Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Poland at any time of the year. In the spring, the mountains are a great place to watch nature awaken, in the summer they encourage long hikes, in the fall they look very mysterious when bathed in fog, and in the winter they offer a breezy skiing experience.
Zakopane (Poland)
Stay in some special place – not in the city center, but on the outskirts or in one of the neighboring villages. Focus on less popular mountain trails, walk around the city early in the morning, and just take your time. We’ll tell you how to relax in Zakopane both body and soul.
Transportation
How to get there.
By car. If you are traveling by car, the journey from the center of Krakow to Zakopane takes just over 1.5 hours and passes through the famous Zakopianka highway (S7). Remember that traffic jams are not uncommon on this route. On busy weekends, travel time can triple. To determine the route more precisely, look at the road system through Chocholów and Czarny Dunajec or through Rabkę-Zdrój and Mszanę in your navigation device.
By bus. Buses to Zakopane depart from the MDA station (Bosacka 18) in Krakow (all buses going to Zakopane from other Polish cities also stop here). In ideal conditions, the trip will take about 2 hours. A bus ticket will cost 29 PLN (€6.1). If you are traveling on weekends, we recommend buying a return ticket in advance. You can buy a ticket from Krakow here, and from Warsaw, for example, you can go directly to Zakopane on Flixbus, the price starts from 105 PLN (€22.3).
By train. If you choose the train, keep in mind that the journey can take twice as long as by bus. This is because the route passes through Sucha Beskidzka and stretches for 90 km. This option can be a great substitute for the bus if you are traveling from more distant cities than Krakow. Important: check the operation of the train route, as at the time of writing this article, it is under repair. Currently, the train reaches Krakow, then at the station you will have to change to a bus to Zakopane. You can buy tickets here, the price of a ticket from Warsaw starts from 120 PLN (€25.5) and up.
Local transportation in Zakopane
If you are not traveling by car and plan to get to Tatra routes – for example, to the Morskie Oko region, to the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, or to the Dolina Koscieliska and the Dolina Chocholowska – it is best to use public or private buses. The latter are much more frequent. All of them depart from the bus station or bus stops.
Cultural program
During the hot season and long weekends, the town is extremely crowded and it is difficult to find a seat in a cafe or bar. However, if you go off the beaten path, you will find beautiful villas and learn the hidden history of the town, which in the XIX century was an inconspicuous village in the shadow of the Tatra Mountains.
The natural educational center of the Tatra National Park (Centrum Edukacji Przyrodniczej Tatrzańskiego Parku Narodowego). If you have a weakness for the Tatras and Tatran nature, we recommend visiting the Center for Nature Education of the Tatra National Park. Admission is free, but don’t forget to book a slot in advance on the website (closed on Sundays). The educational walk lasts about an hour. Here you will see a multimedia model of the Tatra Mountains, including their geological structure.
Theater Witkacego (Teatru Witkacego). Founded in 1985 by actors from the Krakow State Theater School (PWST), the theater impresses with its atmosphere, decor and repertoire – a metaphysical experience is guaranteed. Every year at the end of February, the theater celebrates its birthday and the birthday of its patron, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz. Performances, concerts, and vernissages take place on the small stage, which also has a cafe.
A romantic evening can be arranged at a local movie theater. We suggest going off the beaten path and instead of the large hall of the Sokół Cinema (Władysława Orkana 2), go to the charming Miejsce Studio Cinema, located in the back of the same building. It’s tiny, with a decent repertoire, a careful selection of movies and a cafe. Instead of rows of seats in the theater, part of the auditorium is occupied by tables where you can sip tea and eat apple pie while watching a movie.
Museums
Tatra Museum of Dr. Titus Chalubiński (Muzeum Tatrzańskie im. Dra Tytusa Chałubińskiego w Zakopanem). It is one of the oldest and largest regional museums in Poland. It was founded in 1889 by the Tatra Museum Society. The main building is located at 10 Krupówki Street, in a brick building designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz in the Zakopane style (which is interesting in itself). Here you will get acquainted with the works of artists related to Zakopane, the history of the region, and the culture of the Highlanders.
Gallery of 20th century art in Villa Oksza (Galeria Sztuki XX wieku w willi Oksza). One glance is enough to make sure that Villa Oksza was designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. An art gallery has been opened inside the Tatra Museum. It presents works of art by the most prominent artists fascinated by the Tatra Mountains and Podhale.
Władysław Hasiora Gallery – Tatra Museum (Galeria Władysława Hasiora – Muzeum Tatrzańskie). This is a private gallery of works by the artist Władysław Hasiora. This is perhaps the most “disturbing” museum in Zakopane, but it will definitely be remembered.
The Karol Szymanowski Museum in Villa Atma (Muzeum Karola Szymanowskiego w Willi Atma). Walking along Kasprusie Street, it is not easy to notice the beautiful wooden villa Atma (Kasprusie 19). Hidden from view, the villa was built in 1895 thanks to the investments of Józef Kasprus-Stoch. Now the building houses a museum of Polish composer Karol Szymanowski.
Oscipek Museum. Can you come to Zakopane without trying oscipek (mountain smoked cheese)? Consider it a waste. You can buy cheese at numerous stalls, but you can learn about the history only in a special museum on Jagiellońska Street. Here you will learn about shepherd traditions, see all the stages of production according to a traditional recipe, and even try to make oscipek yourself.
Villas
In the second half of the nineteenth century, Swiss and Tyrolean architecture began to appear in Poland. At that time, Zakopane was actively developing: many new guest houses and villas were built. It was then that Stanisław Witkiewicz, fascinated by the Tatras and the Podhale region, decided to protect this region from alien stylistic buildings. He believed that the motifs of the highlanders could find a perfect application in local architecture. Thus, Witkiewicz created a new architectural style called Zakopane from scratch. The style combines urban construction with regional folklore motifs. Its main features are foundations made of chipped stone, a high shingle roof, and a large number of decorative elements. Unfortunately, although new buildings in the Zakopane style were erected in the city, and other architects tried to follow it, the style never became dominant and soon began to disappear during Witkiewicz’s lifetime. However, here is where you can see it.
Villa Koliba – Museum of Stanisław Witkiewicz (Willa Koliba – Muzeum Stylu Zakopiańskiego im. Stanisława Witkiewicza) was the first house built in the Zakopane style by Stanisław Witkiewicz in 1892-1893.
The Gąsieniców-Sobczaków Cottage (Chałupa Gąsieniców Sobczaków) is one of the most valuable monuments of folk architecture in Zakopane today, its oldest part dating back to around 1830. There are two exhibition halls inside: “The Black Room, which shows the everyday life of a family from the mountainous area in the second half of the nineteenth century, and the White Room, with a large collection of household items from the collection of Maria and Bronisław Dębiewski (paintings on glass, ceramics, sculpture, costumes, and shepherd’s utensils – about 400 items in total).
“Witkiewiczówka in Zakopane” (Witkiewiczówka w Zakopanem). The Witkiewiczówka Villa (Antałówka 9) was built in 1903-1904 by Jan Witkiewicz in the Zakopane style and, most importantly, has survived to this day unchanged. In 1931-1939, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz himself lived and worked here. Now the villa is a guest house.
Villa Pod Jedlami (Willa Pod Jedlami) was built in 1897 in the Zakopane style on Kozyniec Hill and has been preserved almost in its original form. Many consider it to be the most beautiful representative of the style. Today the building is privately owned and can be seen only from the outside. The name “Pod Jedlami” implies that fir trees once grew in the local garden.
Thermal baths
Thermal baths in Zakopane and the surrounding area are a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery while basking in warm water.
The amazing Termy Bukovina complex consists of twenty thermal pools and is located not far from Zakopane – in the Bukowina Tatrzańska. There are both outdoor and indoor pools, so you can relax in any weather. You can get here from Zakopane by bus for 6 PLN (€1.3).
Termy Bania is located in Białka Tatrzańska. Here you will also find indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
Gorący Potok is a complex 13 km from Zakopane. There is a year-round camping, 21 thermal pools, water slides, saunas, and mud baths in the SPA.
You can get there from Zakopane by bus for 8 PLN (€1.7).
The next item on the list of thermal spas in the Zakopane area is Termy Szaflary. The water in the pools here is maintained at 30-36 degrees.
Chochołowskie Termy is the largest thermal complex in Podhale. Here you will find 30 swimming pools, some of which overlook the mountains. You can get there by local bus to Chochołów for 12 PLN (€2.6).
Panoramas
Gubałówka is an elongated hill in the Gubałów foothills, the southern slopes of which descend directly to Zakopane. Its height ranges from 1120 meters in the eastern part and up to 1129 meters in the western part. You can climb Gubalówka on your own, which will take about 40 minutes, or use the rail funicular. It was built in 1938, is 1298 meters long and rises about 300 meters to the top station. There are several restaurants at the top, you can rent sun loungers or stroll along the street between the souvenir stalls. But the most impressive thing is the panorama of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane lying below. In good weather, a keen eye can see Podhale, Pieniny, Gorce, Babia Góra and its Zywiecki Beskid (Podhale, Pieniny, Gorce, Babia Góra i jej Beskid Żywiecki).
Kasprowy Wierch. If you don’t feel up to it or don’t have enough time to climb the mountains, you can take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. Its lower station is located in Kuznice, and you can reach it on foot or catch a local bus. The cable car, built in 1936, overcomes a height difference of 936 meters, and the total length of the route is just over 4 km. Along the way, you will have to change cars once at the intermediate station at Myślenice Turne. The view at the top is breathtaking! There is also a bistro where you can warm up with hot tea or have a full meal with a cinematic view of the mountains. In addition, Kasprowy Verkh can be a starting point for further hiking in different directions.
Antałówka is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Zakopane. It’s nice that it’s located right in the city, just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. The climb is quick and easy, and the views are great (in the foreground is the Śrīący Rycerz mountain). This is a great place for those looking for peace and quiet in crowded Zakopane. We especially recommend going up here at sunset.
Panorama on Giewont. In the center of the city there is a wide lawn with a path in the center that connects Strążyska Street and Kościeliską Street. Here you’ll find more locals taking a leisurely stroll than tourists. It also offers great views of the mighty Giewont, Kasprowy Wierch, or Małołączniak.
If you want to enjoy the views of the High Tatras (Tatry Wysokie), you should also visit the mountain guesthouse of Glodówka (schronisko ZHP Głodówka), which offers a breathtaking panorama from its terrace.
Cuisine
If you find yourself in Bukowina Tatrzańska, be sure to check out the Magda Gessler’s Schronisko Smaków restaurant (94 Tadeusza Kościuszki Street). The restaurant is beautiful and cozy, full of life and – most importantly – serves delicious food. The menu, for example, includes a smoked rib with a sail of rustic bread, bacon and potatoes, which is beyond praise in both taste and presentation.
STRH – Bistro Art Cafe (ul. Krupówki 4a (III piętro)) is a modern and aesthetic place, commonly known as the Attic. The coffee shop with half-glass walls and a large terrace is located on the top floor of a building, so there is always a lot of light and a great view of the city. It’s a great place to have breakfast (a good selection of dishes, large portions), read a book, and work on the computer. Here you can eat not only something vegetarian or vegan, but also a juicy burger or a delicious soup.
On the same side of the street as the Bistro Art Cafe is the Dworzec Tatrzański, or Tatra Railway Station (ul. Krupówki 12). The name is misleading, as this building has never been a train station. Its history dates back to 1882, when it housed the first Zakopane House of Culture. Today, it houses a restaurant, and the actress Magda Szabal, who runs the place with her husband, is responsible for its cultural content. The station has established itself as a great place with a long wine list. It also works as a club cafe, where you can have a coffee in the afternoon and come to a concert, a party with a DJ, or a meeting with the author of a popular book in the evening.
Next to the train station – this time a real one, in a beautiful old villa – there is a restaurant with a telling name Zakopiańska (18 Jagiellońska Street). The interior combines tradition with modern touches. The restaurant is elegant, but cozy and homely, and the same goes for the menu. You can taste tempura dumplings with horseradish sauce, kvasnica (traditional sauerkraut soup) with smoked pork and lamb with ribs, and there are also vegan dishes
Breakfasts are also available: in the morning, the menu includes shakshuka with spinach and Parmesan cheese, lamb sausages fried with tomatoes, tofu salad, or oatmeal in coconut milk with sultanas, nuts, and raspberries. In the evening, you can enjoy a glass of good wine or homemade lemonade.
KIJKI DWA Bistro + Sklep (Strążyska 16) is a cozy coffee shop where you can eat a hearty burger or enjoy a cup of coffee and a croissant in the morning. Here you can buy tea, sweets, coffee, wine and various foreign cheeses.
Casa Mia (ul. Krupówki 69) is a Mediterranean restaurant. The place is very small, with only nine tables, so guests with children under six years old (who are often still in strollers) are not allowed in. It’s a pleasant, quiet place with a romantic atmosphere and original cuisine. The dishes are aesthetically and interestingly composed, the menu changes frequently, and the prices are above average.
Roma Restaurant (39 Strążyska Street) is located right at the entrance to the Strążyska Valley (Dolina Strążyska). It is most pleasant here in winter, when you can hide in a cozy, wood-decorated interior and settle down in a corner with hot chocolate. There are books on the shelves and old black-and-white photographs and paintings by local artists on the walls, which can be bought. The menu includes good pancakes with mozzarella and tomato sauce, as well as excellent bigos.
Cristina (Plac Niepodległości 7) is a spacious Italian restaurant with a pleasant interior. Here you can order, among other things, delicious pizza from a wood-fired oven.
At least once you should visit a traditional inn serving regional cuisine. At the foot of the Tatra Mountains, you should definitely try – provided you eat meat – kvasnica with ribs, lamb pies, and gruli z bundzem.
You can also enjoy a good cold beer at the Piano Bar (ul. Krupówki 63).
Local products
If you drive towards Łysa Polana, you will see Bacówka u Jancoka on the left. It is here, in the house of Mrs. Janeczka, one of the few female shepherds (kobiet baców) in Poland, that you can buy authentic, certified oscypki, redykołki, gołka, as well as bundz, feta cheese and żętyca. Remember that oscipek (smoked sheep’s cheese) is made exclusively from sheep’s milk; cow’s milk can be added in an amount not exceeding 40%. Therefore, you can buy oscipek from May to October, when sheep are still grazing on mountain pastures. Outside of this period, mountain cheese cannot be called oscipek. In winter, Ms. Yanechka’s shepherd’s hut is likely to be closed, but a little further away, in the direction of the village of Brzegi, is her agritourism farm. Here you can also buy cheeses and even have them delivered to your home.
Another shop that you will definitely return to during your next visits to Zakopane can be easily passed by. It is located in the garage of a separate building at ul. Kasprusie 62. You can come for shopping even late at night – just ring the bell and the lovely owner will open the door in a minute. Inside, there is plenty of home-cooked food. There is homemade bread, boxes of homemade cheesecake and apple pie, honey, eggs, canned food, cheeses from all over the world, all kinds of cold meat, including delicacies brought from Italy, dumplings – fresh and frozen, sour cream in liter jars. It’s perfect!
Mountain routes
So, if you’ve already visited all the sights of Zakopane or you’re here just for the mountains, here are some suggestions for routes in the High and Western Tatras:
Morskie Oko
– is the largest and one of the most famous Tatra lakes. And perhaps the most popular option for a walk in the mountains. Buses to Morskoe Oko depart from the bus station, the ticket costs 30 PLN (€6.7) in cash. For those who are traveling by car, there is a paid parking lot on site. To enter the National Park, you need to buy a ticket at the ticket office, and then choose a convenient route: to Morskie Oko (red trail) or to Rusinową Polanę (black trail). The distance is 7.7 km, the journey will take 2.5-3 hours.
Morskie Oko – Czarny Staw pod Rysami. Czarny Staw pod Rysami owes its name to the color, which is probably related to the blue-green algae that live in the water. After reaching the Sea Eye and having a rest, go around the lake and follow the trail up (distance – 1.8 km, time – 1 hour). On the way, you will meet a waterfall, and at the top you will have a view of the second deepest lake in the Tatras. We don’t recommend going further for inexperienced hikers: The routes that start from the second lake require preparation.
Rusinowa polana and Wiktorówki. The trail starts from the National Park, then follow the signs through the forest. In an hour you will find yourself on a clearing with a stunning view of the mountains, mostly from the Slovak side. At the edge of the clearing, there are wooden benches and tables where you can rest, and a kolyba where you can buy sheep’s milk products during the sheep grazing season. Then follow the blue signs to the church: Chapel of Our Lady of Yavorizhynska in Viktoruvky (Kaplica Matki Bożej Jaworzyńskiej na Wiktorówkach), also known as the Chapel of Our Lady Queen of the Tatras, is a place that tourists love to visit. Located in a dense spruce forest, it is conducive to reflection and contemplation. Distance – 5.9 km, travel time – 2 hours.
Dolina Pięciu Stawów. The route is very pleasant and beautiful. Despite the fact that this is a valley, endurance and good physical fitness will not hurt, because the route is not short, and the height gain is solid. In colder periods, be careful near the waterfall: the water often freezes on the rock, which makes this section of the route more adventurous. After climbing up into the valley, you will see a spacious view of several lakes and the majestic Tatra Mountains and can take a break in a famous inn. Distance – 8.3 km, travel time – about 4 hours.
Kasprowy Wierch. Take a local bus/shuttle bus to Kuznica and pass the funicular. Next, we recommend taking the green trail from Kuźnice through Myślenickie Turnie, which will take you to the top in three hours. On the way back, you can take the yellow trail to Hala Gąsienicowa, which will take you back to Kuźnice in three hours. The views at the top are breathtaking! At the top, you can have a snack in a cafe and go on a further hike (choose a route according to the difficulty) if you don’t plan to go back down immediately.
Rysy is the highest peak in Poland. The trail leading from Morsko Oko to Rysy is picturesque, but difficult and intended for advanced hikers. Hikers heading to Rysy should be well equipped: a helmet is a must, and it happens that even in early summer, due to stagnant snow, an ice axe and crampons are needed. The distance is 4.7 km and the travel time is just over 4 hours.
A few more route options:
- Giewont
- Nosal
- Hala Gąsienicowa oraz Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy
- Szpiglasowy Wierch
- Czerwony Wierchy
- Dolina Małej Łąki
- Sarnia Skała
- Dolina Kościeliska
- Orla Perć – najtrudniejszy szlak w Tatrach
- Kozi Wierch
- Kościelec
- Dolina Chochołowska
- Kalatówki
- Dolina Białego
- Ornak oraz Starorobociański
- Gęsia Szyjka
Here here you can find all the routes and learn more about their complexity and duration.
Suburbs
If you’ve seen everything in Zakopane and still have time to explore the surrounding area, here are a few more places to visit.
If beautiful castles are your weakness, head to the Slovakian Oravske Castle (Zamek Orawski), located just over an hour’s drive from the center of Zakopane.
On the Polish side, we recommend visiting the castles in Nidzice and Czorsztynie (Zamek w Nidzicy oraz w Czorsztynie). Travel time is less than an hour.
And if you find yourself on Lake Czorsztyn (nad Jeziorem Czorsztyńskim), try rafting on the Dunajec River (spływ Dunajcem).
