Active Recreation in the Tatras: 12 Sports Worth Trying This Summer
2026-06-01 16:46
1. 🥾 Hiking
Who it's for: Everyone – from families with children to experienced hikers. The trails are technically easy and accessible for people who have never hiked in the mountains before.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate. The longest routes (about 7 hours, 12.5 km, elevation gain 700 m) require average physical fitness, but guides adjust the pace to the group.
Required gear: Comfortable trekking shoes, waterproof jacket, warm clothing, food and water. If necessary – crampons and trekking poles.
Organizations / schools: Tatra National Park – entrance tickets for trails. Organized tours with licensed Tatra guides.
Who it's for: Both beginners and advanced cyclists. Trails are available for every skill level.
Difficulty level: Easy to very difficult (S1–S4). From flowy singletracks to technical descents and challenging climbs with elevation gains up to 1500 m.
Required gear: Mountain bike (rental available), helmet, protective gear. Equipment rentals are available in Zakopane and surrounding towns.
Organizations / schools:Štrbské Pleso Bike Park – well-maintained trails for all levels. Other popular locations: Hrebienok Trail, Javorina Trail, Lomnicky Peak Trail.
Who it's for: People with basic training or under the supervision of an instructor. Some routes are accessible to beginners under the guidance of a licensed guide.
Difficulty level: Easy to very difficult. Depending on the chosen route – from simple paths to technically challenging walls with exposure.
Required gear: Helmet, harness, rope, quickdraws, climbing shoes. Organizers provide gear (belay device, harness, helmet) on organized trips.
Organizations / schools: Climbing trips with licensed Tatra guides – groups of max 6 people per guide.
Who it's for: Anyone who can keep balance on water – from beginners to advanced.
Difficulty level: Easy – trains balance and core muscles. Requires only basic stabilization.
Required gear: SUP board, paddle, life jacket. Rentals are available near Morskie Oko and other Tatra lakes (check availability before your trip – not all lakes allow SUP).
Organizations / schools: Local water sports equipment rentals in Zakopane and surrounding areas.
5. 🌊 Kayaking / Rafting
Who it's for: For adrenaline lovers and water adventure enthusiasts. Available for beginners under the supervision of instructors.
Required gear: Kayak or raft, paddle, safety vest, helmet. Gear is provided by organizers.
Organizations / schools:Aquapark Zakopane – offers an artificial river for learning and fun. Termy Zakopiańskie – with water attractions, thermal pools, and slides.
Who it's for: Everyone, regardless of skill level – from beginners to advanced yogis.
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate – classes are adapted to participants' abilities. Sessions last about 1 hour.
Required gear: Yoga mat (often provided), comfortable clothing. Organizers provide mats, straps, organic eye pillows.
Organizations / schools:Tatry Joga Camp – 4-day retreats combining yoga with mountain hikes. Hrebienok Resort – free yoga classes every Thursday in Starý Smokovec. Tatra Girls Camp – women-only camps with yoga and hiking.
Who it's for: For anyone who wants to see the Tatras from a different perspective. Suitable for beginners – instructors teach the basics of horsemanship.
Difficulty level: Easy – rides take place at a leisurely pace along valley and forest routes. Requires only basic horse handling skills.
Required gear: Helmet (provided), comfortable closed-toe shoes, long pants. Riding clubs provide horses and equipment.
Organizations / schools:Stado Ogierów w Kościelisku – a stud farm in Kościelisko offering valley rides. Numerous private riding clubs in Zakopane and surrounding areas.
Who it's for: For extreme sports and flying enthusiasts. Requires experience or a tandem flight with an instructor. Tandem flights are available for beginners with no prior training.
Difficulty level: Moderate to high – requires good weather, knowledge of aerodynamics, and piloting skills. Tandem flights are available without preparation.
Required gear: Paraglider, helmet, harness, radio (for communication with instructor). Organizers provide full equipment.
Organizations / schools:Fly Tatra – tandem flights with experienced instructors. Szkoła paralotniarstwa Tatra – paragliding training school.
Who it's for: For those who enjoy peaceful recreation in nature. Available to everyone, but requires a permit.
Difficulty level: Easy – requires patience and basic skills. Fishing is only allowed in designated waters with a valid license.
Required gear: Rod, reel, line, hooks, bait. Gear can be rented at local rental points.
Organizations / schools:Polski Związek Wędkarski (Polish Angling Association) – issues licenses. Fishing zones on the Dunajec, Czarny Dunajec rivers, and mountain lakes.
12. ⛷️ Summer Snowboarding / Alpine Skiing (on Glaciers)
Who it's for: For winter sports fans who don't want to wait for snow. Requires skiing/snowboarding experience – available for intermediate and advanced levels.
Difficulty level: Moderate – skiing takes place on a glacier where snow remains year-round. Requires good technique and speed control.
Required gear: Snowboard or skis, boots, helmet, ski goggles, warm winter clothing. Rentals are available on site.
Organizations / schools:Lomnický štít – glacier with summer skiing on the Slovak side of the Tatras. A cable car takes you to the summit.