The first time we arrived in Zakopane, we were captivated by the perfect combination of fresh mountain air, modern spa centers, well-preserved traditions, and the town’s relaxed atmosphere. Located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, this small Polish town is ideal for those looking to combine hiking and adventure with peaceful moments, local cuisine, and a touch of culture.
Regardless of the season, there are plenty of things to do in Zakopane and its surroundings: from spectacular mountain trails to thermal pools, rafting, forest walks, or simply exploring the charming town center with its unique local vibe. We’ve gathered here the most interesting activities, as well as some useful logistical info to help you plan a complete vacation in Zakopane.
How to Get to Zakopane – Distances and Transport Options
Zakopane is located in southern Poland, near the Slovakian border, making it relatively accessible for tourists coming from western and northwestern Romania. From Satu Mare, for example, the trip takes about 6 hours, making it a perfect destination for an extended weekend or an active nature getaway.
For those traveling from Bucharest or the southern part of the country, the distance is a bit greater, adding at least a day of transit to reach Poland – but with good planning, it’s definitely worth it.
Approximate distances:
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Kraków – Zakopane: ~2h (110 km, by car, bus, or train)
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Warsaw – Zakopane: ~5–6h (400 km, best by train or car)
If you’re flying, the best airport options are:
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Kraków Airport (KRK) – the closest and best connected (including low-cost flights)
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Warsaw Airport (WAW) – with good connections to the south of the country
Accommodation in Zakopane – From Traditional Guesthouses to Modern Villas
The accommodation options in Zakopane are extremely diverse: from traditional wooden cabins and guesthouses to modern hotels with wellness facilities or serviced apartments, ideal for families or groups.
One special feature is the area’s distinct architectural style, known as the “Zakopane style”, developed at the end of the 19th century by artist and architect Stanisław Witkiewicz. Solid wood houses with tall roofs and hand-carved decorations create an authentic and cozy atmosphere. Many accommodations preserve this style, offering a complete experience for those who want to feel the spirit of the Tatra Mountains even indoors.
Recommendations for Every Budget:
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Traditional guesthouses – for an authentic experience, often with breakfast included and mountain views
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Hotels with spa – for maximum comfort and access to relaxation facilities
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Cabins and apartments – ideal for groups or families
Top 15 Things to Do in Zakopane and Surroundings
1. Stroll Through Zakopane’s Center – Krupówki, the Heart of the Town
A visit to Zakopane isn’t complete without a relaxing walk along Krupówki Street, the town’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. This is where you truly feel the pulse of the resort: traditional shops, cozy cafés, local food restaurants, and artisans selling authentic souvenirs.
Here, you can taste the famous oscypek cheese for the first time, buy hand-carved wooden items, wool clothing, or local honey products. The atmosphere is always lively, and in winter, the street turns into a fairytale setting with twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine.
📸 Don’t forget to snap a few photos with the flower bridge, traditional horse-drawn carriages, and the old wooden facades.
2. Gubałówka – Mountain Beach and Family Fun in Zakopane
One of Zakopane’s most beloved attractions is the summit of Gubałówka, a nearby hill offering spectacular views of the Tatra mountain range. You can reach the top via the funicular near Krupówki Street – a quick and enjoyable ride in itself.
Once at the top, you’ll find a true “mountain beach” with lounge chairs, panoramic terraces, and plenty of fresh air. Besides relaxing, you’ll also find:
🛍️ traditional souvenir shops
🍽️ local food served in taverns
🎢 a summer toboggan run – fun for all ages
🥾 access to easy walking trails with views over Zakopane and the mountains
3. Relax at One of Zakopane’s Spa and Thermal Centers
If you’re looking to unwind and pamper yourself, the Zakopane area is renowned for its thermal spa complexes – perfect after a day of hiking or winter sports.
Some popular options include:
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Bukovina Termy – the most tourist-friendly and accessible, with plenty of pools, water slides, and relaxation zones, ideal for families
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Chocholowskie Termy – our favorite: more spacious, quieter, and with stunning views of the Tatras from the outdoor pools. Located in the traditional village of Chochołów, known for its wooden homes built in the local style
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Other alternatives: Terma Bania (in Białka Tatrzańska), Gorący Potok – great if you’re staying in the surrounding villages
These spas are open year-round, and some stay open in the evenings, offering a magical experience under the starry sky.
4. Taste Oscypek – The Traditional Smoked Cheese of the Tatra Mountains
You can’t leave Zakopane without trying the famous oscypek at least once – a culinary symbol of the region. This smoked sheep cheese, cone-shaped and with traditional patterns, has been crafted for centuries by shepherds in the Tatras.
It’s served plain or, most often, grilled and topped with cranberry or bilberry jam – a sweet-savory combo that surprises every food lover.
💡 Fun fact: Oscypek is protected at the European level with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) label.
5. Ride or Hike to Kasprowy Wierch – At 2,000 Meters Altitude
For mountain lovers, Kasprowy Wierch is one of the most spectacular destinations in Zakopane. The peak reaches 1,987 meters, but with the surrounding ridges, it truly feels like standing “on top of the world.”
You can reach it:
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By cable car from Kuźnice (very popular – book in advance)
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On foot, for a more demanding but extremely rewarding hike
Once at the top, the views over the Tatra Mountains – both Polish and Slovak – are absolutely breathtaking. You can continue along the ridge trail or simply enjoy the panorama from the mountain hut terrace.
6. Hike to Morskie Oko – The Most Beautiful Glacial Lake in the Tatras
Morskie Oko is considered the jewel of the Tatra Mountains and one of the most breathtaking hiking destinations in southern Poland. Nestled at the foot of the highest peaks, this emerald glacial lake is surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests – a picture-perfect scene.
Trail info:
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Start: parking area at Palenica Białczańska
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Distance: approx. 8 km on a paved road, easy to walk in 2–2.5 hours
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You can also take a horse-drawn carriage (part of the way), but we recommend walking for the full experience
At the destination, you’ll find a mountain hut where you can enjoy a meal or coffee with a view directly over the lake.
7. White Water Rafting on the Dunajec River – Adventure Among Cliffs
If you’re craving adrenaline in the heart of nature, try a white water rafting tour on the Dunajec River – one of the most spectacular water routes in Central Europe. The river winds through the Dunajec Gorge, flanked by sheer cliffs, dense forests, and dramatic bends.
Two options:
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Modern rafting with a boat and guide (suitable for beginners and families)
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Traditional wooden rafts (spływ tratwami), steered by locals in folk costumes – a more relaxed and cultural experience
🛶 Duration: approx. 2–3 hours
📍 Departures from the village of Sromowce Wyżne, about 1 hour from Zakopane
8. Visit the Castles Along the Dunajec River – History and Views
Near the Dunajec River lie some spectacular medieval castles – perfect for a day of cultural exploration. The most famous is:
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Niedzica Castle (Zamek Dunajec) – built in the 14th century, perched on a cliff above Lake Czorsztyn. It offers stunning panoramas and legends of knights, princesses, and even a lost Incan treasure (seriously!).
Across the lake, you can also explore the ruins of:
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Czorsztyn Castle – less known, but with equally impressive views
These visits can be combined with a boat cruise on the lake or a bike ride around it – special cycling paths are available.
9. 🏠 The Upside Down House (Dom Do Góry Nogami) – Family Fun
One of the most entertaining and most-photographed attractions in Zakopane is the Upside Down House – literally built upside down: the floor is above, the furniture hangs from the ceiling, and you walk at a slant through disorienting rooms.
A hilarious experience, perfect for:
👨👩👧👦 families with kids
📸 quirky Instagram photos
🌀 strange sensations – you’ll feel gravity going wild!
Located near Krupówki Street and open year-round.
10. Visit the Tatra National Park – Pure Nature and Mountain Trails
Zakopane is the gateway to Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy), one of the wildest and best-preserved mountain areas in Central Europe. It’s a dream destination for hikers, nature photographers, and wildlife spotters (think marmots, chamois, or eagles).
Popular trails include:
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Dolina Kościeliska
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Dolina Chochołowska
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Giewont trail (to the summit cross)
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Czarny Staw below Rysy (for experienced hikers)
🌲 A small entrance fee is paid at the park gates. The area is well-organized, with maps and info points available.
11. ⛪ Visit the UNESCO Wooden Churches of the Region
The area around Zakopane is part of the cultural heritage of the Carpathians, home to hidden treasures like the UNESCO-listed wooden churches. These are beautiful examples of traditional religious architecture, with ancient murals and a sacred atmosphere.
Highlights:
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Church in Dębno Podhalańskie – 15th-century, built almost entirely of wood, without nails. Considered one of Europe’s finest Gothic wooden churches
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Church in Lipnica Wielka – lesser-known but equally charming
📍 Accessible by car from Zakopane, within 30–60 minutes.
12. Tree Top Walk in Slovakia – A Bird’s Eye View of Nature
Just an hour’s drive from Zakopane, across the border in Slovakia, you’ll find the Bachledka Tree Top Walk – a suspended wooden path through the forest ending in a panoramic tower with sweeping views of the Tatra Mountains.
A unique experience, accessible to all ages, featuring:
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safe wooden walkways
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educational games along the route
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a giant slide for the brave
13. Sleigh / Horse-Drawn Cart Ride – A Fairytale Experience
In winter, a must-do traditional activity is a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered forests around Zakopane. Locals organize these magical tours complete with bells, warm blankets, and sometimes stops for hot tea or homemade śliwowica (plum brandy).
In warmer months, the experience becomes a scenic horse-drawn cart ride, just as charming, with views of the mountains and rustic villages.
Perfect for couples, families with children, or anyone looking for an authentic experience.
14. Admire Zakopane’s Signature Wooden Architecture – the “Zakopane Style”
Zakopane boasts a unique architectural style called the Zakopane Style, developed in the late 19th century by artist Stanisław Witkiewicz. The buildings feature hand-carved beams, steep roofs, floral motifs, and shepherd symbols.
You can admire these beautiful homes:
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strolling around town
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visiting Villa Koliba – the Zakopane Style Museum
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exploring the old town quarter
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or in Chochołów, home to many traditional guesthouses and cottages
📸 Pro tip: look out for fairytale-like houses with small windows and intricately carved wooden balconies – they make for great photo ops!
15. Taste the Local Cuisine – Simple, Rustic and Delicious
When it comes to Polish highland food, Zakopane has plenty of traditional dishes worth trying. Our favorites include:
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Grilled oscypek with jam (we’ve already mentioned it 😋)
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Kwaśnica – a sour cabbage soup with smoked pork
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Placki ziemniaczane – potato pancakes served with sour cream
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Pierogi – dumplings with various fillings: sweet cheese, meat, mushrooms, etc.
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Bigos – a hearty stew of cabbage, meat, and smoked sausage
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Sernik – traditional Polish cheesecake
Top restaurants:
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Karczma u Wnuka – one of the oldest in town
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Bąkowo Zohylina Wyżnio – a rustic, authentic atmosphere
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Góralska Tradycja – more elegant, with gourmet-style traditional dishes
Zakopane is the kind of place that surprises you every time, no matter the season. Whether you’re craving high-altitude adventure, thermal spa relaxation with mountain views, or a slice of authentic life in a traditional Polish village, you’ll find it all here in perfect balance.
For us, Zakopane has become a place we return to again and again – not just for the scenery or the activities, but for the warm and welcoming mountain atmosphere and the people who live there.
If you haven’t visited yet, we hope this article has sparked your curiosity. And if you’ve already been, maybe we’ve given you some new reasons to come back.
🎒 Time to pack – Zakopane is waiting with open gates (and open slopes in winter)!
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