Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Poland for tourists, climbers and skiers. In the spring it is pleasant to watch nature awaken, in the summer it is pleasant to walk along picturesque forest and mountain routes, and in the autumn the mountains are shrouded in mysterious fog, in the winter the slopes of the mountains in Zakopane invite you to ski with the wind.
Transport
How to get there?
Auto. If you are travelling by car, the journey time from the centre of Krakow to Zakopane is just over 1.5 hours and goes along the famous Zakopianka (road S7). Remember that traffic jams on this route are not uncommon. On “hot” weekends, the journey time can increase threefold. To determine the route more precisely, look in your navigator for the road system via Chochołów and Czarny Dunajec or via Rabka-Zdrój and Mszana (Chochołów i Czarny Dunajec lub przez Rabkę-Zdrój i Mszanę).
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 journey will take about 2 hours. A bus ticket costs 29 PLN (€ 6.1). If you are travelling on a weekend, 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 is from 105 PLN (€ 22.3).
Train. If you choose to travel by 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 addition to the bus if you are travelling from cities further away than Krakow. Important: check the operation of the train route, as at the time of writing this material, it is under repair. The train now goes to 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 is from 120 PLN (€ 25.5) and up.
Local transport in Zakopane
If you are not traveling by car and plan to get to the Tatra routes – for example, to the Morskie Oko region, to the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch or to the Koscielisko Valley (Dolina Koscieliska) and Chocholowska Valley (Dolina Chocholowska) – it is best to use city or private buses. The latter run much more frequently. All of them depart from the bus station or from bus stops.
Cultural program
During the high season and long weekends the town is extremely crowded and it is difficult to find a place in a cafe or bar. However, if you go off the beaten track, you will find beautiful villas and learn the hidden history of a city that was an inconspicuous village in the shadow of the Tatra Mountains back in the 19th century.
Nature Education Centre of the Tatra National Park (Centrum Edukacji Przyrodniczej Tatrzańskiego Parku Narodowego). If you have a soft spot for the Tatra Mountains and Tatra nature, we recommend visiting the Nature Education Centre 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.
Witkacy Theatre (Teatru Witkacego). Founded inFounded in 1985 by actors from the Krakow State Theatre School (PWST), the theatre impresses with its atmosphere, decor and repertoire – a metaphysical experience guaranteed. Every year at the end of February, the theatre celebrates its birthday and the birthday of its patron Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz. Performances, concerts and vernissages take place on the small stage, where there is also a café.
For a romantic evening, head to the local cinema. We suggest getting off the beaten path and instead of the large hall of the Sokół cinema (Władysława Orkana 2), go to the charming studio cinema Miejsce, located at the back of the same building. Tiny, with a decent repertoire, a careful selection of films and a café. Instead of rows of seats in the cinema, part of the auditorium is occupied by tables where you can sip tea and eat apple pie while watching.
Museums
Tatra Museum of Dr. Tytus Chałubiński (Muzeum Tatrzańskie im. Dra Tytusa Chałubińskiego w Zakopanem). This 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 Krupówki 10, in a brick building designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz in the Zakopane style (which is interesting in itself). Here you will see the works of artists associated with Zakopane, the history of the region and the culture of the highlanders.
The Gallery of 20th Century Art in the Oksza Villa (Galeria Sztuki XX wieku w willi Oksza). One look is enough to see that the Oksza villa was designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. Inside the Tatra Museum, there is an art gallery. It presents works of art by the most outstanding artists fascinated by the Tatras and Podhale.
The Władysława Hasiora Gallery – Tatra Museum (Galeria Władysława Hasiora – Muzeum Tatrzańskie). This is the artist Władysław Hasior’s own gallery of works. Perhaps the most “disturbing” museum in Zakopane, which, nevertheless, will definitely be remembered.
Karol Szymanowski Museum in Villa Atma (Muzeum Karola Szymanowskiego w Willi Atma). Walking along Kasprusie Street, it is not so easy to notice the beautiful wooden Villa Atma (Kasprusie 19). Hidden from prying eyes, the villa was built in 1895 thanks to the investment of Józef Kasprus-Stoch. The building now houses a museum of the Polish composer Karol Szymanowski.
Thermal baths
Thermal baths in Zakopane and surroundings – a great way to relax and enjoy the views while basking in the warm water.
The impressive Termy Bukovina complex consists of twenty thermal pools and is located near Zakopane – in Bukowina Tatrzańska. There are outdoor and indoor pools, so you can chill out 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 pools.
Gorący Potok is a complex 13 km from Zakopane. On the territory there is a year-round campsite, 21 thermal pools, water slides, saunas, and in the SPA – mud baths. 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. There are 30 pools, some of which overlook the mountains. You can get there by local bus to Chochołów for 12 PLN (€ 2.6).
Viewpoints in Zakopane
Gubałówka is an elongated hill in the Gubałów Foothills, the southern slopes of which descend directly to Zakopane. Its height ranges from 1,120 meters in the eastern part to 1,129 meters in the western part. You can climb Gubałów on your own, which will take about 40 minutes, or use the funicular railway. It was built in 1938, is 1,298 meters long and rises about 300 meters to the top station. At the top there are several restaurants, you can rent sun loungers or stroll along the street between souvenir kiosks. But the most impressive thing is the panorama of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane below. In good weather, a keen eye can see Podhale, Pieniny, Gorce, Babia Góra and its Żywiecki Beskids.
Kasprowy Wierch. If you don’t feel strong enough or don’t have enough time to climb the mountains, you can take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. Its lower station is in Kuznice, you can walk there or catch a local bus. The funicular, built in 1936, covers the difference in altitude is 936 meters, and the total length of the route is just over 4 km. Along the way, you will have to change carriages 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 lunch with a cinematic view of the mountains. In addition, Kasprowy Wierch can be a starting point for further hiking in different directions.
Food
If you find yourself in Bukowina Tatrzańska, you should definitely check out the Schronisko Smaków restaurant (ul. Tadeusza Kościuszki 94) named after Magda Gessler. The restaurant is beautiful and cozy, it is full of life and – most importantly – they serve delicious food. The menu, for example, includes kvasnica with smoked rib with a sail of rustic bread, cracklings and potatoes, which is beyond praise both in taste and presentation.
STRH – Bistro Art Cafe (ul. Krupówki 4a) is a modern and aesthetic establishment, widely known as “The Attic”. The café with a half- glass walls and a large terrace is located on the top floor of the building, so there is always a lot of light and a great view of the city. It is a great place for breakfast (a good selection of dishes, large portions), reading a book and working 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 Bistro Art Cafe is Dworzec Tatrzański, or Tatra Railway Station (ul. Krupówki 12). The name is misleading, since this building has never been a railway station. Its history dates back to 1882, when the first Zakopane House of Culture was located there. Today, it houses a restaurant, and actress Magda Szejbal, who runs the establishment together with her husband, is responsible for its cultural content. The station has established itself as an excellent establishment with a long wine list. It also operates as a club cafe, where you can have a coffee during the day and come to a concert or a party with DJ or a meeting with the author of a popular book.
Next to the railway station – this time a real one, in a beautiful old villa – there is a restaurant with the telling name Zakopiańska (ul. Jagiellońska 18). The interior combines tradition with modern touches. The restaurant is elegant, but cozy and homey, the same goes for the menu. You can try tempura dumplings with horseradish sauce, kvasnica (traditional sauerkraut soup) with smoked pork and lamb with ribs, there are also vegan options. Breakfasts are also present: 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. And in the evening you can enjoy a glass of good wine or homemade lemonade.
KIJKI DWA Bistro + Sklep (Strążyska 16) is a cozy cafe 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 restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine. The establishment is very small, only nine tables, so guests with children under six (who are often still in strollers) are not allowed here. This is a nice, quiet place with a romantic atmosphere and signature cuisine. Aesthetically and interestingly composed dishes, a frequently changing menu, prices are above average.
Restaurant Roma (ul. Strążyska 39) is located right at the entrance to the Strążyska Valley. It is most pleasant here in winter, when you can hide in a cozy, wood-finished interior and settle down in the corner with hot chocolate.There are books on the shelves, old black-and-white photographs and paintings by local artists on the walls, which you can buy. 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.
It is worth visiting at least once a traditional tavern with regional dishes. At the foot of the Tatras, you should definitely try – provided you eat meat – kvasnica with ribs, lamb pies and gruli with bundzem.
And with a glass of good cold beer, you can sit in the Piano Bar (ul. Krupówki 63).
Local products
If you go 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 real, certified oscypki, Redykołki, Gołka, as well as bundz, bryndza and żętyca. Remember that oscypek (smoked sheep’s cheese) is made exclusively from sheep’s milk; cow’s milk can be added in an amount of no more than 40%. Therefore, oscypek can be bought from May to October, when the sheep are still grazing on the mountain pastures. Outside this period, mountain cheese cannot be called oscypek. In winter, Mrs. Janeczka’s shepherd’s hut will most likely be closed, but a little further, in the direction of the village of Brzegi, is her agrotourism farm. Here you can also buy cheeses and even order home delivery by post.
You can easily pass by another shop, where you will definitely return during your next visits to Zakopane. It is located in the garage of a detached house at ul. Kasprusie 62. You can come to do your shopping even late at night – just ring the bell, and in a minute the door will be opened by the nice owner. Inside there is an abundance of home-made dishes. There is homemade bread, boxes of homemade cheesecake and apple pie, honey, eggs, preserves, cheeses from all over the world, a variety of cold meats, including delicacies brought from Italy, dumplings – fresh and frozen, sour cream in liter jars!
Mountain and hiking routes of Zakopane
So, if you have already visited all the sights of Zakopane or you have just arrived for the mountains, here are some suggestions for routes in the High and Western Tatras:
Morskie Oko. 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 Morskie Oko leave from the bus station, the ticket costs 30 PLN (€ 6.7) in cash. For those 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). Distance – 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 associated with the blue-green algae living in the water. Once you reach Morskie Oko and have a rest, go around the lake and head up the trail (distance – 1.8 km, time – 1 hour). Along the way, you will come across a waterfall, and at the top you will have a view of the second deepest lake in the Tatras. We do not recommend inexperienced hikers to go further: the routes that start from the second lake require preparation.
Rusinowa polana i Wiktorówki. The trail starts from the National Park, then follow the signs through the forest. In an hour, you will find yourself in a clearing with a stunning view of the mountains, mainly from the Slovak side. At the edge of the clearing there are wooden benches and tables where you can rest, and a hut where you can buy sheep’s milk products during the sheep grazing season. Then follow the blue signs to the temple: the Chapel of Our Lady of Jaworzyn in Wiktorówki (Kaplica Matki Bożej Jaworzyńskiej na Wiktorówkach), also known as the Chapel of Our Lady Queen of the Tatras, is a place that is often visited by tourists. Situated in a dense spruce forest, it invites 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, stamina and good physical fitness will not hurt, because the route is not short, and the climb is significant. In colder periods, be careful near the waterfall: the water often freezes on the rock, which makes this section of the route more adventurous. Once you reach the valley, you will see a spacious view of several lakes and the majestic Tatra Mountains and you will be able to relax.have a drink at the famous tavern. Distance – 8.3 km, travel time – about 4 hours.
Kasprowy Wierch. We take a local bus/minibus to Kuźnice, pass by the funicular. Then we recommend choosing the green trail from Kuźnicy via Myślenickie Turnie, which will take you to the top in three hours. On the way back, you can return from the top along the yellow trail to Hala Gąsienicowa – it will take you 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 based on difficulty), if you do not plan to go back down right away.
Rysy is the highest peak in Poland. The trail leading from Morskie Oko to Rysy is picturesque, but difficult and intended for advanced hikers. Travelers heading to Rysy should be well equipped: a helmet is a must, and sometimes even at the beginning of summer, due to the stagnant snow, an ice axe and crampons will be needed. The distance is 4.7 km, travel time is a little over 4 hours.
A few more route options:
Gęsia Szyjka
Hala Gąsienicowa oraz Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy
Nosal
Kalatówki
Dolina Białego
Sarnia Skala
Dolina Małej Łąki
Dolina Kościeliska
Dolina Chochołowska
Szpiglasowy Wierch
Kozi Wierch
Orla Perć – najtrudniejszy szlak w Tatrach
Kościelec
Giewont
Czerwony Wierchy
Ornak oraz Starorobociański
Here you can find description of all mountain and hiking routes of Zakopane and learn more about their difficulty and duration.
Zakopane surroundings
If you have already seen everything about Zakopane and still have time to explore the surrounding area, here are a couple more places for you.
If your weakness is beautiful castles, head to the Slovakian Orava Castle (Zamek Orawski), which is just over an hour’s drive from the center of Zakopane.
On the Polish side, we recommend visiting the castles in Nidzica and Czorsztyn (Zamek w Nidzicy oraz w Czorsztynie). Travel time is less than an hour.
And if you find yourself at Czorsztyn Lake (nad Jeziorem Czorsztyńskim), try rafting on the Dunajec River (spływ Dunajcem).
Material prepared by: travelworld.biz