The remote Tatra Mountains combine dramatic alpine scenery with beautiful azure lakes and comfortable welcoming mountain refuges. The Tatra Mountains are the highest part of the Carpathian Mountains that form a border between Poland and Slovakia and are a trekker’s paradise. The tallest peaks reach up in impressive rocky spires and crenelated ridges. The Tatra are easily accessible from Krakow where this trip starts
Hiking the Polish and Slovak Tatras with Queer Out Here
Expedition Dates - Saturday 13th to 20th June 2026
The remote Tatra mountains combine dramatic alpine scenery with beautiful azure lakes and comfortable welcoming mountain refuges.
This is five days of accessible trekking. The trip that starts and finishes in Krakow. We will be staying in remote mountain huts during the trek. Before the trek we spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful town of Zakopane at the foot of the mountains and after we return to Krakow and stay a night in a hotel near the city centre.
You will need to arrange your own flights into Krakow. On arrival in the airport everything will then be organised for you including the 2hr transfer to Zakpopane. .
Dates
13th to 20th June 2026
Cost
£830 including accommodation and transport Deposit £130
Secure your Spot: Please pay a £130 deposit online to secure your spot. Once you have paid a deposit and minimum numbers have been met we will send you a confirmation notice and an equipment list. The balance is payable in instalments.
Transfer from the Kraków airport to the hotel in Zakopane;
1 night hotel in Zakopane with breakfast (twin room);
1 night hotel in Kraków with breakfast (twin room);
4 nights in the huts with breakfast and dinner (dormitories);
Transfer to the start of the hike;
Transfer from the end of the hike to Kraków hotel;
Transfer to the Kraków airport;
5 lunch-boxes
Services of an international mountain leader and local LGBTQ guide
You will need to pay for your own flights and two evening meals and two lucnhes when in Zakopane and Krakow
This is an arduous hike and it is important that you have sturdy walking boots that are rigid with a grippy sole. The huts provide all food and basic bedding - not including sheets and pillows.
You will need to carry a 30 to 40 litre day bag on the trek containing your basic toiletries and a few clothes. A comprehensive kit list will be sent to you once you have paid a deposit for this trip.
In Zakopane and in Krakow we will be eating in local restaurants these meals are not included in the cost. Whilst trekking all food is provided by the mountain huts. The food is hearty, home cooked Polish cuisine, a vegetarian and vegan option will be available. The huts will prepare a packed lunch for us. It is well worth bringing your own snacks and cereal bars for the duration of the trek
Day 1 - Saturday 13th June 2026 Arrival
After arrival in Krakow we will be transported to Zakopane at the base of the impressive Tatra Mountains. After dinner we spend the night in a hotel.
Day 2 - Sunday 14th June 2026 to Five Lakes Hut (9km with 680m of ascent approx 4hrs)
After breakfast we take a short private transfer to Palenica Bialczanska from where we will start hiking through Roztoka Valley to the five lakes hut. We will walk along the highest waterfall in Poland, Wielka Siklawa.
Day 3 Monday 15th June 2026 Five Lakes to Roztoka hut via Moskie Oko (10km 780m descent 160m ascent - extra 3km and 300m ascent and descent for Czary Staw)
In the morning climbing up to the top of Świstowa Czuba at 1763 meters above sea level. From Świstówka there are scenic views to the whole five lakes valley. We descend a long way down to Morskie Oko; an emerald blue lake and one of the most popular sights in the Polish Tatra. There is the option to extend the hike to the stunning Czary Staw lake for those feeling up to it.
Day 4 Tuesday 16th June 2026 Roztoka hut- Jaworzyna Tatrzańska-Kieżmarska hut (12km, 760m ascent and 220m descent)
We will walk back to Palenica Białczańska from where we will take a public transport to Jaworzyna Tatrzańska in Slovakia (20 min bus transfer). From Jaworzyna we will walk up in the valley to the Pod Kopą pass at 1778 meters above sea level. From the pass, we will walk down across White lakes valley to Chata pri Zelenym Plesie hut located at the Green lake in KIezmarska Valley, Slovakia.
Day 5 Wednesday 17th June 2026 Chata pri Zelenom Plesie hut to Zamkovskiego hut (10km 450m ascent and 550m descent)
We will walk on the stunning balcony path above the valley called the Magistrala to the Zamkowskiego. The views open to the Spisz area and the beautiful Poprad river valley in Slovakia. This is a very scenic day.
Day 6 Thursday 18th June 2026 Zamkovskiego hut- Stary Smokovec (5km 500m descent)
From Zamkovskiego chata hut, we will walk along waterfalls on Studeny river and will arrive at Hrebieniok where there is a funicular on the top. There is the possibility to use it to go down to Stary Smokowiec for those who are finding it hard to descend. We will walk down to Stary Smokoviec, the oldest health resort at the foot of Slovakian Tatras. We will have time to visit the resort and then make our way way back with private transfer direct to Kraków. This transfer is two hours.
Day 7 Friday 19th June
The trip finishes today and you will return to the airport ready for your return flight
Poland is a welcoming country that is unfortunately going through a politically motivated phase of marginalising its LGBTQ communities. Same-sex unions are not legal in Poland and there are conservative anti-gay rights groups that are trying to ferment hate towards LGBTQ individuals. Many Polish people are very welcoming. Our Polish guides will not discriminate and are working hard to make you feel welcome as queer tourists and give you an adventure holiday to remember.
There are many LGBT activists and groups that are fighting against this prejudice. Although it feels like hatred and intolerance is on the rise in Poland the vast majority of Polish people are friendly and welcoming but it is wise to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection. Rather than boycotting Poland we are visiting Poland to show the benefits of embracing LGBTQ+ tourists. We are supporting our local guides you support our equality ethos.
