BBC TravelAug 9, 2026Poland's Tatras: The affordable alternative to the AlpsBreathtaking alpine scenery and budget prices make this overlooked Polish escape an alternative to Europe's overcrowded mountain regions.12 things in this storyMorskie OkoSightGlacial lake surrounded by snowcapped mountainsTatra National ParkSightPark bordering Zakopane with trails, lakes, and waterfallsRysyGuest housePyramid-shaped peak, highest summit in PolandVilla BirdhouseHotelPremium chalet with sauna, terrace, and barbecuePlacki ZiemniaczaneRestaurantEatery serving "solid potato" and "liquid potato"Karczma ZapiecekRestaurantTraditional Polish Highlander restaurantGiewontTrailMountain hike requiring chains for summit sectionKuźniceSightTrailhead for hikes into the TatrasDolina StrążyskaSightValley with a 400m walk to Wodospad SiklawicaWodospad SiklawicaSightSecond-highest waterfall in the Polish TatrasChochołowskie TermySightLargest thermal bath complex in PolandKrupówki StreetNeighborhoodRead the full piece at BBC Travel →
