LOCAL GUIDE
Krupówki, Gubałówka, Kasprowy Wierch and the Tatra valleys. Choose a plan for your weather, fitness and length of stay.
Our own photosGALERIA
Giewont seen from the streets of Zakopane and a winter view from a balcony. We will keep adding photos from our stays.
Videos
Short clips from the @tatryrazem TikTok account. The TikTok player only loads when you click.
A young highlander performing at a Podhale wedding
Watch on TikTokZakopane in winter — a snowy road through the spruces
Watch on TikTokGiewont in the snow
Watch on TikTokTrip plans
The best views and the oldest part of town, without rushing.
The town, one valley and one high-altitude goal — with room to spare for the weather.
A programme that is easy to move indoors.
Panoramas and cable cars
The easiest way to see the Tatras from above — even without a long hike.
The funicular takes you up to the ridge (1122 m) in about 3.5 minutes and has been running since 1938. From the top there is a panorama of the Tatras and the whole town.
Best combined with a walk along the ridge to Butorowy Wierch and a ride down by chairlift.
Official websiteThe highest point of the Gubałówka Range, about 2 km from Gubałówka. A two-seater chairlift from Kościelisko has been running since 1978.
The most beautiful view of Giewont is on the way down.
Official websiteThe cable car from Kuźnice, with a change at Myślenickie Turnie, takes you up to 1959 m — the highest station in Poland. Built in 1935–36 and modernised in 2007.
Buy tickets online in advance; in summer the TPN (Tatra National Park) entry fee also applies at the top. It is noticeably colder and windier up there than in town.
Official websitePoland’s largest ski jump and a World Cup venue. A chairlift takes you up to a viewing terrace above the town.
Zakopane Style and museums
Zakopane is also about Witkiewicz’s architecture, galleries and artists’ homes. Most of these are run by the Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie).
Founded in 1889, the museum is housed in a building on Krupówki designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz and Franciszek Mączyński. Permanent exhibitions: the history of Podhale, ethnography and Tatra nature.
A good start to your stay — it helps you understand what you will later see on the trails and in town.
Official websiteThe first house built in the Zakopane Style, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. The interiors were designed down to the last detail — from furniture to stoves and door handles.
Witkiewicz’s third villa, from the mid-1890s. An exhibition of art connected with Zakopane, with a separate room of portraits by Witkacy.
The oldest part dates from around 1830. The preserved division into a “black room” and a “white room” shows how people lived in Podhale before Zakopane became a resort.
The only museum dedicated to the composer, a branch of the National Museum in Kraków. Szymanowski lived here from 1930 and completed his ballet “Harnasie” here; chamber concerts are held in the villa.
Villa Opolanka, home of the author of the Polish children’s classics “Koziołek Matołek” and “Szatan z siódmej klasy”. The museum has been open since 1966 and has an educational space for children.
A permanent exhibition of the sculptor whose “Prometheus Shot” you can also see on Aleja Przewodników Tatrzańskich on the way to Kuźnice.
Witkiewicz’s largest villa (1897) in Koziniec, owned by the Pawlikowski family.
The building is not open to visitors — you see it from the outside, ideally on the way to Jaszczurówka.
Official websiteChurches and memorial sites
Wooden churches and places where the history of Podhale was written.
A wooden church from 1847 on Kościeliska Street, with altars by a folk carver. Next to it stands the Gąsienica family chapel from the early 19th century — the oldest religious building in town.
Go in outside Mass times.
Official websiteOne of the most important cemeteries in Poland: among those buried here are Tetmajer, Makuszyński, Orkan, Stanisław Witkiewicz and Hasior. The wooden and stone gravestones are remarkable.
A wooden chapel designed by Witkiewicz and built in 1904–1907, known as the pearl of the Zakopane Style.
The Church of Our Lady of Fátima, built in 1987–1992 as a votive offering for the survival of John Paul II and consecrated by the Pope in 1997.
A wooden hermitage from 1901 in the forest above Kuźnice; next to it is the Albertine Sisters’ convent from 1902. About 15 minutes from Kuźnice on the blue trail.
A former Gestapo torture house, today a memorial site and a branch of the Tatra Museum.
For adults and older teenagers.
Official websiteTown walks
Four routes from the town’s official tourist website — each takes an hour or less.
The most famous promenade, named after the Krupa family’s meadow, with historic houses, galleries and places to eat. The full loop is 1.9 km.
It is much quieter in the morning than in the evening.
Official websiteZakopane’s oldest street, with 19th-century wooden houses, the Old Church and Villa Koliba. The walk is about a kilometre.
From the John Paul II roundabout to Kuźnice — a former ironworks settlement with a manor complex, the TPN headquarters and the lower station of the Kasprowy cable car. 1.9 km.
A highlander district with Chata Sabały and the sanctuary, and nearby the short, shady Dolina za Bramką valley — good on a hot day. 2.2 km.
With kids and in bad weather
For when it rains or your legs need a rest.
The largest model of the Tatras in Poland, dioramas, films and a grotto. Entry is free but requires an online booking; the paid Explorers’ Room is for children aged 7–14.
Open Monday to Saturday; closed on Sundays. No on-site parking.
Official websiteThermal pools in town, a sauna zone, a salt cave and a bowling alley; open daily until late evening.
One of the largest complexes at the foot of the Tatras: about 4500 m² of water surface at 32–38°C and a therapy zone.
The baths are closed from 19 to 30 October 2026.
Official website21 pools with natural sulphurous water; 32–40°C outdoors all year round.
Courses on Gubałówka and by Wielka Krokiew, including ones for younger children; the longest zip lines are several hundred metres long.
Free themed walks with guides, organised by the Zakopane Culture Centre and the Tatra Museum, among others.
Registration required.
Official websiteTrails
Figures from the TPN trail cards and the town’s tourist website. Times are one way without stops, unless a loop is described.
| Trail | Distance | Time | Ascent | Difficulty | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolina za Bramkąstart: Krzeptówki | 0.7 km | 25 min | 70 m | easy | A short, shady valley — good on a hot day and with small children. Trail details |
| Strążyska Valleystart: Strążyska Street | 2.4 km | 1 h | 226 m | easy | To the Strążyska Glade, with a view of Giewont’s north face and the Siklawica waterfall. Trail details |
| Kościeliska Valleystart: Kiry | 5.5 km | 1 h 40 min | 273 m | easy | To the mountain hut at Hala Ornak. On the way: the Mroźna Cave (separate ticket). Trail details |
| Chochołowska Valleystart: Siwa Polana | 7.3 km | 2 h 20 min | 278 m | easy | Crocuses in spring. The only place in the Polish Tatras where you can walk with a dog; you may also cycle up to the mountain hut. Fees are sometimes collected in cash only. Trail details |
| Nosalstart: Bulwary Słowackiego | 1 km | 45 min | 246 m | moderate | Short but steep — from the summit (1206 m) you can see Kuźnice and part of the Tatras. Trail details |
| Strążyska — Sarnia Skała — Dolina Białegostart: Strążyska Street | 8.2 km (loop) | half a day | approx. 480 m | moderate | A loop with a viewpoint on Sarnia Skała (1377 m); slippery after rain. Trail details |
| Hala Gąsienicowa and Czarny Stawstart: Brzeziny → Kuźnice | 14 km (loop) | full day | approx. 650 m | demanding | Murowaniec mountain hut (1500 m) and the Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy lake (1624 m). Set off early and check the weather. Trail details |
| Morskie Okostart: Palenica Białczańska | approx. 9 km on tarmac | approx. 2.5 h | approx. 410 m | moderate | A full-day trip; TPN gives 11.6 km including the loop around the lake. Parking at Palenica must be booked in advance; minibuses and seasonal e-buses run from Zakopane. Trail details |
Events
The most important annual events. The 2026 dates come from the organisers; later editions usually fall in the same period — check the town’s current calendar.
usually the second half of January
The biggest sporting event in town, held on Wielka Krokiew. Accommodation sells out months in advance, and the area around the ski jump is closed to traffic.
Details and current datesfrom 24 December to 2 Februaryfree entry
Carol concerts in churches and halls, with highlander bands and soloists from Podhale.
Details and current datesturn of April and May (2026: 1–3 May)
A jazz festival over the early-May holiday — main concerts and club sessions.
Details and current datesturn of May and June (2026: 28 May – 9 June)free entry
The town’s festival, with Children’s Day on Równia Krupowa, concerts and a street food festival.
Details and current datesJune (2026: 12–14 June)
A mountain sports festival: running races (up to 68 km), speed climbing and a family programme. Free for spectators.
Details and current datessummer holiday weekends (2026: from 11 July)
Organ and chamber concerts in Zakopane’s churches.
Details and current datessecond half of July (2026: 19–27 July)
A classical music festival linked to Villa Atma and the composer.
Details and current datesend of July (2026: 24–26 July)
Meetings with writers on Plac Niepodległości and literary events on Gubałówka.
Details and current datesmid-August (2026: 14–18 August)free entry
A market of regional food and crafts on Górna Równia Krupowa.
Details and current dateslast week of August (2026: 21–27 August)
One of the oldest folk festivals in Europe (since 1968): groups from all over the world, a competition for the Golden Ciupaga (highlander axe) and parades through the streets.
Details and current datesone Sunday in Septemberfree entry
Local cooks’ contests, singing, horse-drawn carriages and workshops for children in the garden of Villa Koliba.
Details and current datesend of September or early Octoberfree entry
The sheep come down from the mountain pastures: the head shepherd (baca), his shepherds, sheepdogs and music along the route from Kuźnice. The town announces the date about two weeks ahead.
Details and current datesPractical info
PKP Intercity runs direct trains from Kraków; the fastest take just under 2 hours. The station is a few minutes’ walk from Krupówki.
PKP Intercity timetableThe Zakopianka road is often congested in season and at weekends — best to arrive on a weekday morning and leave the car at your accommodation.
Since 23 October 2025 a downtown paid parking zone has been in force: daily 8:00–21:00, sub-zones A–D. In sub-zone A the first 30 minutes cost 5 zł and one hour 8 zł. You can pay via apps such as Flowbird, SkyCash and moBilet.
Parking zoneCity buses and private minibuses will take you to the valleys. Minibuses to Palenica Białczańska (Morskie Oko) leave from the bus station; the ride takes about 30–35 minutes.
City public transportThere is an entry fee for the Tatra National Park — buy your ticket online or at the ticket booths at the trailheads. Kasprowy Wierch tickets are best bought online in advance.
TPN entryTOPR (Tatra Mountain Rescue) emergency number: 985 or +48 601 100 300. From 1 March to 30 November hiking in the park is prohibited between dusk and dawn. Dogs are allowed only in the Chochołowska Valley.
What to do if you meet a bearSeasons
Skiing, the Ski Jumping World Cup and horse-drawn sleigh rides. School winter holidays and New Year’s Eve bring the biggest crowds and the highest accommodation prices.
Crocuses in the Chochołowska Valley and the first easy trails; higher up the snow lingers for a long time. The early-May holiday weekend is very crowded.
All trails open, festivals and longer days. Book accommodation and Kasprowy tickets in advance, and head into the mountains early.
Quieter than summer, with colourful forests and the sheep drive. In October keep an eye on the weather — snow soon appears higher up.
FAQ
Yes. The centre, Krupówki and Kościeliska Street are all walkable, the funicular up Gubałówka leaves from the centre, and city buses and minibuses run to the valleys. In season a car is more of a hindrance than a help.
2–3 days are enough for the town, Gubałówka and one easy valley. A week lets you add Kasprowy Wierch, Morskie Oko and a day at the thermal baths, with time to spare for the weather.
The Tatra Museum and its branches (including Villa Koliba and Villa Oksza), the TPN Nature Education Centre (online booking, closed on Sundays), the Makuszyński Museum for children, and the thermal baths in Zakopane, Chochołów or Szaflary.
In the Polish Tatras, only in the Chochołowska Valley. Dogs are banned on all other trails in the Tatra National Park.
Yes, there is an entry fee. Buy your ticket online or at the booths at the trailheads; the Chochołowska Valley has additional fees collected by the local forest community (Wspólnota Leśna).
By cable car from Kuźnice (with a change at Myślenickie Turnie) or on foot along the trail. It is worth buying cable car tickets online in advance, especially in the summer holidays and at weekends.
Places to stay nearby
