Zakopane

Zakopane is a well-known town in the Tatra mountains in the south of Poland.

Alpine in character, the predominantly wooden houses have pointed roofs so that snow slides off easily during the winter.

The Tatrzanski or Tatra National Park is here, also ski slopes and ski jumps during the winter.

Tourists flock to Zakopane all year round to walk in the Tatra National Park, horse ride, attempt the aerial assault course and of course, ski in the winter.

Numerous other ski slopes and lifts operate in various towns around Zakopane, including Rabka Zdrój, each with their own character and difficulty level.

Skiing in the area is cheap compared with main ski resorts elsewhere. It's perfect for families with youngsters learning to ski. Skis, boots and equipment can be hired.

The Tatra National Park

One of the largest national parks in Poland, the Tatra park covers an area encompassing a variety of walks and climbs into the mountains.

There is a cable car to the top of Kasprowy Wierch Mountain with access from Kuznice in the Tatra park visitor centre and a train which can be caught from the station in the outdoor market in Zakopane to get to the hill tops easily.

Zakopane main road

The main road or high street of Zakopane is thronged with tourists during the summer months, less so in winter.

It's much like any popular tourist destination in that there are street entertainers, people in local highland dress, scores of restaurants - some with local folk music, sellers of local cheese, hot sausage, waffles, and souvenirs.

Highland dress

The local people of Zakopane are known as highlanders. They were originally shepherds and from time to time, mainly for tourist purposes, you will see a person dressed in this way in Zakopane.

Other things to enjoy in Zakopane

• ski slopes and ski jumps

• aerial assault course

• outdoor market selling wood and leather products, cheese, flowers, arts and crafts.

• good regional food and music

• shopping for crystal, amber and silver

• Tiffany style lamps and mirrors

• heirloom Christmas bauble decorations

Related page:

shopping in Zakopane and the market plus Internet Cafes - tourist information