Morski Oko--Gem of the Tatras

By Elia Olson

The fall semester of 2009 I had the opportunity to study abroad in Poland, specifically in Krakow, the cultural capital of the country. I love the city of Krakow but sometimes you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you find yourself in Krakow and need to get some fresh air, I suggest you did what I did and take a day trip to a small town nestled in the Tatra Mountains called Zakopane. Now, even though I suggest you travel to Zakopane, I really hope you will travel to a small place outside of that sleepy town called Morskie Oko.

If you take a half hour bus ride, you find yourself at the entrance to the national park that claims this beautiful wonder hidden within the Tatra Mountains. Just like in America, national parks require you to pay to enter the haven and then we were “hiking” to Morskie Oko, dreaming the entire way of how beautiful it would be when we got there. I say “hiking” because you actually just walk on a paved road for 11 kilometers and have to move over to one side or the other occasionally to let cars pass on their way to or from our destination.

Although you “hike” up and down a road, there are still many natural waterfalls that you encounter and like any good tourist, make sure to take some pictures to show your family and friends. As you hike further up the road, the trees break and you catch glimpses of the mountains you are hiking in and it takes your breath away. And just when you think you should have been there 20 minutes ago, the trees break again and you walk up to the most breathtaking lake I have ever seen. I understand you might not be an adventure junkie but I would give Morskie Oko the chance. It is a beautiful sight nestled in the Tatra Mountains, something I think everyone who has the chance should see.