Must-see mountains in Poland: A guide for adventurers

It goes without saying that the Polish mountains offer not only breathtaking views, but also a unique culture and regional cuisine. It is here that you will discover highland traditions, hear local legends and sample dishes that taste better here than anywhere else after a day spent on the trail. Ready to choose a mountain range that meets your expectations? Be warned – the choice won’t be easy!

Below you will find a list of the main car parks in the Tatra National Park area. Prices and parking rules may vary depending on the season, so it is worth checking availability in advance and booking a space online to avoid any issues on arrival.

Parking fees can be paid at ticket machines (cash, card, or BLIK), via the Paymove app, or online using a QR code. 

What family-friendly activities can you enjoy in Zakopane?

Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland, is a fantastic destination for families year-round. Aqua Park Zakopane offers fun and relaxation for kids, while Museum Oscypka provides insights into traditional cheese-making and tastings.

For a cultural experience, visit local artists’ workshops and ‘living’ museums to learn about traditional crafts and local legends. Zakopane also offers indoor activities like swimming pools, ice rinks, and entertainment centres, ensuring there’s never a dull moment, even on rainy days. Plus, for those interested in skiing in Poland, Zakopane boasts excellent slopes and winter resorts, making it a top choice for snow enthusiast.

Another mountain range offering exceptional views is the Pieniny, located in southern Poland. It is a hidden gem with stunning limestone and dolomite formations. The Pieniny National Park covers an area of 23.4 km² and attracts over 700,000 tourists a year, making it a popular destination in the region.

What are the most popular routes in Pieniny National Park?

The highest peak in the Pieniny Mountains is Wysoka, rising to 1,050 metres, from which there is a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the Pieniny Mountains have something to offer everyone.

Pieniny National Park is home to some of the most scenic and accessible hiking trails in Poland. One of the most popular hikes is the trail to Trzy Korony 

• length: approx. 8 km
• difficulty: easy
• altitude: 982 m above sea level
• views: spectacular panoramas, ideal for families and beginners

The second, equally beautiful one is The Sokolica

• length: approx. 3.5 km
• walking time: approx. 1.5 hours
• views: panoramic views of the Pieniny Mountains and the Dunajec Gorge
• popularity: highly regarded by photographers and nature lovers

What is the most exciting activity in the Pieniny Mountains?

The most exciting activity in the Pieniny Mountains is a rafting trip down the Dunajec River. This main tourist attraction offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region, with breathtaking views of limestone cliffs and diverse wildlife.

This attraction is suitable for the whole family, catering to people of all ages and ability levels. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful float, the Dunajec has something to offer everyone.

The Pieniny Mountains offer both paid and free car parks at various tourist spots. Which one you choose depends mainly on which trail or attraction you plan to visit.

Parking in the Pieniny Mountains – overview 

Other popular car parks, such as the one by the “Halka” department store in Szczawnica, on Główna Street in Szczawnica, by the cemetery in Szlachtowa, near the church and in the market square in Krościenko nad Dunajcem, as well as by the church on the Dunajec, are free of charge. Official information on car parks in Szczawnica confirms, amongst other things, that there is free parking at the “Halka” department store and on Główna Street next to the cemetery.

What are three delightful hiking options in the Beskidy Mountains in Poland?

• Challenging trail: Babia Góra - Perć Akademików (Beskid Żywiecki)

The yellow trail leading to Babia Góra, known as the Perć Akademików, is considered one of the toughest in the Beskids. It features metal ladders, chains, and exposed sections, so you'll need to be in good shape and comfortable with heights. Due to these challenges, the trail is one-way—upwards only. Length: about 6 km (to the shelter at Markowe Szczawiny). Suitable for: Experienced hikers with good physical fitness. fitness.

• Easy trail: Sokolica (Beskid Sądecki)

The trail to Sokolica from Krościenko nad Dunajcem is quite manageable, though it might pose a bit of a challenge for beginners at times. The views from Sokolica over the Dunajec Gorge in the Pieniny are absolutely stunning, making this trail a must-visit. Length: about 4 km (one way). Perfect for: Beginners and families with children.

• Super easy trail: Połonina Wetlińska - Chatka Puchatka (Bieszczady mountains)

The gentle path from Przełęcz Wyżna to Połonina Wetlińska (yellow trail) is a perfect choice for those looking for an easy yet scenic route. The trail is wide and free of difficult climbs. Length: about 3.5 km. Ideal for: Families with children, beginners, and those who prefer a leisurely pace.

Bieszczady National Park – Is this the most peaceful hiking trail in Poland?

Bieszczady National Park features some of the most picturesque and tranquil hiking trails in Poland. The hike to Tarnica peak, the highest in the Bieszczady Mountains, is a popular choice, stretching 19 kilometers and taking about 6 hours to complete, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Połonina Wetlińska, known for its expansive meadows and stunning vistas, is another top destination within the park. This 2.5 - kilometre trail is suitable for beginners, offering a serene and scenic hike.

Cultural heritage of the Beskid mountains

The Beskidy region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural wonders. Its charming ancient wooden churches, many of which are proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, tell fascinating stories of the area's rich history and architectural brilliance. Exploring these cultural gems is like taking a delightful journey back in time, offering a wonderful peek into the region's vibrant past and traditions.

What you must-see in Karkonosze National Park?

Karkonosze National Park, home to the highest peak in the Karkonosze mountains, Śnieżka, is a treasure trove of natural wonders steeped in legends and myths, including the tale of Liczyrzepa, the mountain spirit.

Must-see spots include the Kapieczyka and Szklarki waterfalls, offering breathtaking views and serene surroundings. The Main Sudetes Trail, starting from Karpacz, takes hikers through some of the most scenic parts of the park, including the route to the summit of Śnieżka mountain.

In Karpacz, there are 11 paid city parking areas located in places like Parkowa Street, Konstytucji 3 Maja Street, Łączna, and Przewodników Górskich

What makes the table mountains in Stołowe Mountains National Park so special?

Stołowe Mountains National Park, also known as the Table Mountains, is renowned for unique rock formations shaped by erosion, often referred to as ‘rock cities’. This flat-topped sandstone mountain range with sharp ledges is a rare geological feature in Europe.

The trail to Szczeliniec Wielki, the highest peak in the Stołowe Mountains at 919 meters, offers a captivating exploration experience with stony steps, viewpoints, and narrow corridors. The sandstone rock labyrinth at Błędne Skały provides an exciting adventure for hikers of all levels.

If you're heading to the Stołowe Mountains, you'll find plenty of parking spots, depending on which part of the park you're keen to explore. Here are some popular choices:

• Karłów: There's a large car park right at the entrance to the trail leading to Szczeliniec Wielki. It's a paid parking area, but it offers easy access to the most popular attractions.
• Pasterka: A smaller parking area is available in Pasterka, perfect for those setting off to Błędne Skały or the Pasterka shelter.
• Lisiej Przełęczy: This parking spot is ideal for folks looking to wander around the Skalnych Grzybach.
• Radków: The parking in Radków is convenient for anyone planning a trip to the Pośny Waterfalls.
• Parking by the Road of a Hundred Turns: Along this road, you'll find several smaller, free parking spots.

Hiking trails in Świętokrzyskie National Park

Hiking in Świętokrzyskie National Park offers trails that showcase the region’s natural and historical significance. The most prominent trail leads to Mount Łysica, offering a moderately challenging hike with rewarding views.

The boulder fields near Mount Łysica, part of a nature reserve, display a fascinating overgrowth of vegetation, including trees, adding to the trail’s scenic beauty.

Don’t miss the famous Raj Cave, where you can marvel at fascinating rock formations and fossils that tell stories of ancient Earth. Plus, the area is rich with traces of old settlements and traditions, waiting to be discovered in places like Święta Katarzyna and Nowa Słupia.

Where to park in Świętokrzyski National Park?

For example, in Święta Katarzyna, you’ll find free parking at spots like the Bernardynek Monastery, where the parking fee is based on donations, and at the Museum of Minerals and Fossils. If you’re headed to Łysa Góra, the parking near Huta Szklana offers spacious spots for both cars and buses, with a small fee for parking.

The Crown of the most famous mountains in Poland is an exciting challenge for hiking fans and adventure seekers, featuring 28 of the tallest peaks from different mountain ranges across Poland. This adventure invites you to explore the stunning landscapes and unique charm of the Polish mountains, from the majestic Tatra peaks to the ancient hills of the Świętokrzyskie Mountains.

Here's a list of these peaks:

1. Rysy (Tatra Mountains) - 2499 m above sea level
2. Babia Góra (Beskid Żywiecki) - 1725 m above sea level
3. Śnieżka (Karkonosze mountains, Sudetes) - 1603 m above sea level
4. Śnieżnik (The Śnieżnik Massif, Sudetes) - 1425 m above sea level
5. Tarnica (Bieszczady mountains) - 1346 m asl.
6. Turbacz mountain (Gorce mountains) - 1310 m asl.
7. Radziejowa (Beskid Sądecki) - 1262 m asl.
8. Skrzyczne (Beskid Śląski) - 1257 m asl.
9. Mogielica (Beskid Wyspowy) - 1171 m above sea level
10. Wysoki Kopa (Izera Mountains, Sudetes) - 1126 m above sea level.
11. Rudawiec (the Bialskie Mountains, Sudetes) - 1112 m above sea level.
12. Orlica (Orlickie Mountains, Sudetes) - 1084 m above sea level
13. Wysoka (Pieniny Mountains) - 1050 m asl.
14. Great Owl (Owl Mountains, Sudetes) - 1015 m above sea level.
15. Lackowa (Beskid Niski) - 997 m asl.
16. Kowadło (the Golden Mountains, Sudetes) - 989 m asl.
17. Jagodna (the Bystrzyckie Mountains, Sudetes) - 977 m above sea level.
18. Skalnik (the Janowickie Ore Mountains, Sudetes) - 945 m above sea level.
19. Waligóra (the Stone Mountains, Sudetes) - 936 m above sea level.
20. Czernica (the Bardzkie Mountains, Sudetes) - 893 m above sea level.
21. Biskupia Kopa (Opawskie Mountains, Sudetes) - 889 m above sea level.
22. Chełmiec (the Wałbrzyskie Mountains, Sudetes) - 869 m above sea level.
23. Szczytna (the Table Mountains, the Sudetes) - 919 m above sea level.
24. Kłodzka Góra (the Bardzkie Mountains, Sudetes) - 765 m asl.
25. Lubomir (Beskid Makowski) - 904 m asl.
26. Ślęża (the Ślęża Massif, Sudetes) - 718 m above sea level.
27. Łysica (Świętokrzyskie mountains) - 612 m asl.
28. Czupel (Beskid Mały) - 933 m above sea level.

Essential Steps:

Crown of the Polish Mountains Booklet: You can grab one at tourist shops or online. It's your trusty companion for recording your mountain conquests with stamps and photos.

Summit Confirmation: At each peak, you'll need to snag a confirmation. Usually, this means collecting stamps from shelters, summit boxes, or other designated spots. Alternatively, snap a photo with a distinctive feature of the peak.

Joining the Crown of the Polish Mountains Club: Once you've conquered all the peaks, send your completed booklet and photos to the Crown of the Polish Mountains Club. After they check everything, you'll earn your well-deserved badge!

Sure, you could hop on a train, bus, or join a guided tour to explore Poland's breathtaking mountain ranges, but car rental in Kaizen Rent gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility. Public transport and group tours are handy, but they can tie you down with schedules and limit your access to those hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path spots. With a rental car, you’re the boss of your itinerary, letting you discover secret trails, quaint mountain villages, and stunning viewpoints at your own pace. Whether you're setting off on a spontaneous road trip or planning to visit several mountain ranges in Poland, a short term car rental lets you go wherever your heart desires.

Thinking about a quick weekend getaway in Poland or a longer trip to explore its stunning mountain ranges?

Booking a car with us is a breeze! You can do it online through our website at www.kaizenrent.pl/en, or just give us a ring at +48 76 727 99 99. Our helpline is open 24/7, so whether you're planning a spontaneous getaway or organising your next weekend in Poland, we're here for you.

Poland boasts a wide variety of mountain ranges, so when planning your trip, it’s worth choosing a destination that suits your ability, expectations and the people you’re travelling with

The list below offers a brief guide to help you decide which region would be perfect for your next adventure. Or your next one – the Polish mountains have plenty to offer!