphill and rocky sections that require some caution. Hikers can observe the local flora and fauna along the way, including a variety of tree species, birds, and sometimes even wild animals such as wolves and bears. At the peak, hikers can take in the stunning views before making their way back down the trail. This is a great hike for anyone looking for a moderate challenge and a chance to experience the natural beauty of Bieszczady National Park.
