What Morskie Oko is
Morskie Oko is a glacial lake in the Rybi Potok valley, in the heart of the Polish High Tatras. It formed in the Pleistocene through the work of a glacier which hollowed a basin in the rock and left behind a moraine sill, behind which the water now gathers. Its area is 34.9 ha, its maximum depth about 50.8 m (the second deepest in the Tatras after Wielki Staw) and its height 1395 m a.s.l.
The name "Morskie Oko" (Eye of the Sea) appeared in the 18th and 19th centuries — folk belief held that the lake had an underground link with the sea (geologically untrue). The water is crystal clear and a characteristic emerald blue; even in August its temperature does not rise above 12°C. Swimming, boating and fishing are forbidden (a strict reserve within the national park).
Getting there — the classic tarmac road
The most popular route is Palenica Białczańska → Morskie Oko — 9 km of tarmac each way, a gentle climb of about 400 m. Time: 2 hours at an easy pace, 1.5 hours if you push on. The route is undemanding and open to families with children. The tarmac is a problem for anyone with joint pain (a hard surface).
Alternatives to walking: horse-drawn carts (running from the Mickiewicz Falls, about 5 km; the last stretch to Morskie Oko is on foot anyway, about 15 minutes, as the road is closed to motor vehicles). A cart ticket costs about 80 zł one way and about 140 zł return. The tarmac road is open to cyclists (bicycles must be left before Morskie Oko at a dedicated stand).
What to see at the lake and beyond
- The PTTK hut at Morskie Oko — open all year, with a kitchen, bigos and tea. Beds available (booking essential, about 120 places)
- Czarny Staw pod Rysami (1583 m) — a second lake 30 minutes higher up, smaller, wilder and without the crowds
- Rysy (2499 m) — the highest peak in Poland, about 3.5 hours up from Morskie Oko, demanding (on the Polish–Slovak border)
- The Mięguszowiecki summits — the panorama from the shore (Wielki, Czarny and Pośredni — the highest faces in the Polish Tatras)
- Mnich (2068 m) — the distinctive peak on the left as you look from the hut, a mecca for climbers
Practical notes
- The car park at Palenica Białczańska — full from about 6:00 in season. About 35 zł a day. At the height of the season it is better to come by minibus from Zakopane
- The national park ticket — 9 zł a day (booths at Palenica)
- Winter — the route is open, but there is snow and ice, so light crampons or crampons are advisable. The hut is open
- Toilets — at the Mickiewicz Falls (halfway) and at the hut
- Crowds — in July and August leave Zakopane at 5:00 to park about 6:30 and be at the lake by 9:00
How to get there and practical info
- Starting point
- Palenica Białczańska (car park)
- Time up
- About 2 hours on tarmac (9 km, +400 m)
- Difficulty
- Easy (a made road)
- National park ticket
- 9 zł a day
- Palenica car park
- About 35 zł a day
- Season
- All year (light crampons advisable in winter)
When to go
May — there is still a good deal of snow on the route and by the lake. The ice goes in June.
Crowds. Set off at 5:00–6:00. Storms in the afternoon.
September is the loveliest — golden larches above the lake. October is wet and cold.
The route is open with packed snow. Light crampons are useful on the last few kilometres.
Other sights in Zakopane
Straight-line distances from „Morskie Oko" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Morskie Oko within walking distance or a short drive.
