'''Zakopane''' [http://www.zakopane.pl/] is a very popular winter resort and summer getaway town in the Tatra mountains at the southern tip of Poland.

Get in

  • By train or bus from Krakow or Warsaw
  • Through ?ysa Polana border crossing from Slovakia
  • Get around

  • '''PKS''' buses according to schedule.
  • There is a large number of privately owned vans (called '''mini bus'''). Most have fixed routes and rates, no schedule. Often there is the possibility of negotiation (route, price, time). ''Note some driver's telephone numbers if you think you may need transport later''.
  • '''Taxi'''
  • See

  • Tatra Mountains
  • Do

  • '''Ski'''
  • * Kasprowy Wierch
  • * Guba?owka
  • * Nosal
  • * Bia?ka Tatrza?ska
  • * Bukowina Tatrza?ska
  • * Butorowy Wierch
  • * Polana Szymoszkowa
  • '''Hike'''
  • '''Climb'''
  • Many of these activities aren't in the centre Zakopane itself. However, minibuses, leaving when full, depart from different points in Zakopane all day. Most minibuses leave from the front of the train station. The same system works to return hikers/skiers to Zakopane. Expect to pay about 3.50 z? each for the minibus (around 1 euro).

    Hike

    It's worth buying a map of the area if you're going hiking. They're sold by the '''tourist office (17 Kosciuszki St., telephone: 01820 12211)''', down the hill, on your left, just before getting to the bus stop and cross roads (Krupowki St. and Kosciuszki St.) in the centre of town. They'll also give suggested routes, based on the latest weather forecasts and your fitness and equipment.

    The maps are very tourist-friendly, with the "difficultly levels" for different paths marked: possibly slightly patronising for seasoned hikers. People have been seen trying to get ''prams'' up steep paths from Zakopane into the mountains. The pram symbol for the 'easy' paths is taken too literally. All the paths marked on the map are well maintained by the government. Note: you will have to pay a small entrance fee. It was 4:40 Zlotys in July 2007.

    Whichever route you plan to take, it is advised you dress warmly and bring spare waterproof clothes and water. Put the clothes in a plastic bag in your backpack, to keep them dry in case of a rain. Even midsummer it can hail for an whole day in the mountains! Remember you are already at 1000m, although it doesn't feel like it.

    Buy

  • Many shops at '''Krupowki''' promenade.
  • Eat

  • '''Oscypek''', ''local specialty'', smoked sheep's milk cheese.
  • There are many good eateries within Zakopane. Look for authentic-looking wood huts. Avoid ones with colorful lights and multi-colored lamps. Good "Bacowkas" include "B?kowo Zohylina Wy?nio and Nizino" right off of Krupowki. Chata Zbojnicka on Jagiello?ska is also good for authentic food (and experience.) You can also try the fried fish eateries anywhere in town for a quick, cheap meal. Trout is the specialty in this town.
  • Gofry. 7 zlot. Waffles with cream, ice cream, berries, fruit or whatever you want. Tasty dessert.
  • There is a cheese market every day. It's probably best to come early in the morning while the produce is still fresh, but it's fine to eat whenever it's purchased.
  • Drink

  • Club Rockus. aruskiego 5. ame building as Dom Turysty PTTK. It is nice not big club. One very good feature is that it sometimes plays rock music, so those who are bored with all usual club music may come here and try to ask the DJ to play some rock.

    Sleep

  • Villa Vita. Krupowki Street. ttp://www.zakopane-online.eu/215,villa_vita-apartment.php. The hotel is located in a historical part of Krupowki Street, 5 minuts walk from a cable-lift to Gubalowka.From the windows one may admire a beautiful view over one of the most famous promenades in Poland- Krupowki and Tatra Mountains.

  • Plenty of '''private rooms'''. Tourists coming from Warsaw by train will often find private landlords waiting for them at the station. Negotiate the price. Price per night per person 20-30 z?. More in New Year time. Less off-season. Board often available. ''Ask to be shown the location on a map. Many locations are outside Zakopane city (which may be an advantage).''
  • '''Good Bye Lenin Hostel Zakopane''' is heavily advertised, but should be avoided. There is a strong mafia presence there, and the former manager and two members of staff were recently convicted of the rape and murder of a female guest. Two other members of staff have been convicted of theft. The Hostel is still open, but its future remains uncertain. Zakopane is generally a safe place to stay, but this hostel is not recommended.''
  • Dom Turysty. ttp://www.domturysty.z-ne.pl/. The Dom Turysty advertises that it has the largest wooden roof in the country. Very cheap room rates in the center of the city for backpackers.

    Get out

  • '''Murowaniec''' hostel in '''G?sienicowa''' valley
  • '''Morskie Oko''' valley
  • '''Kasprowy Wierch''' (''mountain''), 1985 metres. Tatra view point. Restaurant. Skiing area. Cable railway runs from '''Ku?nice'''. (''get in on foot, or by local bus'').
  • '''Mount Rysy''' 2499 metres 4 hour hike from Morskie Oko valley