Hut-to-Hut Trekking in Poland's Tatra Mountains

Meet your host at the airport for your transfer to the southern tip of Poland and the base of the Tatra Mountains. Your adventure begins in the picturesque Chocholowska Valley, famous for its stunning spruce forests. In spring, the valley is a sea of blooming purple crocuses, with sheep grazing peacefully on the pastures. Start your trek with an easy afternoon walk, following the river as you wind your way up the valley. Your destination is the Chocholowska mountain hut, perched at 1100m above sea level. Once there, settle in and enjoy your first traditional Polish dinner, served in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the refuge, a perfect introduction to the Tatra Mountains.

Rise early for your full first day in the Tatra Mountains and after a hearty breakfast, head out on an unforgettable hike. Today’s trail takes you from Chocholowska to the Kościeliska Valley, the second-largest in the Polish Tatras. Along the way, you’ll tackle the climb to Starorobociański Wierch (2176m), the highest peak of Poland's Western Tatras. This thrilling ascent involves a challenging scramble along a dramatic ridge, offering sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. The terrain here is wild and remote, far from the busier parts of the Tatra range, allowing you to experience the solitude of the mountains. After a day filled with rugged trails and breathtaking vistas, you’ll reach Ornak Hut nestled in Kościeliska Valley, where a delicious meal and warm bed await to restore you for tomorrow’s adventure.

Continue your adventure through the Western Tatras, trekking across the breathtaking Czerwone Wierchy ('red peaks'). In autumn, the grass-covered slopes glow with a striking red hue, giving these peaks their name. As you traverse the ridgeline, you'll be treated to sweeping views stretching across the High Central Tatras, tomorrow’s destination, with their jagged peaks now coming into sharp focus. After a rewarding day on the trail, bed down at the Kalatówki Mountain Hotel, a comfortable retreat nestled in the mountains, where you can relax and recharge for the next stage of your journey.

Today's hike takes you along the 'Green Balcony of the Tatras', a stunning trail that winds through lush forests and rolling meadows, all set beneath the towering peaks of the High Tatras. As you walk, you may encounter local shepherds tending their flocks, the fragrant mountain wildflowers adding to the unique flavour of the renowned oscypek cheese they craft. Emerging from the forest, you'll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the entire High Tatra range – a breathtaking sight which makes this route truly special. The hike can be adapted to suit your group’s pace, with your guide offering the best options along the way. By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Roztoka mountain hut, one of Poland’s most historic and welcoming refuges, dating back to 1876. Here, you’ll settle in for the next two nights, soaking up the hut’s warm mountain hospitality and cosy atmosphere.

Embark on an out-and-back journey through one of the most breathtaking valleys in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The trail begins with a climb through Roztoka Valley, a serene forested gorge following the rushing Roztoka stream. As you ascend, the landscape transforms, revealing the stunning Valley of the Five Lakes – a dramatic, postglacial amphitheatre of crystal-clear alpine lakes surrounded by rugged peaks. Here, you’ll find Wielki Staw, the deepest and second-largest lake in the Tatras, as well as the picturesque Mickiewicz waterfalls. You will decide with your guide exactly how far up the valley to hike today, making sure your legs are ready for tomorrow's big challenge. After taking in the spectacular scenery, descend back through Roztoka Valley, returning to the cosy Roztoka Hut for a well-earned rest.

On your final day in the mountains, take on the ultimate challenge – Rysy (2501m), the highest peak in Poland. This demanding ascent includes a rocky scramble, with the more technical sections protected by handrail chains attached to the rock. You'll make the ascent with additional guides offering expert support, passing two spectacular alpine lakes along the way: Morskie Oko, the largest in the Tatras, and the striking Czarny Staw, framed by dramatic peaks. At the summit, soak in one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the entire Carpathian range – a fitting reward for your efforts. The descent takes you into Slovakia, where a transfer awaits to bring you back to Zakopane for a celebratory dinner and final night in a hotel.

After an unforgettable adventure in the Tatra Mountains, enjoy a final morning in Zakopane before transferring to Kraków Airport for your journey home. Take in the last views of the peaks as you reflect on an incredible trip filled with rugged trails, breathtaking summits, and rich mountain culture.