The top summer activities in Zakopane and the Tatras are hiking to mountain lakes, riding the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, rafting or kayaking through the Dunajec gorge in the Pieniny, crossing into Slovakia for treetop walks, lakes and castles, and finishing your days in outdoor thermal pools. From June to September the mountains are open, the days are long and there is something for every level of energy. This guide brings together the best summer experiences, with tips on timing, weather and crowds.
Summer activities in Zakopane at a glance
| Activity | Where | Effort | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking to Tatra lakes | Morskie Oko, Valley of Five Polish Ponds | Easy to challenging | Half to full day |
| Kasprowy Wierch | Kuźnice, Zakopane | Low | Half a day |
| Dunajec raft or kayak | Pieniny National Park | Low to moderate | Most of a day with transfer |
| Slovak Tatras and castles | Štrbské Pleso, Bachledka, Orava, Spiš | Low | Full day |
| Valley walks and caves | Dolina Kościeliska, Dolina Strążyska | Easy | Half a day |
| Thermal baths | Chochołów, Białka, Szaflary, Zakopane | Very low | 2–4 hours |
| Highland evening | Poronin | None | An evening |
Hike to the Tatra lakes
Summer is the season for the high Tatras, when the snow has melted from most trails and mountain huts are open for long days. For a full overview of trails by difficulty, see our guide to hiking in the Tatras.
- Morskie Oko: the largest lake in the Tatras, reached by a long paved road from Palenica Białczańska. Add the climb to Czarny Staw for a second, wilder lake.
- Valley of Five Polish Ponds: a full day past Siklawa, the tallest waterfall in Poland, to a chain of glacial lakes and Poland’s highest mountain hut.
- Hala Gąsienicowa: high pastures and the dark lake Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy below Kościelec, about two hours from Kuźnice.
Our guided Valley of Five Polish Ponds hike is a private full-day trip with transfer from Zakopane.
Ride up Kasprowy Wierch
The cable car from Kuźnice takes you to just below the summit of Kasprowy Wierch (1,987 m), on the Polish–Slovak border, with views over both sides of the Tatras. In summer, a return ticket gives you around 1 hour 40 minutes at the top, enough to walk to the summit and along the ridge. In some summer weeks, the ticket also includes a scenic ride on the Gąsienicowa chairlift. Book online at pkl.pl and go early to beat the queues and the afternoon clouds.
Float through the Dunajec gorge
About an hour from Zakopane, the Dunajec River cuts a winding gorge through the limestone Pieniny mountains, with Poland on one bank and Slovakia on the other. The rafting season runs from April to the end of October, and there are three ways to experience it.
Traditional wooden rafts
Highland raftsmen in traditional costume steer long wooden rafts made of joined boats, telling stories as you drift. The classic route from Sromowce Wyżne-Kąty to Szczawnica takes about two and a quarter hours. Our traditional Dunajec raft ride is a private day from Zakopane.
Kayaking and pontoon rafting
For a more active day, paddle your own kayak through the gorge. Our Dunajec kayaking trip covers about 14 km with a mountain-kayak instructor, and no previous paddling experience is needed. Pontoon rafting with an instructor on board is another option for groups.
Cross into Slovakia
The Slovak side of the Tatras and the regions beyond are close enough for easy day trips. Bring your ID card or passport.
- Štrbské Pleso: a glacial lake beneath the High Tatras with an easy shoreline walk.
- Bachledka treetop walk: a wooden walkway through the forest canopy to a 32 m tower with views of the Tatras.
- Orava Castle: a castle on a cliff above the Orava River, often combined with an open-air museum of wooden village houses.
- Spiš Castle: one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our Orava Castle and village museum day trip pairs the clifftop castle with traditional wooden architecture.
Easy summer walks and a cave
On a lighter day, walk into Dolina Kościeliska from Kiry, a broad valley with rock gateways and caves. One of them, Jaskinia Mroźna, is a short, lit show cave open in the warmer months. Dolina Strążyska leads gently to the Siklawica waterfall in about an hour from town. Both are perfect for families or a rest day between big hikes.
Cool off and relax
- Thermal baths: outdoor pools with mountain views at Chochołowskie Termy, Terma Bania in Białka Tatrzańska, Termy Szaflary and Termy Bukovina, or Termy Zakopiańskie in town.
- Gubałówka at sunset: ride the funicular or walk up for the panorama of the whole Tatra range in evening light.
- A highland evening: our highlanders’ feast in Poronin combines unlimited regional food, a live band, dancing and a bonfire.
Summer tips for Zakopane
- Start early: afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August. Be off the ridges by early afternoon.
- Book ahead: Kasprowy Wierch tickets, Morskie Oko parking and popular tours sell out in July and August.
- Respect the park rules: no walking on Tatra National Park trails at night, stay on marked paths and take your rubbish home.
- Pack for both heat and cold: it can be 25 °C in town and close to freezing with wind on the summits.
- Consider June and September: fewer people, often stable weather and lower accommodation prices.
FAQ
What is the best summer activity in Zakopane?
Hiking to a Tatra lake such as Morskie Oko or the Valley of Five Polish Ponds is the classic. For a gentler day, the Dunajec raft ride is hard to beat.
When is the Dunajec rafting season?
Usually from the beginning of April to the end of October, weather and water levels permitting.
Can I visit Slovakia on a day trip from Zakopane?
Yes. Štrbské Pleso, the Bachledka treetop walk and Orava Castle are all within easy reach. Bring an ID card or passport.
Is it very crowded in Zakopane in summer?
July and August are busy, especially at weekends. Start early, visit popular spots on weekdays and consider June or September.
What should I do in Zakopane on a rainy summer day?
Visit the Tatra Museum or the national park’s Nature Education Centre, spend time at the thermal baths or take a day trip to a castle in Slovakia.
