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Morskie Oko surrounded by Tatra peaks
Nature

Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko is a lake in the Tatra Mountains, located about 15 km from Zakopane. It is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Poland.

DG

DG

— 3 min read

Morskie Oko is a lake in the Tatra Mountains, located about 15 km from Zakopane. It is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Poland. It is surrounded by mountains and forests, which adds to its unique charm. Access to the lake is available only on foot and, unfortunately, by controversial horse-drawn carts, via several hiking trails. The hike to Morskie Oko is an unforgettable experience, as it allows you to admire beautiful landscapes. There are also numerous places to rest around the lake, making it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway.

The road to Morskie Oko through the forest
So let's hit the road. The entire route to Morskie Oko (starting from Palenica Białczańska) takes from two hours to 2.20 minutes.
Turquoise surface of Morskie Oko beneath the mountains

Morskie oko

Morskie Oko shore and the hut among the trees
Morskie oko
Tatra peaks above Morskie Oko
Morskie oko
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There is a lot to see at Morskie Oko. You can admire the beauty of the lake, which according to some sources was named by The Wall Street Journal one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world. You can also see rare plants such as alpine cottongrass, hairy monkshood or twinflower. You can visit the mountain hut by Morskie Oko, which offers accommodation and meals. If you fancy a longer hike, you can continue to Czarny Staw pod Rysami or to the summit of Rysy.
Morskie Oko with spruce forest on the shore
Spruce by Morskie Oko and a waterfall on the slope
Morskie Oko and streams running off the mountains
Rocky Tatra peaks above Morskie Oko

Morskie oko

Many species of animals, both wild and domestic, can be found in the Tatra Mountains. Some of the most characteristic animals you may see there are:

  1. Chamois (kozica) – one of the best-known animals of the Tatras. Chamois are small, agile goat-antelopes that live in hard-to-reach places.
  2. Marten (kuna) – a predator living in the Tatra forests. Martens are agile and very clever.
  3. Wildcat (żbik) – a predator found in the Tatras. Wildcats are rarely seen because they live in remote, hard-to-reach places.
  4. Brown bear (niedźwiedź) – one of the largest animals you can meet in the Tatras. Bears live in the Tatra forests and clearings.
  5. Lynx (ryś) – a medium-sized wild cat living in the Tatras. Lynx are very rarely seen because they live in hard-to-reach places.
  6. Wolf (wilk) – a large predator living in the Tatras. Wolves are rarely seen, but you can sometimes hear them howling.
  7. Raven (kruk) – a large black bird living in the Tatras. Ravens are very intelligent and can often be seen flying around the peaks.
  8. Golden eagle (orzeł) – a large bird of prey living in the Tatras. Eagles are rarely seen, but you can sometimes spot them flying over the peaks.
  9. Roe deer (sarna) – a graceful animal living in the Tatra forests. Roe deer are very shy and hard to spot.
  10. Sheep (owca) – a domestic animal grazed on Tatra mountain pastures. Sheep are an important part of the Tatra highland economy and are often seen around mountain villages and settlements.

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