Zakopane holidays

Kasprowy Wierch cable car, Zakopane, Poland

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Gateway to the Tatra Mountains

Just a stone’s throw from the Slovakian border in Poland’s southernmost region, Zakopane has that classic off-the-beaten-path feel. Sitting at the foot of the dramatic Tatra Mountains, the whole place feels distinctly alpine – think purple wildflower meadows, dense woodlands and crisp mountain air. No surprise then that hiking is a top activity here, with keen walkers tackling routes like the Five Lakes Valley or ascending Giewont, the iconic peak shaped like a sleeping knight. For gentler adventures, the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch or the funicular to Gubałówka offers sweeping views without the climb. Along the way, you might spot marmots, chamois or even brown bears and golden eagles. And don’t miss Morskie Oko – this glacial lake, surrounded by towering peaks, is one of the most wow-worthy in the Tatras.

Highlander life

Zakopane is more than just nature – it’s a window into Goral highlander culture. Scattered around town are charming villas from the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, built in the unique Zakopane Style. These wooden homes, with their steep roofs, pointed turrets and ornamental carvings, were designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz – a beloved local artist and writer – and have become a symbol of the area’s identity. Wander through the streets and you may see artisans carving wood by hand, families selling the region’s famous oscypek cheese, and locals dressed in richly embroidered costumes. Or stepping into a tavern, you might hear traditional highlander music – think lively fiddles and bagpipes. Visit during August to witness the International Festival of Highland Folklore, when the town bursts into song, dance and colour in celebration of its mountain heritage.

Savour the sights

The heart of Zakopane is Krupówki Street – a lively, pedestrianised hub where locals and visitors alike browse shop windows, grab a bite, clink beer steins, or trot along in a horse-drawn carriage. It’s also home to a bustling summer market, with stalls selling traditional Goral items like carved wooden toys, embroidered textiles, leather goods and the beloved local sheep’s cheese, oscypek. Beyond the shopping, you’ll find a handful of art galleries, museums and historic churches to explore. Or, for something more laid-back, unwind in the town’s thermal baths or zip down the slides at Zakopane’s popular aqua park.

Popular hotels in Zakopane

Top things to see and do in Zakopane

Getting about

Buses

With the town being so compact, there isn't much of a public transport system within Zakopane. However, next to the train station you'll find the PKS coach station and the Mini Bus station. From the former you can catch a connection to various destinations including Kraków, in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. The latter houses privately owned buses that operate within the town and to nearby sights like Lake Morskie Oko.

Summer lifts

There are two lifts you can take in Zakopane during the summer. The Gubalówka Funicular Railway is accessed from the town centre at the end of Krupówki. The funicular takes four minutes to reach the top of the hill (1,120m) and offers fabulous views over the town. Alternatively, the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Car is located just outside of the town in Kuznice and heads up Mount Kasprowy to an elevation of 1,987m. This lift takes approximately 10 minutes to get to the top and operates in two stages, with a station at Myślenickie Turnie (1,325m). The Kuznice station can be accessed by both public bus and taxi.

Trains

Zakopane's train station is located just outside the centre of town – an approximate 15-minute walk from Krupówki. From here, you can take a slow train to one of Kraków's more suburban stations, Plaszów, in around four hours, or for a jaunt up the road to Nowy Targ – the historical capital of the Podhale region – in just 20 minutes. Trains also depart to several other destinations across the country including Gdansk, Warsaw and Szczecin, but these are pretty extensive journeys.

On foot

At the foot of the mountains, the town of Zakopane itself is predominantly flat. This means that most of it is easily walkable, and you'll be able to get about from one side to the other in under 30 minutes. However, if you're heading up into the mountains to explore, there are many paths that are rocky and uneven (and may even be slippery) – so we'd recommend taking sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.

Walking

Zakopane is a real walker’s paradise, with trails to suit every mood and ability. Pick from gentle valley strolls to high mountain adventures, with the town a perfect base for exploring this jaw-dropping region. Well-marked routes lead straight from the centre into forests, meadows and scenic ridgelines, with cosy mountain huts and panoramic viewpoints never far away. Whether you’re after a relaxed half-day wander or a full-day trek with serious altitude, Zakopane has something in store.

Gubałówka & Butorowy Wierch Panorama Walk

If you’re after big views without a big climb, this ridge walk is a must-do. Starting right in the centre of Zakopane, take the funicular or stroll up to Gubałówka Hill, where breathtaking panoramas of the Tatras open up straight away. From here, follow the easy red-marked trail along the ridge toward Butorowy Wierch, stopping at cosy cafés and viewing terraces along the way. You can ride the chairlift or walk down via Polana Szymoszkowa, then wander back through town past charming wooden villas and the Villa Koliba museum. Around 5km long and taking 2-2.5 hours, it’s a relaxed mix of forest paths and open viewpoints.

Strążyska Valley to Sarnia Skała Loop

This is one of Zakopane’s most rewarding short hikes – a perfect mix of peaceful woodland, mountain scenery and wow-factor views. Start near the Wielka Krokiew ski jump and wander through the beautiful Strążyska Valley, following the stream to the pretty Siklawica waterfall. From there, climb up through the forest to reach Sarnia Skała, a rocky lookout with sweeping views over Zakopane and the high Tatras. Loop back via Dolina Białego and return to town. The 7km route takes about 3 hours and combines easy valley walking with a short, steeper ascent. Don’t miss the mountain hut in Strążyska for a well-earned snack or coffee.