So, if you’ve decided to visit the famous Polish ski resort of Zakopane in winter, but don’t ski yourself, we’ve prepared a special selection of popular tourist spots you can hike or take the cable car to, see, dine, and much more!
So, let’s start with the restaurants:
For those who enjoy meat-based Eastern European cuisine, we recommend: Gazdowo Kuźnia (Krupówki 1)
Pstrag Gorski – an incredible selection of fish dishes (several pages of the menu are dedicated to fish), as well as a large variety of original salads with trout, turkey and other delicacies. Address: Krupówki 6.
Karczma Zagroda (Krupówki 24) Generally, in Eastern Europe, exclusively Cozy establishments offer a good selection of hot alcoholic drinks in winter, all delicious, and the common room features a cozy fireplace with a crackling log fire.
And now, our suggestions for organizing leisure time in Zakopane:
1. Gubałówka
Gubałówka (Gubałówka) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Zakopane, a mountain 1126 meters above sea level, to the top of which a rail car leads, departure from this point.
Nearby is Public free parking (a rarity). The last cable car leaves the summit at 8 p.m.; this extended schedule undoubtedly makes the mountain an attractive and convenient destination.
The impression of Gubalovka is always very positive. Firstly, in winter you can always see real snowdrifts and a lot of snow here. Secondly, the mountain offers sweeping panoramas of the Tatra Mountains. It’s not uncommon for a good vantage point to be just as impressive as the views from even higher vantage points. The same is true of Gubalovka – it’s easily accessible to tourists and offers the opportunity to enjoy the most beautiful scenery. For reference: there is a skating rink with skate rentals at the summit.
2. Kasprowy Wierch: On the border of two countries
The highest point of the Polish Tatra Mountains, which can be reached both on foot and by cable car, is the peak of Kasprowy Wierch (1970 m above sea level).
Funicular trains to Kasprowy Wierch depart at 9 a.m., so be at the ticket office a little earlier to avoid long lines. As time has shown, this tactic works. As of March last year, the price of an adult round-trip ticket was 58 zlotys, and a child’s ticket was 48 zlotys.
It is here, at the southern slope of the peak, that the border between Poland and Slovakia runs.
Hiking trails lead in various directions from Kasprowy Wierch, but in winter, there are signs everywhere stating that access is prohibited (it is dangerous without climbing equipment).
3. Strążyska Valley: A Fairytale Forest
The Tatra National Park offers numerous routes for winter walks. First and foremost, the valleys. Take your pick, as they say. Here this map you can see the location of the valleys and their names. Of all the options, the least visited is through the Strążyska Valley, to the glade of the same name at the foot of the Tatra Mountains.
Parking is located at the beginning of the valley. As is typical in Zakopane, parking is paid, and access to the park from any point is also paid.
The route looks like this. Travel time to Polana Strążyska is 40 minutes there (at a very leisurely pace) and half an hour back.
The valley looks simply wonderful in winter – lush caps of snow on the fir trees, snow-white drifts, streams, and beautiful bridges. A perfect recipe for a healthy holiday and a great mood. At Strążyska Glade, you’ll be greeted by a winter fairytale landscape surrounded by mountains! And a cozy, warm café offering hot drinks and snacks.
A walk to the Strążyska glade is not tiring even in winter, suitable for families with small children.
4. Morskie Oko: A piece of sea among the mountains
Morskie Oko – very A beautiful mountain lake, the largest in the Polish Tatras, is a very popular destination nestled among the towering mountains. The one-way distance is about 8 km, and the route runs along a road, not even a trail; the route is completely free of technical difficulties, even in winter. The elevation gain is over 400 meters, but given the distance, it doesn’t feel like a significant obstacle. For those who, for whatever reason, don’t want to or can’t walk the entire way, horse-drawn sleighs or carts are available.
Morskie Oko Route
Technical details:
Start of the route: Palenica Białczańska (982 m above sea level)
End of the route: Schronisko na Morskim Okiem (1406 m above sea level)
Elevation gain: over 400 meters
Total mileage: 16.5-17 km
Travel time: to the lake – almost 3 hours; return 2 hours.
There are quite a few people along the route; even in winter, the lake attracts travelers. In winter, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes with good tread; some may need trekking poles.
The road to the lake is picturesque, especially in winter, as are many mountain valleys; The winter forest delights with its good mood and sparkling snow.
There is a cottage called Schronisko on the lake, which provides shelter to travelers and where you can buy a hot meal and drinks. Soups cost 8-10 zlotys.
5. Dolina Koscieliska (Koscielisko) is a popular tourist destination, attracting hikers even in winter. The valley boasts a clearing from which to admire the open peaks of the Tatra Mountains, and it is also known for its caves, which are accessible to tourists. Horseback riding enthusiasts can enjoy sleigh rides.
Source: alp.org.ua