Visit Morskie Oko

This glacial lake is a popular destination in the summer with many people walking around the lake. It's much more fun and less crowded in the winter.

Cheap Option

You can either drive to within about 6km of it, then walk 6 km uphill or ride in a horse and cart, driven by the Gorale or in winter, in snow, a horse driven sleigh ride. The cost is from 35 zloty.

Expensive, but easy, complete package

Take one of the local tours. They cost about 120-200 zlotys, depending on whether you ride up in a horse and cart or sleigh, but include collection from your accommodation, a guide, horse and cart or sleigh up to the lake, and lunch at the youth hostel at the edge of the lake. A word of wisdom: do not sit in the seats directly behind the horses.

We were collected after breakfast and driven to the car park below Morskie Oko in a mini bus. Stephen provided an interesting and informed commentary about Zakopane and its history. On arrival at the car park we transferred to a horse driven sleigh, our knees covered with sheepskin and wool rugs, given a bottle of a local honey liqueur (Krupnik) for additional warmth and driven in a sleigh up to the Morski Oko lake. Don't do what a certain member of our party did. The Goral (Highlander), driving the horses, jumped out of the sleigh to walk beside it and lessen the load at a particularly steep section. One man in our party also decided to make it easier on the horses and jumped out of the back of the sleigh. Spotting this, with a glint in his eye the Goral jumped back on and sped the horses on so that this man had to run and cling on for dear life as he attempted to clamber back in. It was a little mischievous and naughty on the Goral's part but did provide some free entertainment.

The views on the way to Morskie Oko are spectacular. You pass some wonderful examples of Zakopane style wooden houses. The Venture Scouts also have a place fairly close and if I was a scout, this destination would definitely be top of my list of places to visit.

Holiday house to let in Rabka, 25 miles from Zakopane - sleeps 6+

Smart 3 bedroom holiday house to let in quiet part of Rabka, 300 m from one of the ski slopes.

The house has 3 bedrooms, 3 living areas, small kitchen, bathroom, shower room, 2 additional WCs. Garage and own driveway. Small garden. Balcony with table and chairs plus BBQ.

Full gas central heating. Open fire in one living area.

Rabka is known as the 'town of the world's children'. It's built around an enormous central park with swing parks, restaurant, paths and cycle trails. There are 3 ski slopes in winter, toboggan run and an ice skating rink. In summer enjoy horse and cart rides, swimming pools, Rabkoland funfair.

Bus fare into Krakow is just 9 zl each way (takes just over an hour), much less to Zakopane.

Click on the photograph of this holiday let in Poland for details and prices or Telephone +44 (0) 1245 325 273 for bookings and information.

Be prepared