Zakopane - the winter capital of Poland with plenty of attractions and the gateway to the Tatra Mountains
Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland, located in the very south of the country, in the attractive Małopolska region. For years, it has fascinated tourists, because it squatted at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, providing unforgettable and spectacular views of the highest Polish peaks. A relatively easy road called "Zakopianka" leads to this winter resort (initially from Krakow, road No. E77, then from Rabka 47 to Zakopane itself), unfortunately often completely jammed.
Zakopane in itself is an attraction with a famous pedestrian street called Krupówki, traditional buildings, ubiquitous folklore, so original and appealing to visitors from other regions. The fantastic location makes Zakopane a great and best starting point in the Tatras, a great place to relax both in winter and in summer. Beautiful, picturesque Tatra valleys, charming, mountain ponds and snowy peaks, threateningly looking down from above. You will never run out of trails, including secluded ones, and there are more and more attractions in the city itself!
Experiences in Zakopane
All this every tourist coming to Zakopane has at their fingertips, but it also has its drawbacks - it is rarely peaceful and quiet here, so tourists who like secluded places should choose other nearby towns. However, I recommend getting to know the charms of Zakopane, because it is a cult place in the Tatras.
Discover the best attractions of Zakopane, see what is worth seeing here. Clicking on the blue, linked experience title will take you to a more comprehensive description of the specific experience. Below the text you will find a map with selected attractions.
Oscypek Museum Zakopane
A visit to Zakopane can begin with a visit to the Oscypek Museum, located on the outskirts of the city, opposite the Aqua Park. In this unique place, you can see livehow the most famous highlander cheese - oscypek - is made. A real shepherd does it in front of the audience, talking about pastoral customs and traditions. Here you will find out where the shepherds came from under the Tatras and you will see traditional shepherd equipment. You will also learn the truth about oscypek and other Podhale cheeses. All in the form of presentations with the active participation of tourists. At the end, everyone can make their own cheese, which they take with them. In the museum shop you can buy highlander cheeses of the highest quality, and in the season (from May to the end of the year, or until stocks are exhausted) also real oscypek, containing 60%, 80% and 100% sheep's milk. The shows of Oscypek's Product take place at specific times (usually at 12.00 and 16.00), the dates can be checked on the museum's website. The screening lasts about 90 minutes, tickets can be purchased online or booked by phone. Unfortunately, the Museum does not have a parking lot.
Chapel on Jaszczurówka
The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus at Jaszczurówka is a beautiful and historic chapel, built in the unique Zakopane style. It was designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz himself - the initiator of this style. It was erected in 1907, it is wooden, of log construction, based on a stone foundation. At the front, it has arcaded arcades, and there is a small turret with a bell on the canopy covered with a shingle. With a little luck, you can look inside, which captivates with its beauty. The wooden main altar resembles a highlander's hut in shape, and additionally the interior is decorated with stained glass, also designed by Witkiewicz. Side altars, also wooden, come from the 1950s. Currently, the Chapel on Jaszczurówka is a branch of the Divine Mercy parish in Toporowa Cyrhla (Zakopane). Interestingly, Orthodox services are held here once a month. The chapel is located on the Wooden Architecture Route.
Exit with a pontoon from Wielka Krokiew in Zakopane
The descent from the "Wielka Krokiew" Ski Jump is the only such descent in Europe, where everyone (not only professional jumpers) can descend from the slope of the hill. There are three levels of start, the lowest can be descended by children from the age of 7. The highest level is the descent speed between 90 and 100 km/h. Each participant receives a certificate of passing the exit from Wielka Krokiew. Optional downhill video with displayed downhill speed
Illusion Park in Zakopane
Illusion Park Zakopane is the newest attraction in Zakopane, an interactive exhibition fully devoted to physical and optical illusions has been created on two floors of the iconic and historic building of the Tatra Railway Station. You will see educational demonstrations of real lightning with a power of 2,000,000 volts, which hit a large model of Giewont with a cross, explaining the behavior in the mountains during an unexpected storm. Wind simulator "Halny" blowing at a speed of 156 km/h. Raindrops fly up here, there is disappearing, levitation and other attractions
Myszogród in Zakopane
Myszogród is a miniature world of 1000 mice, an attraction that stole the hearts of children. You can admire the life of real mice here from behind large sheets of glass. Each room has a different theme. Many artists participated in the creation of miniature worlds, you will surely like it here, it is worth looking not only on a rainy day 🙂
Parrot House Exotic Zakopane
The Exotic Parrot House in Zakopane is the largest parrot house not only in Zakopane, but in the entire Małopolska region. In 2017, it was granted the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of the City of Zakopane. When playing with birds, amazing photos come out, and there are about 100 birds on a large area, so there is no shortage of fun here!
Góralski Ślizg in Zakopane
Góralski Ślizg is a giant slide under Gubałówka, it has 8 independent tracks, 14 meters high and 5 meters long! Try it, and you won't want to end up, and your children will definitely get involved. This can become a nice bargaining chip if you want to hit the trail in the mountains first🙂
Underwater World Zakopane
Underwater World Zakopane is a facility after a thorough modernization, carried out in 2020, in addition, in 2021 an audio guide was introduced giving a cool portion of education and curiosities, a great family place, for the weather and bad weather, which may sometimes be beneficial in Zakopane🙂
Snowlandia in Zakopane
An unusual winter amusement park was created at Piłsudskiego Street near Wielka Krokwia, with a snow labyrinth, a large igloo with sculptures or a toboggan run. You've got to see this!
Tatra Educational Park in Zakopane
Next to Snowland, at Piłsudskiego Street, a kind of mini zoo was created, where you will get to know native species of animals from the Polish mountains, but not only. It is not always possible to see them on the mountain trail, but here you can peek at will, and from experience I know that children will always like animals!
Aqua Park Zakopane
At Jagiellońska Street, you will experience many water pleasures in the Aqua Park. It is a healthy and pleasant activity that will be very useful during the holidays when the weather is not good. The local thermal waters have a specific chemical composition, which has a positive effect on health. Thermal pools of varying depth and purpose, jacuzzi, sauna area and salt cave await on site. In addition, there is a bowling alley and a playroom.
Krupówki in Zakopane
Krupówki Street is a famous promenade, where climatic regional restaurants and souvenirs are located, where street artists come out and where the life of the town is vibrant. Although it is usually crowded in Krupówki, every Pole should visit this place at least once, because it is iconic. We usually avoid it when we are in Zakopane, but once in a while we like to absorb the atmosphere of this unique place.
Tatra Museum in Zakopane
The Tatra Museum named after Tytus Chałubiński is located near the famous Krupówki, it is visible from quite a distance, because it is located in a tall building
Old church in Zakopane
At Kościeliska Street there is a wooden church of Our Lady of Częstochowa, next to it there is the historic, oldest cemetery in Zakopane in Pęksowy Brzyzek, hiding the traces of the most prominent people associated with Zakopane and the Tatras
Upside Down House in Zakopane
At Aleja 3 Maja there is an interesting attraction not only for children, where you can walk on the "ceiling"
Wielka Krokiew in Zakopane
The famous Wielka Krokiew is the largest ski jump in Poland! It was built according to the design of Karol Stryjeński, and its ceremonial opening took place on March 22, 1925 during the jumping competition. Since 1989, it has been named after Stanisław Marusarz - a Polish ski jumper and Olympian. It is a large ski jumping hill with a K125 design point and HS140 size. It is located on the northern slope of Krokiew Mountain (1378 m above sea level), at an altitude of 1050 m above sea level. In Poland, it is an iconic ski jump, on which Polish jumpers, including Adam Małysz and Kamil Stoch, have often won at international competitions, with an unusual atmosphere and great enthusiasm of spectators.
Villa Atma in Zakopane
Villa Atma stands at Kasprusie Street, a beautiful wooden villa built in 1895 by Józef Kasprusia-Stocha as a guest house. In the years 1930-35 Karol Szymanowski lived in it, hence today it houses the Szymanowski Museum - a biographical museum of the great Polish composer, open every day except Mondays. It is a branch of the National Museum in Krakow.
Sanctuary at Krzeptówki in Zakopane
The famous sanctuary of MB Fatimska is located at Krzeptówki Street, on the route to Kościelisko. It is worth joining here, because this place was liked by our Pope John Paul II
Willa Koliba in Zakopane
Willa Koliba is a beautiful building located on the oldest street of Zakopane, at Kościeliska Street. This is the first house in the Zakopane style designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. And although there are a lot of old wooden cottages and farmhouses around, Koliba stands out for its beauty. And under what circumstances was it created? When architecture in the Swiss or Tyrolean style began to appear in Zakopane at the end of the 19th century, Witkiewicz wanted to protect his Podhale from stylistically foreign buildings and decided to create a style that grew out of the local art of construction. He called for the use of local motifs in erected villas. Today, the beautiful Villa Koliba houses the Museum of Zakopane Style. Koliba opened the history of the Zakopane style, after which Witkiewicz designed several more wooden Zakopane houses, including the most beautiful "Pod Jedlami" house. He also designed furniture and part of the equipment of the parish church of the Blessed Family. He also designed the beautiful chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jaszczurówka, and according to the artist's last plans, drawn in 1913, the brick main building of the Tatra Museum was built.
Witkiewiczówka in Zakopane
Willa Witkiewiczówka is a beautiful and quite large building designed in the Zakopane style, where Witkacy used to work. The villa was built in 1904 on Antałówka and from the beginning was associated with the fate of members of the Witkiewicz family. It was designed by Jan Koszczyc Witkiewicz, Stanisław's nephew. The guesthouse was run here by Stanisław's sister - Maria Witkiewiczówna, and in the 1930s Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz - Witkacy lived and worked here. After the turmoil of the Polish People's Republic, the villa returned to private hands and was nicely renovated. It now houses a guest house, as it used to.
TPN Nature Education Centre in Zakopane
The Centre for Environmental Education is located at Chałubińskiego Street and is open every day except Sundays. Interestingly, the tour is free, and it must be admitted that it is currently the most modern facility of this type in the region. Inside you will see a 4D cinema, the largest model of the Tatra Mountains in Poland or a room of discoveries. You will also enter the cave! There is a souvenir shop on site. Visiting the Center takes about an hour.
Kulig in Zakopane
Wondering what to do in Zakopane besides hiking in the mountains? Are you a fan of the highlander climate and love feasts? Or maybe you are just looking for a way to spend a nice time with family or friends? Kulig in Zakopane is an adventure worth experiencing. Wind in your hair, a cup of mulled wine in your hand, a big feast, delicious food and highlander music in the background. It's all waiting for you on this trip.
Experiences in the Tatras
Zakopane is, of course, only an entrance and a base, because you come to this area to go to the wonderful Tatras. You can wander through them endlessly. See the best attractions in the Tatras, available from Zakopane!
Kościeliska Valley in the Tatras
One of the most popular places visited by tourists coming to Zakopane. This is because it allows you to experience mountain hiking, but relatively easy and above all to see the beautiful Tatras up close. The valley is accessible even to families with prams, hence its even greater popularity! I strongly recommend going deep into the Valley and reaching the Ornak shelter, as well as over the very picturesque Smreczyński Pond and looking into the Kraków Gorge. They are less visited places, much quieter, and full of charm. Here you can experience the spirit of the Tatras without the crowd.
Morskie Oko in the Tatras
Morskie Oko is the most popular pond in the Tatra Mountains, which can be reached on foot, often among many other tourists heading in this direction. However, the road is accessible even to wheelchairs, and the views on the spot are very nice, so tourists are eager to target Morskie Oko, especially those with small children. Alone with the stroller, we wandered over this beautiful pond. It is worth going here early in the morning, when the car parks are not yet overcrowded. In general, it is better to get to know the Tatras in autumn, when there are not as many crowds as in summer. However, it should be remembered, even in summer, that these are high mountains and the weather changes often, and the walk takes a long time and we may find rain or even a storm on the trail. You need to be prepared for this, and you definitely need to wear comfortable shoes.
Giewont in the Tatras
The symbol of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane, Giewont is the famous sleeping knight, because this is the shape of the peak when you look at it from the side of Zakopane. And the peak is clearly visible from many places in the city. In summer, the trail to Giewont is crowded, and even very crowded, mainly on chains, where you have to wait in line to get there. It is worth taking this into account when planning an off-season trip, and if this is not possible, at least in the early morning, when there are not so many tourists on the trails yet.
Chochołowska Valley in the Tatras
The Chochołowska Valley is a bit less popular than the Kościeliska Valley, but certainly not less beautiful, if you prefer more secluded sightseeing, I recommend it, although during the flowering of crocuses it gets more crowded here, because in recent years it is fashionable to take a photo with crocuses in this valley 🙂
Scratches in the Tatras
Rysy is the highest peak of the Polish part of the Tatra Mountains, thus very popular. The mountain lies in the High Tatras, on the Polish-Slovak border and has 3 peaks, in Poland there is a north-western peak, 2499 m above sea level. The highest is the middle peak, lying on the Slovak side, has 2501 m above sea level. The red trail from Morskie Oko runs to Rysy, next to Czarny Staw, but tourists also like to conquer Rysy from the Slovak side, because this route is easier and faster.
Turn to Gubałówka
At Na Gubałówkę Street, there is the bottom station of the cable car to the famous Gubałówka, a popular and scenic place, easily accessible
Kasprowy Wierch railway
In Kuźnice in Zakopane, there are often crowds, under the lower station of the modern gondola railway, which takes tourists and skiers to Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m above sea level), from which there are wonderful views of the High Tatras and the Eagle Perć, it is easy to walk from here to the 2-thousanders - Beskids (2012 m above sea level). It is crowded here in summer, skiers reign in winter
Kopa Kondracka in the Tatras
Kopa Kondracka is a popular peak in the Western Tatras, it is the lowest peak of the Red Peaks, the easternmost, but it is already over 2,000 m above sea level, namely 2005 m above sea level, which makes it willingly attacked. You can walk here from Giewont, the red trail from Kasprowy Wierch, or the yellow one from the Valley of Mała Łąka
Rock Root in the Tatras
Sarnia Skała is an easily and quickly reachable peak in the Tatras, with a height of 1377 m above sea level. After a march lasting about 2 hours, you will get here from Kalatówki on the black trail. There is a beautiful view of Giewont and Zakopane from above, it is crowded here in summer
Hiking trails in the Tatras
In Zakopane, many trails leading to the Tatra peaks and valleys of the Tatra National Park begin, including one of the most famous trails in Poland and at the same time one of the most difficult - Orla Perć
Skiing in Zakopane
Zakopane is a paradise for enthusiasts of white madness, both skiers and snowboarders. There are several ski resorts, lifts, equipment rentals and ski schools.
Z góry dziękujemy!
- Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car (PKL), Kuźnice 14, Zakopane - this most famous ski mountain in Poland attracts crowds of fans of white madness every year. There is a modern cable car (PKL), as well as 2 chairlifts in the Gąsienicowy and Goryczkowy boilers. Kasprowy Wierch offers 14 km of ski slopes on natural snow. At the top station, there is a equipment rental and service, as well as a ski school.
http://www.pkl.pl/ - Nosal Ski Center, ul. Balzera 30, Zakopane - the resort offers 6 lifts, including one chairlift. There are 6 ski slopes of varying difficulty, there is a winter garden for children and a ski carousel, as well as equipment rental and a ski school.
http://nosal.pl - Harenda resort, ul. Harenda 21 A, Zakopane - the resort offers a 4-seater chairlift, 3 ski lifts, equipment rental and a ski school. There is also the Harenda Regional Tavern, an observation deck and car parks. The trails are snow-covered, groomed and illuminated. In addition to 6 ski slopes, a cross-country and skitour route has been prepared (4000 m). The cross-country route is free of charge.
http://www.harendazakopane.pl - Ośrodek Polana Szymoszkowa, Polana Szymoszkowa 2, Zakopane - the resort offers 4- and 6-seater chairlifts, the routes are groomed. There is a KIDS PARK with a separate conveyor belt for children and a ski kindergarten. There is also a ski school, equipment rental and inn.
http://szymoszkowa.pl
Accommodation and restaurants in Zakopane
You won't run out of it in the city. In the center, at Krupówki and at the nearby streets, there are pubs and accommodation of different standards at different prices at every step. I recommend the familiar Bąkowo Zohylina inn (Piłsudkiego Street), right next to Krupówki, with a cool, highlander atmosphere and decor. There is a new ApartHotel Giewont and many other apartments and hotels nearby. You can also eat well in Kościelisko, where you will also find many apartments, guest rooms and several hotels. And if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Zakopane, then in Bukowina Tatrzańska, the Kiełbacha i Korale tavern (Tadeusza Kościuszki Street, Bukowina), run by a couple of highlanders who performed in the Kitchen Revolutions, is worth noting. Opposite this pub, there is now also an elegant restaurant by Magda Gessler herself - Shelter of Tastes, where you can eat both tasty Polish sourdough and good steak on the American model.
