Internationale groepsreis Trek the Polish High Tatras

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

A challenging trek in some impressive mountains, but some trails are very busy. Only 5 days actually trekking in a 9 day holiday.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The view from the summit of Swinicia was exceptional and the delight of the clouds parting just as we reached the summit of Rysy.  

What did you think of your group leader?

We had a very knowledgeable guide who lives in Zakopane, he was most helpful throughout the trek.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be warned that there is one long section of serious scrambling on the way to the Eagles Path and one very long section of serious scrambling on the Rysy climb, quite daunting even with the fixed chains. Most trails are on prepared slabbed paths that are very wearing on the knees especially on descent

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Erik

Avontuurlijke en pittige reis. De beklimming van de Rysy is een uitdaging voor iedereen die een keer iets meer wil dan wandelen.

Trekking in the Polish High Tatras

A mountain climb in Poland's Tatras mountains is an experience never forgotten. The mountains are stupendous to view, the trails are safe and well traveled, but the weather can at times be inclement. Our leader, Teresa, did everything to guide us safely and well and bent over backwards to make our trip enjoyable. I can highly recommend this tour for any climber with stamina and experience. Björn M.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

We reached the summit of Mt. Rysy at an elevation of 2499.6 metres. Reaching such a peak is the climax of our entire tour.

What did you think of your group leader?

Teresa Stochel, our leader, was caring and determined, good-humored and pleasant in every respect. My fellow travelers and I will think of her as a friend for all time to come.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Dress for any weather eventuality, from sub-freezing temperatures if you are travelling late in the season, to shirt-sleeve weather in the summer. For late September or early spring, bringing crampons or micro-spikes is advisable. A poncho or raincoat is necessary.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

High Tatras

I really enjoyed this trek. The group that completed the trek, including our super guide, Teresa, gelled really well and were all well up to the fitness level required. Two did not do the trek itinerary, as mentioned by Brendan McShane in a previous review. It indicates how essential reading the trip notes before you book your trip is!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the summit of Mt Rysy. Its quite a slog to get there, then lots of scrambling up and down but the achievement is worth it, and to sit at the top for those few moments is very special, the views are beautiful. But every day was special in its own way, not just Rysy, the comradeship between our trekking group, the walks, climbs and views experienced at every moment.

What did you think of your group leader?

Teresa is a gem, very knowledgeable and informative, nothing was too much trouble, she constantly checked on details to make sure everything went to plan and was always a pleasure to be with. I could not have asked for more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Read the trip notes before you book. Go to Auschwitz, what you see will stay with you forever, and the Salt Mine if you have time.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I went on this trek based on recommendation from previous trekkers last year when I did the Julian Alps, Slovenia trek [equally enjoyable!]. Where do I go from here?

Trekking the High Tatras

This was my first Exodus trip and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I went with two friends and we met up with the other eight members of the group plus the Guide in Poland. The five days of walking was sandwiched between a night in Zakopane and two nights in Krakow with a visit to the Salt Mines and Auschwitz on the last day. Both the Mountain huts and the food exceeded my expectations. Apart from two members of our group who dropped out after the first day, the rest of us were of a similar level of fitness to enjoy the walking (and each others company) as well as the surrounding scenery which was very pretty.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This has to be Mount Rysy! Fortunately the itinerary of the trip lends itself to prepare you for the ascent and descent of Mount Rysy and in my case to the introduction of chains which I'd never used before. Undoubtedly this was the highlight of the trip. It is a very long day and quite tiring, but all good fun! Whilst I had no problems with the ascent, I was a little concerned about going down the same way! However this was not really a problem and not as bad as people think as long as you concentrate and listen to your guide. It's worth going up Mount Rysy just for the views, it's just a shame that so many other people had the same idea as the summit was very crowded.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our group leader was Teresa! She was very good and looked after us very well on the mountains!! She is clearly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the high Tatras and I enjoyed her company. She also dealt with what could have been an awkward situation well - Some would say she did more than she should have done with dealing with two members of our group who dropped out on the first day as they couldn't keep up.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Yes! Please read the trip notes thoroughly! To do this trip you have to be fit - Otherwise you won't enjoy it. There are five days of hard walking most of which is not level. Although there are regular stops, it's important that given the nature of the terrain and distances covered each day that a consistent pace is maintained.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you like walking and are fit, then I would definitely recommend this trip. The scenery is very pretty, The mountain huts are of a good standard and there's loads of food!

Trek the High Tatras

This was a fabulous trip to see some great scenery, climb some mountains and get a sense of Poland. The huts are first class with great facilities and you won't go hungry with the food. You will need to be reasonably fit and not scared of heights.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

It's hard to pick a single moment as everyday had something to enjoy. I guess I was concerned whether I could achieve this trip, made it and had a great sense of achievement in climbing up Mt Rysy, especially the part where you need to use chains.

What did you think of your group leader?

It was a real bonus to have a Polish guide who knew the area intimately - we got a sense of the Polish culture as well as the benefit of local knowledge. There were some challenges for the guide on the trip and she handled them admirably.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you have virtigo of any kind don't do the trip. You'll need to end up going back at Rysy and it will impact on the whole group. Come with an open mind and a spirit of adventure - don't expect things to be like home and remember Poland is adjusting from years of communism. Remember you will be part of a team and if you are a real individualist you shouldn't join. If you come to be a member of a team, want to experience a bit of Poland and do something active, you'll have a ball. Get a bit fitter before you come and don't carry to much (keep to 7kg if you can).

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Loved Poland, great guide, great country and fabulous huts - had a trip that I will remember forever.

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

Excellent trip, spectacular views, an amazing guide and a great week, capped off by visiting a fab city. My second exodus trip and certainly not my last. If I had one issue, it's that it was a little busy but that is more a reflection on the beauty and popularity of the area, rather than anything else.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The guide providing constant snipets of information and good jokes were always great moments. The flexibility in the approach to the walking people were allowed to go at their own pace but not get separated.  Some challenging walking with great panoramas and the fact that we saw a large amount of the tatras in a very short period of time. 

What did you think of your group leader?

Great, and an absolute character. Full of life and clearly very passionate and knowledgeble about the area, I strongly suspect had it not been for the guide the trip would not have been quite so good. She catered to the needs of the entire group, supporting the less confident group members during the more challenging chain sections on Rysy and near the Eagles Pass.   She told many great stories and worked hard to teach the group about Poland and the Tatras on a historic, geographic and social level. As well as telling a number of funny jokes & playing a number of excellent scrabble words. Thanks Teressa for all the lol's. 

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take a big bag as you can leave stuff in the hotel, this was my big mistake. Make sure you have a pair of flip flops for the evening, you won't regret the weight. Make sure you take a compliment of warm clothes it can be cold at times. This is certainly a challenging trek and some of the chain parts are very exposed make sure you take a head for heights. 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Have fun and try and pick up the lingo ask your guide, the locals love the effort.   We did the cycle tour of Krakow which was ace and showed us so much of the city in a relatively short time and I would really reccomend this. If you have the chance stay a little longer in Krakow as there is lots to see. 

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

The Polish High Tatras was a challenging trip with incredible views and a lovely atmosphere.  The mountains are spectacular but busy at times.  Well worth it though!

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Our first attempt at climbing with chains was a particulary proud moment for me.  It definitely got the heart racing from the start with narrow ledges and very steep long drops.  It felt brilliant to reach the top and take in the view knowing what you have just achieved.  Our group was great - friendly and laid back.  It was good to be with such a supportive, helpful and 'professional' bunch of people!

What did you think of your group leader?

What a character!  You often find that the guide can make a big difference on the enjoyment of a trip like this and I think we were very lucky.  She had an excellent knowledge of the Tatras and obviously loves the area.  She quickly gained an understanding of the abilities within the group and was able to both challenge and support us.  She was particularly good at this on the chain sections of the walk.  The huge number of stories and anecdotes she had were both interesting and amusing at times.  She showed a great sense of humour but was strict when it was needed.  I have definitely come back with a greater knowledge of Poland thanks to Theresa.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

If you are worried about heights think carefully about this trip - there are a couple of days when it can get a bit exposed in small sections.  It all adds to the challenge though.  Pack carefully for the actual trek - you can leave stuff in Zakopane.  I was pleased I had taken sandals to the mountain huts as the last thing you want to do after a shower and change of clothes is put your boots back on!!  Travel Scrabble and a pack of cards are always fun!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Definitely a trip I would recommend to friends.  The Tatras were the best part but Krakow is pretty cool too.  It seems like a chilled out city and its easy to get around. We visited Auschwitz on the way back to Krakow.  This is a sombre and and difficult place to be but I am glad I went.  It certainly is a place people should visit, if they have the opportunity, to either pay their respects to the people who were imprisoned there and/or to understand better what went on.

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

The Tatras mountains were far more beautiful and well provided for than I had expected; the accommodation was good and interesting (!); the group size was perfect and we all got along very well; and our guide, Teresa was brilliant.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Teresa mentioned chains early on in the trip and several of us were quite apprehensive, but when we first reached the chains I found them a huge help for little legs trying to scramble over big rocks, but also quite exciting (I know its not climbing, but it felt adventurous to me!).  I was really pleased and inspired to see so many other walkers about.  Its tempting to want mountain paths to yourself, but in actual fact the emptiness of British walking is rather sad compared to the vibrancy and popularity of the Tatras - it is also fantastic to reach a well appointed hut full of chocolate and fizzy drinks, just when you need them most!

What did you think of your group leader?

Teresa was great; her english is excellent and she has much to say about Poland, the Tatras and all her experiences.  She is certainly a professional and also very funny and entertaining - she joined us for a game of Scrabble one night and came up with some high scoring words even though she had never played the game before (I lost that game so it wasn't a high point for me!).  She was also brilliant when I was struggling to come down mount Rysy - I was tired and nervous and she stuck by me the whole way, making sure I was completely safe and she held back the rest of the group to ensure we did not get separated.  Then she arranged for the two of us to jump the queue for a horse drawn carriage ride to the edge of the park, which I enjoyed particularly as our speedy driver overtook two other carriages!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Not to be scared by the chains, but you will need to be fit.  The most difficult thing is packing for 5 days - considering what you need, what you can cope with carrying, what your bag can cope with - the Exodus trip notes said all the right things, but it is up to the individual to consider toiletries vs fresh T-shirts daily....

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I just really enjoyed the trip and would have enjoyed a couple more days of walking, though not at the expense of the time in Krakow as I think that was valuable too. The Tatras mountains are fantastic value in my opinion 

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

Overall I thought this was an excellent holiday with good walking and views, excellent huts and food, a good group and a first-class leader.   

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The highlight for me was Day 5 in the heart of the Tatras: varied and challenging walking as well as great views.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leader did an excellent job.  Theresa is very knowledgeable about the area and she engaged well with all members of the party and was good fun to be with.    

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be ruthless about the amount and weight you are carrying.  You can leave stuff at Zakopane and really because you are walking from hut to hut you do not need much.  

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The arrangements in the hotel in Krakow were not brilliant though I enjoyed the city itself greatly.

Poland tatra

Tough but very enjoyable trek .

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching my seventh summit in four days.

What did you think of your group leader?

Knowledgeable but not enough concern for injured party member.Let himself down and exodus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Enjoy

Is there anything else you would like to add?

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

I love hills and am a good strong walker, but even I was surprised at the steepness of the mountains and the trails that pretty much always bomb straight up them. But saying that if you are a good walker there is some great trekking to be done here......as long as you don't mind 2000 other people along for the ride.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The lakes are just beautiful, so crisp and gave great reflections of the beautiful sky and mountains.

What did you think of your group leader?

Our leader Wojtek was great. He knew a lot about the area, made an effort to find time for us to look around Zakopane, was always ready to translate, and even went out of his way to find a cheap trip to Auschwitz when the in country company tried to charge us a small fortune the day before for the salt mines. Only downside was you had to ask him for any kind of information about the trip or following day e.g. he would never tell us what time breakfast was we always had to ask.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Go light weight for trekking and leave nice clothes at the hotel for the end of the trek. It was very hot in Krakow, the weather was very changable in the mountains - but never got that cold (was hot and exposed in places). Take money into the country. You have time to do a lot in Krakow, we went to the salt mines on the first afternoon, Auschwitz the next morning, had the afternoon off the the final morning we went on a tour of the city, but you have to be proactive as guide would help but we pretty much arranged these trips ourselves. I spent about £100 on the trip (I didn't drink in the mountain huts) - £20 salt mines (get local bus and buy tickets there), £20 Auschwitz (organised trip) - eat in the Jewish quarter during stay in Krakow.  Learn a few key words or phrases in Polish

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Don't go if you don't like crowds, 2000 people at least were on or around the trails we were doing and you never really get away from them. I have climbed Kili and thought that was highly populated but this was the M25 of trekking, the other reviews don't do it justice as to how many day walkers will be there. Other than that if you are reading this you must be interested in walking and the Tatras is a a wonderful place to walk, it is a challenge and be fit (practice stairs) - other members of my group tired dramatically throughout the week.

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

I chose this trip on the basis of dates to fit my available holidays. It exceeded by far my expectations in most respects.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The extensive scrambling during the ascent to Mt. Rysy was a new experience, and it proved to be so satisfying that I will definitely be looking specifically for itineraries which include similar sections.

What did you think of your group leader?

A+. Teresa proved to be an extremely competent and safe mountain guide, and at the same time she was attentive almost to a fault as a group leader, always flexible and ready to adapt in order to give participants the best possible experience. Couldn't wish for more.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You really need to be fit. When they say challenging/tough they do mean it, the passing mention of scrambling and fixed mountain chains in the trip notes is somewhat of an understatement.  On a slightly more mundane level: bring earplugs. You are very likely to need them in the hut dorms.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Instead of retracing our steps, we chose to descend from Mt. Rysy on the Slovakian side, making our way back to the hut by train and public bus. I understand that from 2013 this will be included in the standard itinerary with an organized transfer. Definitely a good decision. And, of course, I should add that, apart from Teresa's excellend guiding, the trip would not have been as enjoyable without a great group.

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

This was a great trip with beautiful scenery and sufficiently strenuous walking to make you feel like you'd earned the big meals in the mountain huts at the end of the day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There are two parts of the trip that I will particularly remember. One highlight was summiting Mt Rysy, the highest peak in Poland. We set off at 6am and walked through a grey and rainy morning - our guide told us we might not get to go to the top as the weather conditions would make it too dangerous. However the weather improved slightly, allowing us to complete the climb, and as we got to the top the clouds cleared to show beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Awesome.   The second bit of the trip that particularly affected me was the visit to Auschwitz. I wouldn't call this a highlight but it was definitely an experience, and something that I would recommend for its importance in history. The exhibit of 2 tonnes of human hair cut from the victims of the gas chambers is something that I will never forget, along with the piles of belongings that really brought home that these victims were ordinary people just like you or me, and if history had turned out differently we would perhaps have been living in a world like that today.

What did you think of your group leader?

Teresa was an excellent and very competent leader. There were a couple of incidents of people being ill on the trip that she dealt with very well - she managed to balance looking after our welfare with allowing us to enjoy the adventure of the mountains. Her local knowledge was extensive and she went the extra mile to ensure we got the most out of the holiday, giving us a guided tour of Krakow which wasn't on the itinerary.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Take earplugs - Polish people seem to have a propensity to play guitar until 1 o'clock in the morning.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

This was a great holiday, walking through and scrambling up some of Europe's lesser-known, but wonderful mountains on the borders of Poland and Slovakia. Beautiful scenery and the good company of a mixed and friendly group made it a holiday to remember.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Reaching the top of an exciting rock scramble with the help of chains - and seeing the High Tatras spread out in front of us. Arriving at the Roskowa mountain hut, drenched to the skin after an exciting electric storm, and finding this was the best of some very good mountain huts, and had an excellent and much-needed drying room Exploring the city of Krakow, with its wonderful  churches, architecture and restaurants - and especially the Chocolate Cafe, which we visited often, drawn by the fantastic and unbelievably cheap range of chocoholic delights

What did you think of your group leader?

Very good and encouraging - and an excellent guide when we were in Krakow, taking us on a tour of the city and to a wonderful restaurant for our last meal together. She also went to the trouble of e-mailing me the photos of another group-member after we had returned - very welcome as my own were rubbish!

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

You need to be quite fit for this challenging but very rewarding trekking trip - and to travel as light as you possibly can!!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No. This was altogether a wonderful holiday

THE POLISH HIGH TATRAS

A really good mixture of hard mountain walking ending with a couple of days of rest and culture in Krakow.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I guess the chains going up Mt Rysy, but no views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Excellent leader in Teresa. I would have liked a bit more time to stop and enjoy the scenery; at times it seemed a race to reach our day's objective, but then we did have quite a lot of bad weather in the mountains.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The huts are really good quality. Good food and free hot showers. In many they provided all bed linen. A bit noisy. I needed about 260 zloty (roughly £60) for meals, excluding drinks. You need about the same if you take the trips to the salt mine and Auschwitz, plus visiting the castle, cathedral and churches in Krakow. The scenery reminded me of North Wales, so did the weather as we only had glimpses through the clouds from the peaks. There was a bit of scrambling on chains on two days; the first day we did it with full packs. The second day on Mt Rysy was possibly easier as we didn't carry full packs; there was quite a lot of snow on the way down and that was a longish day. In Krakow you can collect your bag with clean clothes, so you don't need to carry that on the trek. The hotel in Krakow was good with excellent breakfasts.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Enjoyable weeks walking despite the rain

The week started well with brilliant sunshine and great views but on the second day of walking the thunder clouds gathered and the rain started and the views largely disappeared. It continued on and off for the remainder of the walking. Despite this we all had an enjoyable time and the group gelled well. The walking did not seem quite as hard as stressed in the trip notes. Maybe it was because of the weather but the routes did not seem anywhere near as crowded as mentioned in some of the reviews I read before I went. It was nice to warm up and dry out in the sunshine in Krakow.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Topping out on Mt Rysy - in the fog.

What did you think of your group leader?

The leader, Teresa, was knowledgeable and we all felt very safe in her charge.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The huts are actually bunkhouses and you are provided with pillow and duvet covers so no need for a sheet sleeping bag. If you do the trip to the Salt Mines make sure you go to the museum too - its actually more interesting than the first part of the tour and most people miss it out.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Consider taking a couple of extra days if you want to go to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines as its too much to really appreciate in one day and you don't get time to relax in Krakow.

Trek the Polish High Tatras

A well structured trip. Some sections of chain came as a surprise to some members of the group. The trip description mentions these sections however given the torrential rain that our group climbed in, for some this was a very serious undertaking. For those with experience of scrambling and exposure it was not too much of a problem but I did feel sorry for the ones with little of said experience. Grading may , in my opinion, be a shade low. Huts were excellent as was the food. The Tatras are very popular and on one day in particular it was estimated that 10,000 people had visited a central area. It is an exceptional area with adventures available for all levels. The period in Krakow was excellent. A beautiful city full of charming restaurants. It was great value for money.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The ascent of Mt Rysy was brilliant. The appearance of early morning snow and ice added to the excitement of the day. Stunning views all around and the chance to climb an additional 20 metres to sit atop a mountain in another country.

What did you think of your group leader?

Having been on several trips I have to say that Wojtzec was one of the most considerate, professional and knowledgable guides I have had the pleasure to be in the company of. His English was excellent and his passion and knowledge of his country was just brilliant. Our every needs were catered for and although we left earlier than the rest of the group it was very much appreciated to see Wojtzec early in the morning to say goodbye. A lovely touch from a lovely man ! A real asset to your company.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Be prepared for some interesting scrambling. Certainly classed in my opinion at grade three. The crowds are a bit of a surprise but this should not detract from an area of great beauty and brilliant walking. Most things are very cheap by our standards but the food (and beer) are of a very good standard and widely available at all huts. Poland was a real surprise. A beautiful city in Krakow and a very interesting cultural experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Only to reiterate what a great guide we had in Wojtzec !!!

The Polish High Tatras

A well organised trip and with a very good group leader. A very friendly bunch of people and everyone got along well. The Polish and Slovakian mountains are just beautiful and should be visited more by tourists (although it is heavily visited by locals during holidays). We were very lucky to have all days of sunshine and clear views during the trek, and even had the opportunity(!) to hear a wild bear on the second day of walking. Exploring Krakow at the end of the trip was a relaxing treat.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

Using the chains and getting to the top of Mt. Rysy with cloud clearing and getting some fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and landscape. It was a great experience ascending Rysy from the Polish side and descending from the Slovakian side - a long, but well deserved day!

What did you think of your group leader?

Teresa was a very good leader - extremely knowledgeable, helpful, very much 'in charge', and one felt safe with her (especially on the chains). She did take time out and show us briefly around Krakow and even organised the salt mine trip for us. However, there were a couple of things that she should have kept an eye on: When she stopped to tell the group about a particular mountain or what we could see in the view, she wouldn't realise that everyone hadn't caught up yet so the people at the back never got a chance to hear what she had to say, and there were times when we asked her to repeat, she told us off that we weren't listening! Although the overall pace was fine, there were times she did go a bit fast and a couple of people had to tell her to slow down on some occasions.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The chains are not all that difficult as the trip notes make it sound. They are there for your help so do use them. Pack light as you do have to carry all your gear for 4 days.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

The trip notes and photographs for the event do not do enough justice of how good the trip is. It would be worth updating them!