Zakopane
Zakopane is a town with some 30,000 permanent residents. But during the year, nearly 3 million people visit the place which makes Zakopane a big and dynamic city. We can safely call it the capital of Poland when it comes to tourism. In Zakopane, every season of the year has its unique charm which makes it just perfect to spend your free time in the Tatra Mountains.
With a vast number of hiking trails, popular regional, cultural and sporting events, this magnificent, vibrant city has countless attractions prepared for the visitors. Most people visit Zakopane in wintertime. Skiing fans have access to 50 professional ski runs of various difficulty levels, many rental points offering a wide range of skiing and snowboarding equipment, and a multitude of restaurants where you can sit by the warm fireplace and enjoy the music of highlanders and regional cuisine.
In summertime, Zakopane is perfect for hiking trips, climbing the mountains and walking down the valleys. Many hiking and bicycle trails start here. For those who shun hiking but want to reach one of the mountain tops, there is a cable car going up to Gubalowka, Kasprowy and Butorowy Wierch all year round. Undoubtedly, one of the main tourist attractions in Zakopane is the geothermal pool located in Antalowka. And on the upper glade of Gubalowka, just under the ski jump, you can try horseback riding.
But Zakopane is not all about sport and recreation. Unforgettable cultural experiences are provided by numerous museums and galleries. Do not miss the occasion to visit Krupowki – the most famous street in Zakopane, packed with historic buildings. A lot of regional, cultural and sporting events are worth recommending in Zakopane:
- The Great Tatra Picnic
- The Tatra Bonfire
- Jazz Camping in Zakopane Katalowki
- Competing for the Easter Egg using old skiing equipment
- United Europe Jazz Festival – organised during the Zakopane Jazz Spring
- Zakopane Days
- The International Festival of Highland Folklore
- Summer Ski Jumping Grand Prix
- Organ Music Festival
- Ski Jumping World Cup
- Winter Olympic Games with RMF FM radio station
- Tatra Autumn Festival
- numerous concerts of the biggest Polish and foreign artists
