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Zakopane tours vanuit Krakau

Zakopane | Wellness Escapes, Highlander Culture, & Winter Adventures

Known as the ‘Winter Capital of Poland’, Zakopane offers a wide range of adrenaline-inducing and relaxing recreational experiences. You can enjoy leisurely walks or hike up challenging but well-marked trails during summer, or try skiing or snowboarding during the winter. After a day of outdoor activities, you can relax in its hot thermal bath pools or walk along its streets to explore its heritage. Read on to know more about the city, its other attractions, and how to book Zakopane tours.

Why Visit Zakopane?

Why Visit Zakopane?
  • Rich Cultural Heritage: At Zakopane, you can immerse yourself in traditional folk performances, try local Highlander cuisine, and learn about the region's heritage at museums and cultural events.
  • Winter Wonderland: In the winter, Zakopane turns into a winter wonderland with snow-covered landscapes, making it a perfect destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports activities. You can also try mountain biking, rock climbing, paragliding, and other adrenaline-inducing activities. 
  • Hiking Trails: Zakopane is a haven for hikers and trekkers, with an extensive network of well-marked trails catering to all levels of fitness. Look out for the gorgeous scenic views of the surrounding Tatra mountains as you trek up your trail. 
  • Scenic Views: Zakopane is located in the stunning Tatra Mountains, offering breathtaking views of majestic peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. The natural beauty of the region is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Delicious Cuisine: The vibrant Krupowki Street is the heart of Zakopane, lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, and stalls selling traditional Polish dishes, highlander crafts, and souvenirs.

Zakopane Highlights

Chocholow thermal baths
Gubalowka in Zakopane

Gubalowka

If you enjoy skiing and snowboarding, Gubalowka is a must-visit destination. In the summer, the area is ideal for hiking and trekking, with well-marked trails that lead through the scenic landscapes of the Tatra Mountains. The funicular ride up the hill is a picturesque journey in itself. 

Krupowki in Zakopane

Krupowki

Krupowki is one of the most famous and bustling streets in the charming mountains of Zakopane, a curious mix of Highlander culture and modern amenities, attracting tourists and locals alike. Look out for the distinctive wooden architectural details and regional cheeses sold along its streets.

Bukovina Thermal Baths

Bukovina Thermal Baths

Bukovina thermal baths is a popular spa complex located amidst the Tatra mountains, offering a series of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and spa treatments. They are maintained at different temperatures to make sure that this experience is available throughout the seasons. 

Museum Oscypka in Zakopane

Museum Oscypka

The Museum Oscypka, as its name suggests, is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the process of making Highlander cheese. Oscypka is a distinctive smoked sheep’s milk cheese. You can enjoy the live demonstration of their intricate cheese-making process and also sample this unique cheese. 

Upside Down House in Zakopane

Upside Down House

The Upside Down House in Zakopane is designed to appear as if it's flipped upside down, offering you a surreal experience. The exterior of the house, including the roof, windows, and doors, is constructed to look as if it is hanging from the sky, while the interior is carefully furnished to complete the illusion.

Morskie Oko in Zakopane

Morskie Oko

Morskie Oko, which means ‘Eye of the Sea’ is a beautiful glacial lake in the Tatra mountains. Make sure to follow the hiking trail that begins from the village of Palenica Bialczanska. You can enjoy Highlander cuisine at the chalets along the trail. You can also ride the wooden rowboats, called ‘Gondolas’ across the lake. 

Koscielisko in Zakopane

Koscielisko

At Koscielisko, you can enjoy Polish vodka with their signature Highlander Cheese. Their process of making vodka involves time-honored techniques and locally sourced ingredients, giving it a unique flavor that sets it apart. Highlander cheese, also known as Oscypek, is made predominantly from the milk of mountain sheep.

Zdiar Village in Slovakia

Zdiar Village

Zdiar, located in northern Slovakia, is renowned for its traditional wooden architecture. It is near the entrance of the Belianska Cave and is surrounded by numerous hiking trails, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Zdiar’s Folk Architecture Museum provides visitors an insight into the way of life and building techniques of the local Highlanders. 

Wielka Krokiew in Zakopane

Wielka Krokiew

Wielka Krokiew is a renowned skiing hill in Zakopane, renowned for its rich history of hosting ski jumping competitions.  The hill has a unique architectural build, with a large, steep-in-run tower and a slender landing slope. It is an important landmark in the global ski circuit and shows the town’s strong connection to winter sports. 

Plan Your Visit to Zakopane

Best Time to Visit
Visitor Tips
Eat
Stay
When to Visit Zakopane?

Each season in Zakopane offers its unique charm and activities. Depending on the kind of recreational activities you want to enjoy, you can choose when to visit the city. 

  • Summer (June to August): Hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, nature walks, sightseeing, outdoor festivals
  • Autumn (September to November): Hiking and walks along nature trails, rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking
  • Winter (December to February): Skiing, snowboarding, paragliding, funicular cable rides
Tips to Note When Visiting Zakopane
  • Dress accordingly: Zakopane's weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains. Bring layers of clothing, including warm jackets, hats, and gloves in the colder months, and comfortable clothing for outdoor activities in the summer.
  • Choose comfortable footwear: Since Zakopane is a popular destination for hiking and outdoor activities, comfortable and sturdy footwear is essential. Whether you're exploring the town or hiking in the mountains, comfortable shoes will make your experience much more enjoyable.
  • Be mindful of the altitude: Some parts of Zakopane are located at higher altitudes, which can cause breathing problems for some people. If you're not accustomed to higher elevations, take it easy and allow yourself time to acclimatize.
  • Respect Nature: When visiting Zakopane, make sure to respect its environment and wildlife. Follow designated trails, avoid littering, and refrain from feeding or approaching wild animals.
  • Embrace the local culture: Take the time to learn about the local customs, traditions, and folklore. Attend traditional performances, try Highlander cuisine, and appreciate the unique culture of the region.
Where to Eat Near Zakopane?
  • Drukarnia Smaku Cristina: They serve a wide variety of Polish, European, and American dishes, with a specially curated selection of vegetarian plates. Try their crayfish soup, beef tartare, duck lever, ribeye steak with bearnaise sauce, goat cheese salad, and more. 
  • U Wnuka: The oldest restaurant in Zakopane, U Wnuka, specializes in Central European and Polish cuisine. It is quite close to the center of Zakopane on Krupowki Street. 
  • Bakowo Zohylina Wyznio: This restaurant is known for its traditional setting, live music, and Polish dishes, prepared with time-honored techniques. You can also find vegetarian options. 
  • Casa Mia: If you want to taste European and Polish dishes that taste as good as they look, head to Casa Mia. You can also find vegan, vegetarian-friendly, and gluten-free options in this establishment. 
  • Karczma Sabala: Enjoy the live music and try their traditional Highlander cheese for starters and the Sabala cutlet for your mains. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Zakopane

How much is a ticket to tour Zakopane?

Zakopane tour tickets including Bukovika thermal pools, hotel transfers from Krakow, and a host of cultural experiences cost around PLN 356.11, with a 10% discount, if you book them online. A day trip to Morskie Oko Lake costs around PLN 788. You can either hike or ride a cable car to the top. 

How do I book tickets to Zakopane?

The best way to book Zakopane tour tickets is to get them online. You can book tickets online comfortably with just a click. You can also take advantage of the discounts. If you purchase Zakopane Bukovina thermal pool tickets online, you can save almost 10%, as compared to the normal prices. 

Why should I book Zakopane tickets online?

Booking Zakopane tour tickets online saves time and money. Online ticket bookings ensure that your spot is reserved upon payment confirmation. No matter the crowd on the day of your visit, you will be able to enjoy the attraction. 

What do Zakopane tickets include?

Zakopane tour tickets, including round-trip hotel transfers from Krakow, a 2.5-hour stay at the Bukovina thermal pools, Highlander cheese and regional vodka tasting, visit to Krupowki Street, and Gubalowka funicular rides, cost around PLN 356.11. A day trip to Morskie Oko Lake and the Slovakia treetop, including hotel transfers from Krakow, an English-speaking driver, and a cable car to Treetop, costs around PLN 788. 

Are discounts available on Zakopane tickets?

Yes, if you book tickets to the Bukovina thermal pools online, you can save up to 10%. These tickets, include regional cheese and vodka tasting, hot thermal baths, Gubalowka funicular cable rides, and visits to Krupowki Street, and cost around PLN 356.11. 

What is the cancellation policy for Zakopane tickets?

If you have booked tickets to the Bukovina thermal pools or to the Morskie Oko Lake online, you can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund on your purchase.