Guide to Zakopane
Zakopane is located in the southern tip of Poland near the border with Slovakia. It extends at the foot of the Polish part of the Tatras and under the mountain Gubalówka. The town itself is located at an altitude of 850 m above sea level. Zakopane is a very popular winter resort. Thus, the number of tourists annually exceeds the number of permanent residents, which is 30,000, a hundred times. Due to its popularity, Zakopane is nicknamed the "winter capital of Poland".
Accommodation in Zakopane
In Zakopane we offer private accommodation (apartments), pensions and hotels. Compared to other mountain resorts in Austria, Switzerland or France, the prices for accommodation in Zakopane are very favorable. Fortunately, however, low prices do not detract from the quality of local hotels. Apartment residences built around the main Krupówki square boast traditional architecture. The style of the local wooden huts was created by Stanislav Ignacy Witkiewicz (Witkacy). You can enjoy traditional style accommodation in the Domki pod Gubalówka and Stara Chata cottages. For those looking for luxury accommodation, we can offer Bachleda Residence Zakopane or Hotel Rysy. The cheapest accommodation in Zakopane is offered by Hotel Helios, Hotel Górski Kalatówki, Hotel Wersal or Hotel Gromada Zakopane.
History of Zakopane
The first mention of Zakopane comes from the 17th century, when there was a village (Zakopisko) with 43 inhabitants. Two centuries later, the first tourists began to flock to Zakopane. The reason for their visit was healing stays in the climatic spa. Zakopane became a very popular destination for Polish intelligentsia and artists in the second half of the 19th century. They liked not only the local mountains, but especially the original folk culture, including the local architecture. Famous artists who liked the city included Karel Szymanowski (composer and pianist) or Jan Kasprowicz (poet). The Tatranský spolek was founded to preserve these values. The development of tourism was supported by the opening of the railway line connecting Zakopane with Krakow. During World War II, representatives of the Gestapo and representatives of the Soviet NKVD met here to agree on a course of action to suppress the Polish resistance. In 1954, the Tatra National Park was established here, which has the task of protecting this area.
Transportation to Zakopane
The nearest airport is in Poprad, about 70 km away.
Weather in Zakopane
The climate in Zakopane reflects its mountain location. The average annual temperature is only 5 °C. The most pleasant temperatures here are during the autumn months. On the other hand, the months of November to March wish skiers their share of snow. A characteristic feature of this destination is a strong wind, a warm wind that blows from autumn to spring.
Activities in Zakopane
Most tourists come to Zakopane mainly because of the number of sports activities. All winter sports are the most popular here. After all, Zakopane has hosted several world championships in Nordic skiing. The Ski Jumping World Cup is held here every year. The best conditions for downhill skiing can be found at Kasprowé Wierch or Mount Gubalówka. Lovers of mountain bikes, paragliding or hikers will also find something to do here.
Monuments in Zakopane
Zakopane will delight you with its traditional Goral culture, which also includes local architecture. Stroll around Krupówki Square, which forms the center of the city, and taste the local specialty "Oscypek", smoked sheep's cheese. Zakopane and the surrounding mountain scenery were used in the film Man of Marble (Czlowiek z Marmuru) directed by Andrzej Wajdy or the Bollywood film Fanaa.
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