Located in the Tatra National park and situated at a height of 1440m above sea level it is its largest lake {approx. just over half a mile long, and its width around a third of a mile}. Craggy peaks ring the lake making a living Christmas card, iced with snow and twinkling like fairy dust.

The lake is ice covered until early June and I would love to see its green hue. A loop trail circles the lake and branches off to others as well. The trails are colour coded and are very easy, we walked only around the lake and it took us 40 minutes. The trail to Mt Rysy {2499m} is aprox four hours it is Poland’s highest peak straddling the Poland /Slovakia border and a popular hiking route. We noticed groups of hikers milling around the restaurant and there is a hostel close by. If you hike from Zakopane to Morskie Oko it is about 10k--we walked back, but only as far as the parking area simply because we had to catch our bus to Krakow.

After our walk around the lake, we purchased hot chocolate and a snack from the buffet restaurant then we sat outside contemplating the beauty and peace of the surrounding peaks. We were not alone; the area was filled with families, school tours and groups of hikers.

The restaurant resembled a Swiss chalet quite in keeping with the alpine style. Inside, the walls were covered with photographs of John Paul II 1997 trip to Morskie Oko. The Pope always had a strong attachment to the outdoor life of the Tatras and it was here that he brought his groups in his student days. There were also photographs of Prince Charles and other notables enjoying the view here.

We enjoyed our bone shaking ninety-minute ride on the horse and cart. We passed through heavily wooded areas with awesome scenery and beautiful waterfalls. A word of warning don’t choose the seat I did directly behind the horse it was very fragrant at times, suffice to say our driver was adept, not a drop of manure hit the ground he had that bucket beneath the lifted tail so fast he should have been awarded a prize, unfortunately for me he placed it on a hook directly beneath my nose.

Surprisingly the road was paved and we passed many walkers. The road to Morske Oko was opened in 1938 and is uphill and winding. This place really is enchanting and one we hope to return to one day. Please see overview for directions.

The hike is not strenuous, but it is quite long. The well paved road winds up the mountain for approximately 10km (six plus miles) and for an average person will take about two hours to get to the lake. The views along the way are magnificent. On a sunny day the highest peaks of Polish Tatra's (including its highest peak Rysy at 2499m) are clearly visible. A variety of mountain flora (mostly conifers) surrounds the paths, with the occasional squirrel peaking out at the tourists. About a third way up, a magnificent waterfall system, Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza, can be seen to the right of the trail. Right around here there is also a complex of "honey buckets" for those who cannnot hold it any longer. Three quarters of the way up, at Polana Wlosienica (which happens also to be the end station for the horse-driven carts), there is wooden building housing a buffet, a bar, souvenir shop, as well as toilets. If you're hungry try the cheese-filled crepes - they are quite magnificent.

Once you reach Morskie Oko (which by the way means "The Eye of the Sea"), there is little you can do here except of course to enjoy the splendid views of the lake and the surrounding mountains. There is a pension with a restaurant where you can grab some grub. And if you made it here early, and your fitness level is high, you can follow the red trail (advanced) that leads to the top of Rysy and on to Slovakia. For myself, I just enjoyed having a sandwich while enjoying the cool mountain air and watching the ducks on the lake - how in the hell did they make it here...

To get to Morskie Oko, go to Zakopane's main bus station (PKS) where the busses leave every hour or so. Or alternatively, across from the bus station, private vans carry people to the location for approximately same price. The ride will range from three to five zlotych ($0.75-$1.25). Rides back are offered at similar prices.