Attractions
Zakopane
Zakopane, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, is one of the most popular resorts in Poland. The history of the city dates back to the 17th century, and its name comes from the old Polish word "zakopane", meaning a clearing. As early as the 18th century, it attracted prospectors for gold, silver and copper, and in the 19th century it gained fame as a health resort and a place of inspiration for artists.
Today, Zakopane is a vibrant resort, visited by around 2.5 million tourists each year. It offers a wide range of accommodation, numerous attractions and a unique atmosphere. In winter, it attracts ski and snowboard enthusiasts, and in summer, it delights with mountain and climbing routes. The city also has plenty of culture - theatres, museums, folk music concerts and atmospheric cafes and restaurants await visitors at any time of year.
Krupówki
Krupówki is the most famous and most representative street in Zakopane, around which the cultural and social life of the city is concentrated. Initially, it served as a route connecting the steelworks with the church, but around 1870 it began to take on the character of a city street. Over the years, it has undergone numerous modernizations, and its major renovation took place in the 1990s. Today, Krupówki is still changing, combining historical charm with modernity.
The 1,100-meter-long promenade stretches through the very center of the city, leading all the way to Gubałówka. On both sides of it, there are atmospheric cafes, restaurants serving regional delicacies, pubs, bookstores and boutiques with branded clothing. There is also no shortage of stalls where highlanders offer local specialties such as oscypek, bundz or bryndza. A characteristic element of Krupówki is its constant movement and bustle - it is a place that never sleeps and attracts tourists at any time of the year.
Gubałówka
Gubałówka is one of the most frequently visited places in Zakopane, offering a stunning panorama of the city and the Tatras. It rises to a height of 1,126 m above sea level on the north-western side of the city, and its summit can be reached in two ways - by a modern funicular railway, modernized in 2001, or on foot, choosing a safe, approximately 40-minute route.
On Gubałówka there is a popular ski resort with trails on Polana Gubałówka, a snow park and a snowboard chute. In winter, there are numerous ski lifts, and throughout the year you can enjoy many attractions, such as a gravity slide, a rope park, a go-kart track and playgrounds for children. There is also no shortage of restaurants and souvenir shops where you can try local delicacies and buy regional products.
Kasprowy Wierch
Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m above sea level) is one of the most famous and valued peaks in the Western Tatras. It can be reached both by picturesque hiking trails and by a modern cable railway, which offers unforgettable views during the journey itself.
The peak is a popular destination for both mountain hiking enthusiasts and skiers. There are two unique ski trails on Kasprowy Wierch - in the Gąsienicowy and Goryczkowy Kocioł, which attract enthusiasts of winter madness. In the summer, on the other hand, you can set off on hiking trails from here, including the green one leading through Myślenickie Turnie, the yellow one from "Murowaniec" to Sucha Przełęcz or the red one towards Orla Perć and the Kościeliska Valley.
The name of the peak comes from Hala Kasprowa, the name of which - according to legend - comes from the highlander Kaspr, the former owner of these areas. Kasprowy Wierch is also a unique place in terms of nature – you can find rare plant species here, such as the Tatra meadow-grass, alpine bentgrass or the three-scale rush.
Giewont
Giewont (1894 m a.s.l.) is one of the most recognizable peaks in the Western Tatras, majestically towering over Zakopane. It is a popular destination for hikers, attracting both lovers of mountain views and those who wish to experience the unique atmosphere of this iconic place. From its summit, there is a breathtaking panorama of the Tatra Mountains and the Podhale region.
There are three popular trails leading to Giewont:
- Blue trail – from Kuźnice through Kalatówki, the Kondratowa Valley, and Kondracka Pass
- Red trail – from the Strążyska Valley via Polana Strążyska, the Pass at Grzybowiec, and Wyżnia Kondracka Pass
- Yellow trail – from Gronik through the Mała Łąka Valley to Kondracka Pass, where it connects with the blue trail
The first mentions of Giewont date back to the 16th century and refer to a copper mine that once operated there. The origin of the mountain’s name remains uncertain—some researchers link it to the German word Gewand (a group of rocks), while others point to local legends about a Highlander family named Giewont.
Giewont has long been shrouded in legend. According to folklore, its silhouette resembles a sleeping knight, who is said to awaken in Poland’s time of greatest need. Another symbolic feature is the 15-meter cross at the summit, erected in 1901 by the people of Zakopane to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of Christ’s birth.
Dolina Chochołowska
The Chochołowska Valley is the largest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains and one of the most beautiful and most frequently visited by tourists. Its picturesque landscape is distinguished by diverse rock formations, rich plant life, and numerous trails leading to some of the most fascinating places in the Western Tatras. The highest peak in the area is Bystra (2248 m a.s.l.), and nearby Błyszcz (2159 m a.s.l.) offers another spectacular viewpoint.
The trail begins along a scenic stream flowing between steep rock walls and impressive cliffs. It then leads through wide clearings and meadows, where you can encounter rare, protected plant species such as Kotula’s monkshood, dioecious sedge, and blue Jacob’s ladder. A distinctive feature of the valley is its many caves, some of which are open to visitors.
The Chochołowska Valley is a perfect destination for both beginner hikers and seasoned trekkers. The trail is gentle and enjoyable, making it an ideal choice for family outings and peaceful relaxation surrounded by Tatra nature.
Rysy
Rysy is a mountain range in the High Tatras, located on the Polish-Slovak border. Its highest peak, located on the Slovak side, reaches 2,503 m above sea level, while the highest point on the Polish side measures 2,499 m above sea level. This region is distinguished by its unique flora, especially alpine vegetation, as well as the presence of protected animal species such as the chamois and marmot.
Rysy is one of the most frequently visited peaks in the Tatras, attracting tourists with picturesque trails. The route leading from the Polish side is well secured with chains, but requires good physical condition and appropriate preparation. The first documented ascent of the peak in summer took place on July 20, 1840 - it was made by Eduard Blásy with a guide Ján Ruman Driečny Starszy. The first winter ascent of Rysy is attributed to Theodor Wundt and guide Jakob Horvay, who reached the peak on April 10, 1884.
Dolina Pięciu Stawów
It is the most extensive of the Polish high-mountain valleys. It stretches for 4 km and is surrounded by high mountain peaks, which enhance its beauty and give it an Alpine character. The charm is added by wide meadows, picturesque waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes and the impressive Orla Perć range. The characteristic high-mountain climate means that during the hike you can admire unique plant specimens, such as the Alpine edelweiss, and with a bit of luck you can observe chamois, deer or lynx.
The name of the valley comes from five ponds: Przednie, Małe, Wielkie (with an area of 31.4 ha and a depth of 79.3 m), Czarne and Zadni. The Five Ponds Valley is located at an altitude of over 1665 m above sea level, and a picturesque trail leading to interesting peaks runs through its area. In addition to the paths leading from other tourist routes, you can reach the valley by the green trail that leads from Palenica Białczańska through the Mickiewicz Waterfall and the Roztoka Valley.
Morskie Oko
It is the largest lake in the Tatras. The reservoir is of glacial origin and is the filling of a rock bowl carved out by glaciers. Its surface area is 39.93 ha, it is 862 m long and 568 m wide. At its deepest point it reaches about 51 m. There is a path around the lake, and its shores are overgrown with dwarf pine.
The name of the lake is a translation of the original German name given by settlers from Spisz - Meerauge (Meer - sea, Auge - eye). Earlier sources (around 1650) give other names, such as Biały Staw and Rybi Staw, derived from the trout living there. Morskie Oko attracts tourists due to its easy access and picturesque landscapes. There is also a shelter built in the 19th century.
