Poland - Winter Wonderland
📍 Tatra Mountains, Poland | ⏳ 5 Days | 🥾 3 Days of Hiking | 🏡 Villa in Zakopane | 🚐 Local Transport Provided |
Description:
Discover the magic of a Polish winter on this 5-day expedition to the spectacular Tatra Mountains. From our base in a traditional, cosy mountain lodge, we will set out on daily hikes to witness breathtaking alpine vistas and serene, snow-dusted valleys. The adventure continues after the trek, as you'll have the chance to savour authentic regional cuisine, rejuvenate your body and soul in the warm, mineral-rich waters of a thermal spa, and explore the unique architecture and culture of the winter capital, Zakopane. This trip is crafted for those who seek both thrilling mountain exploration and restorative comfort.
Join us for this remarkable experience – where every step is a story, every summit a reward 🏞️, and every day an opportunity to reconnect with nature, challenge yourself 💪, and discover something new ✨.
Accommodation:
Our base for the trip is a cosy and characterful mountain chalet nestled in the heart of Zakopane, the gateway to the Tatra Mountains. Built in traditional Polish highlander style, this charming retreat welcomes us with its wooden interiors, crackling warmth, and stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Bedrooms: 5 (Shared & Private)
Bathrooms: 2
Kitchen: 1
Living Room
Other:
Outside BBQ Zone
Package:
What’s included?
✅ 3 Days of Hiking – Discover stunning Tatra landscapes, panoramic peaks, and iconic lakes.
✅ Accommodation in Zakopane – Stay in a private villa in the heart of the Tatra Mountains (private and shared rooms)
✅ Transport – All necessary transport during the trip is included.
✅ Experienced Guide – A knowledgeable and friendly guide will lead the way.
✅ Visit Zakopane - take a stroll through the cultural capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains!
What’s not included?
❌ Flights (You can take any flight as long as they match our pickup and drop-off times)
❌ Travel Insurance
❌ Food and drinks - you will have access to a fully equipped kitchen (we visit shops daily), or you can try the local restaurants!
❌ Tickets to Thermal SPA (from £10)
Getting There
We take care of all the transport in the country of destination (from and to the airport, as well as all the local transport), and you are free to choose your own way of getting to the meeting point, but please ensure your arrival and departure times match our pickup and drop-off schedule. This allows us to ensure a smooth transfer for the entire group.
Flights we recommend:
Outbound: Ryanair
London Luton (LTN) - Kraków (KRK)
09:35 - 13:05
Inbound: Ryanair
Kraków (KRK) - London Luton (LTN)
17:05 - 18:35
Pick up/Drop off
Where do we meet?
Our guides will meet you at the:
Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) between 13:00 and 14:00
Where do we drop you off?
Our guides can drop you off at 2 locations:
1. Krakow City Centre around 11:00
2. Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK) around 15:00
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Poland – Welcome to the Tatra Mountains
Your Polish winter adventure begins as you fly into Kraków Airport (KRK), where you will be met for the scenic 2-hour transfer south into the heart of the magnificent Tatra Mountains. Upon arriving in Zakopane, the bustling 'winter capital' of Poland, you'll check into our traditional and cosy mountain lodge.
The rest of the day is yours to settle in and relax after your travels. This is a perfect opportunity to acclimatise to the crisp mountain air before we gather for a welcome dinner at the lodge, giving you a first taste of hearty, local highland cuisine. Rest well, as our mountain exploration begins tomorrow.
Days 2: Hike to Czerwone Wierchy + SPA Evening
After a hearty breakfast, we'll get our first proper taste of the Tatra National Park with a hike towards the iconic peak of Wielki Giewont. Known as the 'Sleeping Knight', its dramatic silhouette watches over Zakopane. We will enjoy a scenic trek through one of the beautiful lower valleys, walking through a winter wonderland of snow-laden forests with incredible views of the peak. Our focus will be on enjoying the stunning scenery of the valley approach.
Length: 15 KM | Elevation gain: 1300m | Time: 8h
After the hike, we'll visit a local thermal SPA to relax. The demanding trek will be followed by a soothing soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, allowing us to unwind and recharge for the next day's adventures
Days 3: High Peaks & Winter Fun
Today’s objective is another Tatra classic, the high-altitude peak of Kasprowy Wierch, which sits on the main ridge bordering Slovakia. We will undertake the challenging but rewarding winter trek to the summit, where panoramic views of the entire snow-covered range await. As this is a strenuous high-mountain route, our plans will be guided by the prevailing weather and conditions.
Length: 14 KM | Elevation gain: 1200m | Time: 8h
In the evening, after returning from the peak, the evening is all about embracing the simpler joys of winter. We'll take a short twilight walk to enjoy the crisp evening air, followed by some light-hearted fun with an evening of sledging on a local hill.
Days 4: Hike to The Black Lake & Zakopane Evening
Day 4 will take us to the serene and stunning Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, or the "Black Lake." This glacial lake is one of the most picturesque spots in the Tatras and a well-deserved reward for our hike. The trail begins in Kuźnice and leads us through the beautiful Gąsienicowa Valley. The first part of the journey takes us uphill through a forest, eventually opening up to sweeping views of the surrounding alpine landscape.
Length: 14 KM | Elevation gain: 700m | Time: 6h
After our hike, we'll head back to our accommodation for a well-deserved barbecue party. It will be the perfect way to unwind, share stories from our day's adventures, and enjoy a delicious meal together in a relaxed setting.
Day 5: Explore Kraków & Return Home
Our final morning in Zakopane dawned with a bittersweet beauty. After a last, fortifying breakfast, we bid farewell to the mountains and began our journey back to Kraków. This wil be our last chance to immerse ourselves in Poland's rich history and vibrant culture. We had a few hours to wander through the historic Old Town, revisit the bustling Main Square, or explore the majestic grounds of Wawel Castle.
It was also a final opportunity to indulge in some delicious local cuisine, whether it was the comforting taste of pierogi, a hearty bowl of bigos, or a sweet, cinnamon-infused chimney cake. As the afternoon approached, we made our way to the airport for our flight back, our journey ending with full hearts and tired legs.
