Visiting Zakopane from Krakow: best things to do in this mountain resort


Nestled at the foot of the Tatras, the highest part of the Carpathian mountain range, Zakopane is a small mountain town often considered the winter capital of Poland. It is a charming destination that really deserves a visit if you are going to explore the country in 2026.

Located just about 60 miles south of Krakow, Zakopane offers the full atmosphere of a traditional ski resort, a wooden architecture that is quite unique in the region and superb mountain views. It is an ideal base for hikes in the Tatras, skiing, or a wellness break in one of the many spas and thermal baths in the area. And then there is the simple pleasure of filling your lungs with fresh air right in the middle of nature!

In this in-depth guide, I will walk you through the town with plenty of tips to plan your visit to Zakopane on your own or via a guided day trip: the best transport options from Krakow (bus, train, car), a selection of restaurants to taste local specialties such as oscypek, my tips to choose your hotel and activities, from the cable car to the top of Kasprowy Wierch to the shores of Lake Morskie Oko!

Key facts about Zakopane

You are short on time and wondering whether Zakopane is for you? Here are the main things to know in 2026 before your trip: 

Key point Essential information
Location Southern Poland (Małopolska / Lesser Poland), at the foot of the Tatras, near the Slovak border.
Access from Krakow Bus: about 2h15. Train: about 2h (depending on the connection). Car: about 2h via the Zakopianka road (heavy traffic in peak season).
How long to stay? 1 day for an overview from Krakow. 2 to 3 days to enjoy hiking and thermal baths without rushing. A week if you want to explore several routes in the Tatras.
Main activities Kasprowy Wierch (scenic cable car), Lake Morskie Oko (iconic hike), Krupówki Street (busy center), hikes in Tatra National Park, skiing, spa and thermal baths.
Best season January to March for skiing. June to September for hiking. Expect big crowds during school holidays and on weekends.
Food Oscypek (smoked cheese) and hearty mountain cuisine from the Podhale region (kwaśnica, etc.).
Budget Mid-range: plan about €50 to €90 (around $55–$100 / £45–£80) per day (meals, local transport, visits), excluding accommodation. Cable cars and thermal baths can increase the total.

In short, Zakopane is the perfect base to discover the Tatras from Krakow, whether you are more into hiking, skiing or thermal baths.

View from Kasprowy Wierch in Poland
View from Kasprowy Wierch in Poland

Zakopane and the Tatras: understanding the region

Zakopane has just under 30,000 inhabitants and lies in a valley between the small mountain of Gubałówka (altitude 1,126 meters / 3,694 ft) and the main Tatra range, whose Polish peaks reach around 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). The town stands between 750 and 1,130 meters above sea level (2,460 to 3,710 ft).

The Tatras are the highest part of the Carpathians and form a natural border between Poland and Slovakia. It is the most spectacular mountain area in the country, which explains why Zakopane has become the favorite destination for Poles for skiing, hiking, ski jumping or simply fresh-air breaks in the mountains.

The area also has thermal baths, spas and a water park, which shows that the Tatras are associated with wellness just as much as with sports.

The name "Carpathians" always reminds me of the novel Dracula (which is set in Transylvania, in the Romanian Carpathians). In reality, this vast mountain chain crosses eight countries in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland.

Równia Krupowa Park in Zakopane
Równia Krupowa Park in Zakopane

How to get to Zakopane from Krakow?

Zakopane lies in southern Poland, about 100 km (around 60 miles) from Krakow. There is no airport here: most travelers reach Zakopane from Krakow by bus, train, car or on an organized tour.

Comparing transport options between Krakow and Zakopane

There are several ways to get to Zakopane from Krakow. Here is a quick overview of the main options.

Transport Average duration When to choose this option? Advantages Disadvantages
Bus About 2h15 Ideal for a day trip from Krakow Frequent, cheap, direct connection Can be very full in high season
Train About 2h to 2h30 Good if you prefer a more comfortable journey Comfortable, less affected by road traffic Less frequent departures
Car 1h45 to 2h (without traffic) Best if you want to explore the Tatras for several days Flexible, convenient for reaching trailheads Frequent traffic jams on the Zakopianka road
Organized tour Full day (8 to 10 hours) Perfect if you do not want to deal with logistics Transport included, guided visits Less flexible, fixed itinerary

In practice, apart from guided excursions which are very popular, the bus remains the most common way to travel from Krakow to Zakopane, as departures are frequent, trips are direct and prices are very affordable.

Getting to Zakopane by bus

The bus is the simplest and most widely used way to travel from Krakow to Zakopane. Buses leave from Krakow's main bus station (Krakow M.D.A.) and go directly to Zakopane in about 2h15. There are frequent departures throughout the day and buses are direct. Tickets are also very cheap (usually under €15, about $16 / £13, round trip).

You can check schedules and book your ticket on the E-Podroznik website. In low season, many travelers simply buy their ticket at the station; in winter, summer and during school holidays, it is better to book ahead of time.

Practical tip: At Krakow's bus station, a display board shows the next departures (about 15 minutes in advance) and the stand number where your bus will leave. The stand number starts either with a D or a G. The bus station has two levels and the letter simply tells you whether the bus leaves from the upper level (letter G) or the lower level (letter D – just go outside the building and take the stairs). Everything is clearly signposted with pictograms, so even if you do not speak Polish you should still find your way around!

Krakow bus station
Krakow bus station

Getting to Zakopane by train

There are train connections between Krakow ("Kraków Główny" station) and Zakopane, with journey times usually between 2h and 2h30 depending on the train. Trains are comfortable and help you avoid some of the traffic jams on the Zakopianka road. However, tickets are more expensive (often around €25, about $28 / £22, for a round trip) and trains are less frequent than buses.

You can buy tickets on E-Podroznik (trains appear in the results together with buses, with a train icon and sometimes the wording PKP). You can also buy them at the station.

A train on E-Podroznik
A train on E-Podroznik

Getting to Zakopane by car

By car, plan about 1h45 to 2h without traffic. The main road, called Zakopianka, can be very congested on weekends and during holidays.

Once you arrive, there are plenty of parking lots around the town center and near the Gubałówka funicular. A car is handy if you plan to explore the surrounding area or drive to different trailheads in the Tatras.

My opinion: for a day trip from Krakow, the bus is usually the best compromise. If you stay several days and want to explore the region more thoroughly, a car offers much more flexibility.

Guided tour or independent transport?

From Krakow, it is quite straightforward to reach Zakopane on your own. But you can also join an organized tour that includes transport and sometimes several activities in the Tatras.

A guided tour can be a good option if:

  • You want to visit Zakopane in a single day without managing logistics;
  • You would like to combine several places (Zakopane + the village of Chochołów, Lake Morskie Oko, thermal baths, etc.) without renting a car;
  • You prefer having a guide to understand the region and its history.

On the other hand, traveling independently is often better if:

  • You like traveling at your own pace;
  • You plan to go hiking in the Tatras;
  • You are staying in the area for several days.
If you choose an organized tour, several companies offer day trips from Krakow. The exact program depends on the visits included and the amount of free time in Zakopane.

Zakopane in Poland at the foot of the mountains
Zakopane in Poland at the foot of the mountains

Getting around the resort and the Tatras

The good news is that you do not necessarily need a car to visit Zakopane. The town center is quite compact and many places can be reached easily on foot.Zakopane also has a local bus network linking the center to various neighborhoods and several access points into the Tatras. These buses are especially handy for reaching some trailheads or nearby villages.

You can check timetables and a route map on the town's official website.

For some trips into the Tatras, you can also use private minibuses (often called "marszrutki"), which are very common in the region. They serve popular entrances to Tatra National Park and neighboring villages.

Of course, if you want to see a wide variety of places in a tight schedule or combine several hikes, driving is still the most flexible option. But for a visit focused on Zakopane and the best-known sights, local transport is enough.

What to do in Zakopane? Top things to see and do

The must-sees in Zakopane combine sweeping views of the Tatras, typical wooden architecture, leisurely strolls in a charming town center, and plenty of excursions and hikes in the surrounding nature. Whether you come for a day from Krakow or for a longer stay, you will have no trouble filling your time.

Head up to Kasprowy Wierch

One of the essential experiences in Zakopane is taking the cable car up to Kasprowy Wierch, one of the most famous peaks in the Polish Tatras. A cable car connects the resort directly to an altitude of nearly 2,000 meters (about 6,560 ft), offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the valley where Zakopane sits as you ascend.

Once at the top, you have several options. If you prefer a low-key visit, you can simply enjoy the scenery and go have a look at the weather observatory, perched on the summit and often described as the highest building in all of Poland.

The Polish Carpathians at Zakopane in Poland
The Polish Carpathians at Zakopane in Poland

If you enjoy walking, you can follow the trail that runs along the ridge. A fun detail: the path marks the border between Poland and Slovakia. Even outside winter, it is not unusual to see patches of snow up here, so proper footwear is important.

The cable car operates year-round but may close temporarily due to weather conditions or maintenance. You can check its operating status on the official website, along with ticket prices and opening hours.

In winter, Kasprowy Wierch is also a popular starting point for skiers: several black runs descend from the summit and attract experienced skiers and snowboarders. The ski season generally runs from January to March, with some of the best snow conditions often coming toward the end of winter.

Gubałówka: easy-access funicular and panoramic view

If you are looking for a nice viewpoint over the Tatras without a big hike, Gubałówka Hill is ideal. It is very popular with visitors and offers an open panorama over the Tatra range and the town of Zakopane.

You can reach it easily using the Gubałówka funicular, whose lower station is just a short walk from the town center. In just a few minutes, it takes you up to the top of the hill. You can check prices and opening hours for the funicular online. I also describe the ascent and views in more detail in my article about Gubałówka Hill.

View from Gubałówka Hill
View from Gubałówka Hill

The summit is very developed, with lots of restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops. The atmosphere is quite touristy - some people even nickname it "Zakopane's Disneyland" - but the view of the Tatras is still very impressive. For a meal, the restaurants Po Widoki and Jedlica are good options compared with many of the other places on top.

If you want to extend your walk, you can follow the ridge for about 2 kilometers (around 1.2 miles) to Butorowy Wierch. From there, a chairlift takes you back down to Zakopane in about 15 minutes (be sure to check in advance that it is open). You can also walk back down; in summer, a small access fee of a few zlotys may be charged since part of the path crosses private land.

At the top you will also find several attractions, including Ropes Gold Ridge, a treetop adventure park, and the famous gravity toboggan run, where you zoom down the slope in a small cart (ticket prices here). It is hugely popular with children… and with curious adults who want to give it a try!

Gubałówka toboggan (Gravitational Slide)
Gubałówka toboggan (Gravitational Slide)

The town center: Krupówki Street and local crafts

After enjoying the views of the Tatras, I recommend spending some time in Zakopane's town center. Tourism is the main activity here and you feel it at once: souvenir shops, restaurants, craft markets… everything is geared toward visitors but the overall atmosphere remains pleasant.

The heart of town is Krupówki Street, a long pedestrian cobbled street lined with cafés, restaurants and shops. It is the liveliest part of Zakopane, where you will see hikers, families and groups of friends strolling around at the end of the day.

Around Krupówki, you will find a mix of modern shops and wooden chalets housing local craft stores. They sell traditional items (hand-carved wooden objects, ceramics, sheepskins, leather coats...) as well as more classic souvenirs. This busy commercial life adds to the charm of the resort.

Craft market in Zakopane, Poland
Craft market in Zakopane, Poland
As you walk around, you will also come across several small shopping arcades and a craft market set along a mountain stream, which you cross via pretty wooden footbridges.

Craft market in Zakopane, Poland
Craft market in Zakopane, Poland
If you are looking for a well-known souvenir shop, Upominek (Krupówki 46) is one of the places visitors often mention. You will also find several sports stores, which can be useful if you need any extra gear for hiking or skiing.

Finally, you will find the main post office at the far end of Krupówki Street. It is an easy place to buy postcards and stamps. The system is very organized: a machine asks why you are visiting (for example, buying stamps), then gives you a ticket with a number for the right counter.

Architecture and heritage: discovering the Zakopane style

Zakopane has a very distinctive architectural identity known as the "Zakopane style". This movement, developed at the end of the 19th century by artist and architect Stanisław Witkiewicz, blends traditional wooden architecture from the Tatras, Art Nouveau elements and carved decorations inspired by local folklore.

You can recognize this style by its richly carved wooden façades, elaborate balconies and very steep roofs designed to withstand heavy snowfalls. You will see it on many villas, museums and churches throughout the town.

Wooden churches in Zakopane

As in much of Poland, religion plays an important role in local life and Zakopane has many churches. During your visit, you will soon notice that there are several masses every day and that locals take an active part in services.

One of the churches that is worth the trip is the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima on Krzeptówki Street, about 3 km (1.9 miles) from the town center. The current church was consecrated by Pope John Paul II during his pilgrimage to Poland in 1997. Its architecture is modern but the interior is largely made of wood, remaining faithful to local traditions.

The Fatima Sanctuary in Zakopane - Jozef Kotulič
The Fatima Sanctuary in Zakopane | Photo © Jozef Kotulič - Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0

Another remarkable building is the Jaszczurówka Chapel (Kaplica Jaszczurówka), built entirely of wood in the Zakopane style. Located about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the center, it is often included in sightseeing tours around the town.

Right in the town center, do not miss the Stary Kościół (“old church”), built in 1847 on Kościeliska Street. It is the oldest wooden church in Zakopane, also known as the Church of Our Lady of Częstochowa. When I visited, it was packed, with people singing all the way out on the front steps.

Stary Kościół in Zakopane
Stary Kościół in Zakopane

Villas and houses in Zakopane style

The Zakopane style is not limited to churches: you will see it in many villas built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These richly decorated wooden houses reflect the influence of architect Stanisław Witkiewicz and his ambition to create an architectural style specific to the Tatras.

A house in Zakopane style
A house in Zakopane style

Some of these villas are now open to the public:

  • The Museum of Zakopane Style (Willa Koliba, Kościeliska 18): housed in one of the first homes built in this style, the museum presents the work of Stanisław Witkiewicz and the evolution of local architecture. You can check opening hours and admission fees here.
  • Willa Oksza (Hr. Władysława Zamoyskiego 25): this villa is now an art gallery dedicated to Polish artists inspired by the Tatras and the Podhale region. Practical information is available on the official website.

Museums to discover local culture

If you want to better understand the history and culture of the Tatras, several museums in Zakopane are worth your time.

  • The Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrzańskie): located near Krupówki Street, it covers the region's history, the mountain culture of Podhale, local wildlife and flora, and the development of Zakopane as a tourist resort. The museum has several buildings spread across town. You can find out more on the official website.
  • Villa Atma (Kasprusie 19): this wooden house now hosts a museum dedicated to composer Karol Szymanowski, who spent long periods in Zakopane. Practical information is available on the museum's website.

The old cemetery of notable figures (Pęksowy Brzyzek)

Right next to the Stary Kościół, the old wooden church mentioned above, stands a small chapel called Kaplica Gąsieniców. It marks the entrance to a very special place: the old cemetery of Zakopane, officially named Cmentarz Zasłużonych na Pęksowym Brzyzku.

Founded in 1850, this cemetery is the resting place of many local figures who played an important role in the history of Zakopane and the Tatras region: artists, writers, mountain guides and athletes.

The site is also remarkable for its many wooden sculptures, often carved in the traditional Podhale style. You will see several representations of the "thoughtful Christ", seated and lost in thought, a figure that appears frequently in the region's religious art.

The overall atmosphere is very peaceful and intimate, in stark contrast with the lively town center nearby.

The thoughtful Christ in Zakopane's old cemetery
The thoughtful Christ in Zakopane's old cemetery
Whether you are passionate about hiking, curious about local architecture or simply looking for some mountain air, Zakopane easily fills a full day… and often makes you want to stay a bit longer.

Hiking and nature in Tatra National Park

Tatra National Park begins right at Zakopane's doorstep and is one of the most beautiful natural areas in Poland. It is home to sharp peaks and glacial lakes, all connected by wonderful hiking trails suitable for a range of levels.

It is a dream playground for walkers: for example, the AllTrails website lists more than 200 hiking routes in the park. Some can be done in just a few hours, others take you higher into the Tatras for a full day out.

Starting from Zakopane, here are some of the best-known hikes I particularly recommend:

Hike Level Round-trip duration Why go
Morskie Oko Easy to moderate 3 h 30 to 4 h Spectacular glacial lake surrounded by peaks
Mount Giewont Challenging 5 to 6 h Iconic summit overlooking Zakopane
Dolina Kościeliska Easy 2 to 3 h Beautiful valley with caves and alpine scenery

Morskie Oko: the emerald lake of the Tatras

Among the most famous natural sights in Tatra National Park, Morskie Oko is probably the most striking. This glacial lake, surrounded by steep peaks, is often said to be one of the most beautiful lakes in Poland.

The hike starts from the parking lot at Palenica Białczańska, one of the main entrances into Tatra National Park, about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Zakopane. You can get there by bus or minibus from Zakopane's bus station. From Palenica Białczańska, a wide forest road of about 8 km (5 miles) gradually leads to the lake.

You can check information about the hike or look up bus timetables from Zakopane (on this route, get off at the terminus).

Morskie Oko in Poland
Morskie Oko in Poland | Photo © Sacre Bleu - Licensed under Unsplash

Climbing Mount Giewont

For more experienced hikers, the ascent of Mount Giewont is one of the classic routes in the Tatras. This peak, reaching 1,894 meters (6,214 ft), towers above Zakopane and attracts many hikers on clear days.

The hike takes about 5 to 6 hours in total. The final part of the ascent is the most dramatic: just before the summit, a very steep section equipped with chains requires a bit of agility and can become slippery in wet weather.

On the top stands a huge steel cross 15 meters (about 49 ft) high, installed in 1901 and now one of the symbols of the Polish Tatras.

Relaxation and fun: thermal baths and unusual activities

After a day of hiking in the Tatras or skiing in winter, Zakopane and its surroundings also offer many ways to unwind. With large thermal complexes, pools with mountain views and fun activities, the region is now a very popular wellness destination in Poland.

Relaxing in the Tatras' thermal baths

The Zakopane region is famous for its thermal waters. Several complexes offer warm pools, saunas and relaxation areas with views of the mountains.

Chochołów thermal baths

The Chochołów thermal baths (Chochołowskie Termy) are among the largest spa complexes in Poland. The water, drawn from more than 3,600 meters (almost 11,800 ft) deep, feeds numerous pools heated to around 36°C (about 97°F).

The site has both adult-oriented relaxation areas (saunas, steam room, salt cave) and more playful zones with a lazy river, waterfalls and slides. Several outdoor pools also let you swim while admiring the mountain scenery.

The baths are about a 20‑minute drive from Zakopane, near the traditional village of Chochołów.

If you want to visit the baths, you can either go there on your own or book one of the tours from Krakow.

Recommended tours:

Chochołów thermal baths at night
Chochołów thermal baths at night | © Chocholowskietermy.pl

Zakopane Aqua Park

Located close to the town center, Zakopane Aqua Park is an even easier option if you want pools and wellness facilities without leaving the resort.

The complex has several pools, hot tubs, saunas and a fun zone with water slides and play areas for children. Prices are reasonable and it is very popular with families.

Unusual visits: upside-down house and ski jumping

Zakopane is more than just hikes and mountain panoramas. The town also has a few more unusual attractions, from fun family spots to iconic sites tied to the long ski tradition in the Tatras.

The upside-down house, Dom Do Góry Nogami

On Aleja 3 Maja, near the center of Zakopane, you may stumble upon a rather surprising attraction: a house built entirely upside down.

The building literally rests on its roof, while the furniture and rooms are suspended from the ceiling. The visit is short (about half an hour) but fun, especially if you are traveling with children.

You can check opening hours and prices here.

The upside-down house (Dom Do Gory Nogami) in Zakopane
The upside-down house (Dom Do Gory Nogami) in Zakopane

The Wielka Krokiew ski jump

Zakopane is also a major center for ski jumping in Poland. The resort regularly hosts international competitions on the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, the largest in the country.

Located about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the town center (on Bronisława Czecha Street), this impressive jump dominates the valley and can be visited outside competition periods. It regularly hosts World Cup ski jumping events, usually held in January and hugely popular with Polish fans.Several Polish champions are associated with Zakopane, including Kamil Stoch, double Olympic champion and one of the sport's biggest stars.

These attractions are a nice addition to a trip to Zakopane, especially if you are staying several days or visiting with children.

Where to eat and stay: my recommendations

Zakopane is also a great place for food, drawing on the mountain culture of the Podhale region. Between local specialties, traditional restaurants and cozy accommodation, you will have no trouble finding good meals and comfortable places to stay in town.

Local specialties: trying oscypek, mountain cheese

It is impossible to visit Zakopane without tasting one of the region's most iconic specialties: oscypek, a smoked cheese typical of the Tatras (roughly pronounced “oss-tsi-peck” - yes, I am fluent in Polish when it comes to cheese ^^).

Traditionally made from sheep's milk (sometimes mixed with cow's milk), it has a protected designation of origin. You can easily recognize it by its elongated shape and decorative patterns carved into the rind.

At first glance you could almost mistake it for a brioche or a small loaf of bread: the first time I saw it on the stalls in Zakopane, I did not even realize it was the famous cheese everyone had told me about!

A street stall selling oscypek in Zakopane
A street stall selling oscypek in Zakopane
Oscypek comes in various shapes and sizes: cylinders, cone-shaped pieces stuck together, small oval cheeses and even twisted “shoelace” versions. A Polish couple advised me to try the twisted ones, which are said to have a slightly more delicate flavor than the large cylinders. I did find them less heavy.

Oscypek has a smoky flavor that is somewhat reminiscent of certain Italian cheeses like provolone. It is often served warm with cranberry jam, a sweet-savory combination that is very popular in Poland.

Oscypek, Polish mountain cheese
Oscypek, Polish mountain cheese

My favorite restaurants in Zakopane

Zakopane has many restaurants where you can sample the mountain cuisine of Podhale. Between local specialties, traditional spots and more modern venues, you will easily find a good place to eat after a day in the Tatras.

To taste local cuisine

If you want to try traditional Polish dishes, I recommend Karcma Zapiecek. The restaurant serves many regional specialties in a warm setting reminiscent of a mountain inn.

When I visited, I had an excellent dish of duck with pear and beet purée. It was hearty, very tasty and surprisingly affordable!

Karcma Zapiecek restaurant in Zakopane
Karcma Zapiecek restaurant in Zakopane
I also had a great evening there chatting with some Quebecers I met on site. The wood-heavy décor reinforces the “mountain lodge” feel that really fits Zakopane.

Karcma Zapiecek restaurant in Zakopane
Karcma Zapiecek restaurant in Zakopane

Other good spots for local cuisine include:

  • Góralska Tradycja – Krupówki 29
  • Gazdowo Kuźnia – Krupówki 1
  • Bąkowo Zohylina Niźnio – Józefa Piłsudskiego 6
  • Drukarnia Smaku Cristina – plac Niepodległości 7
  • Restauracja Zakopiańska – Jagiellońska 18

International cuisine

If you feel like a break from Polish food, you will also find several more international restaurants:

  • Cristina – plac Niepodległości 7 (pizzeria)
  • Tunel – Krupówki 7 (burgers)
  • Bubuja Bistro - Wenantego Piaseckiego 1 (bistro/brasserie)

For coffee or a sweet break

For a sweet break, I recommend Samanta Cukiernia. This very popular pastry shop serves excellent cakes and also has a tearoom. It is the perfect stop for something sweet after a walk along Krupówki Street.

For brunch

Finally, if you are looking for a brunch spot, STRH Bistro Art Café (Krupówki 4a) is an excellent option.

Well, with all these suggestions, we can agree that you will probably need to spend at least one night in Zakopane if you want to try a few restaurants ;)

Where to stay in Zakopane? Hotels and spas

If you feel like spending more time in Zakopane (which I definitely recommend!), you will easily find somewhere to stay. The resort offers a wide range of options: hotels, apartments, chalets and guesthouses.Given prices in Poland, this is also a great place to book a high-end hotel with a spa. Many properties offer very comfortable facilities (pool, sauna, mountain views) at rates far more affordable than in many Alpine resorts.

My favorite

My favorite place, without a doubt, is Hotel Aries & Spa. This 5‑star hotel combines elegant décor, a beautiful wellness area and a perfect location just a short walk from Krupówki Street.

The pool is especially pleasant after a day in the Tatras. The hotel also often has special offers for Christmas or New Year, which can make for a really nice winter escape.

The cozy pool at Hotel Aries
The cozy pool at Hotel Aries | © Hotel Aries

Other good hotels in Zakopane

If you are looking for other good places to stay, you can also check:

  • Hotel Sabala, located right on Krupówki Street, Zakopane's main thoroughfare.
  • Grand Hotel Stamary, close to the train station and just a few minutes' walk from the town center, with a lovely pool.

A night in a spa hotel in the Tatras is a very pleasant experience, especially in winter when the mountains are covered in snow and you can enjoy warm water in a cozy setting.

Traveler's memo before visiting Zakopane in Poland

Still have a few questions before you head to Zakopane? Here are answers to the most common ones about planning your trip, transport, hiking and the best time to discover the Tatras.

Yes, for most travelers. If you enjoy mountain scenery, wide views, nature and thermal baths, you will naturally feel at home here. Beyond outdoor activities, the town itself is very pretty with its unique wooden architecture, local mountain culture (that of the Górale people) and many restaurants and galleries. You should, however, expect big crowds in high season, especially on the most popular trails such as Morskie Oko.

You can see the main sights of Zakopane in a single day trip from Krakow, but 2 to 3 days let you enjoy the resort more fully, add a hike such as Morskie Oko and take the time to discover the thermal baths or nearby areas. Beyond that, Zakopane becomes a very good base to explore the Tatras more widely.

It depends on what you are looking for. Winter is ideal for snow, atmosphere and winter sports; summer and early autumn are very good for hiking. Train service also varies by season, with specific timetables published for each period.

In winter, you can go up to Kasprowy Wierch, ski, enjoy the views from Gubałówka, explore Zakopane's center and treat yourself to some relaxation in the thermal baths. Zakopane also regularly hosts major winter sports events.

You have several options. The most popular is the bus, which takes about 2 hours from central Krakow. There are dozens of daily departures, run by operators such as MajerBus, MaxBus and FlixBus, often for less than €10 (about $11 / £9) per journey. There are also trains, but with fewer departures per day and a similar travel time. By car, plan about 1 h 30 from Krakow depending on traffic.

Not always, but sometimes it is. Since the line was modernized, some InterCity trains take about 2 h to 2 h 15. It is a great alternative to the bus because you avoid the frequent traffic jams on the Zakopianka road, especially at weekends. However, there are fewer departures and tickets are often more expensive.

Zakopane lies between 750 and 1,126 meters (2,460 to 3,694 ft) above sea level, making it the highest town in Poland. Kasprowy Wierch, whose summit is served by the cable car, rises to 1,987 meters (6,519 ft).

Yes, without any major difficulty. Zakopane welcomes millions of tourists each year and is very used to international visitors. English is spoken or understood in most hotels, restaurants and tourist offices. For some steps such as buying parking online for Morskie Oko or tickets for the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, the park's website is not fully translated, but a translation app is usually enough. Trail signs are in Polish, but hiking maps and apps such as AllTrails are available in English.

It is strongly recommended. Tickets can be bought in advance online at sklep.pkl.pl. Ticket offices at the station usually only sell tickets for the same day and lines can be long. Buying online helps you avoid queuing and lets you choose a time slot. The journey takes about 10 minutes with a change at Myślenickie Turnie.

Yes. Entry into Tatra National Park is not free. A daily ticket costs around €3 (about $3.25 / £2.60) at full price. You can buy it at the ticket offices at the start of the trails or online on the park's official website. Tickets for the Kasprowy Wierch cable car usually include park entry for the day.

Not always. The usual starting point is at Palenica Białczańska, and the national park now sells combined parking and transport tickets online for the Morskie Oko area. Access is therefore tightly managed and you really need to plan ahead, especially at busy times.
Horse-drawn carriage atmosphere in Zakopane, Poland
Horse-drawn carriage atmosphere in Zakopane, Poland

Final tips for visiting Zakopane

Zakopane is a destination that is very easy to include in a trip to Poland, whether for a day trip from Krakow or a longer stay in the Tatras. Between the views from Kasprowy Wierch and Gubałówka, hikes to mountain lakes such as Morskie Oko, thermal baths and the region's distinctive wooden architecture, the resort gives you a great introduction to Polish nature.

A few practical tips can make your stay even smoother. First, keep in mind that you are in a mountain region: the weather can change quickly and some trails become slippery or snowy even outside winter. Remember to check the weather before you go and pack good shoes if you are planning to hike in the Tatras.

Another useful point: even though Zakopane welcomes many foreign visitors, English is not spoken everywhere. With a bit of goodwill, some gestures and a translation app, you will still manage to get your message across without too much trouble.

Finally, take time simply to wander through town: between the carved wooden chalets, local specialties such as oscypek and the mountain views from Równia Krupowa Park, Zakopane has a very pleasant mountain-town atmosphere.

Whether you come for a day or stay several nights, the resort is a great gateway to the Tatras and an ideal nature break during a trip to Poland.

This article may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through my website with GetYourGuide, Booking, or Amazon, I may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the free content I share on this site.
Marlène Viancin

Marlène Viancin

Hello! On this blog, I share my photos, insights, and travel tips from journeys in France and around the world. I launched this blog in French in 2014 and began translating some articles into English in late 2022. I have a special passion for solo travel! In March 2023, I was blessed with my son James, and I've already begun introducing him to the joys of traveling as a solo mom with a baby.


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