Highlanders music, unique culture and history of the region, outstanding architecture, welcoming residents, the little wooden chalets serving the best polish food, the shockingly beautiful landscapes, endless trails in the Tatra Mountains, winter sport activities and unique accommodation. There are many unique and fun things to do in Zakopane that make this place like no other.
I am one of those who doesn’t like to go back to the same places over and over again. However, Zakopane is different. I have been here countless times. I used to visit the Tatra Mountains with my family when I was younger. For a kid at the age of 12, the snow-capped mountains seemed to be much more gigantic than they seem today, but the scenery is still as breathtaking as 16 years ago.
Zakopane is definitely a great base to begin your adventure in the Tatras and Podhale region. Here is a list of 10 fun things to do in Zakopane to make your holiday the best ever!
1. Visit the most popular Krupowki street
One of the most popular things to do in Zakopane is a walk along the Krupowki street. This gorgeous street promenade located in the heart of Zakopane is full of life and vibrant atmosphere! It attracts lots for holidaymakers for its unique history, lots of attractions and mountain vibes. Here, you can find plenty of cozy restaurants, stalls with local goods and souvenir shops line the cobblestone street. The evening atmosphere here cannot be compared to any other, especially at Christmas! Lots of lights, live music playing by street performers musicians and the smell of mulled wine and grilled cheese fill the air, it’s a special time.
2. Get lost in the World’s biggest labyrinth
Just few minutes walk from the Great Krokiew in Zakopane is located the Snowland full of fun and magic!
The giant ice labyrinth first stood in 2015/2016 winter season and right away was considered as the most unique attraction in Zakopane. The incredible construction is made of thousands of independent ice blocks leaning on each other and polished to fit without an additional supporting structure. This year, it covers around 3000 square meters land and it is 500 meters bigger than a year before.
Mt. Gubalowka is one of the most popular attractions in Zakopane. It is a perfect place to enjoy spectacular views of Tatra Mountains, High Beskid, Gorce Mountains and Pieniny Mountains.
Winter season is a moment of great joy in Gubalowka, as it offers plenty of winter activities for visitors. Snowpark for professional skiers and freestyle enthusiasts, ice skating rink and mini ski cross for kids. In the evening, you can also enjoy the flickering light sculptures, which bring a magical atmosphere to this place. You can get to Gubalowka by funicular railway which takes few minutes and costs 23zl both ways or by car.
4. Try oscypki with cranberry jam
Oscypek – a little piece of heaven!
This smoked salted cheese made of sheep milk can be found all over Poland’s beautiful Podhale region. It tastes the best when its warmed up on a grill and drizzled with cranberry jam. Yum! You can find it almost everywhere in Zakopane, along the Krupowki street, at markets and even along some trails.
5. Skiing and snowboarding
When thinking about the coolest things to do in Zakopane, I couldn’t forget about skiing and snowboarding.
Zakopane is known as the winter capital of Poland for a reason. Endless routes for beginners and advanced skiers, affordable ski passes and gorgeous landscapes combine for an unforgettable experience! This area is quickly becoming an in-the-know favorite with both Polish and foreign skiers seeking the best ski resorts. The most visited are Nosal, Kasprowy Wierch and Gubalowka with the best snow conditions from January to April.
6. Take a cable car to Kasprowy Wierch
This unique ride attracts lots of visitors for its breathtaking views over the Tatra valleys and spectacular panoramic views at the top. The cable-car journey starts in Kuźnice located 2km away from Zakopane. It takes about 20min and costs 69zl (up and down). During winter, Kasprowy Wierch is also a hot spot for skiers with two popular ski lifts. Fun facts is that the Slovakian border runs on a ridge very close to Kasprowy Wierch. After 20 min walk, you reach a place where you can stand with your right foot in Poland and left in Slovakia.
7. Hike to Morskie Oko
One of the most attractive things to do in Zakopane is a hike to Morkie Oko. This beautiful mountain lake lies 1393 meters above sea level in the Tatra Mountains. It sits deep within the Tatra National Park at the base of the Mieguszowiecki Summits. It is the largest lake in the Tatras. When you reach the end, you will be mesmerized by the beauty! You can spot here, Rysy (2499m – the highest peak in Poland) Mieguszowiecki Szczyt Wielki (2438m), Zabi Szczyt Nizni (2098m) and Zabi Mnich (2146 m). It is loved by many for its beautiful turquoise color during the summer season! The trail starts at Palenica Bialczanska and takes approximately 1,5h (8km).
Fun fact is that Morskie Oko, literally means the Eye of the Sea. The legend says that Morskie Oko was connected to the sea by a tunnel.
8. Snowmobile
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Another fun activity in Zakopane is snowmobile, that gives you a dose of adrenaline and can make your stay even more enjoyable. A typical an hour ride takes you through the most spectacular scenery of the Tatra Mountains. There are also available multi day expeditions including accommodation, food and a bunch of attractions on the way.
9. Take a dip in natural thermal baths
There is nothing more relaxing than a hot thermal bath on a cold winter day! And this is one of the must things to do in Zakopane during the winter!
The Tatra Mountains region is home to some of the best thermal springs and sources of mineral waters in Poland. Except for a great entertainment and relaxation, thermal pools have medicinal properties such reduce stress, restore the hormonal balance in a body, relieve pain, heal skin problems and boost blood circulation. The waters come from depth of approximately 2300 – 2800 meters below the surface and temperature ranges between 25 – 40 degrees. The most popular are Termy Chocholowskie, Terma Bukovina and Goracy Potok.
[…] Zakopane attracts a growing number of visitors every year. Alive with adventure and wonder, it offers stunning mountain landscapes, some of the best hiking trails in Poland and endless fun things to do in town! […]
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Where to Stay in Zakopane - Unique Accommodation in Zakopane
November 21, 2019 @ 6:22 pm
[…] Zakopane attracts a growing number of visitors every year. Alive with adventure and wonder, it offers stunning mountain landscapes, some of the best hiking trails in Poland and endless fun things to do in town! […]