Hiking in Poland

Find your hiking trail in Poland

Poland might not be associated at first with a hiking destination, but this country has a lot of hiking trails that you likely haven’t heard of. The Tatra Mountains, which border with Slovakia, are the most well-known hiking area in Poland and are easily accessible from Krakow and Zakopane. But also the lower mountain ranges are very beautiful and you can even hike hut-to-hut in the wild Bieszczady Mountains and Sudeti Mountain range.

Poland as a hiking destination

Zakopane, known as the gateway to the Tatra Mountains, is a great place to start if you’re feeling adventurous. With lots of day-hiking trails and long-distance trails, you’ll see how it’s a hiker’s paradise. Its highest peak, Rysy, has views of the rugged mountains around it, and the longest trail in Poland, the Main Beskid Trail, goes along the entire width of the Beskidy Mountains as a 500km thru-hike.

The Tatra National Park

The Tatra National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is the most famous in Poland. Here you’ll find mountain huts to enjoy a hut-to-hut trek — just be sure to book your stay far in advance because it’s a popular hiking destination, mostly for locals.

Hiking in the Bieszczady Mountains

Further east, the Bieszczady Mountains are a wild landscape with fewer people on the trails, but a more rugged environment. It’s famous for the chance to spot wildlife, including European bison and brown bears. The trails here are less crowded, but that also means fewer facilities alongside the trails.

The longest trail in Poland

For thru-hikers, the Main Beskid Trail may be for you, as it’s over 500 kilometers. This trail takes you through the heart of the Beskidy Mountains, passing through mountain villages, landmarks, and views of the surrounding hills. If you want to connect with the Polish people, this is your trail.