Zakopane is an outdoor wonderland that provides visitors access to snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, alpine forests, mountain lakes, wildlife, quaint towns, and meadow-filled valleys. The Carpathian Mountains are the second-highest mountain range in Europe, behind the Alps. Zakopane offers visitors various sports, such as mountain biking, hiking, skiing, and paragliding. It is about as far south as Poland gets, bordering Tatra National Park, so there is no shortage of activities here.

Where is Zakopane, Poland?

Zakopane is a Polish town in the extreme south of the country next to Slovakia. It’s in the Podhale region, nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains.

It’s about 110 km from the major city of Krakow and will take you about two hours of drive time to get there by bus or car.

Best Things to do in Zakopane, Poland

Hike the Tatra Mountains

You can’t visit Zakopane and not go hiking at least once. Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Zakopane and the small town makes an excellent base. So if you’re an adventurer, hiking is probably the best thing to do in Zakopane for you!

The town is right next to the Tatra National Park, and trails are abundant. Most trails are day-long hikes, allowing for a full day hike up to a peak, only to later return to town and relax in your well-equipped guesthouse. Or if you feel your muscles could use a little R&R, you could head to a beautiful Zakopane Spa to relax. Some of the best Zakopane hikes are:

• Strążyska Valley
• Kasprowy Wierch Mountain
• Dolina Pieciu Stawow (Valley of Five Lakes)
• Dolina Gasiennicowa (Gasiennicowa Valley)
• Zawrat

Hike to Lake Morskie Oko, the “Eye of the Sea,”

There is no shortage of mountain lakes around Zakopane. Similar to the mountain peaks, there are some great hikes out to see the area’s pristine lakes. The most famous is Lake Morskie Oko, “Eye of the Sea,” which requires a bus ride to the base of the trail. It’s about a two-hour walk from the drop-off point, each way. The payoff? Probably one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. We suggest packing lunch in your favorite daypack and having lunch along the lake.

Hike in the Gasienicowa Valley

Gąsienicowa Valley in Tatra National Park is a protected area that is home to some of the best hiking in all of Poland. There are some stunning hikes where you’ll pass unique flora and fauna along the way. The Gąsienicowa Valley is home to several glaciers and waterfalls. Hiking the Dolina Gasienicowa trail is one of the best things to do in Zakopane.

Eat Oscypek Cheese!

I bet you didn’t think one of the best things to do in Zakopane was to eat cheese. Or “Oscypek” as it’s called, is a delicious smoked sheep’s milk cheese. It is a local staple, and you will find stands selling the stuff all over the town of Zakopane and various other mountain lodges throughout the region.

The recipe is strictly followed and dates back to the 14^th century. You can only find the stuff in the area since it’s made in small batches, and it is hard to export given regulations against unpasteurized sheep’s milk, but damn is it good. You can also find dishes of the cheese pan-fried and served with cranberries; I highly recommend this if you’re a fan of cheese or food for that matter.

PS – If you miss Oscypek in Zakopane, you’ll be able to find it in many restaurants in Krakow.

Get Cozy With Mulled Wine

Hot Mulled wine or “grzaniec galicyjski” is prevalent throughout the mountains. When the temperatures drop, it’s perfect for warming you on those chilly fall evenings or after a day on the slopes. It’s also cheap, with prices ranging from 3zl to 8zl ($1-$2). Although it is not limited to the region, it exhibits the warm Polish spirit you can find in the bars.

Many restaurants in town are open late; people eat and drink late into the evening after a long day in the mountains. Maybe a few shots of that polish Vodka if you dare? Try some “Zubrowka” vodka.

That’s the one with a buffalo on it. Don’t miss trying it in this Polish town. It’s one of the best things to do in Zakopane. One of our favorite bars in Zakopane is Cafe Piano Zakopane.

Climb Rysy Mountain

The highest peak in Poland sits on the border with Slovakia. The trail up the mountain is difficult and can be steep at points, but it does not require any technical climbing and can be done by most outdoor enthusiasts.

On a clear day, the peak offers the best views encompassing the Tatras; it’s said to offer views of over 100 peaks in the surrounding area. So cross your fingers and hope you’ll catch it on a clear day, although any day is exhilarating on the mountain.

Look for Wildlife in the Tatras

Asides from the wildlife you can find throughout the rest of Poland, Zakopane, and the Tatras are home to several rare species. Animals such as brown bears, lynx, mountain chamois, marmots, and eagles are all some wildlife you may see while hiking through the mountains.

We may have missed a bear ourselves, but crossed paths with a couple of locals on a trail warning us of a bear up ahead. We walked on tentatively. Here you can experience the wild and find truly remote places to relax and cut away from the crowded cities of Europe.

See What Podhale Culture is All About

Zakopane has its very own unique style of architecture. The buildings in Zakopane actually embrace the spirit of Podhale.

Stanislaw Witkiewicz is a famous Polish writer known as the style creator. This style completely transformed the town in the late 1800s. Wood rounded windows and detailed embellishments are seen on the homes throughout the city center.

What makes it better? The most popular form of accommodation is guesthouses, with over 500 unique places to stay, giving visitors a chance to stay in one of the homes themselves.

30 Interesting & Fun Facts About Poland You Should Know

Enjoy Some Affordable Skiing

The skiing in Zakopane is not quite as known as in the Swiss Alps. However, it comes at a fraction of the price, with lift tickets topping out at $35 in Zakopane. This is some of the cheapest skiing in Europe you can find!

Winter here may be one of the best times to visit Zakopane. The town fills up with many families coming to enjoy the winter activities. The slopes here are family-friendly, perfect for beginners to learn the ropes.

However, for the more advanced, there is Kasprowy Wierch, which offers world-class skiing and a 6km long descent from the top lift. It will surely give skiers plenty of time to work their way down the mountain.

Head Up the Gubałówka Hill Funicular

If you’re feeling a little lazy, take the Gubałówka Hill Funicular up the Gubałówka mountain. On a clear day, you will have stunning views of the Tatras and of the surrounding valleys.

Soak in the Thermal Spas

Soaking in a thermal spa is always enjoyable, but it is one of the best things to do in Zakopane in the wintertime. The hot pools at Terma Bukowina are one of the most popular places to head. You’ll probably even get in a chat with a few locals.

Where to Stay in Zakopane?

• Aries Hotel & Spa: This is a wonderful 5-star hotel for affordable pricing. The hotel itself is built in the typical Zakopane style, with a great location just off of Krupowski Street. If you’re looking for a proper mountain retreat, Aries is a wonderful choice.
• Tatra Chalet: This small chalet is a wonderful choice to have a chalet experience while getting the distinct Zakopane feel.

How To Get To Zakopane

There are only a handful of ways to arrive in Zakopane. The bus was the easiest choice for us. Good news is the bus system in Poland is pretty reliable, cheap, and in general the best way to travel.

Traveling around the country by train is also possible, but considering it’s only a two-hour bus ride from Krakow to Zakopane, we think it’s the best way to go. Majer Bus operates the bus route, and you can find the timetable here.

Buses run regularly throughout the day, and tickets are about 19 zlotych. In peak summer, you may have to book a ticket ahead of time, but other times of the year the bus is unlikely to be sold out.

• Plane: The nearest airport to Zakopane is John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice, 90 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a bus to Zakopane.
• Train: Zakopane has its own train station, which is served by trains from both Kraków and Warsaw.
• Bus: There are regular bus connections from Kraków and other cities in Poland to Zakopane the journey takes about 2-3 hours.
• Car: As it is located on a main road in the Tatras, Zakopane is easily accessible by car. If driving from Kraków, follow the E77 and E67 roads to get to Zakopane.

Check car rental rates in Poland! 

Why Should You Visit Zakopane, Poland?

Zakopane, Poland, has become fonder in our memories as time has passed. It was one of the earliest destinations as bloggers, and we had a truly fantastic time despite the weather being lackluster during our visit. A handful of destinations stick out in our memory, and one of them has to be Zakopane. Mountains surround the quaint town that is filled with charm and culture.

For us, Krakow was cool, but everyone went to Krakow. So, instead, head out of Krakow to Zakopane for a unique experience. While it may be very popular for the Polish, it is relatively unheard of for the rest of the world.

Poland has a strong economy and is home to many famous landmarks and tourist destinations, such as Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Tatra Mountains. Before you venture to Poland, or plan a trip there, brush up on these fun and interesting facts about Poland.

Facts About Poland

1. A Daring Rescue

During World War II, German Nazis had their eyes set mainly on Polish Jews as Poland was home to more than three million Jewish people. It was millions of Polish citizens who staged a mass rescue of more Jews than any other country managed to free. Estimates are that more than 400,000 Jews were provided shelter during this time. 

2. Poland is Home to one of the Oldest Restaurants in Europe

You’ve heard of Polish food, but have you ever heard this fact about Poland? While in Poland, you must try some of the traditional cuisine and what better way is there to dine on traditional Polish food than in the oldest restaurant in the country? 

Actually, Piwnica Swidnicka is one of the oldest restaurants in Europe having been opened in 1273, and this historic place serves up the best pierogi around.  

3. The World’s Tallest Structure was Once in Poland

It collapsed in 1991, but from 1974 until that time, the Warsaw Radio Mast was the tallest structure in the world at 2,121 feet tall. 

4. A Land of Diversity

If you think the landscape of Poland is flat, boring and bland, guess again!  This beautiful country’s natural environment is among the most diverse on the entire continent. With old forests, spectacular mountain chains near Zakopane, sparkling lakes, sandy beaches, sprawling deserts, towering dunes and fascinating wetlands, there’s much to explore across this land!

5. One Man, One Voice

If you’re ever in Poland and want to catch up on some of your favorite movies or TV shows from back home, you might want to think again as it can be a dreadful experience!  This is because foreign language films are not dubbed by actors but by one single man who dubs the dialogue for all the characters including women and children. 

6. There’s an Upside Down House in Poland

This is one of my most favorite facts about Poland. The village of Szymbark only has 500 people but it’s a major tourist attractions for one reason – the first upside down house in the world!  Since 2007, people have been coming to get a glimpse of this fascinating anomoly, and now there are several similar sites in other countries. 

7. Seeing Red and White

The national colors of Poland are red and white.  The red is for love, sacrifice and bravery and the white is for goodness and pure intentions. 

8. A Very Religious Country

In a world that seems to be moving away from the church, Poland still maintains a closeness to religion with more than 90% of the population claiming to be religious.  This makes Poland one of the most religious countries in Europe, with the majority of Poles classifying themselves as Christian.

9. Poles Choose their Children’s Names Carefully

Technically, you can name your child whatever you want in Poland, but some names could cause you a lot of hassle. If the Head of the Civil Registry thinks a chosen name is inappropriate, they can refuse to register a child. While there is no specific list of inappropriate names, the ones that are deemed so are commonly known among Polish people and most parents steer clear of these offending names. 

10. Warsaw Was Almost Totally Destroyed in WWII

This is far from one of the most fun facts about Poland, but an important one to know. When you visit the Old Town district of Warsaw today, you’re not actually seeing the original old town.

That’s because it was almost totally destroyed during the war in the 1940s. After the war ended, the district was rebuilt to look exactly as it did before the war using paintings that depicted the area as it was. 

11. Refusing is the Polite Way to Go

In most places around the world, it’s ok to take someone up on an offer for food, a drink or a place to stay but in Poland, it’s considered polite to say no, at least the first time.  Most Poles will politely decline an offer the first time it’s asked even if they are hungry or thirsty but if asked again, they will accept.

12. Poland is Home to the Oldest Working Salt Mine in the World

Situated near Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been in operation since the Middle Ages making it the oldest salt mine on earth. This heritage site is worth a visit not only for its fascinating history, but for the beautiful walkways and decorative features that are made from the salt that’s mined there. 

13. One Big Outdoor Festival

People from over the world come to Poland each year to attend the biggest outdoor festival in Europe known as the Pol’ and Rock Festival. 

This music festival sees an average of 600,000 people attend the festivities every year and the best thing about it is it’s free to attend!

14.  Valentine’s Day in Poland

Valentine’s Day in Poland is likely quite different from the one you’re familiar with. First of all, it’s called Kupala and it’s celebrated in June instead of February. On this day, men leap over bonfires and women anticipate one of the candle-lit wreaths that are sent floating down the river to come their way. 

15. Poland is Home to the Biggest Castle Estate in the World

Built in the 13^th century, the Castle of Teutonic Order isn’t just known for being very old; it’s also known for being the biggest Castle Estate in the world at 52 acres.  If you wish to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, and you should, you’ll find it in the town of Malbork. 

16. Poland has the Second Oldest Constitution

Only the United States has a constitution older than Poland’s.  May 3^rd, 1791 was when the Polish constitution was written. However, it was short-lived as the country was partitioned 14 months later. 

17. Poland Wasn’t Visible on Maps for over 100 Years

Poland has a superior, central location and is rich in resources.  It’s for these reasons that for 123 years, the country was partitioned and therefore quite literally wiped off world maps during that time. It didn’t reappear until after World War II. 

18. A Traditional Greeting

It might come as a surprise to any woman visiting Poland for the first time that it’s customary for many men to kiss a woman’s hand rather than extending a hug or handshake. 

19.  A Famed Polish Astronomer

Nicolaus Copernicus was the man who discovered that the Earth rotates around the sun, but did you know that he was Polish? 

20. Poland has Delicious Food

Polish food is anything but bland! You’ve likely heard of Pierogies, and nothing beats eating a traditional pierogie made the old-fashioned way! Despite their popularity, the pierogie isn’t considered the national dish of Poland.

That honor goes to a dish known as Schabowy which is a type of pork chop layered in egg and breadcrumbs before being fried with onion. Sounds delicious, right?

21. Poland has had Several Capitals

These days, Warsaw is the capital of Poland, but this vibrant city hasn’t always held that position!  The cities of Gniezno and Krakow both also served as capital of Poland in the past. 

22. A Rather Big Fortune

The Jagiellonian Dynasty had one of the biggest fortunes in all of Europe. So spectacular it was, its riches even surpassed that of other powerful empires such as Venice and Rome. Cannons, jewels, fountains and musician instruments were among the items in this fortune. 

 23. Poland has Many Nobel Prize Winners

Over the years, there have been at least seventeen Nobel Prize winners from Poland including Maria Skłodowska-Curie and Lech Wałęsa.  That’s a big number for a fairly small country!

24. It’s not Easy to Learn the Polish Language

With unfamiliar letters, words that can be translated to several different things in English, hard to pronounce words and words that are spelled nothing like what they sound, Polish is one of the hardest languages on earth to learn! 

25. There’s Something in the Name

The word Poland has an interesting background and meaning.  It comes from an East Slavic tribe that lived near the Dnieper River known as the Polanie.  The word itself means “people living in open fields. 

26. Free Education for All!

Polish Citizens can attend college and university for free.  If you wish to study as an international student in Poland, you won’t get free education, but you may qualify for a very low tuition cost. 

27. Cats can be Employees too!

At the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw, over 100 cats work at a very important job; keeping the mouse population down.  They may not get paid with money, but their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.  After all, the building would be infested with rodents if not for these furry and ferocious hunters! As a cat lover, this is certainly one of the most fun facts about Poland!

28. The Spelling of your Polish Last Name Depends on your Gender

In Poland, men and women have similar last names but with a slight change in the spelling depending on your gender. For example, a name ending in “ski” is male while the female version would end in “ska”. 

29. Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring

Drowning dolls may sound like a strange tradition but it serves a fascinating purpose in Poland at the end of every winter. The tradition has local people making dolls just before spring arrives. At their arrival, these dolls, known as Marzanna Dolls, are “drowned” in a nearby river or lake as a way to say so long to winter and hello to spring. 

30. A Unique Family Outing

Being outdoors in nature is a popular pastime for many Polish people but there’s one activity that has more appeal than any other – mushroom foraging.

Families and groups of friends and neighbors get together in September and October to head out into the countryside in search of edible mushrooms to use in the preparation of delicious dishes such as Polish pizza. 

31. The Heavier the Better

Poland is known for its rich classical music heritage but today, it’s also known for being home to a huge number of heavy metal music fans. There are even festivals dedicated to this musical genre with one attracting many fans from all over the world. 

32. Beer and Fruit Syrup Anyone?

Beer is very popular in Poland, but the local people like to drink it in an unexpected way you’ve likely never considered trying; they like to drink it with fruit syrup! These sweet syrups are often added to beer served in pubs around the country.  

33. Vodka was Invented in Poland

If you thought Vodka was invented in Russia, guess again! One of the world’s favorite spirits was first mentioned in writing back in 1405 in Poland and all evidence points to it being invented there – so cheers to this amazing facts about Poland.

Russians are thought to be the biggest consumers of the drink, but the Poles certainly give them a good run for their money or, at the very least, come in at a close second. Many Polish people won’t fully trust someone until they get tipsy with them at least once and this is usually done over Vodka. 

34. Yes, there is a Desert in Poland

Despite having a rather cold climate most of the year and the fact that we tend to associate deserts with warm climates, it might seem strange that Poland is home to one of the biggest deserts in Europe.

The Błędów Desert features the largest buildup of loose sand in the region, and it was created by a combination of natural processes and human activity. 

35. Poles Celebrate their Name Day Every Year

We’ll end these facts about Poland with a super fun on! While birthdays are celebrated in Poland, the country also celebrates another yearly tradition – Name Day! Every Polish name is paired with a day of the year and any person who has that name has a celebration on that date. A typical name day celebration typically involves showering the person with flowers and vodka. 

Knowing some fun Bulgaria facts will definitely impress any new Bulgarian friends you’re likely to make (as Bulgarians are very friendly). So ahead and pull any of these out of your back pocket next time you’re enjoying a round of Rakia at a hip Sofia bar!

Fun Facts About Bulgaria

1. Symbolic Colors

We’ll start off this list of Bulgarian facts with an easy one to learn! There are three colors on the Bulgarian flag, and each has its own meaning.  The white symbolizes hope, the green symbolizes the incredible nature of the country, and the red symbolizes the blood that was soaked into the land. 

2. A Land of Cheese

The white cheese produced in Bulgaria is so renowned and so good that it doesn’t even need to be called Bulgarian cheese.  People around the country simply call it cheese and although it looks like feta cheese that you might find in Greece, it’s anything but! 

The cheese is widely known for its smooth texture and exclusive flavor that’s like no other. It’s these two features that have won it so many international cheese competitions. 

3. An Unlikely Desert

While you may not think of Europe as a place where you’d find many deserts, there actually are a few of them around the continent including one in Bulgaria.

The Stone Desert, or Pobiti Kamana as it’s officially known, is a dry stretch of land outside the city of Varna that features tall rock formations. To make it even more desert-like, there are even cacti and reptiles in this little desert!

4. A Military First

Rayna Kasabova was the first woman in the world to take part in a military flight.

5. Bulgaria is An Old Country

When it comes to countries in Europe that have gone the longest without a name change through history, Bulgaria is the second oldest country.

The country has had this name since 681 AD. It should also be noted that the geographical area known today as Bulgaria has been continuously inhabited since that time. 

6. A Crave-worthy National Dish

If a pastry filled with cheese and eggs sounds delicious, you won’t have trouble finding this dish around Bulgaria!  That’s because the dish, known as Banitsa, is the country’s national dish. Whether you want to have it for breakfast or as a midday snack, most restaurants serve it any time of day. 

7. One of the Oldest Treasures ever Found

You may not have heard of the Varna Necropolis, but it’s a gold treasure cache that was found in an old cemetery outside of Varna that’s said to be among the oldest gold treasures ever found anywhere. Experts think it’s around 6,000 years old.

8. Bulgarian Rose Oil

Up to 80% of the world’s rose oil comes from Bulgaria. Actually, it comes from a specific area of the country known as The Valley of Roses. And yes, as you pass through this valley, you’ll catch the scent of roses.

Rose oil has been a top export in Bulgaria for more than 300 years and it’s such a huge part of local culture that there’s even a Rose Festival held every year in Kazanlak and there are rose-themed shops all over the country.  

9. Bulgaria is very Biodiverse

When it comes to biodiversity, Bulgaria ranks third in Europe due to its number of plant and animal species. For example, there are more than 400 different species of birds. If you ae wondering what the national bird of Bulgaria is it’s the Balkan Levant Sparrowhawk.

10. Rakia is the National Drink of Bulgaria

This is one of those facts about Bulgaria that any visitor will learn immediately. There are two types of Rakia: one of them is commercially available and produced following strict regulations and the second type is homemade by local people who have good intentions but may not be making a truly safe product! 

In other words, the latter is basically the Bulgarian version of what North Americans know as Moonshine. This very strong fruit liquor is said to promote good health. Whether that’s true or not, you’re sure to get a bit tipsy after a few drinks!

11. What’s in a Name?

In Bulgaria, babies are not named the same way as they are in North America – you might be used to a naming system that sees a child given a random first name of the parents choosing followed by the father’s sir name.

The old-fashioned way of naming newborns is still used in Bulgaria and that means your middle name is your father’s name whether you’re male or female. The only difference when it comes to gender is a slight variation in the spelling. 

12. Celebrating Life’s Special Moments

One of those most interesting facts about Bulgaria is that it’s customary to spill water in front of the door of a person who is graduating from school, getting married, writing an important test, or any other important milestone. This is said to bring good luck to that person. 

13. Backward Body Language

Most people around the world nod their head up and down for yes and side to side for no, but in Bulgaria, it’s the exact opposite! 

14. Wolves and Brown Bears

There’s a large population of wolves and brown bears in Bulgaria and these populations seem to be thriving better than in prior years likely due to protection efforts. 

Wolves are on the way to being fully protected while brown bears already are.  You also won’t see bears performing for tourists anymore in Bulgaria; animal rights activists help put a stop to that around 2009. 

15. A Small Country with a Big Wine History

Evidence points to winemaking being a part of Bulgarian life since 4000 B.C. Currently, there are almost a dozen types of wines produced in Bulgaria including Mavruf, Dimyat, Pelin, and Gamza. 

16. An Old City

Bulgaria is an old country with a very old city.  The city of Plovdiv is thought to have been founded around 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest city in Europe. It’s been continuously inhabited since that time. 

17. Keeping Track of the Days

The Bulgarian Calendar is unique in many ways but its claim to fame is the fact that UNESCO has deemed it the most accurate calendar in the world. 

18. Plenty of Room to Get Away from it all

If you’re looking for a place where you can go to get away from it all and be one with nature, Bulgaria has plenty of remote places to do so.  That’s because about one-third of the country is covered in forest.  So, if hiking, camping, nature, viewing, or just exploring pristine wilderness is on your list, this is the place to go!

19. A Unique Kind of Spring Fling

Leading up to spring, Bulgarians welcome the new season on March 1^st with a celebration known as Baba Marta. It is celebrated with the giving and receiving of Martenitsa, which are red and white bracelets or tassels.

It’s given to friends and family to celebrate the arrival of spring and to wish them good health.  When you receive one, you wear it until you spot a stork, swallow, or other sign of spring. 

20. February 14^th is for Trifon Zarezan

While you may know February 14^th as Valentine’s Day and a day to celebrate love, Bulgarians know this day as Trifon Zarezan and on that day, wine is celebrated! I guess the two go hand in hand if you like to drink wine on Valentines Day like me!

21. In the Middle of it all!

Bulgaria is surrounded by many other countries, putting it quite literally in the center of Eastern Europe. Romania, Greece, Turkey, North Macedonia, and Serbia are the five countries that border Bulgaria. 

22. Great Bulgarian Inventions 

The digital wristwatch was invented by Peter Petroff and the first electronic computer was invented by John Vincent Atansoff.  Both of these men were from Bulgaria. 

23. A Peculiar Custom

Upon first glance, a participant decked out for Kukeri festivities might look bizarre and even a little scary, but rest assured, this ancient tradition serves a purpose and is one of the most fun facts about Bulgaria. Between the months of January and April, various Kukeri celebrations take place around the country to welcome the upcoming spring season.

The tradition is thought to have Thracian roots and has been around since before Roman times. Men dress up in animal-like costumes complete with headdresses and masks and make their way through village streets while carrying out rituals to ward off evil. 

24. A Land of Many Monasteries

There are many monasteries in Bulgaria with the number estimated to be around 350.  Most of these monasteries are located in remote regions surrounded by mountains and forest and many of them can be visited by tourists. Some of them are very old too and date back as far as the ninth century.

25. Bulgaria has Healing Waters

Many people are unaware of Bulgaria’s healing waters which can be found in more than 700 natural springs located around the country. In fact, Bulgaria is one of the best places in the entire world to relax in these geothermal springs. 

People have been coming from all over since before Roman times to soak in these rejuvenating waters and today, there are spas dedicated to the healing powers of the springs in many towns and villages including Bankya, Varna and Velingrad. 

26. Fire Dancing is a Thing in Bulgaria

It’s a very old tradition and it’s still done in Bulgaria – I’m talking about fire dancing and it’s something to when you visit! If you want to witness one of these amazing performances, you’d have to travel to one of the remote mountain villages where fire dancing is still performed. The village of Bulgari in Strandzha, is one of the best places in Bulgaria to witness this spectacle.

27. Reptiles are Common in Bulgaria

If you find it hard to believe that there are reptiles in Bulgaria, you’ll find it even harder to believe that there are 38 species of reptiles that make their home there. These reptiles are not only found in the Stone Desert area, but they are found all over the country. 

28. A Flag Untouched

It’s quite something to be able to say that your country’s flag has never been captured in battle and Bulgaria is one of few countries that can make this claim.  

29. Bulgarian Bagpipes

If you thought Scotland was the only country that claimed the bagpipes as its national instrument, think again! Bulgaria also claims the instrument as its national instrument except the instrument is known locally as gaida.  

30. An Old Bridge

According to the engraving on one of its railings, the Kadin Bridge near Nevestino was built way back in 1470.  The stone bridge is 100 meters long which is quite the feat back in those days!

31. Bulgarian Yogurt is to Die for

If you are a foodie or yogurt lover, you may think one of the best facts about Bulgaria is about their yogurt. Bulgarian yogurt, or kiselo mlyako, is renowned for its unique taste and texture.  One of the reasons that Bulgarian yogurt is so good is due to the use of a particular bacterium culture that not only makes it super tasty but super healthy too!

That bacterium is only found in the country making the yogurt so unique from any other anywhere else in the world. 

32. A Bulgarian Invention

Contrary to popular belief, Cyrillic Script was invented in Bulgaria and not in Russia.  All of the countries that use the script, including Ukraine and some other Balkan countries, are using a script that has been adapted from the original Cyrillic one that was first used in the late 890s!

33. An Archaeologist’s Dream

We already know about the famous and very important monuments that have been unearthed in places around Italy and Greece, but did you know that Bulgaria also has many notable archaeological finds? From Archaeological Complex Serdika in Sofia to the Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv there is something for history buffs at every corner.

The country ranks third in all of Europe so you can bet there are plenty of historical monuments to see around the country!

34. 7 Million and… Declining?

To complete this list, we’ll leave you with one of the more interesting facts about Bulgaria. Bulgaria has a large population for its size, but that population is one the fastest declining populations in all of Europe. 

According to the Bulgarian National Statistical Institute, the country’s population stood at 6,948,445 in January 2022, which is approximately 100,000 less people than just five years prior!

We learned a lot about having a ski holiday in this Bulgarian town, some good things, and many bordering bad. It’s actually very hard to place a finger on how I felt after leaving Bansko, so I’ll try to break down some honest helpful tips about the experience here.

Bansko Ski Tips to Know!

Get there early!

If there is one tip I can’t stress enough for your holiday in Bansko it is to arrive at the gondola station early. Especially on the weekend, school holidays, or high season. At its peak, the Bansko gondola becomes a total catastrophic mess. If I had never been to a mountain resort before it would honestly put me off from a ski holiday in general, so try to get there early (or better yet in the offseason) to avoid this feeling.

To reach the mountain you must take the gondola as the town sits at a much lower elevation. The one gondola services the thousands of ski pass holders and that means queue times can get ridiculous.

How ridiculous?

Think…two to three hours long in the high season! No one is happy spending their precious winter holiday in a line while wearing ski boots and carrying ski/snowboard gear. We suggest you arrive at the gondola right when it opens to avoid long wait times. That means 8 am or before. We made the mistake of getting there at 8:20 one day and waited 40 minutes in line. Then the next day we figured we would skip the whole morning rush and get there at 11:30 only to find the lines even crazier (two-hour wait).

Additionally, all those people taking the gondola up are clearly going skiing and snowboarding, meaning that during the high season the mountain becomes a madhouse as Bansko doesn’t put a cap on visitors. The morning time before 10 am was the quietest time for us to enjoy the pistes without a ton of other people. Additionally, if you venture off the blues and hit up the resorts few red and black runs you will also find less people.

There are alternative ways up

When faced with a two-hour queue we knew our day would be shot if we waited. We had three options – to throw in the towel on snowboarding at Bansko for the day, take a cab up the mountain, or wait.

We decided to take a cab for 10 BGN per person in a shared van. Cabs can take you up to either the top station or to Shilligarnika where there is a chairlift. Be sure to agree to a price beforehand to avoid being ripped off. Vans typically don’t leave till full so it’s best if you are traveling as a group.

If you have a rental or your own car it is also possible to drive up the ski road. However, parking is limited so this should also be an early endeavor.

There is one saving grace if you are staying at one of the selected hotels that offers VIP fast passes. The fast pass ensures quick access to the Gondola lift via a private line/entrance. Prices for the Ski VIP lift tickets are roughly 75 BGN per day.

3. Buy your Bansko lift tickets the day before

This is a very important thing to know before you go skiing in Bansko. If you have not pre-purchased your lift tickets with a holiday operator then go to the gondola station the day before you plan to ski and buy them. As you cannot buy your lift tickets until the offices open at 8:30, but you will need your lift passes to get on the gondola which opens at 8 am…and remember what I said happens to the gondola after 8:30?

To avoid the lines you should buy your passes the day before. But hold on! Turns out that for some Bulgarian reason you cannot buy your lift passes for the next day until 4 pm the day before so plan accordingly.

Bring cash

While it is possible to pay for your ski lift passes with a credit card make sure to bring some Bulgarian Leva for your Bansko ski holiday. Whether it be taxi cabs, restaurants, or bars they often requested to be paid in cash.

Most of the restaurants on the slopes accept credit cards, but every time we tried to pay we were asked for cash. Plus no one wants to run a credit card for a few coffees or a drink. If you want to know how we manage foreign currencies read our guide to travel banking.

Lift tickets are affordable

Bulgaria is known to be an inexpensive country to travel. That remains true when it comes to costs associated with a Bankso ski holiday. One of the reasons we went to Bansko is because we could enjoy a full week here for a reasonable price. With lift tickets costing just 58 BGN a day, good fun can be had without breaking the bank. This is part of the reason Bansko becomes such a crazy mad ski resort as tons of Europeans are seeking out a good deal.

There is also a good range of hotels around catering to every budget. Equipment rental and lessons can be had for a good price as well! It’s the perfect ski resort to come and enjoy the pistes without forking over your soul for the Swiss Alps. To compare it to Italy or Austria we would say prices are about 30% cheaper, except in the case of restaurants that can be high priced in Western Europe.

Beginners are welcome

Due to the low cost in comparison to resorts in the European Alps, Japan, or North America, Bansko is a good place to come for beginners. You can buy package holidays that include your accommodation, food, lift tickets, and equipment for less than $1000 for one week. In a place like Colorado that could cost you double if not triple the price. If it’s your first ski trip you won’t truly know if you’ll enjoy skiing or snowboarding so it’s better to figure that out before dropping your retirement on a trip!

We found Bansko ski resort to be family friendly with a few bunny hills and beginner runs to learn on. Much less intimidating for a first timer than say Chamonix? We found many large families with children on the mountain and all seemed to be in good spirit (although much more crowded than other European resorts. Low prices = larger crowds.

The queues never end

I mentioned that there were serious queues to get up the mountain via gondola, but they don’t stop there. In the busy season, you’ll also find queues to get down the mountain as well! Don’t worry, they aren’t nearly as long as getting up but you could be standing around in your gear for a good 20-30 minutes before getting into your carriage down.

There is another way down the mountain and that is the ski road. The ski road is a long and easy piste from the resort to Bansko town. It’s great for beginners as it’s relatively flat. The ski road is easily the more active way to get down the mountain, but be forewarned this run can also get very very busy towards the end of the day so you’ll have to know how to control yourself on a ski or snowboard to get down. After a few days of taking the ski road and witnessing a few collisions, we opted to take the gondola down at the end of the day.

Bring everything you will need for the day

Since you’ll have to take a 30-minute gondola ride up and either a gondola ride or long ski road down you’ll want to make sure to bring everything up to the mountain that you will need for the day. I suggest doing a double check before you leave your hotel and make sure all hats, gloves, phones, chapstick, and everything in between is accounted for! Additionally, there are no lockers on the mountain, be prepared to carry it on your back all day.

Stay nearby

I would highly suggest staying near the gondola lift to make the most out of your trip. A hotel with a shuttle bus to the lifts is also going to make your life before and after your ski day much easier. We stayed at two different hotels while in Bansko, one self-catered and one a reasonable five-star hotel. We can’t sing enough praise about either place!

Premier Luxury Mountain Resort

The Premier Mountain Resort is one of the best hotels in Bansko. It’s about a five-minute drive, or 15-minute walk from the gondola station and is secluded from the rest of town. Premier Mountain Resort envelops you with charming mountain vibes once you walk inside. You can expect a roaring fireplace, lively bar, and large spa.

Besides being beautiful a few notable things we really enjoyed about Bansko’s Premier Luxury Resort is the attached ski shop. It is here that you can rent your gear with ease without having to bother going into town. We travel with our own snowboard gear but we did need to have our boards waxed, which we got done at the ski shop effortlessly and for an affordable price.

The hotel also has a basement ski room where you can store your gear. The room was spacious and had boot drying racks meaning we didn’t have to put on any wet items in the morning. There are two restaurants at Premier. One for buffet style and one ala carte as well as a bar with a modern fireplace and TV. We personally ate at the downstairs buffet restaurant for all our meals so that we could cram all the food we needed to keep energized for a week on the slopes – yes, there are vegetarian options! We found the bar to be extremely lively and a great place to recap the alpine adventures with your friends at the end of each day.

Besides the complimentary shuttle service that ran to the gondola in the morning and afternoon we found out that the Premier Mountain Resort is one of the only hotels in Bansko that offers the VIP Fast Pass. For 17 BGN extra you can purchase this type of lift pass and it essentially allows visitors to skip the gondola line and get straight on. Only a few high-end hotels offer this so to us this pass is gold.

You have a couple options for room choices at the hotel. We were upgraded to a mountain view junior suite which was comfortable and spacious. Every day we returned a to a toasty room and couch to relax on while working on the fast WiFi.

Saint George Palace Hotel

After a few days at the Premier, we transferred to a self-catering hotel. We really like to cook our own food when we travel since we are pescatarians and somewhat picky eaters. The studio room at Saint George Hotel was perfect for us! As we walked in for the first time we were greeted with a large coat room to keep our snowboards in, a kitchen with a stove, oven, full sized fridge, living room, and king size bed with a foam mattress topper (seriously heaven when you travel full time).

There are different sizes of apartments so no matter the size of your family the Saint George Palace will be able to accommodate your party comfortably. We enjoyed having free and fast WiFi in our room at the Saint George so that we could catch up on emails and social media after our day on the mountain.

The Saint George Palace hotel boasts an impressive swimming pool and spa area. Actually, they claim to have one of the largest swimming pools in Bansko and after having a dip I can say that it is wonderful. The pool is enclosed by a glass ceiling providing astonishing views of the Pirin Mountains above.  There is also a dry sauna and steam bath here which is perfect for relieving your muscles after an active day outside. For those that take a day off from the mountain activities (or want extra exercise), there is also a well-equipped fitness center.

There are two bars and a restaurant at Saint George Palace Hotel. The bars are great for catching up with friends and there is a play area for children as well so that adults can relax a bit without the kids! Although we didn’t need ski rental equipment the Saint George Hotel also offers a ski rental shop for visitors as well as a complimentary shuttle transferring guests to and from the gondola during peak operating hours.

There are two Bansko town centers

After reading a few Trip Advisor reviews of the town of Bansko itself I was a bit hesitant to go. Things like “close to what war-torn Yugoslavia looks like” and “sex club galore” stuck in my mind. I can confirm that the area around the gondola is not an ideal place to spend a holiday unless you are an 18 year old boy. Around the gondola, Bansko is lined with clubs, go-go dancing bars, potholed streets, loud pumping music, and every restaurant has a male peddler outside persuading you to enter his establishment. To put it nicely, Bansko town wasn’t exactly my favorite or most relaxing ski town I have ever visited.

However, once you start walking away from the crowds and the main center the seedy party atmosphere starts to die town. Actually, Bansko turns quite charming and what I would expect from an old Bulgarian town.  Bansko’s old town is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a beautiful collection of old stone buildings and cobbled streets.  Just keep walking down Pirin Street about 10 minutes from the gondola and the whole atmosphere will be different. Be sure to check out the Velyanova house to go inside a traditional 18th century Bansko house for only 3 BGN.

There’s WiFi!

We found free and open WiFi at all the restaurants and bars on the mountain!

There are no lockers

There aren’t any lockers at the top of the mountain so anything you bring up you’re going to have to carry with you for the day. We really like to carry a water bottle and a few snacks with us when we travel so we would suggest bringing a small backpack and skiing or snowboarding with it throughout the day.

Brush up on your ski etiquette

As mentioned, it can get very busy on the mountain so be sure to practice proper ski etiquette! Always stay in control, be prepared to stop for others in front of you, understand your own skill level and abilities, and don’t stop in spots that obstruct others.

This one I saw a lot at Bansko – people stopping to fix their bindings or talk on their cell phone in the middle of the slope and have a chat with their friends in the middle of a run. Don’t be that person and you and others around you will have a fantastic Balkan ski holiday.

Would I recommend skiing in Bansko?

All in all, would I recommend a ski trip in Bansko? Looking at the price aspect, the food and accommodation options are definitely a bit cheaper than other ski towns in Europe. With a notable emphasis on the food part. Off the mountain, a pair could score a good and hearty meal in Bansko with drinks for less than $30. In Switzerland or Austria, this could cost at least double the price. In the mountain huts, I found the food to be overpriced for Bulgaria with a coffee coasting 6 BGN and a lunchtime meal costing between 20-30 BGN. Lift tickets, although cheaper than in the Dolomites, Switzerland, and Austria are not that much cheaper. 

As I mentioned a one-day lift ticket will cost 58 BGN, or €30. A lift ticket in say Arlberg, one of Austria’s (and the worlds) best ski regions is just €53. So if you are on a major budget, I think Bansko is a okayish place to visit particularly for saving on food and basic lodging, but not lift tickets. I personally would rather spend a bit more and go to the better ski towns and mountains in Europe.

If you plan to take a ski holiday around the weekend or busy seasons – that is around Christmas, New Year’s, or European school holidays I would stay the hell away from Bansko simply because of the queues at the gondola and the madhouse of people on a small mountain resort. I seriously can think of way better things I could have done with my week than wait in a gondola line for a few hours every day. After talking to numerous locals they noted that in any period other than high season Bansko is a charming and quiet place to visit.

Warsaw is unlike any other city in Poland. Unlike the many preserved old towns scattered across the country, Warsaw was leveled in WWII. It means the city has had a rebirth. The city seems to have stood the test of time despite being burned, bombed, and sacked numerous times throughout history. You can call it a testament to the Polish spirit.

Their “new” capital is full of exciting things to do ranging fantastic food, nightlife, and history. World class museums are sure are sure to resonate with visitors and the famous composer Chopin can be found around every corner.

In what is sure to make travelers happiest is the affordability of the things to do in Warsaw. It’s exciting nightclub, wonderful restaurants, and accommodation all come at a cheap price compared to Western Europe.

Things To Do In Warsaw

The Warsaw Uprising Museum

The Warsaw Uprising museum follows the Warsaw Uprising. In WWII, the locals took up arms against the Germans as Poland was squeezed between the Soviets and Germans. The Museum is really a testament to the Polish spirit and the human spirit at that. The museum itself is interactive and well designed. The cost of tickets is 22PL Adult or 16PL Student. 

Discover Chopin

It’s a Polish fact that Chopin is considered a national treasure. His music can be found throughout the city and his heart lies at the Holy Cross Church in Old Town. There are many activities to do in the city related to the famous composer and pianist. Including the largest and oldest Piano Festival in the World going on to its 70^th celebration. There’s also a museum dedicated to him.

Lazienki Park

Lazienki Park is famous for locals and visitors alike and renowned for its beauty. Old large trees and gardens line the pedestrian avenues, with sculpture gardens and impressive buildings. It is the largest park in Warsaw and occupies 76 hectares of the city center. The park dates back to the 17^th century when it was first designed. Walking through the park is a great escape from the city.

Explore Old Town

Europe is littered with “Old Towns” Warsaw is no different. Warsaw’s Old Town was destroyed after WWII, but the restoration of Old Town was so methodical it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The market square is the center of the Old Town, Stare Miasto. The market square is littered with restaurants allowing you to dine in the restored square.

Climb The Tower at The Palace of Culture

Originally a gift from the Soviet’s back in the 50’s this building is still one of the tallest buildings in Europe. It now features two museums, a movie theater, four theaters, bookshops, a swimming pool, and a University. The viewing terrace from the tops offers a birds-eye view of the city. Did I mention the Christmas Market?

Drink Some Vodka

As with any large European city nightlife here is good, really good. It has everything that you could want ranging from a swanky bar, dive bars, hip bars, megaclubs, and all the stuff in between. Also, have you ever heard of Vodka? In Poland, Vodka reigns supreme. A good bottle of polish Vodka costs about 20 PLN, or just over $5. Drinks out cost anywhere from 8 PLN and up.

Find Street Art

Street art is all about the City. In the communist-era advertisements and propaganda would be painted large scale onto buildings, the Polish have embraced this and made it a part of art in the city. The locals cherish the large pieces of art scattered throughout the city. The Modern Art Museum in Warsaw is free, and they offer a map of notable street art throughout the city online too!

Traveling Around Warsaw Practical Info

Safety: 

Warsaw is a fantastic city for solo travelers. There’s plenty to do, and see if you’re alone. It’s also incredibly safe for female travelers.

Getting to Warsaw:

• Flights: We did not arrive via a flight to Warsaw. However, Warsaw has two international airports and is serviced by many airlines offering routes all over the world. The budget airline Ryan Air also services Warsaw, making it cheap to get to while in Europe.
• Train: The Polish Train network is probably one of the most extensive train networks outside of Western Europe. Offering directs to Berlin, Vilnius, Minsk, Kiev, and Kaunas. Polish Train Network Website, PKP.
• Bus: We found the coach carriers to be extremely affordable, efficient, and comfortable. Arriving via Vilnius we paid 13 Euro and took a Lux Express Bus. Lux Express offers Android tablets with multimedia interfaces, free Wi-Fi, coffee & tea, a bathroom, and reclining seats. With their Partner Simple Express, they offer cheap buses on international routes to Berlin, Prague, and Vilnius. (Also viable for getting from Warsaw to Krakow.) Polski Bus is another coach site to check out.

Getting out of Warsaw:

• Public transportation to the rest of the Poland is extensive, giving you a long list of viable options. Polski bus is the largest private bus network in Poland, plus they have an English site here. PKP is the rail network and is a great way for getting around Poland offering some nice new modern trains; they tend to cost more too. Their website is also offered in English.

The Food in Warsaw:

• Warsaw is a major city, and with that comes the food. The city has just about everything to offer. Ranging from traditional Polish, Asian cuisines, hole-in-the-wall establishments, and Mediterranean. We were personally on a budget and did not enjoy many meals out. Also, be sure to check out a Milk Bar dating back to the Communist era most of these establishments have closed down, but a few still dot the city and offer a time warp with cheap Polish eats.

Costs

• We were able to Warsaw for about $30 a day. This was on a pretty tight budget as we were backpacking at the time. However, Poland is well known for being a being a budget-friendly destination. You can read our post about how much we budget for backpacking around Europe.

Poland Travel Tips

• Language: Polish
• Currency: PLN
• Time: GMT (+2.00)
• Country Code: +48
• Electrical Socket: Type F