Zakopane
Overview
Located near the Slovakian border, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, it’s a great starting point for anyone looking to enjoy the beauty of mountain nature and the richness of highlander culture. Beautiful hiking trails, numerous ski slopes, thermal pools offer a wonderful holiday all year round.
If you are a lover of mountains and active leisure, be sure to plan a trip to Zakopane. The winter capital of Poland and the surrounding majestic peaks of the Tatra Mountains have fascinated tourists for years, coming in search of spectacular views and unforgettable emotions. But Zakopane is also worth visiting in the summer to see the characteristic highlander architecture and to try regional dishes on the famous Krupówki.
Zakopane at any time of the year
Located in the south of Poland, Zakopane is called the capital of the Tatra Mountains. In winter, it delights with snow-capped peaks, attracting tourists with numerous ski slopes. In summer, it is an ideal starting point for hiking in the highest Polish mountains and observing the beauty of Polish nature, picturesque Tatra valleys and lakes.
What is worth seeing?
Mountains! Zakopane is called the pearl of the Tatra Mountains, and the mountains are visible here from almost anywhere. The most visited peaks are Kasprowy Wierch and Giewont, but it is also worth climbing or taking the cable car to Gubałówka, from which there is a beautiful panorama of the mountains and a view of the city below. For hiking enthusiasts, we recommend the route to Morskie Oko and deep into the picturesque valleys - Pięciu Stawów Polskich, Kościeliska and Hala Gąsienicowa, where from april till september sheep are grazed. Everyone who visits Zakopane must walk along the most famous Polish promenade at least once. Along the Krupówki Street in the city center, there are atmospheric pubs, highlander restaurants serving regional cuisine, shops and art galleries. At the end of the street, there is a market near Gubałówka, where you can buy everything a tourist needs, from souvenir magnets to oscypek cheese, woolen sweaters, warm socks and lace. Being in Zakopane, you also have to go to Wielka Krokiew, which is the largest ski jump in Poland. At its top, you can enjoy delicious hot bewerage, admire the beautiful weather and views.
Contact
Centrum Informacji Turystycznej
ul. Chramcówki 35
34-500 Zakopane
+48 18 20 12 211
www.zakopane.pl
Location
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Take the funicular to Gubałówka or Kasprowy Wierch
Try Oscypek and other highlander dishes
Walk around Krupówki
Take advantage of the thermal pools
Go on the trail
See the ski jump (you can go up by chairlift)
Zakopane is a town located in the southern part of Poland, nestled in the Tatra Mountains.
Aprox 108,4 km by Zakopianka i DK47 roads (aprox 2,5h)
Some of the most popular attractions in Zakopane include the Krupowki Street, Gubałówka Mountain, Tatra National Park, and the Wooden Architecture Trail.
Zakopane has a continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature in January is -5°C (23°F), while in July it's around 15°C (59°F).
Zakopane is a great place for hiking, with many trails in the Tatra Mountains to choose from. Some popular trails include the Morskie Oko Lake Trail, the Five Lakes Valley Trail, and the Giewont Trail.
The Tatra Mountains have a long history dating back to the 14th century, while Zakopane began to develop as a tourist destination in the late 19th century.
Some traditional dishes to try in Zakopane include oscypek (smoked cheese), kwaśnica (sauerkraut soup), and pierogi z kapustą i grzybami (dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms).
Yes, Zakopane is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with several ski resorts in the area including Kasprowy Wierch, Nosal, and Szymoszkowa.
The highlanders, or "Górale" in Polish, have a unique culture and lifestyle that is deeply connected to the Tatra Mountains. They are known for their music, dance, traditional clothing, and architecture.
You can get to Zakopane by train, bus, or car from both Warsaw and Krakow. The journey takes around 2-3 hours from Krakow, and 6-7 from Warsaw.
Zakopane hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, including the International Mountain Folklore Festival, the Zakopane International Jazz Festival, and the Winter Festival.