The Tatra National Park, established in 1955 and recognized as a UNESCO biosphere reserve, is not only a natural treasure of Poland, but also a place where nature and culture create an extraordinary symbiosis. An area of more than 211 square kilometers hides more than 300 kilometers of hiking trails that lead through a variety of ecosystems - from the lower regalia to alpine pastures and rocky crags.

The park is home to countless legends that have shaped the region's identity for centuries. One of the most famous is the tale of the sleeping knights in the Tatra Mountains, who are believed to wait hidden deep in the mountains for a call to defend the homeland at the moment of greatest danger. Another legend tells of Janosik, who was said to hide his treasures in the Tatra caves, and another of the Golden Duck, who guards treasures in the depths of the Tatra lakes.

While wandering along the trails of the Tatra National Park, it is worth noting the characteristic elements of the landscape, which are often the heroes of local legends. Rock formations such as the Monk above Morskie Oko or Giewont resembling a sleeping knight have fired the imagination of mountaineers and tourists for centuries. Each of the Tatra lakes, called 'ponds' by highlanders, has its own history - from Morskie Oko, to the Great Pond, to the lakes of the Valley of Five Ponds.

The park offers trails of varying degrees of difficulty, making it accessible to a wide range of tourists. Family hikers can head to easier trails, such as Chocholowska Valley famous for its spring crocuses, while experienced hikers can take on the challenge of climbing Rysy - Poland's highest peak rising to 2,503 meters above sea level.

It's worth remembering that entry to the Tatra National Park is paid - a one-day ticket costs 9 zlotys, while a weekly ticket costs 45 zlotys (as of 2023). The funds are used to protect the park's unique ecosystems and maintain tourist infrastructure.

The Tatra National Park is not only a place for active recreation, but also a living lesson in history and culture. Wandering along its trails, you can meet shepherds grazing sheep on the mountain pastures, learn about traditional methods of making oscypek or hear highlander music resounding in the shelters. It is this authenticity and cultural richness that make the Tatra Mountains a unique place on the map of Poland.

Psia Trawka is a small but charming glade located on the black tourist trail in Zakopane. Although less well-known than the popular Tatra attractions, it hides a unique charm and atmosphere that attracts seekers of silence and authentic mountain experiences. The name of this place, according to local accounts, is linked to the legend of a shepherd dog, who was said to have found a lost sheep here, saving it from wolves. In gratitude, the highlanders named the clearing 'Dog Grass'.

The glade is an excellent resting point when hiking the Tatra trails. Surrounded by spruce forest, it offers shade on hot days and shelter from the sudden weather changes so characteristic of the Tatra Mountains. The Dog Lawn offers picturesque views of the Zakopane skyline and surrounding peaks, making it an ideal place for a moment of contemplation and photography.

The site is also associated with the shepherd culture that has shaped the Tatra landscape for centuries. According to stories told by older highlanders, the Dog Grass once hosted meetings of shepherds who exchanged experiences and stories while grazing their sheep. It was here that legends about robbers, treasures hidden in the mountains or demons lurking for unwary wanderers were passed on.

One of the most intriguing tales associated with the Dog Grass relates to 'lights' - mysterious flashes sometimes visible at night, which highlanders believe are the souls of stray wanderers looking for a way home. Another legend tells of herbalists who came here to collect rare medicinal plants, believing that it is in this clearing that they have the greatest power.

Doggrass can be reached via the black trail from Zakopane, which is relatively easy and accessible even to less experienced hikers. The route leads through picturesque forests, where you can encounter flora and fauna characteristic of the Tatra Mountains. In the spring, the clearing is covered with a colorful carpet of flowers, among which you can find protected species such as the trident gentian and stemless thistle.

It is worth noting that Psia Trawka, although less besieged than the main Tatra attractions, also falls under the protection of the Tatra National Park. This means that the same rules apply here regarding cleanliness, prohibition of going off the trails or not disturbing wild animals.

Dog Grass is a place where you can experience the true spirit of the Tatras - away from the crowds of tourists, surrounded by wildlife and accompanied by the whispering of legends passed down through generations of highlanders. It is an ideal place for those who seek in the mountains not only physical challenges, but also spiritual experiences and contact with authentic highland culture.

Kopieniec Wielki, rising 1,328 meters above sea level in the Cyrhla area of Zakopane, is one of those Tatra peaks that combine accessibility with unforgettable views and rich tradition. The name 'kopieniec' comes from the word 'kopa' and refers to the characteristic domed shape of the hill. According to local legends, the hill was a meeting place for witches, who would perform their secret rituals here on Midsummer night.

The top of Kopieniec Wielki offers some of the most beautiful panoramas in the Polish Tatra Mountains. From its top, there is a breathtaking view of the High Tatras on one side and Podhale and Zakopane on the other. On sunny days you can even see the distant Beskid and Gorce ranges from here. It is these extraordinary views that have long attracted artists, poets and painters looking for inspiration in the mountainous landscape.

The road to Kopieniec Wielki leads along the green trail from Cyrhla or the yellow trail from Toporowa Cyrhla. Both trails are relatively gentle and accessible to hikers of all levels, making this place an ideal destination for family outings. The hike takes about 1-1.5 hours one way, depending on the route chosen and walking pace.

Watching the sunrise or sunset from Kopieniec Wielki is a particularly magical experience. According to highlanders' beliefs, at dawn here you can hear the singing of prowons - mythical creatures that inhabit the Tatra forests. Others claim that in the glow of the setting sun on the slopes of Kopieniec sometimes appear the outlines of hidden treasures, which can only be found on Midsummer night.

Kopieniec Wielki is also associated with the history of skiing in Poland. It was in its vicinity that the first ski trails were created, and pioneers of the sport, such as Stanislaw Barabasz and Mariusz Zaruski, traversed its slopes as early as the beginning of the 20th century. Today, ski-touring enthusiasts can still be found here in winter, continuing this tradition.

While hiking on Kopieniec Wielki, it is worth noting the richness of flora and fauna. The slopes are covered with spruce and fir forests, which in spring and summer give way to colorful pastures full of flowers. Here you can find plant species typical of the Tatra Mountains, such as trident gentian and stemless thistle. Of the larger animals, roe deer and deer sometimes appear, and an attentive observer may spot golden eagles circling over the peaks.

At the top of Kopieniec there is a distinctive cross and an information board that helps identify the visible peaks. This is a great place to stop for a while, take souvenir photos and soak up the atmosphere of the mountains. Many tourists bring pebbles here, which they arrange into mounds - an old custom meant to ensure a happy return from the mountains.

Although not one of the highest peaks in the Tatra Mountains, Kopieniec Wielki offers an authentic mountain experience combined with cultural and historical richness. It is a place where legends and reality intertwine to create an unforgettable experience for anyone who decides to come here.