As an Australian, when I think about monarchy, I think of the British monarchy. Without a doubt, the British monarchy is the most famous monarchy in the world. During the colonial period the British Empire invaded and conquered their way around the globe, coming to…
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| Airport Name: Dubrovnik (Čilipi) Airport Airport Code: DBV Airport Location: Čilipi, Croatia Distance to airport: 22km |
Dubrovnik Airport is located approximately 22km south east of the city of Dubrovnik. There are three bus companies which provide regular transportation between Dubrovnik Airport and Dubrovnik. If you’re going straight to the old town from the airport, you should exit the bus at the Dubrovnik Cable Car (Žičara). The distance between the old town and the main bus station is 3.7km, a walk of around 50m.
Main Bus Station <> Old Town |
Bus Line: ATLAS
Duration: 30m
Price: 40kn (EUR5.40) one way, 70kn (EUR9.40) return
Airport to Dubrovnik
Frequency: 20-30 minutes after every flight arrival.
Dubrovnik to Airport
Frequency: 120 minutes before international flights, 90 minutes before domestic flights. Schedules available on their website.
Dubrovnik to Airport bus stops:
– Dubrovnik Main Bus Station (3.7km north of the old town, close to the bridge)
– Autobusna stanica / Autobusni kolodvor +3m
– Dubrovnik Cable Car (Žičara) +10m
– Srebreno +15m
– Plat +20m
– Dubrovnik Airport +30m
How to purchase a ticket:
– Atlas travel agency counter (airport)
– Atlas ticket dispenser (airport)
– From the bus driver when the Atlas counter is closed
– Online
– Dubrovnik Office, Lokrumska 1
Bus Line: Libertas Dubrovnik
Route: 11, 27, 38
Duration: 30m
Price: 28kn (EUR3.70)
Dubrovnik to Airport:
10:00, 12:00*, 14:15**, 20:10
Airport to Dubrovnik:
06:00, 08:00*, 12:25**, 16:45**, 18:55
* Does not operate on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
** Does not operate on Sunday and public holidays.
Bus Line: Arriva
Frequency: 9 departures daily
Duration: 30m
Price: 40kn (EUR5.40)
Pick up Points:
Dubrovnik Main Bus Station
Dubrovnik Cable Car (Žičara)
Malmö is situated in the south of Sweden on the coast of the Baltic Sea. Summers typically have blue sky and are pleasantly warm, making the Malmö’s parks popular with locals and visitors alike. Malmö is blessed to be right on the coast, and has a beach, beachside parks, swimming areas, an old moat, and numerous lush parks with well established trees and gardens.
This is a list of six of the best parks in Malmö. There are many other parks not listed here but this guide will set you in the right direction to make the most of your summer days enjoying the parks of Malmö.
Daniaparken is located at the southern end of Scaniaparken, 200 metres from the Turing Torso, in Västra Hamnen. This seaside park is a popular bathing and sunbathing destination.
Scaniaparken is located on the northern edge of Västra Hamnen and mainly consists of open lawns.
Scaniabadet is a hugely popular bathing place during the summer.
Folkets Park (People’s Park), is the oldest folk park in the world. For over 125 years (c1891) people have come to Folkets Park to have fun, relax and enjoy some of what the park has to offer. The park’s many attractions include outdoor dining, bars, adventure golf, a terrarium, playgrounds, and lots of activities for children. The park is lush with trees, gardens, lawns, ponds, and even has a splash pad. During the summer enjoy outdoor concerts, cinema under the stars, football matches on big screen, parties and much more. During the winter the splash pad is converted into an ice rink where you can rent iceskates. Folkets Park is Malmö’s favourite meeting place for people of all generations. Entrance to the park is always free.
Kungsgatan (King’s Street), constructed in 1876, is not a park in itself but rather a boulevard incorporating a park. Across its width, Kungsgatan consists of three sections; a long tree-lined gravel track, flanked by a street either side. Along its length, Kungsgatan is intersected in the middle by Sankt Pauli Church (completed in 1882).
Kungsparken (King’s Park) was opened in 1872 on land which was previously part of the fortification system of the Malmöhus Slott, making Kungsparken Malmö’s oldest park.
Slottsparken (Castle Park) was opened in 1900. The park consists of large forest areas, open lawns, two lakes and a small Japanese garden.
Slottsträdgården (Castle Garden) opened 20 years ago. The garden consists of several smaller gardens with different styles and features. The concept of ecology is of central importance and stands for organic-biological cultivation methods, cyclical thinking and the use of environmentally friendly products.
Malmöhus Slott (Malmö Castle) was built by the king of Denmark between 1526 and 1539, making it the oldest preserved Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. In 1658, the Malmöhus Slott came under Swedish control.
Slottsmöllan (Castle Mill) is located just south of Malmöhus Slott. It is a Dutch style windmill built in 1851.
Pildammsparken (Willow Dam Park) was developed in the early 1900s around two constructed dams/lakes which had acted as Malmö water reservoirs. In order to strengthen the dam walls, they were planted with willows, hence the name Pildammarna. The park has mix of woods, large open lawns, small plantations, flower arrangements, and large water areas home to much birdlife. The Vattentornet (Water Tower) is one of the most striking sights of the park.
Ribersborgsstranden (Ribersborgs Beach) is an artificial beach and park stretching 3 kilometers along the coast. Throughout the summer the beach is filled with visitors and locals alike who come to enjoy sun and sea.
Ribersborg Kallbadhus (Ribersborg Cold Bathhouse) was built in 1898 and has long been a symbol of Malmö.
Greece is famed for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With over 6000 islands and islets, it can be a daunting task trying to narrow down the best of the best. Thankfully we’ve done the research for you and come up with the 11 most beautiful beaches in Greece! 11 best beaches you say? We just couldn’t narrow it down anymore! As well as these 11 incredible beaches, we’ve also included our shortlist of 14 other amazing beaches. We hope you find the perfect beach from these 25 suggestions!
Alykes, Ammouliani
Alyki, Thassos
Diamandi, Skiathos
Elafonisi, Crete
Elia, Mykonos
Kipoi, Samothrace
Kolympithres, Paros
Koukounaries, Skiathos
Seychelles, Ikaria
Simos, Elafonisos
St Paul’s Bay, Rhodes
Varelaioi, Evia
Voutoumi, Antipaxos
Xi, Kefalonia
Shipwrecks are probably not the first thing that comes to mind on a visit to Greece. If you want to shake up that itinerary of beaches and ruins, try adding one of these shipwrecks to your list. You wont be disappointed!
Location: Valtaki Beach, Laconia
Wrecked: 1981
The closest town to Dimitrios is Gythieo. There are no buses from Gythieo going to or even past Dimitrios. The only way to get there is by taxi (10m, EUR7-10), walking (1h30m), or hitchhiking.
Location: Eleusis
Wrecked: 2003
Transportation: Bus
Operator: OASA
Route: A16
Departure Point: Aphetēria (ΑΦΕΤΗΡΙΑ), Plateia Eleftherias (10m walk from Monastiraki)
Frequency: Every 20m
Duration: 55m
Price: EUR2
Exit bus: Terma (Τερμα), Elefsina (Ελευσίνα)
From Elefsina it’s still 6.5km to Mediterranean Sky. You can either walk (1h30m), or take a taxi (6m, EUR7-10).
Location: Amorgos
Wrecked: 1979
The Olympia wreck is on the island of Amorgos. Amorgos has ferry connections to/from the islands of Naxos and Santorini. During the peak season Amorgos Bus Company operate a bus once a day from Katapola to Kalotaritissa Beach, with a stop close to the wreck. Amorgos Holidays offer a full day excursion from Aegiali, departing 9:15am and returning 7pm. The excursion costs just EUR13, and includes stops in Chora, the Olympia shipwreck, Kalotaritissa Beach, Mouros Beach and Caves, and a stop at a local tavern for lunch (not included).
Location: Navagio, Zakynthos
Wrecked: 1980
MV Panagiotis, aka Navagio Shipwreck, is actually pretty famous. It’s located on Navagio Beach on the island of Zakynthos. Funnily enough, it’s not actually possible to get to Navagio Beach by land. The only way to get there is by sea. There are a number of operators who run boat trips from various locations on Zakynthos. These tours generally cost EUR7-20 and last 2-3 hours.
To get the famous views of the beach from the clifftop, you have a few options. During the summer there is a local bus three times a week from Zakynthos to the village of Anafonítria. This bus takes 1h10m and costs EUR3.60. From Anafonítria it’s 3.8km 50 minute walk to the top of the cliffs. Taxis here are very expensive and not recommended. You can take an organised tour from Zakynthos town, which generally last 6 hours and costs EUR20. Or you could hire a car or scooter and drive yourself there and have a proper explore of the island. Scooters rental varies between EUR15-30, and car hire generally from EUR35 a day.
Known as the gateway to Österlen, Ystad has a charming cobble main street full of brightly coloured buildings. The town is famous for the Greyfriars Abbey, one of the most well preserved medieval monasteries in Sweden.
Ystad is a small town on the south coast of Sweden with a population of approximately 30,000. The settlement of Ystad was first mentioned in documents in 1244 as “Viistatha”. Sankta Maria kyrka was already constructed by this time. The Franciscan monastery of Gråbrödraklostret was founded in 1267. In 1285, the name “Ystath” was first recorded. In the 14th century, Ystad traded with the Hanseatic League. After World War II, ferry services began operating to Świnoujście in Poland and the Danish island of Bornholm. Be sure to visit all the best things to see and do in Ystad. Discover all of Ystads top sights and attractions.
Take a wander down Stora Östergatan (Main East Street), the main pedestrian street of Ystad. There cobbled streeet are lined with numerous beautiful old brightly coloured buildings. Be sure to check out the side streets. Ystad has a number of buildings with gothic Hansa architecture, shared by other towns associated with the Hanseatic League around the Baltic. Most notacibly are the brick and half timbered buildings. Stora Östergatan runs through the middle of Stortorget.
Stortorget (Big Square) is Ystad’s main square and is lined by a cafes and restaurants. The centrepiece of the square is the Gamla Rådhuset (Old Town Hall). The oldest parts of the building date back to the 14th century. Over the centuries it was damaged, rebuilt, and renovated until it got its current neoclassical appearance. In 1921, Ystad’s town hall was transfered to another building. Today Gamla Rådhuset acts as council meeting rooms. The spire of Sankta Maria Kyrka is visible directly behind Gamla Rådhuset.
Sankta Maria Kyrka (Saint Mary’s Church) began being built around the year 1200. The church continued being modified for the next couple of centuries until it was a storm collapsed the tower and destroyed the a large part of the church in 1648. The church was quickly rebuilt, now in Renaissance style. The church under went extensive renovations in the 1830s, 1880s, and 1920s.
Ystad is the only town in Sweden that still has a tower guard, a tradition that has continued in Ystad since the 18th century. The tower guard watches over the city from the tower of Sankta Maria Kyrka every night and blows a horn on every quarter of an hour between 9:15PM and 1AM.
Greyfriars Abbey (Gråbrödraklostret) is one of the most well-preserved medieval monasteries in Sweden. The Franciscan Order of Friars arrived in Ystad in 1223. In 1267, the Franciscans founded the monastery. The Franciscans wore grey garments and were known as Gråbrödra (Grey Brothers) or Greyfriars.
In 1532, during the Reformation, the Greyfriars were forcibly driven out of the monastery. For the next two hundred years the building was used as a hospital. In 1777, the building briefly became a state-owned distillery. In 1786, the monastery was used for to store grain. The local council bought the building in 1876. Following extensive renovations, the building was opened as Ystad’s Cultural History Museum in 1912.
Nybrostrand is the main beach of Ystad, located a couple of kilometres to the east. The beach stretches for kilometres and is backed by forest and further back summer houses and camping grounds. Its a very popular beach during the summer months. There is even a small stretch designated for nudists.
Marsvinsholms Slott (Marsvinsholm Castle) is located 12 kilometres northwest of Ystad. An estate was built on the site by the Danish crown in the 1300s, known variously as Bosøe, Borsøe and Bordsyø. In the 1520s, it was sold to the Danish admiral Jens Holgersen Ulfstand, who had constructed Glimmingehus in 1499. In 1630, the estate was sold to a Danish nobleman named Otte Marsvin. The current castle was completed in 1648. The castle under went restorations in the 1780s and 1850s, giving the castle its distinctive Dutch Renaissance style. Today, the castle remains in private ownership.
Regementsgatan 2
Besökaregränd 3
Hamngatan 8
Hamntorget 1 A
Hamngatan 13
Saltsjöbadsvägen 15
Ystad is connected to the surrounding towns and countryside by bus, operated by Skånetrafiken.
The charming seaside town of Simrishamn is the capital of the cultural region of Österlen, and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike during the summer months. Enjoy the picturesque country landscape, visit intriguing historical landmarks, check our some konst (art) from local artists, try the delicious local produce, and take a swim in the Baltic.
Simrishamn is a small coastal town situated on the east coast of Skåne, in the southeastern of Sweden.
During the Viking era, the settlement of Svimraros (present day Simrishamn) was founded at the mouth of the Tommarpsån river. Svimraros, later evolving into Simris, is interpreted as “at the mouth of the slow-flowing river” and hamn as “port or harbour”. The settlement developed into a small fishing village. In 1123, Svimraros was mentioned by name for the first time, and Sankt Nikolai Kyrka in 1161. During the Middle Ages Simrishamn became an important port for ships going to Bornholm. Simrishamn was noted for its herring industry by the Hanseatic League during the time. Tumathorp (present day East Tommarp) was the main town in the region at the time, which was navigable by boat up the Tommarpsån river. Tumathorp went into declined in the 1500s and Simrishamn eventually became the main town in the region.
In 1658, when Skåne was ceded to Sweden, Simrishamn had a population of only 200. Besides herring, Simrishamn also traded grain, timber, and stone. Simrishamn surpased 1000 inhabitants in the early 1800s, and 2000 inhabitants by 1900. In the early 1900s, the tannery industry employed over a quarter of Simrishamn’s residence. The harbour was rebuilt and the fishing industry begun growing again. After the World War II, Simrishamn became the center of tourism in region of Österlen, becoming known as the “Capital of Österlen”. Up until the 1980s, Simrishamn had the largest fishing fleet in Sweden, and was one of the largest fishing ports in the Baltic.
Today, Simrishamn has a population of approximately 6000. Agriculture and fishing are Simrishamn’s two main industries, along with the summer influx of tourists. Discover the top sights and the best things to see and do in Simrishamn.
Storgatan (Big Street) is the main street of Simrishamn. The cobblestone street leads from harbour and up to the main square (Stortorget), where Simrishamns Kyrka is located, and continues west for another 400 metres. The street lines lined with tourist oriented stores, cafes and restaurants. During the summer Storgatan becomes a pedestrian only street, with stalls and art spilling onto the street. From the harbour end, you can find stalls selling fresh seafood and icecream.
Sankt Nikolai Kyrka (Saint Nicholas Church) was mentioned in writing for the first time in 1161. Improvements and expansions continued to be made to the church into the 1400s. In 1953, the appearance of the church changed dramatically when white plaster was removed to restore the original quartzite facade which gives the church its character today.
Tobisviks Strand (Tobisviks Beach) is located just to the north of Simrishamn, only a ten minute walk from the town centre. The beach is just under 2km long and backed by trees the entire way along. If you’re here in the summer, you’ll find the water is much warmer here on the east coast than on the west coast.
Horsahallens Hällristningsområde (Horsahallen Petroglyphs) are Bronze Age petroglyphs in Simrislund, 3 kilometres south of Simrishamn. The site consists of two main areas: “Yxornas Häll”, located by the sea, and “Stenkilsristningen”, located a little further inland. Yxornas Häll depcits more than 200 motifs consisting of 45 ships, 50 axes, 7 wheel crosses, 6 circle figures, 5 wagons, 4 human figures and 40 bowl pits. Stenkilsristningen depcits 65 motifs including ships, people with axes, crosses, horses and over 100 bowl pits.
Järrestads Hällristningar (Järrestad Petroglyphs) are Bronze Age petroglyphs a kilometre north of Järrestad, near Simrishamn. The site is considered one of Scandinavia’s largest rock carving area with over 1200 motifs. The carvings consist of 25 ships, 6 riders on horseback, 4 spirals, 4 animal figures, 3 crosses, axes, 210 feet, and 700 bowl pits. The most famous of the carvings is a large human figure which looks as if it could be dancing, called “Dansarens Häll”.
Glimmingehus was constructed between by the Danish knight Jens Holgersen Ulfstand in 1499-1506, during an era when Skåne was still a integral part of Denmark. Evidence of the family’s wealth can be seen inside the fortress with some of the most expensive items that could be bought in Europe at the time including: Venetian glass, motif pressed glass from the Rhine, and ceramics from Spain. Glimmingehus is thought to have served as a residential castle for only a few generations before being used to store grain. In 1924, Glimmingehus was donated to the Swedish National Heritage Board (Vitterhetsakademin). In 1935, extensive restorations were carried out, and today Glimmingehus is a popular attraction in southern Sweden. The site has a museum, medieval kitchen, giftshop and cafe.
Adults (Jul-Aug): 80 SEK
Adults: 70 SEK
Youth: Free
Österlenleden (Österlen Trail) is a part of the larger 1250 kilometre long Skåneleden (Skåne Trail). The trail begins in Ystad and follows the coast anti-clockwise, passing through Simrishamn, Kivik, before going inland, and eventually back to Ystad. The 188 kilometre long trail is split into 14 sections, with each section corresponding to a day of walking. Simrishamn is the rest stop between sections 4 and 5.
Section 4: Borrby Strand – Simrishamn (20km)
Section 5: Simrishamn – Kivik (21km)
Stenshuvud National Park, located just south of Kivik, is one of three national parks in Skåne. Stenshuvud is characterised by its coastal hills, lush forest, heathland, and beautiful beaches.
Storgatan 17, Simrishamn
Storgatan 19, Simrishamn
Strandvägen 3, Simrishamn
Hamngatan 31, Simrishamn
Storgatan 25, Simrishamn
Råkullavägen 7, Brantevik
Trelleborg is the southernmost town in Sweden, with a population of around 30,000. The origins of the town date back to a Viking Era ring castle from the late 900s, making Trelleborg one of the oldest towns in Skåne. The ring fort built using “treller” – skewed cloven logs that support the structure, which became Trelleborg’s namesake. A replica of the fort was built on the original site in 1995. During the Middle Ages herring fishing was the towns most important industry. Around the turn of the century Trelleborg became an important industrial town and the port developed into the second largest seaport in the country. The first public ferry, to Sassnitz in Germany, began operating in 1897. Trelleborg is a major gateway to Sweden today with ferries coming from Germany, Lithuania and Poland.
In 1917, just months before the October Revolution, Vladimir Lenin, who had been residing in Switzerland, decided to return to Russia to personally take charge of the Bolsheviks. He negotiated a passage through Germany, with whom Russia was then at war, travelling by train from Zürich to Sassnitz, by ferry to Trelleborg, continuing by train to Stockholm, the Haparanda–Tornio border into Finland, Helsinki, and then to Petrograd.
In 1988 archaeologists made the astounding discovery of the remains of a Viking Era ring fort. The fort was approximately 140 meters in diameter. A distinctive feature of the fort was its use of “trelle” – skewed cloven logs that supported the palisades. In Denmark ring forts using trelle were known as ’trelleborgar’ and dated back to the 10th century. A dendrochronological analysis of wood samples from the trelle dated the fort to around 980AD, during the reign of Harald Bluetooth. The name of the town Trelleborg had been a mystery for many years, now the mystery had finally been solved.
In 1995 a reconstruction of the original fortress was built on the site. The reconstruction uses wooden palisades, trelles, crenellations, and includes a gateway. It’s based on the original archaeological find and incorporates the traditional techniques used. A quarter of the fort was reconstructed and is now an outdoor museum. The site contains a longhouse, pit houses, a garden, Viking exhibition, café and shop.
Hours: 24/7
Entrance: FREE
Adult: 40SEK
Adult (Summer): 60SEK
Youth: FREE
Spring: 12PM – 4PM
Summer: 10AM – 5PM
Autumn: 12PM – 4PM
Winter: Closed
Trelleborgs Museum is a cultural history museum where you can learn about the ancient and more recent history of Trelleborg. Exhibitions include art, photography, ceramics and textiles.
Adults: 40 SEK
Youth: FREE
Hours: Tue to Sun 12PM – 4PM
There has been a church on the location of Sankt Nicolai Kyrka (St Nicholas Church) since Medieval times. It’s not known exactly how old the church is, but the oldest parts are estimated to be from the 1200s. The church was dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the saint of seafarers. In 1883 the church was renovated into its current neo-Gothic Romanesque style. The only remaining part of the old church is the tower, built in 1617.
At the turn of the 20th century, Trelleborg was fast becoming an important port and industrial hub in Sweden. The town was nearing 10,000 inhabitants and the demand for new infrastructure grew. Construction of the Vattentornet (Water Tower) began in 1911. When completed the water tower stood 58 metres tall and became Trelleborg’s tallest building. The water cistern held 300 cubic meters of water. During the Second World War the water tower was used as a lookout to detect enemy ships and aircraft. The water tower was taken out of service in 1971 when the new water tower was commissioned.
Today the water tower houses the Vattentornet Cafe & Bistro.
Hamngatan 9
Algatan 28
Trelleborg is connected to the surrounding villages and countryside by bus. Buses and trains are operated by Skånetrafiken.
Palmtåget (Palm Train) is a free hop-on hop-off tourist train that connects Stortorget, Saint Nicolai Church, and Trelleborgen. The train only operates during the summer.
The red double decker Palm Bus is a free hop-on hop-off bus that connects Trelleborg to Smygehuk, with stops at Dalabadet and Gislöv. The bus only operates during the summer.
In the morning I walked up the hillside to Seldo pod Ostrva (1966m), a 460m climb, taking me just over an hour. The entire walk from Popradské Pleso to Seldo pod Ostrva was absolutely breathtaking.
For the extreme, Batizovské Pleso is the starting point to Gerlachovský Stít (2655m), the highest mountain in Slovakia. Gerlachovský Stít is not for the faint hearted. There is no track but rather a route to the summit, so your route finding skills need to be good or you’re not going to find the way. There are the occasional cairns and pads, but for most of the way it’s following the most logical line. The route is very steep, with a lot of scrambling and even a tiny bit of climbing. There are a number of places where a slip could be fatal. Many people who attempt Gerlachovský Stít climb up come with climbing gear and a guide. I’ll say it again, this is not just a difficult hike, it’s an extreme hike with a considerable element of danger. You need to be fit, experienced, and more than anything else confident in your abilities. From Batizovské Pleso (1884m) it took me 2h24m to reach the summit of Gerlachovský Stít (2655m). I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, the view from the top was amazing, though this mountain is one of the most precarious hikes I’ve ever done. It took me 2h20m (including a 15 minute stop) to descend back to Batizovské Pleso.
From Batizovské Pleso I continued on to Velické Pleso (1879m), taking me 1h6m. It was getting late in the afternoon now. Unfortunately for me the hostel was full so I had no option but to continue on, but not before a meal and a beer!
Beds: 12 + private hotel rooms
Price: EUR24 + 1(fee) + 3(sheets)
Website: https://www.sliezskydom.sk/ubytovanie/turisticka-izba/
From Velické Pleso there is a track leading on to the north, another to the east, and one to the south towards Vysoké Tatry. In addition to the walking tracks, there is a new road that leads to Tatranská Polianka. After my climb to Gerlachovský Stít I opted for the easier route down, via the road to Tatranská Polianka. The 9.2km walk took me 1h30m. From Tatranská Polianka there are regular buses and trains to Poprad, costing EUR1-3 and taking 30-40m.
Rysy is the highest mountain in Poland at 2500 metres. Its located on the mountainous border between Poland and Slovakia. The mountain provides spectacular views over the Tatras.
Rysy is located in the eastern Tatra Mountains, in the Tatra National Park in the south of Poland. The name Rysy derives from the mountain couloirs and can be translated as “cracks in the mountainside”. In the early 1800s, the name Rysy referred to all peaks surrounding Czarny Staw pod Rysami. By the late 1800s, after the naming of various features, the use of Rysy had narrowed to only the highest peak on the ridge.
Today Rysy consists of three summits: Rysy (2500m) the highest mountain in Poland, Rysy South (2501m) in Slovakia, and Rysy South East (2472m) also in Slovakia. From the summit of Rysy is possible to distinguish 80 peaks and 13 lakes of the Tatras. In good visibility its possible to see over 200 kilometres, including Krakow (90km away) and reportedly even the outlines of the Bieszczady and Ukrainian Carpathians.
Its possible to reach Rysy from both Poland and Slovakia. The route from Poland is steeper and more difficult than the route from Slovakia, however, as Rysy is the highest mountain in Poland, most hikers come from the Polish side. Rysy is only two kilometres south east of the famous lake Morskie Oko, which you’ll pass if hiking from the Polish side. Both Morskie Oko and Rysy share the same trailhead at Palenica Białczańska. To reach the trailhead, you need to transit through the resort town of Zakopane. To read more on how to ge to the trailhead of Palenica Białczańska, including buses and national park fees, visit our guide for Zakopane to Morskie Oko.
It takes approximately 2 hours to walk from Palenica Białczańska to Morskie Oko. For a detailed guide please visit our guide Zakopane to Morskie Oko.
From the edge of Morskie Oko, you’ll have a spectacular views of the High Tatras surrounding the lake which rise up over 1000 metres, the very mountains you’ll soon be standing on top of!
The Morskie Oko Curcuit does a loop around the lake which takes an hour return. When continuing to Rysy, follow the eastern side of the lake. As soon as you leave the vicinity of the hut (Schronisko PTTK Morskie Oko) you’ll see much fewer people, those hundreds soon turn into dozens. As tempting as it may be, it is strictly prohibited to swim in the lake. This is to protect the delicate ecosystem of the lake. The ban is enforced and you could be slapped with a fine for violating this rule.
At the southern most point of Morskie Oko is a junction; the track to the right continues circumnavigating the lake, and the track to the left begins climbing upward to the lake Czarny Staw Pod Rysami. ‘Czarny Staw Pod Rysami’ literally means ‘Black Lake below Mount Rysy’ as is so named for the dark colour it assumes when in the shadow of the mountains. Czarny Staw is 170 metres higher than Morskie Oko, at an elevation of 1583 metres. The lake is 76 metres deep, which is deeper than Morskie Oko (51 metres), making it the second deepest lake in the Tatras and the fourth deepest lake in Poland. It takes approximately 50 minutes to walk from Schronisko PTTK Morskie Oko hut to Czarny Staw Pod Rysami.
What they don’t tell you is that Czarny Staw Pod Rysami is far more beautiful than Morskie Oko. The water is a beautiful turquoise colour. Directly in front of Czarny Staw pod Rysami is another junction; the track to the left / east continues to Rysy, the track to the right / west leads to the pass of ‘Przelecz Pod Chlopkiem’ (2307m). The track abruptly starts to climb from here. The track grows increasingly steep and rocky and be dangerous when wet. If you’re scared of heights this isn’t the walk for you. Good footwear is essential, it doesn’t need to be boots but you need to have footwear what wont slip. There are a fews sections fitted with chains to help you on your way.
From Czarny Staw Pod Rysami it takes approximately 2 hours to climb just under a kilometre in altitude to reach the rocky summit of Rysy (2499m) – the highest mountain in Poland. The view from the summit is truly incredible in all directions; Poland to the North, Slovakia to the South, and the mighty Tatras to the East and West.
Just a stones throw from the summit of Rysy, is the summit of Rysy South, just over the border in Slovakia. It takes literally a minute to get from one summit to the other. Rysy South is only 3 metres taller than Rysy, standing at 2501 metres.
From the summit of Rysy you can either return the way you’ve come (back down to Morskie Oko), or continue on into Slovakia. If you don’t want to do the entire hike in a single day, you have two options. You could return to Schronisko PTTK Morskie Oko hut, or you could stay at Chata Pod Rysmi in Slovakia, which is 500 metres south of of the summit of Rysy. If you plan on continuing on into Slovakia, check out our guide for Rysy to Popradské Pleso.
Section | Distance (km) | Duration | Elevation (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
Palenica Białczańska | 0.0 | 00:00 | 990 |
Palenica Białczańska to Morskie Oko | 8.0 | 02:00 | 1395 |
Morskie Oko to Czarny Staw pod Rysami | 1.8 | 00:50 | 1583 |
Czarny Staw pod Rysami to Rysy | 3.0 | 03:00 | 2500 |
Rysy to Czarny Staw pod Rysami | 3.0 | 02:30 | 1583 |
Czarny Staw pod Rysami to Morskie Oko | 1.8 | 00:40 | 1395 |
Morskie Oko to Palenica Białczańska | 8.0 | 02:00 | 990 |
Round Trip | 25.6 | 11:00 |