#tatramountains weekend

Sure a beachside bungalow was made for a fine summer holiday. But nothing can quite match a magical vacation in the mountains, with those toasty warm days, but crisp and cool evenings. This is the perfect balm for the harried urban soul. And it’s true, once you arrive in the highlands, you never need worry about sticky humid air or constant sand in your shorts. 

My #tatramountains weekend for July took place in the south of Poland, in the Tatra mountains. We wanted to go hiking this summer, and we wanted to find some place different. After a bit of searching online, we decided on the Tatra mountains on the border between Poland and Slovakia. We booked  Rezydencja Nosalowy Dwór in Zakopane. Now we're back at home and ready to summarize this adventure. In fact, this holiday contained lots of different elements. The hiking was the highlight but we also had time for some sightseeing, history, culture, SPA and of course enjoying the Polish cuisine.

So, what about hiking in the Tatra mountains then?

On the plus side:
The views are spectacular. The trails are clearly marked and well maintained. There are plenty of chalets to visit for a meal or a drink. The mountains are easy to access with minibusses going to all the main entrances to the mountains. It is great for day trips, staying in Zakopane.

On the minus side:
It is crowded!! This is basically the only mountains in Poland, so it seems like all Polish people looking for a hiking holiday goes to the Tatra mountains.

One odd thing that we realized was that Polish hikers don't seem to wear the same things as we're used to... We always walk with walking boots and with clothes suited for hiking (breathable, waterproof). But here most people looked like they were on a Sunday stroll, wearing jeans, t-shirts, and sandals. The hikes were not that advanced, but still quite steep and rocky at places so it must have been a challenge to walk in pretty gold sandals and a handbag over the shoulder...

It was my first experience of taking a rest in summer in mountains. It was really nice and the best thing was to come back after wild mountains to civilization. The hotel was great, super modern with a divine Wellness SPA zone. So I would rather advise you to try it once, but it’s better to go there not on the vacation period. I’m planning my next hiking on October, so see you there.

P.S: Thanks to my friend Deniz Yashar-Rymkiewicz for an invitation, it was a really amazing weekend.

Be creative, look around and  #getinspiredbyantonina .