Location: Zakopane
Top Things to do in Zakopane
Top 10 Things to do 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. 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.
2. Muzeum Oscypka Zakopane
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 392 reviews
Reviewed By ClogsPL - Warsaw, Poland
We loved the show put on by an old Baca, there is a good interaction going on between the old and the new generation, we thought the presentation was very good, the whole process of coming from sheep milk to Oscypek became living and clear. The old Baca is quite the character, had a good cheer and attitude, the presentation setup is close up, intimate almost, very enjoyable experience. Very good to take kids to.
3. Cmentarz Zasluzonych na Peksowym Brzyzku
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 435 reviews
Reviewed By smallhausen1 - Bratislava, Slovakia
This is an example that cemetery is not always a place of monumental sadness and memories. This is rather a meeting place with history of Zakopane, it's famous personalities, as well as showroom of local sculptors. Each grave is different and you can feel a piece of history behind of all of them.
4. Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Relatively New History Shrine 1951
Reviewed By janetmcplanit
What a holy place! Such amazing carved woodwork throughout the church and chapel. Built in 1992 with hand carved woodwork unlike any we have ever seen. Make sure you tour the chapel as well as the main church. We attended Mass in the Chapel which was a beautiful experience.
5. Giewont Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 335 reviews
Reviewed By luki1231231 - Krakow, Poland
Very nice hike to the top would recommend visiting. The only downside is the waiting line to get to the top. But once you there really worth the hike. Recommend walking all the way up there from kuznice for the full experience. Bring enough water and DON'T go up there if there's bad weather coming.
6. Wielka Krokiew - Ski Jumping Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 342 reviews
Reviewed By MikeRussel - London, United Kingdom
Great Fun with live ski jumping, a lot of people, it was really cold but amazing atmosphere so you didnt feel it, i will be there next year also
7. Gravitational Slide on Gubalowka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Reviewed By dan5001
I think the title says it all. There was a long queue for something that only lasted a couple of minutes but it's not the worst view to be looking at whilst you're queuing, so it flew by. If you want to go quickly, like me, make sure that you dawdle as much as possible when setting off or you'll catch up with the inevitably slow person in front of you very quickly, which will spoil your fun ???? As close to a luge as most people will ever get! Enjoy ????
8. Krupowki Street
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,434 reviews
Reviewed By 84s_paulina - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Very busy street with loads of restaurants, bars m, bakeries, ships and traditional stands with polish foods, souvenirs etc.
9. Gubalowka
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,968 reviews
Reviewed By nitinj8488 - Gurugram (Gurgaon), India
If ZakoPane is cake then this is icing on the cake. A must go for every tourist. Funicular ride takes you to the top and you witness a stunning view from there. The top spot has a proper market with lots of souvenir shops on both sides of the street. The main Gubalowka cafe offers magnificent view of the snow clad mountains and you can enjoy couple of drinks sitting there. Overall duration of trip up and down can be 1 hr (excluding lunch). Funicular rides are short (about 10 mins each side) and tickets are easily available at the ground level. We had a private tour so didnt have to pay it though.
10. Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,886 reviews
cable car to summit of Mt Kasprowy Wierch (1985m) Once there stand with one foot in Slovakia and one in Poland. Station at top has restaurant, ski shop, can post mail there also. Spectacular views if weather permits. Skiing in winter (when open) and hiking in summer.
Reviewed By UnitedKingdomWendy - Horsham, United Kingdom
We took a gamble visiting Zakopane in January from Krakow as the journey is over 2 hours and can take longer in the snow! Bargain bus fare of under £10 return and plenty of buses run from the bus station in Krakow. We arrived to find a lovely sunny, cold morning and fresh snowfall overnight. We took a small bus up to the cable car ( you can walk but it is quite a distance) We did not book the cable car in advance but it is advisable as this is so popular. We were soon travelling up the mountain with amazing views over Zakopane and the mountains. There is a cafe at the top and skiing/snowboarding facilities. We went on a short walk from the cable car and even crossed into Slovakia as the border is on the slopes. Fantastic day and we enjoyed watching the snow activities.
