Location: Zakopane
Top Things to do in Zakopane
The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Zakopane, Southern Poland
Just a few miles from the Slovak border in south central Poland, Zakopane is a resort town in the Tatra Mountains, popular with skiers in winter and with hikers and climbers year-round. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Zakopane grew into Poland’s most visible art colony, a hotbed of culture ended by Soviet influence after World War II. Today it harkens back to an earlier time, complete with gorgeous wooden houses. Learn about these buildings and more at the Museum of Zakopane Style.
Restaurants in Zakopane
1. Wolowiec
2. Przelecz Krzyzne
3. Szczyt Krzesanica
4. Za Bramka Gorge
5. Ski lift Olimp
6. Strazyska Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The entrance to this valley is within walking distance from central Zakopane (2.4 km from Krupowki street; 100m up; follow Kasprusie road). A well maintained path, at times more like a small road, leads to the upper part of the valley and takes about 40 minutes. Special about Strazyska is the fact it is a rather narrow valley with a wild stream running through. Not just pine trees, but deciduous trees as well provide a colorful experience. Especially this time of the year (October) when autumn sets in. It is possible to hike out of the valley towards Sarnia Skala 1377 m. (follow a trail with black and white markings towards the east). Add another extra hour to reach the peak.
7. Hala Kondratowa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By endrju_74 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
It was once a clearing with grazing sheep, and its name probably comes from the name of the first owner. But since establishing Tatrzański Park Narodowy (national park), all farm activities, especially shepherding, were banned, and Hala Kondratowa became a place known to tourists only. Especially two things affect the unbelievable popularity of Hala: the most popular trail towards the most popular summit over Zakopane - Giewont, as well as the presence of a tourist hostel (or mountain hut) on this trail, which can barely cope with feeding the incredible masses of tourists hiking the trail. There's also another trail, the green one (the main is blue), which starts at the hut, at leads towards Przełęcz pod Kopą Kondracką (Pass under Kopa Kondracka peak) in Tatra main ridge. Absolutely beautiful place, but those huge crowds of tourists are just overwhelming.
8. Olczyska Valley
9. Dolina Bialego
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Almost like a ravine, this narrow valley is close to the center of Zakopane. It is named after the wild stream that runs through it: white creek valley. Perhaps the reason this valley is rather untouched and enchanting is, it does not provide easy access to alps at higher altitudes. A well marked trail (yellow signs) leads to the end with some small waterfalls. You have an option to continue hiking to Sarnia Skala (1377m) along a steep path through the woods. Access to the valley is not easy to find. From Zakopane follow Grunwaldzka street, then Droga do Bialego where there is a sign. Continue straight towards the south (no signs) until you will find the park entrance with ticket boot.
10. Koscielec
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
One of most significant peaks in Tatry mountains, of 2155 m above sea level, accessible by a marked trail.
Reviewed By endrju_74 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Kościelec, with its 2155 m above sea level, is one of most important mountains for hikers in Polish part of Tatra mountains. It forms a branch ridge, from a branch ridge which meets the main Tatra ridge at Świnica. As Kościelec is a very short ridge, it divides south part of large Dolina Gąsienicowa valley into two part. Kościelec is supposedly the only place, from where all ponds in Dolina Gąsienicowa can be seen.Very challenging trail leading to the top of Kościelec - for many it all starts in Schronisko Murowaniec, from where blue trail leads to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, passing a small monument to Mieczyslaw Karłowicz, Polish composer and conductor, who died there in 1909 under avalanche from Kościelec. From Czarny Staw there's a black trail, which looks quite short and innocent on maps, but it climbs something like 533 meters from the level of Czarny Staw to the top of Kościelec in only 1,7 km of length. Definitely one of toughest trails in Tatra, especially in second part, from Karb pass - Karb is the place, where another blue trail joins the black one - that blue one id often used as a way back to Schronisko Murowaniec. From Karb things start to get serious on black trail, the angle of the slope os about 30 degrees, and there's no chains or other such facilities, only warning signs about rocks being slippery when wet. About three points on the way, that are very tough, in shape of rocky chimneys. But if you can pass those obstructions - the view is absolutely beautiful from the top. Worth every sweat lost on the way. Unfortunately way back is much trickier, as the steep slopes under your feet now can be clearly seen -not so much on the way up, as everyone pays more attention on whats ahead, and not below.
