.jpg)
Morskie Oko
Morskie Oko Lake
The Pearl of the Tatra Mountains
Explore Morskie Oko
Morskie Oko (Eye of the Sea) is the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains, covering 34.5 hectares at 1,395 meters above sea level. Located entirely within Poland's Tatra National Park, the glacier-formed lake boasts crystal-clear waters with visibility up to 15 meters.
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
- Part of Polish National Parks (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
Take a frequent minibus from Zakopane bus station to the Palenica Białczańska parking lot (30-40 mins).
The Hike
From the parking lot, it's a 9km hike (about 2 hours) on an asphalt road to reach the lake.
By Car
Drive to Palenica Białczańska. Book your parking spot online well in advance.
Public Transport
Minibuses are the most convenient way to reach the trail head, especially in high season.
Trail Conditions
The trail to Morskie Oko is an easy, paved road suitable for most fitness levels.
Accessibility
Horse carriages can take you most of the way, but you still need to walk the last 1.5 kilometers.
Photo Gallery
Otoczenie Morskiego Oka / Morskie Oko Lake
Morskie Oko View
.jpg)
Czarny Staw pod Rysami / Morskie Oko widziane z Zazieleńca
.jpg)
Tatra Mountains
.jpg)
Lake Reflections
.jpg)
Historic Lodge
.jpg)
Forest Trail
.jpg)
Clear Waters
.jpg)
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)