Zakopane is a place that captivates from the very first glance. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Tatra Mountains, it has been attracting visitors from Poland and abroad for decades. It is a town where Highlander traditions meet modernity, and nature enchants in every season. Whether you love mountain hikes, winter fun on the slopes, or simply wish to relax in a unique atmosphere – Zakopane has something special for you.
A walk along Krupówki Street is a must. This lively promenade delights with the buzz of tourists, the aroma of grilled oscypek cheese, and the sounds of traditional Highlander music. Stop by one of the many taverns to sample local specialties – kwaśnica (sour cabbage soup), placki po zbójnicku (Highlander potato pancakes), or oscypek with cranberries. Here, you’ll taste the true flavor of Podhale.
For breathtaking views, take a trip to Gubałówka Hill. You can reach it by funicular or on foot, and the reward is a stunning panorama – the Tatras in all their glory and the picturesque town of Zakopane below. More ambitious visitors will be thrilled by an excursion to Kasprowy Wierch. A cable car from Kuźnice will take you almost to the top, where unforgettable views await.
The true heart of the Tatras beats at Morskie Oko – the largest and most famous lake in the Polish mountains. The hike there is an absolute must. The trail leads through the Valley of the Fish Stream (Dolina Rybiego Potoku), surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests. Standing by the crystal-clear lake, encircled by mountains, you’ll understand why this place has become a symbol of the Polish Tatras.
Those who prefer peaceful walks should visit the Kościeliska or Chochołowska Valleys. Both charm visitors with meadows, murmuring streams, and wooden shepherd’s huts where you can taste freshly smoked oscypek. In spring, the Chochołowska Valley bursts into a purple carpet of crocuses – a sight that draws photographers from across the country.
After a day full of mountain adventures, it’s time to unwind in one of the nearby thermal baths. Chochołowskie, Bania, and Bukovina Thermal Baths offer warm geothermal pools, saunas, massages, and stunning views of snow-covered peaks – the perfect end to a day spent in harmony with nature.
Zakopane is also rich in culture and tradition. The distinctive Zakopane Style, created by Stanisław Witkiewicz, can be admired in the town’s wooden villas and churches. Visit the Tatra Museum or the Witkacy House – once home to one of Zakopane’s most colorful residents. And in winter, don’t miss the famous Wielka Krokiew ski jump, where World Cup events take place in an unforgettable atmosphere.
No matter the season, Zakopane amazes. In summer it’s green and vibrant, in autumn it glows with golden forests, in winter it becomes a fairy-tale land of snow and lights, and in spring it awakens with freshness and adventure. It’s a place you’ll always want to return to – for the views, the atmosphere, the people.
Zakopane is more than a place on the map – it’s emotion, memory, and mountain magic you simply have to feel.
