Day 1: Night Bus from Vilnius to Krakow
My journey began late in the evening as I boarded the night bus from Vilnius at 22:45. The ride was comfortable, and by 9:15 the next morning, I arrived in Krakow, ready to explore. With a couple of hours to spare before my next bus, I stayed at the same station and waited for the 11:25 bus to Zakopane.
The scenic 2-hour-and-15-minute bus ride brought me to Zakopane, a charming mountain town nestled in the Tatra Mountains. My hostel was just a quick 15-minute walk from the main bus station, so I dropped off my backpack and headed straight out to explore. I wandered the streets, trying delicious street food from local stalls — the perfect way to soak in the atmosphere. By 20:00, I was back at the hostel, exhausted but happy. It was time to rest up for the next day’s adventure.
Day 2: Hiking to Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw Pod Rysami
Bright and early, I caught the first bus from Zakopane to Palenica Białczańska — the gateway to the Tatra National Park. The bus ride lasted about 40 minutes, and from there, I bought my hiking ticket and set off on foot.
The trail to Morskie Oko Lake is fully paved and relatively easy, perfect for a leisurely walk. If you prefer, horse-drawn carriages are also available for the trip up to the lake. After about two hours, I reached the stunning Morskie Oko, one of the most beautiful lakes in the region.
Refreshed and energized, I continued uphill for another hour to Czarny Staw Pod Rysami — a serene mountain lake with breathtaking views. After soaking in the scenery, I retraced my steps back to Morskie Oko, where I stopped for lunch at the lakeside restaurant.
Later, I took the bus back to Zakopane. This time, I stayed at a different hostel located about 20 minutes outside the main town, halfway to Palenica Białczańska. After some rest, I ventured out again to find a cozy restaurant for dinner.
Day 3: Krakow Old Town and Return to Vilnius
On my final day, I took a public bus from my hostel to Zakopane’s center, then caught a bus back to Krakow. The two-hour ride flew by, and once in Krakow, I dedicated the next six hours to exploring the enchanting old town and nearby local spots. I sampled some affordable restaurants and local street food, bought souvenirs, and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere. As evening fell, I boarded the night bus at 22:00 back to Vilnius, reflecting on an unforgettable mini trip filled with stunning nature, delicious food, and rich culture.
Tips for Your Trip:
- Book your bus tickets in advance to secure the best seats.
- Don’t miss the horse ride option to Morskie Oko if you want to save energy.
- Try street food in both Zakopane and Krakow, it’s tasty and budget-friendly.
- Pack comfortable shoes for hiking and city walks.