Highlander culture, architecture, and festivals – how to discover Podhale’s traditions on every visit

Zakopane is renowned for the rich culture of Podhale, visible at every step, starting with the unique Zakopane architectural style. Inspired by traditional highlander huts, this style features steep roofs, ornate woodcarvings, and the use of wood as the primary building material. Examples include stunning villas like Koliba, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz as the first building in the Zakopane style, or Atma, Karol Szymanowski’s home, now a museum dedicated to the composer. Highlander craftsmanship is another pillar of this culture – wooden sculptures depicting saints, animals, or daily life scenes, crafted by local artists, and traditional clothing with characteristic parzenica, embroidered patterns on trousers symbolizing highlander identity. Strolling through Zakopane’s streets, you’ll encounter numerous art galleries showcasing works by contemporary artists inspired by folklore, as well as wooden churches like the Holy Family Church on Krupówki or the historic Pęksowy Brzyzek church, where notable regional artists and Tatra guides are buried. In nearby villages like Kościelisko or Chochołów, highlander dance shows are held, with dancers in folk costumes performing energetic zbójnicki, obertas, and krzesany dances to the sounds of violins, basses, and accordions. Fun fact: oscypek, a traditional smoked sheep’s cheese, not only has a unique spindle shape but owes its flavor to a special smoking process over spruce or fir wood fires, giving it a distinctive aroma and golden color; its production is EU-protected as a regional product, emphasizing its authenticity and importance to Podhale’s economy.

Year-round, Zakopane and its surroundings host numerous folklore festivals that attract tourists worldwide, celebrating highlander traditions in full glory. One of the most significant is the International Festival of Mountain Cultures, held annually in August, where folk groups from various mountain regions showcase dances, music, and crafts, creating a vibrant cultural mosaic. Additionally, taverns and restaurants regularly host live highlander band performances, often paired with dance shows and storytelling of legends. Exhibits at museums like the Tytus Chałubiński Tatra Museum display collections of embroidery, lace, and musical instruments, offering insight into the evolution of highlander craftsmanship. Krupówki, Zakopane’s main street, buzzes with life thanks to street artists, stalls with oscypek and souvenirs, and evenings filled with the sounds of highlander bands, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Fun fact: the legend of Janosik, the famous Tatra outlaw who robbed the rich to help the poor, inspires local tales, ballads, films, plays, and festivals, symbolizing the spirit of freedom and justice in Podhale culture. Triotravel.pl specializes in helping tourists discover these traditions through carefully planned themed trips, including museum visits, craft workshops, meetings with highlander artists, and festival participation, ensuring an authentic and immersive experience tailored to every traveler’s interests, regardless of the season.