A real miracle of nature, Morskie Oko, which is located in the Tatras, is one of the largest, deepest and cleanest lakes in Poland. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and dense forests. Here, all the elements of the natural landscape are harmoniously combined, which forms an area of incredible attraction for tourists, adventure lovers and fans of outdoor activities. A trip to Morskiy Ook will definitely not leave indifferent either adults or children.
Historical information about the lake Morskoe Oko
For the first time, references to the reservoir were found in documents dating from the end of the 16th century. Later, in the 19th century, the reservoir and its surroundings became the subject of a dispute between Hungary and the then Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria. In the course of lengthy court proceedings, it was decided that the area belonged to the Poles.
During the same period of time, the lake became a tourist attraction. The first buildings were erected near the lake in 1836, but 30 years later they were destroyed by fire. In 1874, new buildings were rebuilt, and in 1898 everything burned down again.
The next outstanding event associated with the Sea Eye dates back to 1902. This date marks the construction of a road from the city of Zakopane, which bears the name - "Oswald Balzer Road".
Poland has officially been the owner of the lake and the adjacent territories since 1933, that is, since the return of sovereignty to the Polish Republic.
Poles treat this natural area with special trepidation and attention.
In Poland, Morskoe Oko and many other nearby lakes are part of the state-protected Tatra National Park.
Features of the Sea Eye
Lake Morskoe Oko has long attracted the attention of people. Therefore, many legends have been created about its origin. According to one of them, the reservoir has an underground channel that connects it to the Mediterranean Sea.
The second legend is more romantic and sophisticated. She claims that once in this area lived the gentry Morski, who had a faithful wife and five daughters. One day he went hunting, but never returned. The nobleman's wife was looking for and waiting for her beloved for a long time. She shed pure tears, from which a transparent lake was formed.
However, according to scientific research, the Sea Eye was formed due to the melting of glaciers at the turn of the 12-13th millennium BC.
Geographic features
The lake is surrounded on all sides by a powerful mountain system that rises 1000 meters above the water surface. The most famous peak and at the same time the highest point in the Tatras is Rysa Peak. There are also the peaks of Mengushovetii and Mnih. In height, they exceed the mark of two thousand meters.
The area of Morskiy Oko is approximately 3500 acres or 35 hectares. The largest recorded depth is 50.8 meters.
Flora and fauna of the lake and its surroundings
The lake is surrounded by a pine forest. The most common member of the pine family is the European cedar pine.
Many plants grow in the thick of the forest and on the mountain slopes. Among which 102 species are protected, of which 28 species are endangered. Many plants belong to various sections of the Red Book. Crocuses and edelweiss flaunt on the slopes in spring.
There are many trout in the cool, clean lake.
Earlier, Morskoye Oko was called "Fish Lake" due to the natural reserves of salmon.
In this area, such representatives of the fauna are found: roe deer, chamois, marmots, bears, ducks.
How to get to Morskiy Oka
To get to the attraction, you need to travel a rather long way. The best place to start your trip is the small town of Zakopane.
You need to cover a distance of about 25 kilometers. You can travel by car, bus or minibus. A significant amount of transport goes to Tatra Park, as it is a must-see place in many tourist routes.
Public transport in the desired direction departs from the city bus station. The cost of travel tickets in 2021 varies from 6 to 10 zlotys. 40 minutes later, buses and minibuses approach the protected natural area.
The price of a one-day ticket is PLN 5. It is possible to purchase a weekly ticket for 25 PLN.
This offer is quite beneficial for those who are planning to go more than one route. There is a 50% discount on tickets for students.
The territory of the park is very large, a significant plus is that there are signs everywhere that inform about the sights and the degree of difficulty of the route.
To get to Morskiy Oka, you need to cover another 9 kilometers. A smooth asphalt road leads to the lake. This distance can be walked, therefore it is recommended to wear very comfortable shoes.
Making a kind of trip to the Morskiy Oka, you can visit an impromptu automobile museum, see the Mitskevich waterfalls and drop into a souvenir shop. Along the entire route there are areas specially designated for recreation, where dry closets are located.
There is also a significant number of cafes on the way. The pricing policy of the establishments is distinguished by its loyalty. Here you can eat ice cream, drink soft drinks and have a full meal. The cost of a standard lunch is PLN 15-20.
Another option to get to the Sea Eye is to get there by a horse-drawn cart. This method is not cheap. The price for a one-way trip is PLN 40.
You can visit Morskoe Oko at different times of the year. It is most crowded here in summer, but there is an opportunity to enjoy the variety of green shades in spring, which during this period nature adorns the area.
A great option would be to visit the lake in autumn or winter, when the influx of tourists is low and the snowy landscapes are impressive and breathtaking.
There is a tourist information point in Zakopane, where you can always get a detailed explanation of how to get to Morskie Oka and where you can stay. Office address: Zakopane, ul. Chałubińskiego, 44. Working days are from Monday to Friday.
Where to stay near Morskiy Oka
There is a hostel near the lake, which has a name similar to the reservoir. It is located at an altitude of over 1.4 kilometers above sea level. The hotel is divided into two parts: the old and new shelters.
The capacity of the new shelter is 35 people. Rooms for a different number of people are offered to choose from: from 3 to 6 people. The old orphanage accommodates 43 guests.
These peculiar hotels have all the necessary amenities: shower, kitchen, luggage space, dryer and more.
Shelter address: Schronisko Morskie Oko w Tatrach, skrytka pocztowa 201, 34-500 Zakopane.
Conclusion
Morskie Oko in Poland is a wonderful lake and a unique symbol of the Tatra National Park. This attraction must be included in the must-see list of every traveler who is fortunate enough to be in the southern part of Poland near the border with Slovakia. A visit to this place will provide an opportunity to experience unity with nature and admire the breathtaking panoramic views.
