Trek the Polish High Tatras

26 Reviews

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  Anonymous
  Written on September 16, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  This was a great holiday, walking through and scrambling up some of Europe's lesser-known, but wonderful mountains on the borders of Poland and Slovakia. Beautiful scenery and the good company of a mixed and friendly group made it a holiday to remember.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Reaching the top of an exciting rock scramble with the help of chains - and seeing the High Tatras spread out in front of us.Arriving at the Roskowa mountain hut, drenched to the skin after an exciting electric storm, and finding this was the best of some very good mountain huts, and had an excellent and much-needed drying roomExploring the city of Krakow, with its wonderful  churches, architecture and restaurants - and especially the Chocolate Cafe, which we visited often, drawn by the fantastic and unbelievably cheap range of chocoholic delightsWhat did you think of your group leader?Very good and encouraging - and an excellent guide when we were in Krakow, taking us on a tour of the city and to a wonderful restaurant for our last meal together. She also went to the trouble of e-mailing me the photos of another group-member after we had returned - very welcome as my own were rubbish!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?You need to be quite fit for this challenging but very rewarding trekking trip - and to travel as light as you possibly can!!Is there anything else you would like to add?No. This was altogether a wonderful holiday
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  Anonymous
  Written on September 11, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  This was a great trip with beautiful scenery and sufficiently strenuous walking to make you feel like you'd earned the big meals in the mountain huts at the end of the day.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?There are two parts of the trip that I will particularly remember. One highlight was summiting Mt Rysy, the highest peak in Poland. We set off at 6am and walked through a grey and rainy morning - our guide told us we might not get to go to the top as the weather conditions would make it too dangerous. However the weather improved slightly, allowing us to complete the climb, and as we got to the top the clouds cleared to show beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Awesome. The second bit of the trip that particularly affected me was the visit to Auschwitz. I wouldn't call this a highlight but it was definitely an experience, and something that I would recommend for its importance in history. The exhibit of 2 tonnes of human hair cut from the victims of the gas chambers is something that I will never forget, along with the piles of belongings that really brought home that these victims were ordinary people just like you or me, and if history had turned out differently we would perhaps have been living in a world like that today.What did you think of your group leader?Teresa was an excellent and very competent leader. There were a couple of incidents of people being ill on the trip that she dealt with very well - she managed to balance looking after our welfare with allowing us to enjoy the adventure of the mountains. Her local knowledge was extensive and she went the extra mile to ensure we got the most out of the holiday, giving us a guided tour of Krakow which wasn't on the itinerary.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Take earplugs - Polish people seem to have a propensity to play guitar until 1 o'clock in the morning.
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 21, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  I chose this trip on the basis of dates to fit my available holidays. It exceeded by far my expectations in most respects.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The extensive scrambling during the ascent to Mt. Rysy was a new experience, and it proved to be so satisfying that I will definitely be looking specifically for itineraries which include similar sections.What did you think of your group leader?A+. Teresa proved to be an extremely competent and safe mountain guide, and at the same time she was attentive almost to a fault as a group leader, always flexible and ready to adapt in order to give participants the best possible experience. Couldn't wish for more.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?You really need to be fit. When they say challenging/tough they do mean it, the passing mention of scrambling and fixed mountain chains in the trip notes is somewhat of an understatement. On a slightly more mundane level: bring earplugs. You are very likely to need them in the hut dorms.Is there anything else you would like to add?Instead of retracing our steps, we chose to descend from Mt. Rysy on the Slovakian side, making our way back to the hut by train and public bus. I understand that from 2013 this will be included in the standard itinerary with an organized transfer. Definitely a good decision.And, of course, I should add that, apart from Teresa's excellend guiding, the trip would not have been as enjoyable without a great group.
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 2, 2012

  4.0 - Good

  I love hills and am a good strong walker, but even I was surprised at the steepness of the mountains and the trails that pretty much always bomb straight up them. But saying that if you are a good walker there is some great trekking to be done here......as long as you don't mind 2000 other people along for the ride.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The lakes are just beautiful, so crisp and gave great reflections of the beautiful sky and mountains.What did you think of your group leader?Our leader Wojtek was great. He knew a lot about the area, made an effort to find time for us to look around Zakopane, was always ready to translate, and even went out of his way to find a cheap trip to Auschwitz when the in country company tried to charge us a small fortune the day before for the salt mines. Only downside was you had to ask him for any kind of information about the trip or following day e.g. he would never tell us what time breakfast was we always had to ask.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Go light weight for trekking and leave nice clothes at the hotel for the end of the trek. It was very hot in Krakow, the weather was very changable in the mountains - but never got that cold (was hot and exposed in places). Take money into the country. You have time to do a lot in Krakow, we went to the salt mines on the first afternoon, Auschwitz the next morning, had the afternoon off the the final morning we went on a tour of the city, but you have to be proactive as guide would help but we pretty much arranged these trips ourselves.I spent about £100 on the trip (I didn't drink in the mountain huts) - £20 salt mines (get local bus and buy tickets there), £20 Auschwitz (organised trip) - eat in the Jewish quarter during stay in Krakow. Learn a few key words or phrases in PolishIs there anything else you would like to add?Don't go if you don't like crowds, 2000 people at least were on or around the trails we were doing and you never really get away from them. I have climbed Kili and thought that was highly populated but this was the M25 of trekking, the other reviews don't do it justice as to how many day walkers will be there.Other than that if you are reading this you must be interested in walking and the Tatras is a a wonderful place to walk, it is a challenge and be fit (practice stairs) - other members of my group tired dramatically throughout the week.
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 1, 2012

  3.0 - Average

  A challenging trek in some impressive mountains, but some trails are very busy. Only 5 days actually trekking in a 9 day holiday.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The view from the summit of Swinicia was exceptional and the delight of the clouds parting just as we reached the summit of Rysy. What did you think of your group leader?We had a very knowledgeable guide who lives in Zakopane, he was most helpful throughout the trek.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be warned that there is one long section of serious scrambling on the way to the Eagles Path and one very long section of serious scrambling on the Rysy climb, quite daunting even with the fixed chains. Most trails are on prepared slabbed paths that are very wearing on the knees especially on descent
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  Anonymous
  Written on November 26, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  Overall I thought this was an excellent holiday with good walking and views, excellent huts and food, a good group and a first-class leader.   What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The highlight for me was Day 5 in the heart of the Tatras: varied and challenging walking as well as great views.What did you think of your group leader?The leader did an excellent job.  Theresa is very knowledgeable about the area and she engaged well with all members of the party and was good fun to be with.    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be ruthless about the amount and weight you are carrying.  You can leave stuff at Zakopane and really because you are walking from hut to hut you do not need much.  Is there anything else you would like to add?The arrangements in the hotel in Krakow were not brilliant though I enjoyed the city itself greatly.
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  Anonymous
  Written on November 26, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  Overall I thought this was an excellent holiday with good walking and views, excellent huts and food, a good group and a first-class leader.   What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?The highlight for me was Day 5 in the heart of the Tatras: varied and challenging walking as well as great views.What did you think of your group leader?The leader did an excellent job.  Theresa is very knowledgeable about the area and she engaged well with all members of the party and was good fun to be with.    Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Be ruthless about the amount and weight you are carrying.  You can leave stuff at Zakopane and really because you are walking from hut to hut you do not need much.  Is there anything else you would like to add?The arrangements in the hotel in Krakow were not brilliant though I enjoyed the city itself greatly.
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 29, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  The Tatras mountains were far more beautiful and well provided for than I had expected; the accommodation was good and interesting (!); the group size was perfect and we all got along very well; and our guide, Teresa was brilliant.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Teresa mentioned chains early on in the trip and several of us were quite apprehensive, but when we first reached the chains I found them a huge help for little legs trying to scramble over big rocks, but also quite exciting (I know its not climbing, but it felt adventurous to me!).  I was really pleased and inspired to see so many other walkers about.  Its tempting to want mountain paths to yourself, but in actual fact the emptiness of British walking is rather sad compared to the vibrancy and popularity of the Tatras - it is also fantastic to reach a well appointed hut full of chocolate and fizzy drinks, just when you need them most!What did you think of your group leader?Teresa was great; her english is excellent and she has much to say about Poland, the Tatras and all her experiences.  She is certainly a professional and also very funny and entertaining - she joined us for a game of Scrabble one night and came up with some high scoring words even though she had never played the game before (I lost that game so it wasn't a high point for me!).  She was also brilliant when I was struggling to come down mount Rysy - I was tired and nervous and she stuck by me the whole way, making sure I was completely safe and she held back the rest of the group to ensure we did not get separated.  Then she arranged for the two of us to jump the queue for a horse drawn carriage ride to the edge of the park, which I enjoyed particularly as our speedy driver overtook two other carriages!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Not to be scared by the chains, but you will need to be fit.  The most difficult thing is packing for 5 days - considering what you need, what you can cope with carrying, what your bag can cope with - the Exodus trip notes said all the right things, but it is up to the individual to consider toiletries vs fresh T-shirts daily....Is there anything else you would like to add?I just really enjoyed the trip and would have enjoyed a couple more days of walking, though not at the expense of the time in Krakow as I think that was valuable too.The Tatras mountains are fantastic value in my opinion 
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 29, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  The Tatras mountains were far more beautiful and well provided for than I had expected; the accommodation was good and interesting (!); the group size was perfect and we all got along very well; and our guide, Teresa was brilliant.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Teresa mentioned chains early on in the trip and several of us were quite apprehensive, but when we first reached the chains I found them a huge help for little legs trying to scramble over big rocks, but also quite exciting (I know its not climbing, but it felt adventurous to me!).  I was really pleased and inspired to see so many other walkers about.  Its tempting to want mountain paths to yourself, but in actual fact the emptiness of British walking is rather sad compared to the vibrancy and popularity of the Tatras - it is also fantastic to reach a well appointed hut full of chocolate and fizzy drinks, just when you need them most!What did you think of your group leader?Teresa was great; her english is excellent and she has much to say about Poland, the Tatras and all her experiences.  She is certainly a professional and also very funny and entertaining - she joined us for a game of Scrabble one night and came up with some high scoring words even though she had never played the game before (I lost that game so it wasn't a high point for me!).  She was also brilliant when I was struggling to come down mount Rysy - I was tired and nervous and she stuck by me the whole way, making sure I was completely safe and she held back the rest of the group to ensure we did not get separated.  Then she arranged for the two of us to jump the queue for a horse drawn carriage ride to the edge of the park, which I enjoyed particularly as our speedy driver overtook two other carriages!Do you have any advice for potential travellers?Not to be scared by the chains, but you will need to be fit.  The most difficult thing is packing for 5 days - considering what you need, what you can cope with carrying, what your bag can cope with - the Exodus trip notes said all the right things, but it is up to the individual to consider toiletries vs fresh T-shirts daily....Is there anything else you would like to add?I just really enjoyed the trip and would have enjoyed a couple more days of walking, though not at the expense of the time in Krakow as I think that was valuable too.The Tatras mountains are fantastic value in my opinion 
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  Anonymous
  Written on August 24, 2011

  4.0 - Good

  The Polish High Tatras was a challenging trip with incredible views and a lovely atmosphere.  The mountains are spectacular but busy at times.  Well worth it though!What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?Our first attempt at climbing with chains was a particulary proud moment for me.  It definitely got the heart racing from the start with narrow ledges and very steep long drops.  It felt brilliant to reach the top and take in the view knowing what you have just achieved.  Our group was great - friendly and laid back.  It was good to be with such a supportive, helpful and 'professional' bunch of people!What did you think of your group leader?What a character!  You often find that the guide can make a big difference on the enjoyment of a trip like this and I think we were very lucky.  She had an excellent knowledge of the Tatras and obviously loves the area.  She quickly gained an understanding of the abilities within the group and was able to both challenge and support us.  She was particularly good at this on the chain sections of the walk.  The huge number of stories and anecdotes she had were both interesting and amusing at times.  She showed a great sense of humour but was strict when it was needed.  I have definitely come back with a greater knowledge of Poland thanks to Theresa.Do you have any advice for potential travellers?If you are worried about heights think carefully about this trip - there are a couple of days when it can get a bit exposed in small sections.  It all adds to the challenge though.  Pack carefully for the actual trek - you can leave stuff in Zakopane.  I was pleased I had taken sandals to the mountain huts as the last thing you want to do after a shower and change of clothes is put your boots back on!!  Travel Scrabble and a pack of cards are always fun!Is there anything else you would like to add?Definitely a trip I would recommend to friends.  The Tatras were the best part but Krakow is pretty cool too.  It seems like a chilled out city and its easy to get around.We visited Auschwitz on the way back to Krakow.  This is a sombre and and difficult place to be but I am glad I went.  It certainly is a place people should visit, if they have the opportunity, to either pay their respects to the people who were imprisoned there and/or to understand better what went on.