The most popular outing near Zakopane is to this emerald-green mountain lake, about 20km southeast of the centre. Buses regularly depart from ul Kościuszki, across from the main bus station, for Polana Palenica (45 minutes), from where a 9km-long road continues uphill to the lake. Cars, bikes and buses are not allowed, so you’ll have to walk (about two hours each way). Travel agencies organise day trips.
