How to Get to Morskie Oko: The Trail to Poland’s Most Famous Lake [2025]

Morskie Oko is one of the most visited places in the Tatra Mountains in Poland. There are two reasons for that. First: the lake at the end of the trail is truly worth it, especially in summer, when the crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding mountains. Second: it’s very easy to get there. Even though the hike might seem long, the entire path is paved, so you don’t need to be in top physical shape to do it.

If you’re looking for how to get to Morskie Oko, how long it takes, which route to take, or whether it’s worth the effort, I’ve got you covered. Personally, I’ve done this hike about 8 times (yes, it’s also a very popular destination among Poles), so I’d say I’m pretty much an expert on the topic.

Check also:

• The best hiking trails in Zakopane
• Top Places to See in Poland

📍Where is Morskie Oko lake?

Morskie Oko Lake is located in the Tatra National Park, in the south of Poland, very close to the border with Slovakia. It’s considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the country, surrounded by stunning mountain peaks like Rysy, the highest summit in Poland.

How to get to Morskie Oko?

How to get to Morskie Oko lake from Zakopane town center

The route to Morskie Oko lake begins at the Palenica Białczańska parking lot. You can get there either by minibus or by car. Minibuses to Palenica Białczańska depart from the Zakopane bus station, which is right in front of the train station. They usually display signs for “Morskie Oko” or “Łysa Polana.”

The most comfortable way to get there is by car, but be aware: during high season, the parking lot fills up quickly. We recommend booking your parking spot in advance to secure a place.

From Kraków to Morskie Oko lake

We’ve written a full article about how to get from Kraków to Zakopane, which you can find here. In it, we explain the different options depending on the mode of transport you choose. Once you arrive in Zakopane, just follow the steps mentioned above.

Route to Morskie Oko: distance, duration, and options

From Palenica Białczańska to Morskie Oko, it’s an 8 km uphill walk (around 2.5 hours) along a fully paved road. The return trip is the same distance.

The hike to Morskie Oko starts here: 📍Palenica Białczańska

It’s not a difficult hike, but it is a bit long. If you’re traveling with kids or simply don’t feel like walking that much, you can take a horse-drawn carriage (cash only—they’ll take you almost to the end of the trail). Just make sure to treat the animals with respect. It’s not an option we personally recommend, but it is available.

This season, electric buses have also started operating from the parking area to near the lake. Prices are a bit steep (100 PLN, about the same as the horses), and personally, I think you lose some of the charm and satisfaction of doing the hike on foot.

Is it worth visiting Morskie Oko Lake?

It depends on the season. It’s one of the most stunning landscapes in southern Poland. If you enjoy nature, hiking, or are just looking for an unforgettable postcard view—and the weather is nice—then Morskie Oko is definitely worth the visit.

You can also combine your visit with other nearby spots like Czarny Staw, just 30 minutes further uphill, or continue on to the Valley of the Five Polish Lakes.

That said, I personally don’t think it’s worth going all the way to Morskie Oko lake in winter or during bad weather. Mainly because the lake is usually covered in snow and, if you’re unlucky (like we were once), you might not even see the mountain behind the lake.

If you’re not sure whether it’s worth hiking up to Morskie Oko, you can check the weather at the top using the live cameras on this page.

💡 What I wish I’d known before going

• There are bathrooms at the entrance, along the trail, and at the mountain hut by the lake (though the first ones are chemical toilets, like at a music festival—not the most comfortable). The one inside the restaurant is a bit better, but you have to pay (around 2 PLN, cash only).
• Even though the path is paved, wear comfortable shoes. (I’ve seen people hike up in heels, but I wouldn’t recommend it 😅)
• Bring snacks and water, and carry some cash if you plan to eat at the hut by the lake. The food is good and they serve traditional Polish dishes, but they only accept cash. There’s an ATM nearby, but it doesn’t always work because of the poor signal in the mountains.
• Speaking of signal: in some parts of the trail you might not have cell coverage. Sometimes it works, but in general, don’t count on it.
• Remember that temperatures in the mountains are lower than at the base. While you might not feel the cold while walking, you’ll definitely notice it when you stop to rest at the top—especially in winter.

What animals can you find at Morskie Oko?

Morskie Oko lake is located inside the National Park and surrounded by wild nature, so you might come across animals like:

• marmots
• deer
• lynxes
• and even bears (although spotting one is very rare)

That’s why it’s important not to leave food lying around, stay on the marked trails, and avoid making loud noises.

❓Frequently Asked Questions About lake Morskie Oko