Visit Zakopane – Poland’s Outdoor Activity Capital

Poland’s winter capital Zakopane also makes a great destination for a day trip from Kraków and serves as a hub for summer explorations. Here is our overview of what to see in (and around) Zakopane, as well as where to eat and stay.

Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

Zakopane Overview

Though famous as a winter resort, there’s much more to Zakopane than skiing and vodka shots. As gateway to Tatra National Park, it’s base camp for summer hikes. And, a mere two hours from Kraków, it’s also a day trip destination for mountain views and thermal baths.

The town itself has the curious feel of Alpine meets Old West. This extends to the unique “Zakopane Style” architecture of sloped roofs and meticulously carved timber, and the huge frontier-town market around the Mt. Gubałówka funicular station. There are even a couple of living cowboy sculptures camped out in the high street. The Zakopane style extends to the local food, with tangy smoked sheep’s cheese and highlander dishes, and the museums featuring the folk culture of the region and the Polish artists who worked in the area.

The real star is the incredible countryside that opens up around Zakopane. You can see the mountains wherever you are, and it’s possible to hike a series of routes that can take anything from a couple of hours to several days. The most popular is the day-long hike to the Morskie Oko, or “Eye of the Sea” – a deep, alpine lake set into the plateau of Mięguszowiecki.

Read on for a brief introduction to the many delights on offer in and around Zakopane, as well as practical information on how to get there.

Drinks on the terrace

How Much Time Should I Spend In Zakopane?

How long you stay in Zakopane depends very much on what your interests are. As a ski resort in winter and hiking destination in summer, Zakopane is easily worth a week or two. Similarly, it makes a great base for exploring the pretty villages, lakes, and mountain attractions of the surrounding area.

On the other hand, at roughly two hour’s distance from Kraków, Zakopane also works very well as a day trip. You can arrive mid-morning, spend some time on Mt. Gubałówka, then have lunch in Krupówki Street, finishing the day with a couple of hours in one of the local thermal spas.

Zakopane Tatra Museum

Things To Do And See In Zakopane

Although Zakopane is most famous for its outdoor activities, there are still things to do for other sightseers, and you can reach some glorious natural spots without needing to hike. The local villages are very pretty, with a particular style of wooden architecture. Zakopane itself has a handful of interesting museums and I can particularly recommend the thermal baths.

All locations can be found on the map below.

Zakopane cowboy statue

• Tatra Mountain Outdoor Activities
  From skiing and snowboarding in winter to hiking, cycling, and rafting on the Dunajec river in summer, Zakopane and Tatra National Park really is Poland’s year-round outdoor activity centre. The hiking valleys, such as Dolina Białego and Dolina Strążyska, can be reached on foot or via regular minibuses, with further highlights in Siklawica Waterfall and Hala Strążyska. You can research these independently or, better still, book a hotel that specialises in your favourite activity.
• Mt. Gubałówka and Funicular
  Gubałówka is a 1120m peak at the northern end of Zakopane, reached either by hiking or a fun, 3-minute funicular train ride. From the top, there are stunning views of the town – see image above – and the Tatra mountains, as well as restaurants, cafes, and plenty of things for kids to do. See our full guide to Mt. Gubałówka.
• Krupówki Street
  Krupówki is Zakopane’s main street, running about 1km uphill with shops, restaurants, and bars. The atmosphere is part-Alpine, part-frontier town, and most days you’ll even see a couple of living cowboy statues. It’s quite touristy but there are pretty streams cutting through the streets and always a view of the mountain peaks above you.
• The Tatra Museum
  The main branch of seven local museums, Muzeum Tatrzańskie tells the story of Zakopane and the folk culture of the surrounding areas. Displays include stuffed animals from the mountains, traditional wooden interiors, and paintings and sculptures by the Polish artists who would flock here.
• Be Happy Museum
  A daft, fun, bright pink experience where you can pose as Barbie and Ken, take a selfie in an upside room, and generally have a giggle.
• Wladyslaw Hasior Gallery
  A former sanatorium and studio for the late 20th-century artist Wladyslaw Hasior. The work is fantastic and otherworldly and highly recommended.
• Szymanowski Museum – Willa Atma
  Willa Atma is the fine wooden home to Polish composer Karol Szymanowski. With period interior from the 1930s and multimedia displays, this charming museum is now dedicated to the celebrated Modernist.
• Museum of the Zakopane Style – Willa Koliba
  As you drive through the surrounding villages, you’ll notice a particular kind of timber architecture, based on traditional buildings and developed in the late 19th century, to become what is known as the “Zakopane Style”. This museum focuses on Stanisław Witkiewicz and the other architects behind these designs.
• Gallery of 20th-Century Art – Willa Oksza
  This splendid example of Witkiewicz’s architecture now houses a variety of work produced by Polish artists working in and around Zakopane during the early part of the last century.
• Jan Kasprowicz Museum – Willa Harenda
  A little off the beaten track, this traditional wooden cottage is now a museum dedicated to the poet and playwright Kasprowicz, who also has a mausoleum here. It’s a beautiful, calming space.
• Bukovina Thermal Baths
  Some 15km outside of Zakopane, Termy Bukovina is a thermal spa complex on the edge of the forest. Hot mineral water is pumped from deep underground into a number of indoor and outdoor pools at different temperatures. There are relaxing water jets and loungers, making this a fantastic place to completely unwind. See our full Bukovina Thermal Baths guide for more information.
• Morskie Oko
  One of the most stunning lakes in the world, Morskie Oko (or “Eye of the Sea”) is deep within the Tatra National Park, roughly 30km from Zakopane. Surrounded by trees and mountain peaks, it takes two hours to reach on foot from the nearest road. It’s worth the journey.
• Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car
  3km south of Zakopane is the start of the 15-minute cable car ride to the 1,987m-summit of Kasprowy Wierch. The reward is a fantastic view of the Tatra peaks and ridges. From here, there’s a delightful walk back to Zakopane itself, or the start of some stunning high-altitude hikes.
• Chochołow
  Around 18km from Zakopane, this pretty 16th-century village is one of the best examples of traditional architecture in the region. There is also an interesting museum about the 1846 Chochołow Uprising and another impressive thermal bath centre nearby.

Places To Eat In Zakopane

Karczma Góraleczka

Although there are dozens of places to eat around Krupówki, it’s often better to eat a little off the beaten track. The best restaurants will feature local highland specialities, such as the sour and salty kwaśnica soup, or the moskole griddle cakes.

• Restauracja Zakopiańska
  A solid rustic restaurant where you can get moskole for starters, and dumplings with trout or bryndza cheese, plus horseradish soup to clear out the pipes.
• Drukarnia Smaku Cristina
  A contemporary slow-cooked take on Polish classics, with some tasty vegetarian options. You may need to book ahead.
• Restauracja Javorina
  An excellent choice for families, as the restaurant has a children’s play area. Javorina is housed in a traditional lumber house and the food is based around strong local flavours.
• U Wnuka
  The oldest restaurant in Zakopane, with big platters of hearty food and very tasty pierogi.
• Karczma Góraleczka
  If you’re out on Krupówki and need to get something to eat, go for Karczma Góraleczka. There’s live highlander music and big portions of filling food.

Tatra regional specialities

Shopping In Zakopane

Perhaps surprisingly, Krupówki in Zakopane is full of famous brands like North Face, Pandora, and H&M. Despite the dramatic mountain backdrop, it could almost be any high street in Europe.

At the bottom of the hill, however, close to the Gubałówka Funicular is a large street market, selling pretty much everything from hand-carved souvenirs and embroidered blankets to smoked cheeses and sheepskin rugs.

You’ll also find little stalls selling regional speciality foods dotted along Krupówki. The Oscypek cheese is made from highland sheep’s milk and is ornately carved. You can also pick up a pot of preserve that makes a tasty accompaniment.

Nosalowy Park Hotel & SPA

Where To Stay In Zakopane

There’s no shortage of attractive and reasonably-priced accommodation in and around Zakopane. Most are within walking distance of local transport and the town centre, and many come with stunning views of the mountains. Otherwise, choose according to which activities you enjoy.

Best Luxury Hotels In Zakopane

• Nosalowy Park Hotel & SPA
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  An indoor pool and easy access to many of the area’s key attractions make the Nosalowy Park Hotel a 5-star favourite with couples.
• Aries Hotel & SPA
  (View on Booking.com)
  The luxury interiors in the traditional timber style are the perfect way to get the full Zakopane experience.
• Bachleda Residence Zakopane
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Good food, big balconies, and opulent interiors, Bachleda Residence Zakopane is a real treat to stay in.

Check Krakow Hotel Availability

Destination

Check-in date

Thu 10 Oct 2024

Check-out date

Fri 11 Oct 2024

Best Mid-Range Hotels In Zakopane

• Hotel Sabała
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Directly on Krupówki, cosy Hotel Sabała is a 3-star timber fairytale location, with cheerful staff and decent health facilities.
• Willa Jan
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  A compact 3-star in the local style, with some excellent balcony views and handy access to the Szymoszkowa Ski Complex and the Gubałówka funicular.
• Willa Góralsko Riwiera
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Located to a few kilometers to the north of Zakopane, this 3-star is highly rated for cleanliness and breakfast. The interiors are a pleasing update on the traditional style.

Hotel Helios

Best Budget Hotels In Zakopane

• Hotel Helios
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  This homely 2-star is perhaps a little dated but it is convenient for transport to the hiking tracks and has a fantastic view of the mountains.
• Apolonia Willa
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  Cosy Alpine-style villa on the Gąsienicowy Wierch with panoramic views of the mountains, and a perfect choice for hikers.
• Good Bye Lenin Hostel
  (View on Booking.com or Agoda.com)
  At the cheaper end of the spectrum, this social hostel is like a logging cabin and sits right on the edge of the national park, some 20 minute’s walk from Zakopane itself.

The former home of Morskie Oko

Nightlife In Zakopane

Krupówki is littered with bars and it might be fun to drink your way from one end to the next. Here is a short selection to get you started.

• Legenda Nietoperza
  A fantastic selection of your favourite tipple, no matter what it is. Knowledgeable staff, who make a mean cocktail. As much a museum of alcohol as a bar.
• Appendix Cafe Bar
  Cosy atmosphere with live music and a long menu of drinks. Friendly staff too.
• Klub Vavavoom
  It’s cocktails ahoy from Wednesday to Saturday at this Zakopane favourite. Competent bar tenders, exposed brick industrial interiors, and decent house DJs. Open until 4am on Friday and 5am on Saturday.
• Le Scandale
  Nightclub and live music venue. This appeals to a slightly older crowd and has a more formal interior. Good cocktails.
• Muzyczna Grota Młyńska
  This world music club on Droga do Daniela is a little out of the ordinary. It looks like a traditional inn from the outside but inside is a dance floor and bar, and many different kinds of music, including local styles.

Zakopane tour transportation

Getting To Zakopane

Zakopane is very easy to reach from Kraków and there are a few options available via public transport. If you don’t have a car, the easiest is to take a bus from the central station. These cost around 30zł per person, and leave every half an hour. There are two trains from Kraków Central to Zakopane, one is considerably faster than the other, but neither is as quick as the bus. The train journey is rather scenic, though with a higher ticket price and unpredictable journey times, the bus is always a safer bet. The final options are to hire a private transfer or take an organised tour from Kraków, which will usually involve a privately run minibus that should pick you up from your accommodation; naturally, these are the most expensive options, but they are very convenient.

See our guide for How To Travel From Kraków To Zakopane for full details.

• By bus from Kraków Bus Station (130m): FlixBus runs a service every 30 minutes from Kraków’s main bus station to Zakopane’s bus station, a 10-minute walk from the centre of town.
• By train from Kraków Glówny (3-3.5h): Although there is a train station at Zakopane, the journey times are much longer than the coach and the prices higher. All the same, you can check times and book via the official PKP train portal.
• By private transfer from Kraków (120m): Zakopane is close enough to Kraków to make hiring a private transfer a viable and convenient option.
• Organised day trips from Kraków (times vary): Perhaps the most convenient way to visit Zakopane is via an organised day trip. You will be picked up at your accommodation and driven in a comfortable minibus. Any tickets and attractions will be taken care of in advance and you don’t need to worry about getting yourself home at the end of the day.
• How to drive from Kraków to Zakopane (127m): If you have a car, you can drive to Zakopane via the E77 and DK47 motorways. The road is a fairly straight line from north to south and takes in some pretty views along the way.

Visit Kraków Zakopane Map

Plan your Zakopane visit with our comprehensive Zakopane map to explore Zakopane’s attractions, restaurants, sightseeing and hotels.

Each type of landmark has a different colour marker on the map:

• YELLOW: Zakopane Sightseeing
• GREEN: Zakopane Transportation
• DARK RED: Restaurants In Zakopane
• LIGHT RED: Zakopane Bars / Clubs / Music Venues
• BLUE: Zakopane Hotels
• PURPLE: Shopping In Zakopane

Click on a marker and it will give you the name of the landmark, with a brief description and links for more information and directions. You can pan, scroll, and zoom around the map, or use the + or – buttons in the bottom left of the map to zoom in and out.

Click on the icon in the top left corner for an index of every location, sorted by category. Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want. Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.

Each category is on a different layer, which can be switched on and off. So you can just see the Hotel or Restaurant pins, for example.

If you are using the map on your phone, open the Visit Kraków Zakopane map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.