Morskie Oko

The earliest recorded mentions of Morskie Oko date back to 1575. In 1637, King Władysław IV of Poland granted Wladyslaw Nowobilski the rights to use pastures in the area. During the Partitions of Poland in 1824, Morskie Oko temporarily became private property when Emanuel Homolacs purchased the Zakopane estate, which included the Dolina Rybiego Potoku, from the Austrian authorities. Towards the end of the nineteenth century, a dispute over property rights to the lake and the surrounding area, known as the "Morskie Oko dispute," arose between Galicia and Hungary. The Polish side received a favorable ruling from the Court of Conciliation in Graz, with Count Wladyslaw Zamoyski providing significant support. Oswald Balzer, who represented the Galician government, is credited with the decision.

In the mid-nineteenth century, Dr. Tytus Chałubiński "rediscovered" Morskie Oko as a tourist destination. The first shelter was constructed there in 1836 but unfortunately burned down in 1865. A second shelter, built in 1874, also met the same fate in 1898. In 1902, the Oswald Balzer Road, named after the aforementioned figure, was completed, providing a route from Zakopane. Since 1933, following the restoration of sovereignty, the lake has been owned by the Polish state.

The captivating beauty of Morskie Oko has served as inspiration for numerous artists, including painters such as Walery Eljasz-Radzikowski, Leon Wyczółkowski, and Stanisław Gałek. Poets like Wincenty Pol, Adam Asnyk, Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, Franciszek Nowicki, and Jan Kasprowicz have also drawn inspiration from the lake, as have composers like Zygmunt Noskowski. Additionally, Morskie Oko served as one of the filming locations for the 2015 short film "The Formula," directed by Emmanuel Adjei and featuring musician Sevdaliza.

The lake is surrounded by majestic peaks that tower approximately 1,000 meters above its surface. Among them stands Rysy, reaching a height of 2,499 meters, which is the highest peak in the Polish Tatras. Another notable peak, the slender Mnich ("Monk") at 2,068 meters, is situated slightly to the left, alongside the Mięguszowiecki Summits, including Mięguszowiecki Szczyt Wielki at 2,438 meters. Additionally, numerous Swiss Pines flourish in the vicinity of the lake.

Morskie Oko, previously known as "Rybie Jezioro" ("Fish Lake"), earned its name due to its abundant fish population, a rarity among Tatra lakes and ponds. The crystal-clear waters reveal the presence of trout, commonly referred to as "famine" trout, residing within the lake. The name "Morskie Oko" ("Sea Eye," "Eye of the Sea") originates from an ancient legend that claims the lake was once connected to the sea through an underground passage.

On the northern side of the lake, a moraine holds the Polish Tourism and Local Lore Society's (PTTK) hut. This chalet, named after Stanisław Staszic, who explored the lake in 1805, is positioned 1,405 meters above sea level and is one of the oldest Tatra chalets. Adjacent to it is the Stare Schronisko ("Old Shelter"), originally a coachhouse. Both structures have received historical recognition.

Morskie Oko is a highly popular destination in the Tatras, attracting more than 50,000 visitors during the vacation season. The lake can be reached on foot within approximately two hours from the nearest road accessible by motorized vehicles. Alternatively, many tourists choose to embark on the journey in horse-drawn carts, often operated by the local Górale residents. During winter, a brief section of the route poses a risk of avalanches, and even in summer, the area can be cold and rainy. Due to its popularity, swimming in the lake or feeding the trout is prohibited for visitors.