Attractions of Zakopane — what to see in the capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains? A complete guide

Attractions of Zakopane — why does the winter capital of Poland attract millions of tourists?

Zakopane is undoubtedly the most popular mountain town in Poland. Every year, millions of tourists visit it — and that's no surprise. Attractions of Zakopane combine the best of the Polish mountains: spectacular Tatra peaks, authentic highland culture, local cuisine, and modern thermal complexes. All of this lies within a few to a dozen kilometers from the city center.

In this guide, you'll find a proven list of Zakopane attractions worth including in your itinerary — regardless of whether you're coming for a weekend, a week, in summer or winter. We show both must-see classics and less obvious places that will delight even those who know Podhale inside out.

1. Krupówki — the heart of Zakopane

Every visit to the capital of the Tatras begins on Krupówki. This is the main pedestrian street, where tourist life buzzes all year round. Here you will find:

• regional inns serving kwaśnica, moskole, oscypek with cranberry, and grilled trout,

• highland stalls with handicrafts, ciupagi (highland axes), hats, and jewelry,

• Tatra Museum — the oldest museum institution in the Polish mountains,

• the parish church and the wooden old church on Pęksowy Brzyzek with a historic cemetery.

Krupówki is also a great starting point for further exploration. A walk from the lower end of the street to Gubałówka takes about 20–30 minutes.

2. Gubałówka — a panoramic view of the Tatras in 4 minutes

If you have little time in Zakopane but want to see a full panorama of the Tatras, take the funicular to Gubałówka. The cable car covers a 1,300-meter route in less than 4 minutes, taking passengers to an altitude of 1,126 m above sea level.

At the top, you'll find:

• a viewing terrace with views of Giewont, Czerwone Wierchy, and Kasprowy Wierch,

• an amusement park with a toboggan run,

• inns serving regional cuisine,

• a viewing platform ideal at sunrise and sunset.

Gubałówka is a Zakopane attraction for everyone — from families with small children to seniors.

3. Kasprowy Wierch — a must-have on your list of Zakopane attractions

Kasprowy Wierch (1,987 m above sea level) is the most popular peak in the Polish Tatras and one of the most recognizable Zakopane attractions. The summit can be reached via:

• a cable car from Kuźnice (about 12 minutes in two stages),

• the green trail through Myślenickie Turnie (about 3.5 hours on foot),

• the blue trail through Hala Gąsienicowa (for the more demanding).

From the summit of Kasprowy, you get a view of the Western Tatras, High Tatras, and the Slovakian Tichá Valley. In winter, the largest ski station in the Polish Tatras operates here.

⚠️ Practical note: Tickets for the cable car to Kasprowy are limited and in season sell out several days to a week in advance. Trio Travel helps with booking tickets for Kasprowy Wierch along with transfer from Zakopane to Kuźnice — you don't have to stand in lines or worry about availability. Book your ticket to Kasprowy →

4. Morskie Oko — the most famous lake in the Tatras

Morskie Oko is probably the most recognizable attraction in the Polish mountains. The largest and one of the deepest Tatra lakes is located at an altitude of 1,395 m above sea level, surrounded by an amphitheater of peaks, with Rysy (2,499 m above sea level) at the forefront.

What you should know before the trip:

• from Palenica Białczańska to the shelter there is an asphalt road about 9 km long (2–2.5 hours one way),

• no cars are allowed on the route, but horse-drawn carts and electric melexes are available,

• the busiest times are weekends in July and August — it's worth setting out early in the morning or choosing an off-season time,

• above Morskie Oko lies Czarny Staw pod Rysami — another 30 minutes of climbing, but the view is worth every step.

Driving your own car can be problematic due to limited parking at Palenica Białczańska. Trio Travel organizes daily trips with a bus transfer from the hotel to the Morskie Oko trail — stress-free, no parking search.

5. Dolina Kościeliska and Dolina Chochołowska

These are two of the most beautiful and most family-friendly Tatra valleys. Their advantage is a low level of difficulty — the trails are wide, mostly flat, and largely accessible for strollers and the elderly.

Dolina Kościeliska tempts with:

• picturesque clearings (Stare Kościeliska, Polana Pisana),

• Jaskinia Mroźna (the only electrically lit cave in the Tatras),

• Wąwóz Kraków with dramatic rock formations.

Dolina Chochołowska is the largest valley in the Polish Tatras, known for:

• the spring carpet of crocuses (late March to early April),

• shepherd's huts on Polana Chochołowska,

• a chapel known from the film "Janosik".

6. Thermal baths near Zakopane — relaxation after mountain challenges

After a day on the trail, nothing regenerates like hot thermal water. Several complexes operate near Zakopane:

• Termy Chochołowskie — the largest complex in Podhale with a 3,000 m² water surface and a view of the Tatras,

• Termy Bukovina in Bukowina Tatrzańska,

• Termy Szaflary and Termy Bania in Białka Tatrzańska.

A trip to the thermal baths is a great idea for a rest day between more demanding expeditions. Trio Travel offers a 4-hour stay at Termy Chochołowskie with a bus transfer from the hotel — you get on and off at the door, no parking lottery.

7. Wielka Krokiew — the ski jumping hill

A symbol of Poland's winter capital and the venue for FIS Ski Jumping World Cup competitions. Wielka Krokiew is open for visits year-round — you can take a chairlift to the top, see the inrun, takeoff, and landing from an athlete's perspective. It's one of those Zakopane attractions that impress even people not interested in sports.

8. Pieniny Mountains and the Dunajec River rafting — the most beautiful day trip from Zakopane

Although the Pieniny Mountains lie outside the Tatras, Dunajec River rafting is an absolute classic among the attractions of the Zakopane area. Traditional wooden rafts guided by highland-clad raftsmen navigate the picturesque river gorge — with dramatic views of Trzy Korony and Sokolica.

The rafting trip lasts about 2–2.5 hours, is completely safe, and suitable for families with children. Season: from April 1 to October 31.

Trio Travel organizes full-day trips for Dunajec rafting — with bus pickup from the hotel, guide supervision, and full logistics. You can choose:

• Polish Dunajec rafting (8–9 hours, classic route),

• Slovak Dunajec rafting (shorter option),

• pontoon rafting for those seeking more adrenaline.

Check details of Dunajec rafting →

9. Sleigh rides in Dolina Kościeliska — the #1 winter attraction in Zakopane

In winter, one of the most atmospheric Zakopane attractions is a torch-lit sleigh ride at the foot of Dolina Kościeliska. The program includes:

• a ride on horse-drawn sleighs,

• a feast in a shepherd's hut by the fire with refreshments,

• live highland band music,

• grilling sausages over the fire.

Trio Travel organizes sleigh rides with bus pickup from your accommodation — you get on at your door and return to your door. It's one of those attractions that you remember fondly long after you leave.

10. Trips abroad — Slovak Paradise, Bachledka, Wieliczka, Vienna

Zakopane is a great base for day trips beyond Podhale. Trio Travel offers regular excursions to:

• Slovak Paradise (Slovenský raj) — a national park with gorges, ladders, and bridges,

• Bachledka Treetop Walk — the famous treetop path in Slovakia,

• Wieliczka Salt Mine — one of the seven wonders of Poland,

• Krakow with a guide,

• Vienna and Budapest in a one-day version.

Each trip includes comfortable minibus or coach transport with air conditioning, guide supervision, and proven logistics.

How to plan your stay to see all the attractions of Zakopane?

The optimal minimum time to get a feel for Zakopane is 3–4 days. A suggested itinerary:

• Day 1: Krupówki + Gubałówka (as a warm-up),

• Day 2: Kasprowy Wierch by cable car, afternoon at the thermal baths,

• Day 3: Morskie Oko with transfer,

• Day 4: Dunajec rafting or Slovak Paradise.

If you're coming for a weekend — choose two attractions from different categories (e.g., peak + thermal baths, valley + rafting). If for a week — add a trip abroad and an evening with a highland band.