Zakopane
Zakopane is a popular mountain resort town in southern Poland, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. Known as the “Winter Capital of Poland,” it attracts visitors with its excellent skiing, snowboarding, and hiking opportunities. The town’s unique wooden architecture, traditional highlander culture, and bustling Krupówki Street with shops and restaurants add to its charm. Visitors can also relax in thermal baths, take a cable car up Gubałówka or Kasprowy Wierch for stunning views, and enjoy local specialties like oscypek cheese. Whether in winter or summer, Zakopane offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Things To Do
Zakopane offers a wealth of activities for visitors to enjoy, especially for those who love nature and the mountains. One of the top things to do is explore the Tatra Mountains, with numerous hiking trails that cater to all levels of experience, offering breathtaking views and the chance to immerse yourself in the pristine landscape. During the winter months, Zakopane transforms into a popular ski resort, attracting skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. The town itself is known for its distinctive wooden architecture, and a walk through Krupówki Street offers a chance to browse local shops, enjoy hearty Polish cuisine, and experience the lively atmosphere. For a unique experience, visitors can take a funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill, where they can enjoy panoramic views of Zakopane and the surrounding mountains. Zakopane is also home to thermal baths, providing a perfect way to relax after a day of outdoor activities. With its combination of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and cultural charm, Zakopane has something special for everyone.
Need To Know
Situated: In southern Poland, at the foot of the Tatra Mountains.
Accommodation: Booking in advance is advised, especially in winter and summer, to secure a stay near Krupówki Street or ski resorts.
Activities: Ski and snowboard in winter or hike in Tatra National Park in summer. Take a cable car to Gubałówka or Kasprowy Wierch for stunning views. Explore traditional wooden architecture and try oscypek cheese at local markets. Relax in thermal baths.
Best season: From December to March for winter sports, and from June to September for hiking.
Cheap season: From April to May and October to November, with lower prices and fewer tourists.
Recommended Time to Visit Zakopane (Poland)
- 1-2 days: Explore the Krupówki Street, visit Gubałówka Hill, and enjoy some local culture.
- 3-4 days: Discover Tatra National Park, hike to Morskie Oko, and enjoy a traditional Polish spa.
- 5+ days: Take day trips to Dunajec River Gorge or Gorce National Park, and experience the local highland culture in-depth.
Zakopane 3-Day Itinerary (Highlights Trip)
Day 1: Explore Zakopane Town & Gubałówka Hill
- Morning:
- Start your day by strolling down Krupówki Street, Zakopane’s main pedestrian street, filled with shops, cafes, and traditional wooden architecture.
- Visit the Tatra Museum, to learn about the region’s history, culture, and nature.
- Afternoon:
- Take the funicular to Gubałówka Hill, for panoramic views of the town and the Tatra Mountains.
- Enjoy a traditional Polish lunch at Witkiewiczówka, a charming wooden restaurant with regional dishes.
- Visit Koscielisko Valley to see the picturesque wooden churches and nature.
- Evening:
- Dine at Karczma Zapiecek, known for its traditional mountain-style cuisine and cozy atmosphere.
- Enjoy a drink at Muzeum Tatrzańskie, a museum with evening concerts during the summer months.
Day 2: Hike to Morskie Oko & Tatra National Park
- Morning:
- Start early for a hike to Morskie Oko, one of the most beautiful and famous lakes in Poland, set in Tatra National Park. The hike takes around 2 hours each way.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy a picnic by the lake or visit the Morskie Oko Mountain Hut for a warm meal.
- After your hike, visit Zakopane’s Cemetery, a place where you can see famous artist and mountaineer graves, and also admire the unique wooden tombstones.
- Evening:
- Return to Zakopane for dinner at Restauracja U Wnuka, serving traditional Polish mountain cuisine like oscypek (smoked cheese).
- End your day at Tatry Super Ski for a relaxing evening walk or visit a local pub for a drink.
Day 3: Day Trip to Dunajec River Gorge or Gorce National Park
Option 1: Dunajec River Gorge
- Morning:
- Take a day trip to Dunajec River Gorge, a stunning natural attraction along the border between Poland and Slovakia. You can enjoy a raft ride down the river through the gorge, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
- Afternoon:
- Enjoy lunch at one of the riverside restaurants in Szczawnica, a small town known for its mineral springs.
- Explore the town and relax by the river or enjoy some spa time in the area.
- Evening:
- Return to Zakopane and enjoy dinner at Bacówka, an atmospheric restaurant serving traditional regional dishes.
Option 2: Gorce National Park
Morning:
- Take a day trip to Gorce National Park for more hiking, where you can enjoy nature trails and amazing views of the Tatra Mountains.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch in one of the local mountain huts along the trails.
- Continue hiking or visit Gorce Sanctuary, a peaceful monastery located in the park.
Evening:
- Return to Zakopane for a relaxing evening and dinner at Restauracja Gazdówka, serving hearty Polish meals.
Evening:
- Enjoy a drink at Pijalnia Wódki i Piwa, a popular Zakopane bar with a wide selection of local spirits.
Zakopane 5-Day Itinerary (More In-Depth)
- Day 4: Visit Kasprowy Wierch, take the cable car up for skiing in winter or hiking in summer.
- Day 5: Explore Tatra Museum, visit Chocholowska Valley for wildflower meadows, and relax in Zakopane’s spas for a true mountain experience.