Zakopane Morskie Oko Hike: Ultimate Guide (2024)

With so many hikes in Zakopane, Poland, choosing the best one can be tough. 

Morskie Oko Hike is one of the most popular hikes from Zakopane, and one of the easiest too.

So if you only do one, make it this one!

The scenery is stunning and the hike is easy and accessible for all fitness levels. 

It is also easy to reach by public transport so you don’t need a car, and you can even do it on a day trip from Krakow!

I absolutely loved this hike, so here is exactly how you can do it as well!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!

Hiking To Morskie Oko

So, where is Morskie Oko?

Morskie Oko is a glacial lake nestled in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, with the closest larger city being Zakopane.

Its name comes from a local legend, according to which the lake is connected to the sea by an underground tunnel. 

This hiking trail is within Tatra National Park, so the first thing you need to do when you reach the trail is pay for entrance. 

Once you’re inside the park, you simply have to follow the paved road to Morskie Oko.

It is truly one of the simplest hikes in the area, and it is impossible to get lost.

Now, you’ll also notice horse carriages at the start of the trail. Unless you’re absolutely unable to hike to the lake, I really advise against taking them. 

I don’t have information about the conditions these horses are kept in, but as an animal lover, I felt uncomfortable seeing them struggling up the mountain pulling carriages with 10 adults seated inside. 

Even if you take the carriage, and people were waiting for over an hour in line to take one when I was there, it takes you only about 80% of the way up and you still have to walk for about 20-30 minutes to the Lake.

Morskie Oko Hiking Trail

The road is paved all the way to the Lake, and I’ve seen people with strollers and wheelchairs successfully reach the top!

Approximately halfway along the trail, you’ll have the option to take a faster, steeper route to the lake – Shortcut trail.

I took it on the way back, and I must admit it is more picturesque as you’re walking on the cobbled path in nature.

If you want the trail to feel more challenging, you can take it uphill too!

So, how long does the Morskie Oko hike take?

According to the trail signs along the way, it takes 2 hours and 30 minutes from the park entrance to the Lake.

I picked up the pace a bit, and it took me just under 2 hours. I’m not the sportiest person out there, so I’m certain some people do it even quicker. 

However, if you stop along the way to take photos, or for the toilets, it can take 3 hours or even longer.

It is not a race, so do it at your own pace and enjoy the view!

Amenities On The Trail

Morskie Oko Trail is very well maintained, with several useful amenities along the way. 

There are 3 restaurants/ snack establishments along the way. 

The first one is a snack truck at the entrance, the second is a small cafe about 80% of the way up, and the third is a mountain house with a restaurant at the lake.

I didn’t try the food as they didn’t have any vegan options, but it’s good to know that you’re not in complete wilderness on the trail.

Also, there are at least 3 toilet stations with half a dozen toilets along the trail, approximately every 45-minute mark.

Further Hiking

I hiked the trail in about 2 hours, so if you start your day early, you’ll have more than enough time to continue hiking beyond the Lake.

Once you reach the Lake, 2 hiking trails continue onward. 3 if you count doing a loop around the lake.

• Five Lakes Valley (1h45)
• Rysy Peak (4h15)

How To Get To Morskie Oko?

Despite being nestled in the mountains surrounded by the highest peaks of the Polish mountains, Morskie Oko is relatively easy to reach.

Getting There From Zakopane

If you’re staying in Zakopane and looking for easy hikes from Zakopane, this is the one for you. 

You can do the Morskie Oko Hike without a car, and it is even better if you just take public transport from the city center of Zakopane.

By Bus

The easiest way to get from Zakopane to Morskie Oko is by one of many minibusses departing from the city center of Zakopane.

You don’t have to worry about departure times as there are SO many minibusses.

There used to be a timetable, but it seems like they are just departing as soon as they’re full during the high season.

Buses depart from Dworzec Autobusowy and stop along Aleje 3-go Maja Górn – I got one at the bus station in front of Lidl!

The downside of getting on the bus along the way is that all the seats could be taken and you’d have to stand for a 30-60 minute ride like I did. 

You’ll easily recognize the buses as they’ll have a sign Morskie Oko.

You have to pay in cash, so have the money ready. You’ll pay as you get off the bus at the end! The price is currently 15 zloty in one direction.

It’s the same on the way back. 

Dozens of minibusses are stationed at the parking and leave as soon as they’re full.

By Car

Driving from Zakopane to Morskie Oko is rather straightforward. 

Set your Google Maps navigation to  Morskie Oko parking – there is just one road and you’ll reach the park entrance. 

I’ve heard mixed reviews for the parking availability, especially in high season as they get packed!

You can buy the parking ticket online, but arriving early is the best chance to park in the parking closer to the trailhead.

TRAVEL TIP: If you’re renting a car you’ll have to rent a car from Krakow or Katowice and drive to Zakopane. I didn’t see any rental car agencies in Zakopane.

Getting There From Krakow

You can also do a Morskie Oko hike on a day trip from Krakow!

It will be a long day and prefer spending a night in Zakopane, but it is possible if you have more than 2 days in Krakow. 

Organised Day Trip

The easiest way to see Morskie Oko from Krakow is on an organized tour to the Tatra Mountains. 

As the Tatra Mountains are one of the most popular places to visit from Krakow, several daily tours depart from the city. 

The drive takes about 3 hours in each direction, and you have about 5-6 hours to enjoy the nature. 

You also get to experience another Zakopane landmark – Gubalowka Funicular. 

⛰️Check rates and availability here!

By Bus

If you’re exploring Poland on a budget, taking a bus is the best option. 

Firstly, you’ll have to take a bus from Krakow to Zakopane. The train is significantly slower than a bus, so I would skip it for this trip. 

I took a Flixbus early in the morning and it arrived right where mini buses to Morskie Oko depart. 

Once you’re at the bus station, just follow the instructions above.

The last bus from Zakopane to Krakow departs around midnight, so you’ll have more than enough time to do the hike before catching your return bus. 

🚌 Find Krakow to Zakopane bus here!

By Car

Finally, if you rent a car, you can easily enjoy this day trip at your own pace.

It takes about 3 hours to get from Krakow to the starting point of the trail. Just follow Google Maps navigation, also there are road signs along the way so it’s hard to miss it. 

Where To Stay In Zakopane?

While you could do the hike on a day trip from Krakow, I suggest staying in Zakopane.

Zakopane is a lovely small town with accommodation options in traditional mountain houses.

I visited Zakopane without a car, so I stayed close to the main walking street – Krupowki.

The best area to stay if you don’t have a car is within 10-15 minutes walking from the city center. 

If you have a car, you’ll have more options. Remote mountain houses can be very luxurious and affordable at the same time!

• Budget Option: Apartamenty Krupówki Tuż Tuż – I stayed in this lovely family-run accommodation, and I highly recommend it!
• TOP Pick: Villa T Apartments & SPA– an absolutely stunning property with a SPA in the heart of the city center. 
• Best Hostel: Top Hostel Pokoje Gościnne

Quick Morskie Oko Travel Tips

• Go early: Start the hike early if you want to escape the crowds.
• Bring cash: You need cash to pay for the minibus to the Lake.
• Don’t forget the entrance fee: You have to pay to enter the National Park, you can pay in cash or by card.
• Bring snacks: If you’re vegan, you’ll want to pack lunch. There is a local restaurant by the lake, but I didn’t see any vegan options.
• Bring enough water: There are no water fountains along the trail!
• Wear comfortable shoes: You don’t need proper hiking equipment as the path is paved, but wear something comfortable.
• Be prepared for crowds: The trail was VERY crowded around noon when I was there, it felt like walking through the city center!

Summary: Morskie Oko Hike

Tatra National Park is one of the most stunning regions in Poland, and you must add the Morskie Oko hike to your itinerary if you’re traveling to this beautiful area.

The trail is easy to reach by public transport from Zakopane, so you don’t even need to rent a car!

A hike to Morskie Oko is relatively easy for most fitness levels, and I’ve seen people of all ages on the trail. 

It’s a fantastic hike for casual hikers who want to enjoy nature without tackling challenging hiking routes and it is safe for solo female travelers.

I absolutely loved the untouched nature surrounding Zakopane, and this area and its beautiful hikes are well worth adding to your Poland itinerary!