Eagles Path Hike in the Polish Tatra Mountains
The Eagles Path hike in Poland is a spectacular though tough one. And it’s very rewarding. This mountain range is very small but very special not only to the Polish people but also for their southern neighbors – Slovakians – as it is located at their common border. Large parts of the national parks – both Polish and Slovakian – were declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Eagles Path hike in Poland is probably one of the most famous hikes in the Polish Tatra Mountains. What is so special about this hike? It’s challenging, beautiful and simply epic!
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The Eagle’s Path hike is challenging
This is a rather challenging path. It leads through all major peaks and mainly follows the exposed ridges. It’s also long and – in my opinion – if you wish to walk it you should divide it into two, one day hikes.
But many people walk it in one day and having completed it, they claim it was one of the most challenging hikes in their lives.
One of the beautiful hikes in the Tatra Mountains
Poland has so little high mountains that Tatra range is treated as a national treasure. On the one hand it is deeply appreciated for its beauty and well connected with the local and national history.
On the other, however, countless school trips filled its paths every year making it crowded and hard to walk.
The hike is epic
It is stated that from the moment the path was established, over 110 years ago, more than a hundred people died attempting to cross it. The main cause of these accidents is related to weather rapid changes and overcrowding.
Seven years ago it was decided that the most dangerous part was avid tourists passing each other when attached to the chains. But even today to cross this path you should be well prepared. It is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
My story doing the Eagles Path hike in Poland
I walked a part of Eagle’s Path ten years ago, starting in the west with a cable railway ride. I followed the path towards the east and went down to the mountain hut somewhere in the middle. I’m not sure to what extent it is useful to write here all Polish names of peaks and saddles but the general itinerary was as follows:
KUŹNICE – KASPROWY WIERCH – ŚWINICA – PRZEŁĘCZ ZAWRAT – KOZIA PRZEŁĘCZ – KOZI WIERCH – ZAMARZŁY STAW – CZARNY STAW GĄSIENICOWY – SCHRONISKO MUROWANIEC – KUŻNICE.
As I walked it over a decade ago, the most challenging part was related to passing too many people who went in the opposite direction when standing on the ledge and holding the chains. And believe me, some people were RUNNING just like mountain goats here and there.
While to some it might be scary, to me it was annoying. And although the views were spectacular and very rewarding I couldn’t fully enjoy it. I think that climbing high should give you a feeling of isolation and remoteness and although this is really high there is no isolation at all.
A physically demanding hike
In terms of physical condition I think it is rather demanding, mainly because steep climbs up and down but also focus on the path as in both sides there are deep valleys which increases the sense of being exposed to the power of elements.
If you suffer agoraphobia you should avid this path and focus on some other treks in Tatra Mountains – which are numerous and spectacular!
This guest post was kindly provided by travel blogger Agata Mleczko. from the blog NullnFull.
The only time I’ve been in the Tatras was a quick trip to Zakopane and that was in winter so hiking wasn’t on the agenda. Even skiing wasn’t on my list it was so cold.
But Zakopane and Poland and the Polish people were great and I’d truly love to go back there.
best guide is https://przewodnik-po-gorach.pl/about-ceperski-guide/
I was two times on Eagle’s Path. Here I described my trips: majatravels.com/orla-perc-most-difficult-trail-in-tatras/
I was there without harness, as almost everyone. If you prefer to have harness, in Zakopane you can find some place to rent it.
Amazing trail! Anyone knows if the safety harness you wear, is something you rent before you are sent out or if it is something you bring yourself?
@Henrik I’ll have to ask Agata the guest author and will get back to you.
I’m surprised that so many people make this hike given it’s remoteness. It does look absolutely spectacular. Thanks for the virtual tour, Leigh/Agata.
@Marcia It gives you a different perspective of Poland doesn’t it.
Yes Jeff it is rather challenging in terms of physical preparations. But very, very rewarding! Cathy, there are also some treks that are much less challenging but also beautiful. Lisa – I bet I don’t know half of the most beautiful mountain ranges in your country. But that’s the beauty of blogging, isn’t it? To know a place that you haven’t heard before. So happy I could share it with all of you!
@Agata Thanks for all those answers.
Such a spectacular journey! I can certainly see why you endured all the physical challenges, it’s well worth it in the end. Gorgeous scenery and pics too!!
@Jeff I am envious of Agata. One day I’ll visit the mountains of Poland.
Looks like an amazing place to hike. Such beautiful scenery. It definitely sounds challenging — not sure if I’m brave enough or not. Oh, sure — I’ll do it!! I love that photo of the “craggy peaks”.
@Cathy From a distance chains don’t sound too back but I might get a little bit of shaky leg syndrome if I was actually doing it.
I’m rather embarrassed to admit that I hadn’t realized that there were mountains in Poland. It looks like quite a beautiful place to hike and easy to understand why it’s considered a national treasure!
@Lisa The beauty of travel and blogging is we really do learn a lot of geography. I knew a bit but hadn’t appreciated just how beautiful they are.
I’ve heard of people skiing in the Tatra Mountains, but I’ve never considered going to Poland for a hike. Even though it is right in my backyard.
@Mette Maybe you’d want to give the hike with chains a pass but the countryside looks outstanding.
Hi guys,
I going to climb a bit tomorrow. I am Polish, I live in Krakow and well I am in the bus to Zakopane.
Although it is so close and I adore Tatra mountains it took me a while to get there. I am sitting wright oposite to the boys who… I could bet they will be running like in a gym ASAP. No doubts. I heir Then talking. And I just cought myself thinking about the isolation and Eagle’s Path. I have not been there YET. One thing – good to see someone. Behind od in front od you. A distant hiker. I like the feeling that I am not alone. High on the mountain. But sad tru is what the author said. Unfortunatelly Tatras are overcrowded…
Tomorrow I hope to hike on Red Pics. Czerwone Wierchy. Wish me good weather!
Best
Joanna
“Great, thank you for sharing this short article post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.”
@Desiree Thanks for stopping by. Reading this post by Agata makes me want to head to Poland.
I spent a week in Poland about 10 years ago also, but I focused more on historical things than outdoor adventure. I remember a few Polish people telling me I had to come back and visit the Tatra Mountains. It looks beautiful, but I don’t think I would like climbing on chains. I will settle with hiking the lower part and hanging out at the beautiful lakes.
@Ted I do love the sound of the hike – minus the people. I never like to be rushed in an area with exposure. I have yet to visit Poland but I think I’d want to include the Tatra Mountains when I finally get there.
Looks like a great hike. Wow. I was just watching Mile, Mile & a Half on Netflix last night. Nature hiking is good stuff!
@Amy It does look like a good hike but I wouldn’t like the waiting by the chains either.The views on a clear day are truly spectacular.