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. 

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