Zakopane – The magic of winter

Zakopane is the undisputed capital of the Tatra Mountains, and in winter – a paradise for skiers and snowboard fans. Whether you go to Zakopane in summer or winter – it is worth a visit at any time, and you will find many attractions and activities. Zakopane can be reached from many places in Poland, by train, coach, or by car but especially during peak traffic times or winter the train is the best method to get to the Tatra capital. You can drop in for a weekend or plan a longer stay. Zakopane is, above all, mountains. If you are visiting Zakopane for the first time, you must see the following places: Gubałówka, Kasprowy Wierch, Morskie Oko, or Czarny Staw. Those are the most exceptional places, with beautiful panoramic views, nature, and attractions. You will also visit Krupówki, a famous pedestrian with atmospheric restaurants serving regional delicacies, places with souvenirs, and a favorite spot for tourists. But what if you are in Zakopane again or don’t want to visit the well-known places?

The magic of winter

In winter, you have a lot of possibilities to choose from: ski and snowboarding, ski touring, snowmobile rides, ice climbing, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowmobiling. Zakopane is a mass of paths and trails – easier and more advanced.

Snowmobile tours and excursions are one of Zakopane’s most prominent winter attractions. There are a few different options for this activity: you can choose tourist, sport or mountain snowmobiles, or you can plan a more extended trip, both with lots of adrenaline and the beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains in or around Zakopane.

Land of ice

Snowlandia might be a good choice if you are traveling with children. Snowlandia is located on the right side of Wielka Krokiew ski jumping hill, near the Tatra National Park. The Snowy Labyrinth is the only building of its kind in Poland. Here, you find a snow maze, ice castle, ski slopes for beginners, and sled riding hills. This unique Snow Land is the perfect adventure for young and old.

A sleigh ride is another option. It used to be a tradition among Polish aristocrats. A procession of horse-pulled sleighs and sleds went from one manor house to another, entertained everywhere with hearty meals. Watch the cult film „Pan Wolodyjowski” directed by Jerzy Hoffman to understand what sleigh rides were like in the old days. It can be an attraction both for children and adults. In Zakopane, this attraction is usually connected to BBQ, Highlander Music and Bonfire.

Sports competitions

There are also many recurring sports events held in Zakopane. If you’re not skilled in sports, perhaps it’s worth watching others compete. The Zakopane Cup in alpine skiing, the Ski Jumping World Cup, or the Slalom Marathon are just a few of the events in the city. Check the calendar, and maybe you will find something special.

Mountain Retreat

If you’re not a fan of winter, we invite you to visit Zakopane in the summer. In spring, nordic walking, bicycle tours, rafting tours, and quad bike tours are the most popular activities. Zakopane is an ideal place for those who love walking and climbing. Easy hikes can be found here: Dolina Kościeliska, Dolina Chchołowska, Wielki Kopieniec or Dolina Pięciu Stawów.

An electric bicycle would be a good choice as well. Thanks to the additional power provided by the electric motor, these bicycles allow you to tackle steep climbs and challenging trail sections with remarkable ease. This means that many complex and inaccessible places are now open to tourists.

You can change the way of travel and try ATV riding, an excellent alternative to traditional mountain hiking, offering a completely different dimension to discovering the charms of Zakopane. Riding a quad must be safe, and it’s important to remember a few rules (including wearing a helmet and protective clothing). This alternative not only allows you to spend active time outdoors but also to discover the natural beauty of Zakopane unconventionally.

In Zakopane, new attractions emerge year after year. A scooter ride from gubałówka? Yes, it is possible. Of course, each participant is provided with the necessary protective equipment and a brief training session before the descent. It’s not an easy journey, and safety must be a priority. For extreme sports enthusiasts, it’s a treat, an adventure, and a thrill. For scooter fans, it offers new possibilities.

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Apart from mountains, many other attractions are dedicated to those who don’t necessarily enjoy sports. Here are some propositions which can be

Witkacy Theatre

It is no coincidence that the Witkacy Theatre appears on this list of attractions. Stanisław Witkiewicz is the creator of the Zakopane style, a phenomenon in the history of Polish architecture. The artist formulated the theoretical principles of his new idea in Zakopane at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, and designed beautiful wooden villas, sacred buildings, and artistic crafts. Today we can admire this style along the streets where we can find the local buildings. The choice of Patron for the theatre was not accidental he was a man connected with Zakopane, who understood theatre as a unique art. The theatre offers an unconventional repertoire; its location, idea and history build the atmosphere.

Muzeum Tatrzańskie

The Tatra Museum is one of the most important attractions in Zakopane, where you can discover the history of everyday life of the Podhale highlanders. Here, you can find out why Zakopane became the capital of artists and writers, what the old architecture of Zakopane looked like, how the old highlanders lived, and what animals lived in Podhale years ago. The museum is located in the city center, on Krupówki Street.

Oscypek Cheese Museum

A characteristic element of Zakopane’s culture is Oscypek cheese the pride of the Zakopane people, and a delicacy for many people. This is the most frequently eaten regional tidbit in Tatra Mountains. This unique cheese is a showpiece of the southern part of Poland – the aroma of mountain pastures. The Oscypek Museum was founded in its honor. Here, You will learn and listen to the history of the most popular mountain cheese, you can talk with local real Baca (the most important person in the Polish Alps, responsible for a large flock of sheep) and prepare Your own Oscypek.

Muzeum Karola Szymanowskiego

Here you can find the world’s only biographical museum of Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937), the Polish composer, the greatest after Frédéric Chopin, enjoyed staying in Zakopane from his early youth, and towards the end of his life settled here permanently, living in a villa on Kasprusie Street. Willa Atma, where he used to live, was built after 1890 as a typical boarding house, one of many built in Zakopane at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries to be rented out to summer visitors. The house is an example of the Zakopane style, introduced to architecture by Stanisław Witkiewicz. The museum is located on the ground floor of the villa. It presents basic information about the composer’s life and work, shows his contacts with Zakopane and the folklore of Podhale, collects his personal belongings, and includes a reconstruction of Karol Szymanowski’s study room.

Upside-down house

The world turned out of 180 degrees? You can find out about it at the Upside Down House in Zakopane. The furniture, everyday objects, and the cottage are all placed upside down, giving an extraordinary impression. A visit to the upside-down cottage is an attempt to cheat gravity, but be warned – your erroneous mind may go crazy, making it no easy task to keep your balance! Especially since the house is not only upside down, but also slightly tilted. The house is a great place to face a new experience, take interesting photos, or make unusual videos.

What will you choose for yourself?