Lesser Poland, Tatra Mountains · Poland
Poland's alpine capital, a town of carved wooden villas at the foot of jagged peaks, with turquoise lakes, cable cars and highland cheese.
Photo: kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0
The Tatras are the highest mountain range in the Carpathians and the only truly alpine range in Poland, forming a natural border with Slovakia. Jagged granite peaks rise to 2,499 metres at Rysy, above deep valleys, glacial lakes and pine forests, and most of the Polish side is a national park. Zakopane, at the foot, is the region's unofficial capital.
The town has its own architecture and culture. In the late 19th century, artists developed the Zakopane Style, a fanciful wooden architecture with carved gables that is visible in villas and churches such as the small chapel at Jaszczurówka. The highland (górale) people have their own music, costumes and food, above all oscypek, a smoked sheep's cheese grilled and served with cranberry jam. Krupówki, the main pedestrian street, is a busy line of shops and restaurants.
In summer, people come to hike: the trail to Morskie Oko, Poland's most famous lake, is a wide road that is easy for families, and harder routes climb to Giewont, with its cross, or to the ridge. A cable car goes up to Kasprowy Wierch for high views, and in winter Zakopane is Poland's ski capital. Two or three days is a good stay.
Why visit
Zakopane is Poland's mountain playground, with scenery and a distinct highland culture.
The Tatras' granite ridges.
A postcard glacial lake.
The Zakopane Style.
Oscypek and grilled meats.
Winter sports in the mountains.
Main attractions
The town is the base, and the mountains are a short bus ride away.
A glacial lake at 1,395 metres, ringed by peaks, reached by a 9-km road walk from Palenica Białczańska.
Tip Go early, since the road gets crowded.
A mountain topped with a steel cross whose profile looks like a sleeping knight, reached by a demanding hike.
Tip Avoid storms; the summit is exposed.
The main pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants and stalls selling oscypek and highland goods.
Tip Best in the evening.
A small wooden chapel of 1907 that is a masterpiece of the Zakopane Style.
Tip Walk from the town.
A cable car to a 1,987-metre summit on the Slovak border, with big views.
Tip Book in summer.
Poland's highest peak at 2,499 metres, a serious hike for experienced walkers.
Tip Only in summer, with good weather.
Things to do
Zakopane is for hiking and highland culture.
An easy road walk to a famous lake.
Tip Start early.
See the ridge from above.
Tip Buy tickets in advance.
With cranberry jam.
Tip At street stalls.
Runs near the town.
Tip Book equipment.
Hot pools with mountain views.
Tip Good after hiking.
A hill reached by funicular.
Tip Go at sunset.
Local food
Highland food is smoky and hearty.
Smoked sheep's cheese, grilled.
Where to try it Krupówki stalls.
Sauerkraut soup with ribs.
Where to try it Highland restaurants.
Potato flatbreads.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Warming drinks.
Where to try it Mountain huts.
Highland barbecue.
Where to try it Górale restaurants.
Accommodation
Stay in Zakopane.
Transport
Zakopane is reached by bus or minibus from Kraków.
Buses and minibuses cover the area.
When to go
Summer suits hikers and winter suits skiers.
Thaw, with high trails closed.
Hiking.
Golden light.
Skiing.
Worth planning around: November and April, when trails are icy or wet.
Itinerary
A lake day and a town day.
The lake.
Wood and cable car.
Travel tips
A few tips help you plan.
FAQ
By bus from Kraków.
Yes, a wide road walk.
Two or three.
Smoked sheep's cheese.
Yes.
June to September.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Zakopane, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
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Don't miss The Main Market Square at dusk, with the trumpeter's call from St. Mary's tower and horse carriages passing the Cloth Hall.
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Don't miss Watching a European bison emerge from the mist in the forest.
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