This day we left Krakow for Zakopane early in the morning to spend the whole day there. After arriving, we headed straight to the city center and looked for a nice restaurant. Here, along with a hearty breakfast, I tried the famous mulled beer, known to the locals as Grzane Piwo. It was quite an interesting experience with its sweet seasoning, but it was nice in the cold.
After breakfast, we went up to Gubałówka Mountain and spent part of the day there enjoying the panorama. We returned to the city for lunch, where we chose another great restaurant. Here we ate typical local, Tatra dishes, which was a perfect end to our gastronomic experiences. After that, we continued exploring the city, and after three in the afternoon we headed back to Krakow. Unfortunately, the return trip took longer than expected, because we lost more than an hour on the road due to an accident.
The history of Zakopane began in the 16th century as a small shepherd’s settlement at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. For a long time, it existed only as an isolated village, where the inhabitants lived from animal husbandry and logging. In the mid-19th century, the healing climate of the area was discovered, after which it began to develop rapidly. Pulmonary sanatoriums were built, and it became a popular meeting place for Polish intellectuals, where artists and writers sought inspiration in the wildly romantic landscape.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the city had grown into a center of Polish tourism and winter sports. This was when the unique Zakopane architectural style was formed, combining elements of folk wooden architecture with modern requirements. Between the two world wars, international ski competitions were held here, which permanently fixed the reputation of the settlement on the map. Tatra culture and highland traditions have determined the everyday life and atmosphere of the city ever since.
In modern times, Zakopane has become the winter capital of Poland, with tourism as its main source of income. The town is constantly expanding, but strict regulations aim to preserve the traditional streetscape and the character of the wooden buildings. Today, not only skiers, but also hikers and culture enthusiasts fill the pedestrian streets all year round. The area’s national park protection ensures that the natural values are preserved despite the large crowds.
The best-known peak in the area is Giewont, whose characteristic shape resembles a sleeping knight and a huge iron cross stands on top. Kasprowy Wierch is equally popular, which can be reached by cable car and is one of the most important bases for skiers. The most visited destination among hikers is Morskie Oko, or Fish Lake, which offers a stunning view with its crystal-clear water and surrounding high cliffs.
Among the higher ridges, the Eagle’s Path stands out, which is the most difficult and dangerous marked tourist trail in the Tatra Mountains among the rocks. When walking in the valleys, it is worth visiting the Kościelisko Valley, where you can walk along spectacular caves and streams. Although Gubałówka Mountain is the most easily accessible viewpoint, the more distant valleys and surrounding meadows offer a much calmer insight into the wildlife of the Tatra Mountains.
One of the most interesting features of Zakopane is the local gastronomy, especially the smoked sheep’s cheese, oscypek, which can be found on every corner from street vendors. Interestingly, the main street of the city, Krupówki, is one of the most famous shopping streets in all of Poland. The locals are proud of their distinctive dialect and traditional costumes, which many still wear proudly during holidays. Due to the special microclimate of the settlement, snow often remains here even when it is already springtime in the surrounding lower areas.
