Tatra National Park, Poland

It is a modest national park by European standards, with a total size of 211,000 square kilometers. Despite this, its Alpine flair and lush terrain attract a record number of tourists each year - between 2.5 and 3 million. Endangered animal species found in the park include the Tatra chamois, marmot, bear, lynx, wildcat, and wolf. The Tatra National Park lies in southern Poland's Maopolska Province and borders the Slovakian Tatra National Park. In 1993, both of these rare places were designated as UNESCO biosphere reserves.

The cable train atop Kasprowy Wierch, built in 1936, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Tatra Mountains. It is Poland's oldest such structure and the world's 60th. Its topmost station is located near to Poland's tallest meteorological observatory (1987 meters mamsl). Rysy, at 2499 meters above sea level, is the highest peak on the Polish side of the Tatra Mountains and Poland's highest summit. Zakopane, located at the foothills of the Tatra Mountains, has a diverse choice of accommodation options as well as an exceptional skiing infrastructure.

Here you can find not only the highest mountain in Poland, the Rysy, but also other rocky peaks and sapphire blue mountain lakes. The little town of Zakopane is an excellent starting point for trips to the Tatra Mountains, and it is consequently very popular with Poles. With Worldpackers, you may have a real experience in Zakopane while learning about Polish landscapes and culture.

Location: Tatra Mountains, Tatra County, Lesser Poland Voivodeship, Poland