Top 10 Viewpoints in the Tatra Mountains
The Tatra Mountains are the highest range of the Carpathians, a compact wall of granite peaks straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia. Though small in area, they rise sharply above 2,500 metres, with glacial lakes, jagged ridges and true alpine terrain that feel far larger than their size suggests. From cable-car summits to demanding chain-assisted scrambles, these ten viewpoints capture the drama of the High Tatras.
Rysy
The highest peak accessible to hikers, Rysy reaches 2,499 metres on the Polish-Slovak border and is the highest point in Poland. The strenuous ascent from Morskie Oko involves chain-assisted scrambling near the top. The summit panorama takes in dozens of peaks and lakes on both sides of the range. It is a long, full day and only for fit, experienced walkers.
Morskie Oko
The largest lake in the Polish Tatras, Morskie Oko ("Eye of the Sea") sits at 1,395 metres, ringed by towering peaks including Rysy and Mnich. A wide road-track climbs to the lake from Palenica Białczańska, and the viewpoints around the shore frame the still green water against the granite walls. It is the most visited spot in the Polish Tatras.
Kasprowy Wierch
A cable car from Kuźnice climbs to the 1,987-metre summit of Kasprowy Wierch on the main ridge, the most accessible high viewpoint in the Polish Tatras. From the top, the panorama spans the peaks of both Poland and Slovakia, with a meteorological observatory at the summit. It is a ski area in winter and a viewpoint hub in summer.
Lomnický štít
The second-highest peak in the High Tatras, Lomnický štít reaches 2,634 metres on the Slovak side and is reached by a dramatic cable car from Tatranská Lomnica. The summit terrace gives one of the most spectacular high panoramas in the range, across the jagged peaks and deep valleys. Access to the summit is limited and timed; the cable car is an experience in itself.
Gerlachovský štít
The highest peak in the entire Carpathian range, Gerlachovský štít reaches 2,655 metres in Slovakia. It can be climbed only with a mountain guide, as there are no marked trails to the summit. The view from the top spans the whole High Tatras, and reaching it is a serious alpine undertaking reserved for those with a guide and experience.
Giewont
The distinctive recumbent profile of Giewont, often said to resemble a sleeping knight, rises to 1,894 metres above Zakopane and is crowned by a large summit cross. The popular but steep chain-assisted trail leads to the top, with a view over Zakopane and the main ridge. It is one of the most climbed peaks in the Polish Tatras and can be very crowded.
Dolina Pięciu Stawów (Valley of Five Lakes)
The Valley of Five Lakes in the Polish Tatras holds a chain of glacial lakes in a high cirque at around 1,700 metres, ringed by peaks. A mountain hut sits among the lakes, and the trails and viewpoints frame the water and the surrounding walls. It is one of the most beautiful high valleys in the range, often combined with a hike to Morskie Oko.
Štrbské pleso
On the Slovak side, the glacial lake of Štrbské pleso sits at 1,346 metres, a popular resort with the lake reflecting the high peaks behind. The level lakeside path and viewpoints frame the water and the summits of the main ridge. It is easily reached by the Tatra electric railway and is a gentle high-mountain viewpoint.
Sławkowski štít (Slavkovský štít)
A popular Slovak peak at 2,452 metres, Slavkovský štít is reached by a long but non-technical marked trail. The summit, projecting forward from the main ridge, gives one of the finest panoramas in the High Tatras, looking back at the wall of the highest peaks and out over the lowlands of Slovakia. The ascent is a full day.
Sarnia Skała
A modest peak at 1,377 metres above Zakopane, Sarnia Skała is reached by an easy forest walk and offers one of the best low-effort panoramas of the Polish Tatras. The view takes in Giewont, the main ridge and the town below. It is an ideal viewpoint for those wanting the Tatra panorama without a demanding climb.
Explore on the map
From the summit of Rysy to the lakes of Morskie Oko and the cable-car peaks of Slovakia, every viewpoint above is plotted on the interactive map. Use it to see which require a guide or serious scramble, which are cable-car summits or lakeside walks, and plan a route across the Polish and Slovak High Tatras.