The route
The daily stages in the High Tatras typically involve 4–7 hours of walking per day, offering a balanced mix of challenge and relaxation. Elevation gains range from 200 to 950 meters, depending on the section of the route, so you’ll experience both rewarding climbs and gentler stretches where you can simply enjoy the views.
The trails are well-marked and easy to follow, making this journey suitable for both experienced hikers and beginners with a good general fitness level. Along the way, you’ll walk through dramatic valleys, lush forests, and charming mountain villages dotted with traditional wooden houses — the very essence of life in the Tatra region.
Itinerary
Individual arrival and check-in at the hotel. Here, you will receive maps and information materials for the tour. Today, you’ll also enjoy a guided walk along “The Royal Route” in Krakow. The tour is in English but can also be arranged in German if preferred. It starts at 17:30 and lasts about two hours.
Overnight stay in Krakow.
A short bus ride takes you to Chochołów, a charming village famous for its beautifully preserved traditional wooden houses. The locals still follow a centuries-old tradition of scrubbing and polishing the wood twice a year, giving the village a unique and timeless atmosphere. From here, the route continues up to Gubałówka, where you can enjoy the sunshine and admire the magnificent panoramic views of the majestic Tatra Mountains. The day ends with a scenic descent to Zakopane by mountain railway – a perfect combination of culture, nature, and unforgettable experiences.
Overnight stay in Zakopane.
From Siwa Polana, the route leads into the breathtaking Kościeliska Valley, one of the most beautiful areas in the Western Tatras. The trail continues through Hala Ornak and deeper into the valley, surrounded by dramatic rock formations, sharp peaks, and lush alpine meadows. Along the way, you can explore caves and fascinating geological formations that have made this valley famous among hikers and nature lovers. This circular walk offers both magnificent views and a touch of adventure – a perfect introduction to the unique charm of the Tatras.
Overnight stay in Zakopane.
This full-day hike takes you to the summit of Kasprowy Wierch (1,987 m), one of the most iconic peaks in the Tatra Mountains. The ascent can be challenging at times, but the reward is well worth the effort: from the top, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view stretching across the High Tatras and their dramatic ridgelines. After enjoying the scenery, the route descends through the picturesque Hala Gąsiennicowa – an alpine meadow surrounded by steep peaks and small shepherds’ huts. A perfect ending to a day filled with mountain adventures.
Overnight stay in Zakopane.
Today’s adventure begins with a minibus transfer to Sromowce, where the highlight of the trip awaits: a traditional wooden raft ride down the Dunajec River. As you glide quietly along the water, you’ll be surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, steep mountain walls, and lush forested slopes — a landscape so striking it feels like floating through a natural cathedral. The rafting experience offers both spectacular scenery and a peaceful way to enjoy the unique charm of the Pieniny Mountains.
After the river journey, you can take a short walk in and around the charming spa town of Szczawnica. If you prefer to stay on land, it’s also possible to skip the rafting and enjoy a hike in the area instead.
Walking time: approx. 2½ hours – rafting: approx. 2 hours – overnight stay in Szczawnica.
Today’s hike follows the scenic Pieniny Trail on the Slovak side of the Dunajec River. The path winds through lush landscapes and offers plenty of viewpoints overlooking the river valley. The highlight of the day is the visit to the historic Cerveny Klastor (Red Monastery) — a centuries-old monastery with a fascinating history and a small local museum that’s well worth a visit. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Trzy Korony massif, the symbol of the Pieniny Mountains with its distinctive three peaks.
Overnight stay in Szczawnica.
Travel back toward Krakow, with a visit to the 700-year-old Wieliczka Salt Mine – an impressive cultural landmark and one of Poland’s true treasures. The tour concludes with a transfer to the airport or train station in Krakow. You can also choose to extend your stay with one or two extra nights in this vibrant and historic city.
Photos from the tour
Prices and dates
The price includes
ACCOMMODATION
- 6 nights at carefully selected hotels (2–3 stars – all with private bathroom and toilet)
FOOD & DRINK
- Breakfast every day
HIKING
- 5 days walking
- Detailed descriptions of the carefully selected routes (maps, route notes, information about local attractions, and important contact numbers – in English)
- Boat trip on the Dunajec River
- Guided sightseeing tour in Krakow
- Access to the route in our GPS app, which also works offline (one access per person)
TRANSPORT
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
OTHER
- 24-hour local and international service hotline for the duration of the tour
- This is a packaged holiday and is therefore covered by The Travel Guarantee Fund - See which benefits this means for you - click here
GENERAL
- Travel insurance
- Handling fee EUR 20,-
REQUIRED AND PAID LOCALLY
- Possible tourist taxes in the hotels
Use the button "Calculate price" on this page to see what the tour will cost with your wanted inclusions.
PARKING
It is possible to park at the first hotel or nearby. Parking cannot be reserved in advance and must be arranged directly with the hotel (expect a cost of approximately €10–20 per day).
Practical Information
The price is based upon two people sharing. For safety reasons, this tour cannot be booked for solo travellers. There must be minimum two participants.
On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.
Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill out any forms. Here’s how:
- Click on the "Calculate Price" button (you’ll find it in the "Dates and Prices" section) – this will take you to the first pages of the booking form
- Select your preferred date, number of people, room distribution, any extra nights, and any available add-ons you may want
- See the price
Get a quote
If you would like a flight included, or changes made to the trip, you can request a customized offer by clicking the "Get Quote" button at the top of the page. Remember to describe in detail what changes you would like.
The booking process
When you book the trip, we will begin booking hotels and arranging all the practical aspects of your tour. This process typically takes 5–8 working days, but in some cases it may take longer for certain bookings. If you arrange your own transportation, we recommend waiting until we have confirmed your booking before making any arrangements.
Dates
If you can select a date in the trip calendar (in the booking form), then this is a possible start date. We regularly update our trips with sold-out dates; these dates will then appear in red/grey and cannot be selected.
Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.
Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.
Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.
This trip has difficulty level 2-3, which means that most hiking days are level 2, with a few at level 3.
Grade 2
Easier hikes on reasonably good trails. Daily hikes will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in generally good physical condition can participate. Luggage is transported, and you only carry a light daypack. Requires well-fitting footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.
Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.
Read more about our grading system here.
On this tour, you will receive the following documents:
Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.
One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.
Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.
We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.
Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.
"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"