Zakopane

What to do in Zakopane?

Nestled in the Tatry mountains, Poland’s largest mountain range, Zakopane is the center of Góral culture - named after “góry” or “mountains.” The people in the Tatry mountains have a long history of folk music, singing, and delicious smoked food.

If you love the outdoors and nature, then a trip to Poland requires a trip to Zakopane. You’ll also be close by after the wedding, just a quick drive away. The mountains around Zakopane are breathtaking, often with snow at the top. And as you hike through the area, be sure to stop at the many mountain lakes between Poland and Slovakia. This is one of the most peaceful places Ella and Piotr have ever been.

Today, Zakopane has become a marriage between a modern metropolis and rural góral culture. The downtown is full of ski shops and hip versions of traditional restaurants. But most places still have a band playing folk music and pouring mulled beer - a Zakopane staple. It’s the perfect place to visit if you’d like to relax in a mountain spa with bountiful pierogi, smoked goat cheese, and spiced wine.

  • Zakopane is the place to visit for anyone wanting to see raw natural beauty and appreciate a new peaceful mountainside. The Tatry mountains are much larger than the ones around our venue. And Zakopane sits in a valley among them so you can see them tower around the town.

    When here, be sure to walk to Slovakia - it always feels cool to walk into another country. Take a river cruise, it may be better than Venice. And enjoy the horse-drawn carriages to Morskie Oko, the most popular lake that is so clear it’s literally called an “eye”. Beyond Morskie Oko, the “red” and “black” mountain lakes are Ella’s favorite.

    If you love mountains but can’t hike for hours, then Zakopane is also great because there’s hanging carts to take you to the top of two summits. Kasprowy Wierch has the best view. It’s the easiest way up and perfect to get down if you have a few too many beers at the top.

  • Zakopane may be Piotr and Ella’s favorite place for Polish food. Here you will pass by traditional wooden huts where Babcias smoke goat cheese pressed into decorative shapes. The smell is fantastic. And the main street is lined with stalls selling the goat cheese, fresh jams, local pickles, and smoked sausages. The whole town smells like delicious food so it’s easy to find something great here.

    Also when you’re hiking don’t be afraid to stop into a hut or restaurant for a piwo (beer) or two. You’ll notice hiking and beer definitely go together in Poland.

  • Zakopane is very family friendly and relaxing. In addition to traditional Polish-style wooden hotels, there’s big modern ski resorts that are filled with family activities, day cares, and playgrounds. Most places also have great saunas scented with oak and pine, a popular Polish vacation feature. Overall, if you love Colorado or Switzerland, you can have a similar experience in Zakopane but with even better food.