Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko, the second largest lake in the Tatra Mountains, is situated in the Rybi Potok Valley at an elevation of 1,395 meters above sea level. Its measurements date back to 1787, and the first bathymetric plan was developed by Eugeniusz Klemens Dziewulski in 1879. The lake's surface area is approximately 34.93 hectares, with a maximum depth reaching 51.8 meters. The oldest PTTK mountain hut, named after Stanisław Staszic, is located on the northern shore of the lake and serves as a starting point for hikes in the surrounding mountains. The area around Morskie Oko is rich in natural features, such as mountain pines with accompanying Swiss pines and rare plant species, including trout. The lake is fed by two streams and is of glacial origin, with its water displaying a distinct green hue. Culturally, Morskie Oko has inspired numerous artists and writers; its name, translated from German, is linked to local legends about underground connections to the Adriatic Sea. The lake's history dates back to 1575, and it has been state-owned since 1933. Morskie Oko was also at the center of border disputes, which concluded in 1902 with a favorable court ruling for Galicia. As a tourist destination, discovered as early as the 19th century, the lake remains a popular excursion site, with numerous hiking trails in its vicinity. An interesting fact is the recorded presence of a beaver near Morskie Oko in 2021, marking the first such occurrence in history. Morskie Oko was named one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world by The Wall Street Journal.