Poland Trekking: Tatra, Lakes & Thermal Springs




Itinerary
Discover the wild heart of southern Poland on a six‑day trekking adventure which starts and ends in Kraków, taking us through the Tatra Mountains. You’ll trade cobblestone streets for rugged trails, wander emerald‑green glacial lakes, and soak sore muscles in world‑class thermal pools. Day one brings you to Zakopane—Poland’s “winter capital”—where wooden chalets and Goral folklore set the tone. Hikes to the stunning Morskie Oko and through Dolina Kościeliska reveal secret caves and alpine vistas, while a thrilling raft down the Dunajec Gorge adds just the right rush. After hard days on the trail, unwind in Chochołowskie Termy or drift among steam jets in your private hotel bathroom. You’ll return to Kraków with a new perspective on Polish mountain culture, stories of adventure, and memories of clifftop sunsets. This trip balances adrenaline and relaxation, perfect for travelers who want both epic hikes and a touch of comfort. Lace up your boots—Poland’s trails are calling.


Arrival & Zakopane Stroll
From Kraków to the Goral Capital
After arriving in Kraków before 3 pm, we board public transport to Zakopane, the charming foothill town of the Tatras. Check into your guesthouse, then join a guided walking tour through the wooden Krupówki promenade, browse local artisan stalls, and sample oscypek cheese. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with traditional Goral music. Zakopane’s alpine atmosphere is the perfect introduction to our mountain adventure.

Big Hiking Day
Mirror Lake & Rysy Peak
The Great Alpine Lakes & The Rysy Trail Today’s hike follows the Palenica Białczańska → Morskie Oko trail, pushing deep into the mountains to reach Czarny Staw pod Rysami (The Black Pond). This is an epic ≈20 km round‑trip with ≈600 m elevation gain, taking between 6–8 hours. We’ll leave early around 6 am to beat the crowds, traversing old‑growth forests and crossing wooden boardwalks until we emerge at Morskie Oko—an emerald glacial lake surrounded by granite walls. After lakeside photos, we push our limits. We will tackle the steep, heart-pumping stone ascent up to the Black Pond, sitting directly beneath the towering, jagged peaks of Mount Rysy. Here, looking out over the sweeping valley below, we'll enjoy our packed lunch. After some rest, we'll return down. Moneypot covers our bus to the trailhead. In the evening, relax in Zakopane’s cafés or join a local folk evening.

Dolina Kościeliska Valley
Caves & Highland Huts
We venture into Dolina Kościeliska, a 9.5 km valley loop (≈3.5 hours) renowned for karst caves, traditional wooden shepherd huts, and limestone gorges. Your guide will lead you through Mroźna Cave (optional detour) and past the historic Knajpa Smocza Jama tavern. Learn about Goral shepherding and discover hidden waterfalls before returning to Zakopane for dinner.

Thermal Bliss & Village Charm
Chochołowskie Termy & Chochołów
Recharge at Chochołowskie Termy, Poland’s largest thermal complex: indoor/outdoor pools, steam baths, and spa treatments. After lunch, explore the wooden village of Chochołów, with its UNESCO‑style thatched roofs and folk museum. Moneypot covers your transfer to the baths. Return to Zakopane for a hearty meal before the next day's trekking.

Pieniny Rafting Adventure
Dunajec Gorge on a Traditional Raft
Journey to Krościenko nad Dunajcem for a classic 3‑hour wooden raft trip down the Dunajec River, passing limestone cliffs and the Trzy Korony massif. This UNESCO‑protected gorge blends adrenaline with serene river scenery. Afterward, return to Zakopane for a final group dinner celebrating our journey.

Farewell to the Tatras
Return to Kraków
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then board your bus or train back to Kraków. We aim for an arrival before 11 am to fit afternoon flights. Reflect on your Tatras trekking, swap contact info with new friends, and perhaps squeeze in a last stroll through Kraków’s Old Town before your onward journey.
What's included
5 nights accommodation in shared rooms with private bathroom
5 breakfasts
Return transfer from Kraków to Zapokane
Group Leader's services
- Move or modify your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Medical and baggage insurance - (coverage limits by destination country/region - €10,000 Italy, €20,000 Europe, €30,000 World, €50,000 USA/Canada)
What's not included
Entrance to Tatra National Park - approx. USD20
- Food and beverages when not specified
Trailhead Minibuses - approx. USD45
Local transport
- All the extras you'll be able to fit in your backpack
- Anything not mentioned in the "What's included" section
Optional activities
Please see below extra optional activities that you can experience during your trip. Your Group Leader will be happy to assist with organizing these activities for the group. Availability may vary depending on location and group preferences.
Please note these activities are provided by third party suppliers and liability rests exclusively with these third party suppliers.
Chochołowskie Termy - approx. USD40
Dunajec River Rafting - approx. USD55
Gubałówka Funicular - approx. USD15
Additional info
- Accommodation
5 nights accommodation in shared hotel rooms with private bathroom
- Info on private roomsShow all details
Reviews
based on 33 verified reviews
Rating breakdown
- 5 stars88%
- 4 stars12%
- 3 stars0%
- 2 stars0%
- 1 star0%
JacobFirst WeRoad
5September 2026
Amazing trip, made some friends for life and there was flexibility to the plans if you wanted to do your own thing or go the extra mile on a hike, the accommodation was lovely and zakapone was beautiful. Our group leader Leyre was amazing and made the logistics easy and fun. Can't wait to book again!
GeorgiaFirst WeRoad
5July 2026
Marek was an excellent leader, the trip was well rounded and well organised. The dynamic of the whole group was great everyone got on very well.
LaurenzFirst WeRoad
5July 2026
What a phenomenal group trip to Poland, it had it all - the views, the hikes, the thermal baths and most importantly a fantastic group organised by WeRoad and the Group Leader. It was the best group trip I have been on so far across multiple companies. Pure vibes!
NoelFirst WeRoad
5June 2026
First of all, I can say with full confidence that Kat was a fabulous and genuine trip leader. While the itinerary of this trip alone was so memorable and enjoyable that it could easily overshadow a person's relationship with their trip leader, she was so personable and knowledgeable (especially due to having a local friend and familiarity) that I never felt lost around her for a moment. There were a few challenging moments we experienced, such as when a group member requested a vegan meal at a restaurant and wasn't provided one as requested, and when at the Kraków bus station, we struggled to find half of the group despite them texting a picture of where they were until minutes before the bus departure. Yet in these moments, Kat remained level-headed and competent, which in my mind puts her a step above what I would have expected. She is truly a lovely, mature, and wonderful person, and I hope I will get to travel again with her leading if the opportunity presents itself! As for the itinerary itself, I have zero complaints. While the weather in Kraków was oppressive the day I arrived, I understand there was a heat wave passing through so don't blame anyone, and honestly, it made going to Zakopane (where it was cooler) all the more satisfying! Even after seeing the pictures, I was honestly blown away by the natural beauty and calm of the town and Tatras National Park. I also appreciated very much how the hiking itinerary provided enough of a workout that it genuinely helped me to get in shape, but Kat kept it flexible enough that no one was forced to do anything difficult. I would return there in a heartbeat if it wasn't for all the other spots in the world on my list. Finally, I absolutely loved meeting everyone in my travel group. They were all friendly for the most part and I already miss them dearly.
ShobitaFirst WeRoad
4August 2026
Great first trip with We Road! I loved all the activities as they were varied and would highly recommend this trip.
Why WeRoad
Small groups, on average 11 people
Move or change your trip for free up to 31 days before departure
Book with $ 0. Pay the $ 100 deposit only once the trip is confirmed
The Group Leaders
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A trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader.
This is a trip designed and created entirely by an experienced WeRoad Travel Group Leader. They organise the whole trip: from defining the itinerary to selecting accommodation and on-site experiences. On the WeRoad website you can book the trip and manage it in MyWeRoad, just like any other WeRoad.






