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Morskie Oko
Morskie Oko Lake
The Pearl of the Tatra Mountains
Explore Morskie Oko
Morskie Oko (1395 m n.p.m.) to największe (34,54 ha) jezioro w Tatrach. Jego maksymalna głębokość wynosi 50,8 m. Jezioro zawdzięcza swoje powstanie procesom rzeźbotwórczym epoki lodowej. Woda w jeziorze charakteryzuje się dużą przezroczystością – ok. 15 m.
Visit Tips
- Morskie Oko is the most popular destination in the Tatras. In the busiest season, several thousand people visit daily, so start your trip early.
- The lake is accessible from Zakopane via a scenic hike.
- Don't miss Czarny Staw pod Rysami, another beautiful lake located just up the valley.
- The lodge at Morskie Oko, built in 1907–1908, is the oldest operating shelter in the Polish Tatras.
Highlights
- Largest lake in the Tatra Mountains (34.5 ha)
- Located at 1,395 meters above sea level, 50.8m deep
- Natural habitat for brown trout
- Tatrzański Park Narodowy / Polskie Parki Narodowe
Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy)
Basic Information
Official Name
Morskie Oko
Attraction Type
Tourist Attraction
Google Rating
4.8 (6,615)
Accessibility
Partial
Plus Code
53WC+V2 Zakopane, Poland
Address
Dolina Rybiego Potoku, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland
Visiting Hours
Tatra National Park
Open daily from dawn to dusk
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Melting snows create beautiful waterfalls, but trails may be slippery
Summer: Perfect for hiking, but very crowded. Start early in the morning
Best Time to Visit
Autumn: Stunning autumn colors and generally stable weather
Winter: Beautiful snowy landscapes, requires proper winter gear
Always check the weather forecast and TOPR avalanche warnings before your hike.
Admission & Parking
National Park Entrance
A ticket to the Tatra National Park is required (approx. 9 PLN)
Palenica Białczańska Parking
Must be booked online in advance (approx. 45-55 PLN per day)
Horse-drawn Carriages
Available from the parking lot to Włosienica (approx. 1.5 km from the lake)
How to Get Here
From Zakopane Center
Take a frequent minibus from Zakopane bus station or near the train station heading to Morskie Oko (Palenica Białczańska parking lot). The ride takes about 30-40 minutes. Minibuses depart frequently when full.
From the Airport
The nearest international airports are Kraków John Paul II (KRK) and Poprad-Tatry (TAT) in Slovakia. From Kraków airport, you can take a bus or train to Zakopane, then transfer to a minibus to the trail head.
By Car
Drive to the Palenica Białczańska parking lot. You must book your parking spot online in advance through the Tatra National Park (TPN) website. Without a reservation, you may be turned away.
Public Transport
Minibuses (usually marked 'Morskie Oko') are the most convenient and economical way to reach the trail head from Zakopane, especially highly recommended during the busy season when the parking lot fills up quickly.
The Hike
From the Palenica Białczańska parking lot, it's a 9km hike (about 2 to 2.5 hours one way) on an asphalt road to reach the lake. The trail is easy, gradual, and suitable for all fitness levels, including families with strollers.
Horse-drawn Carriages
If you prefer not to walk the entire way, traditional horse-drawn carriages operated by local highlanders can take you from the parking lot to Włosienica. From there, you still need to walk the last 1.5 km (about 30 minutes) to the lake.
Photo Gallery
Otoczenie Morskiego Oka / Morskie Oko Lake
Morskie Oko View
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Czarny Staw pod Rysami / Morskie Oko widziane z Zazieleńca
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Tatra Mountains
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Lake Reflections
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Historic Lodge
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Forest Trail
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Clear Waters
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Alpine Scenery
Visitor Reviews
Reviews can be viewed via Google Maps.
A very powerful sculpture! Learning about its anti-landmine message makes it even more meaningful.
A must-see landmark in Geneva. It's right in front of the UN, and the fountains in the square are beautiful too.
Massive and spectacular. Standing underneath it gives you a strong visual impact.
A very educational piece of public art. Very easy to get to, the tram stops right there.
A symbol of peace and dignity. You must come and see it when in Geneva.
Incredible wooden structure, and the message it conveys is very powerful. 100% recommended.
Beautiful monument!! You'll definitely pass by it before taking the UN tour.
Not just a photo spot, but an appeal for world peace. The atmosphere around it is great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Is Morskie Oko in Poland or Slovakia?
Morskie Oko is located entirely within Poland, in the Tatra National Park, though it is close to the Slovak border.
Q:How deep is the lake?
The maximum depth of Morskie Oko is 50.8 meters, containing about 9.9 million cubic meters of water.
Q:Can you swim in Morskie Oko?
No, swimming, bathing, and feeding the fish are strictly prohibited to protect the delicate ecosystem.
Q:How long is the hike?
The walk from the Palenica Białczańska parking lot takes about 2 to 2.5 hours one way along an asphalt road.
Q:Are there places to eat?
Yes, there is a historic PTTK mountain shelter by the lake that serves hot meals and drinks.
Map Location
Dolina Rybiego Potoku, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland (53WC+V2 Zakopane, Poland)