Morskie Oko
Mořské Oko
Restaurant
Mořské Oko, also known as Morskie Oko, is the largest and most popular lake in the Polish High Tatras, offering an easily accessible and scenic family-friendly hiking destination with stunning mountain views and a historic mountain hut.

📜 Mořské Oko (Morskie Oko) is the largest lake in the High Tatras, covering nearly 35 hectares with a maximum known depth of 50.8 meters.
🏞️ This glacial lake is situated at an altitude of 1395.4 meters above sea level and is known for its natural occurrence of fish.

Why Go

⛰️ Experience the largest and most popular lake in the Polish High Tatras
🚶‍♀️ Enjoy an easily accessible, scenic family-friendly hike
📸 Capture stunning mountain views and natural scenery
🍽️ Visit the historic mountain hut (Schronisko Morskie Oko) with a restaurant
❄️ Discover a beautiful winter wonderland with horse-drawn sleighs and ice walking

Why Avoid

🚗 Car, bus, and bicycle access is prohibited on the asphalt road to the lake
🅿️ Parking can be challenging due to high tourist numbers, especially during peak hours
⚠️ Winter visits require crampons and trekking poles due to icy paths

Getting There

🚌 Local buses and private transporters regularly operate to the main parking area in Palenica Białczanská.
📍 Consider going to the Watra bus stop for regular departures.

🅿️ Parking

🅿️ Main parking area is in Palenica Białczanská.
💰 Parking fee was 25 zł in summer 2018.
⏰ Arrive early in the morning to secure a spot, especially during peak season.

Hiking

🚶‍♀️ The journey to Mořské Oko is suitable for families, strollers, and less physically fit tourists.
🐎 Horse-drawn carriages (sleighs in winter) operate to Włosenica, shortening the walk.
🥾 The final 1600 meters from Włosenica to the lake must be completed on foot.
⏱️ The entire walk from the main parking area takes approximately 2.5 hours.
💧 See the notable Mickiewicze waterfalls on the Roztoka river along the path.
🏞️ A beautiful walking trail encircles Mořské Oko.
⬆️ Serves as the starting point for the only trail on the Polish side of the Tatras leading to Rysy, the highest mountain in the Polish Tatras.

Winter Visits

☃️ The lake is stunning in winter, covered in snow.
🐎 Horse-drawn sleighs replace carriages.
⛸️ The frozen lake surface often allows visitors to walk on the ice.
🥾 Bring crampons and trekking poles for icy paths.

Food

🍽️ The Turistická chata (mountain hut) named Schronisko Morskie Oko has a restaurant.
🍲 Offers a diverse menu with favorable prices and good quality food.
🛋️ Large dining room and outdoor area with benches available.

Tags
outdoorhikinglakefamily-friendlynaturemountainsrestaurantaccessiblewinter-activityhistorical-hut