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10 Trails in the Tatras for a 10-Year-Old

Hiking trails in the Tatra Mountains for older children? Below is a list of scenic trails for family hiking.

1. Sarnia Skała

Sarnia Skała is one of the lower peaks in the Tatra Mountains, located under the Giewont massif between two valleys: Strążyska and Białego Potoku. You can hike up one valley and descend the other, making an interesting loop.

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From Zakopane to Sarnia Skala Peak

2. Nosal

Nosal is another low peak located near Zakopane. The trail to Nosal starts in Kuźnice, near the lower station of the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, about 5 km from the center of Zakopane. You can get there by bus.

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Nosal - an easy and scenic peak from Zakopane

3. Gęsia Szyja

This peak is reached by climbing wooden steps. Reaching the top is not easy as the stairs seem endless. On the way to Gęsia Szyja, you pass through Rusinowa Polana, which is said to offer one of the most beautiful views in the Tatras!

Goose Neck Peak

4. Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy

Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy is a glacial lake in the High Tatras. The trail leading to it is not technically difficult, only requiring good physical condition. The route is perfect for a family hike with older children. On the way, you pass by the Murowaniec shelter, where you can rest and have a warm meal.

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From Kuźnice to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy through the Murowaniec Shelter

5. Hala Stoły in the Kościeliska Valley

Hala Stoły is a meadow with old shepherd huts and a picturesque view in the Kościeliska Valley. The hike to Hala Stoły requires some fitness: you climb about 360 meters up. The trail to Polana Stoły is a great option for getting off the wide valley paths and having your first adventure in the "real" mountains.

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Hala Stoły - Scenic Meadow in the Kościeliska Valley

6. Kraków Gorge and Smocza Jama Cave

Kraków Gorge is a narrow, rocky ravine about 100 meters long, ending in a cave called Smocza Jama. The gorge is named after the narrow streets in Kraków. The widened end of the gorge is called the Market. For older children, entering Smocza Jama will be an interesting attraction and challenge - it is a small rock tunnel that takes about 2-3 minutes to pass through. The cave is open for self-exploration but is difficult and requires some agility.

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Krakow Gorge and Dragon's Lair Cave in Kościeliska Valley

7. Valley of Five Lakes

The Valley of Five Lakes is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras. It has the highest-altitude shelter in Poland and the deepest lake in the Tatras!

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Valley of Five Lakes - Hiking through Roztoka Valley

8. From the Valley of Five Lakes to Morskie Oko

This is another challenge for older children: the hike from the Valley of Five Lakes to Morskie Oko via the Świstówka Pass is considered the most beautiful trail in the Tatras!

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From the Five Lakes Valley to Morskie Oko

9. Chuda Przełączka and Piec Rock

Chuda Przełęcz is a place below the Ciemniak peak at an altitude of 1850 meters near the Kościeliska Valley. Chuda Przełęcz separates the Miętusia Valley from the Tomanowa Valley. The proposed route is a scenic loop - the trail is mostly open, with a panorama towards the Czerwone Wierchy massif and Giewont.

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Chuda Przełączka - Loop from Kościeliska Valley

10. To Kasprowy Wierch via Hala Kondratowa

This trail is listed last for a reason - it is beautiful but also the most demanding of those mentioned so far. It leads along the ridge of Suche Czuby towards Kasprowy Wierch. The trail is not technically difficult to pass - although there were two short rocky sections that looked daunting - mountain enthusiasts managed to overcome them.