Relaxation in the Heart of the Tatra Mountains
Zakopane is a city located in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, in the Podhale region. Its scenic appeal attracts tourists at every time of year. By far the greatest number arrive here in winter, owing to the many ski slopes located near Zakopane and within the city itself.
It should not be forgotten that this city lies within Tatra National Park, which stretches here from the Sucha Woda Valley to the Mała Łąka Valley. It lies at an altitude of 750 to 1,126 metres above sea level, excluding the area of the national park. Zakopane’s landmarks are Giewont and Kasprowy Wierch – two neighbouring peaks that are frequent destinations for hiking enthusiasts. For those who prefer greater convenience, there is a cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, allowing visitors to reach this beautiful summit in less than fifteen minutes and enjoy a breathtaking view of Zakopane and nearby towns.
A less demanding peak is the fairly flat Gubałówka. It is a good mountain for beginning your adventure with climbing peaks. Gubałówka can also be reached by a funicular railway.
Zakopane’s winter attraction is the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, where competitions are held as part of the World Ski Jumping Championships. In summer, visitors can also climb to the top of the ski jump and admire the views.
Zakopane’s Architectural Monuments
Although we will not find many examples of traditional Zakopane or highlander architecture along Zakopane’s main promenade, Krupówki, there is no such problem outside the city centre. The best example of the Zakopane architectural style is Villa Koliba, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Its interior is exceptionally well preserved. The villa currently houses the Museum of the Zakopane Style.
Villa Oksza, with a multimedia branch of the Tatra Museum, stands near Villa Koliba. Villa Atma, dating from the 1880s and housing the Karol Szymanowski Museum, is undoubtedly also worth seeing.
An example of highlander sacred architecture, in turn, is the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jaszczurówka, built according to Witkiewicz’s design using wood exclusively.
Where to Stay in Zakopane?
Once you know what attractions await you in Zakopane, all that remains is to book apartments in Zakopane that meet your expectations. These may be stays in luxury hotels or atmospheric guesthouses in the city. Highlanders also prepare accommodation offers in private homes every year – this is definitely the cheapest accommodation option and an opportunity to learn about highlander culture and try homemade highlander cuisine. If, however, you expect more luxurious conditions, it is better to choose a hotel. If places in apartments in Zakopanethat meet your standards are already occupied, you can look for apartments outside the city, for example in Bukowina or Białka Tatrzańska.
You can reach Zakopane from Lower Silesia within 4–5 hours and enjoy relaxing in a beautiful place while taking in the atmosphere of the Polish Tatra Mountains.