A city at the foot of the Tatras, blending mountain adventures and winter excitement

Zakopane, nestled at the foot of the majestic Tatras, attracts tourists with its unique blend of mountain nature, rich culture, and warm hospitality of locals. In summer, it’s a perfect spot for hiking through scenic valleys like Kościeliska Valley with its caves and gorges, Chochołowska Valley famous for its spring crocuses, or Strążyska Valley with the Siklawica Waterfall. Hiking trails offer various difficulty levels – from leisurely, relaxing walks along gentle paths ideal for birdwatching and alpine flowers to challenging climbs to peaks like Giewont with its iconic cross, Kasprowy Wierch with panoramic views, or Rysy, Poland’s highest peak, offering vistas of the Slovak Tatras. During these trips, you can admire crystal-clear mountain streams, impressive waterfalls like Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza, and unique Tatra flora, including protected species like the edelweiss. For active enthusiasts, there are cycling routes through mountain passes, rock climbing in areas like Nosal, and numerous viewpoints like Antałówka, offering breathtaking panoramas of Zakopane and its surrounding peaks. Fun fact: the Tatras are Poland’s only alpine mountains, and their geology hides fossils from millions of years ago, adding magic to every hike.

In winter, Zakopane becomes Poland’s true capital of skiing and winter sports, drawing snow enthusiasts from across the country. Popular ski slopes like Polana Szymoszkowa with views of Giewont, Nosal ideal for families, or Kasprowy Wierch with more challenging runs offer descents for both beginners and advanced skiers and snowboarders. The winter atmosphere is enriched by traditional highlander taverns where you can savor regional dishes like kwaśnica, oscypek cheese, or bandit-style pancakes, accompanied by folk music. A stroll along Krupówki, the city’s main promenade, lets you feel Zakopane’s vibrant vibe with its wooden stalls and illuminations, while evening torchlit sleigh rides through snowy forests are unforgettable. Fun fact: Zakopane inspired many artists, including Stanisław Witkiewicz, creator of the Zakopane architectural style, visible in villas like Atma or Koliba. The Zakopane-based Triotravel.pl travel agency helps organize such trips, ensuring safety and local knowledge of the Tatras’ hidden gems.