Zakopane: a place of peace and relaxation

Tired of the concrete jungle, the hustle and bustle of the city and endless work? Do you want to relax, forget about daily chores and gain strength? The resort town of Zakopane is well suited for these purposes. What to do there, I will tell you further in the article.

Krupówki Street

This pedestrian street in Zakopane is one of the five most famous streets in Poland. It is home to a large number of predominantly Gural-style cafes and restaurants, souvenir stalls and the traditional smoked sheep cheese "osipek" served with cranberries.

It is a gathering place for dozens of street artists, musicians, performers and painters who will immerse you in the local culture.

Mount Gubałówka

This peak reaches a height of 1123 meters. You can climb the mountain on foot in about 40 minutes or use the local cable car. The cost of one ascent and descent is 35 PLN. The modern carriages of the cable car have a glass roof, through which you can see the surrounding beauty.

The main highlight of Gubalówka are the observation decks with views of the city and the mountains. On one of these platforms I advise you to make a memorable photo, and along the nearby road you can buy souvenirs.

The youngest will certainly be pleased with the attractions installed here: trampolines, rope park (from 25 PLN), mini zoo with alpacas (from 17 PLN). Adults can ride quad bikes (from 250 PLN) or have dinner in a restaurant for 100-150 PLN per person.

Lake Morskie Oko

Of course, do not miss the pearl of Zakopane — an amazing lake with an equally fascinating name — Morskie Oko. You can get to the lake by bus, which leaves from the temporary bus station at Al. 3go Maja for 15 PLN, or by car. The entrance fee to the reserve is 9 zlotys.

On the way to the lake you will see the magnificent Mickiewicz waterfall, for an additional fee (PLN 90 — up, PLN 70 — down) you can ride a horse chariot or have lunch in one of the local cafes.

After that you will be waiting for the main attraction of the reserve — the Sea Eye, which is recognized as one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and dense forests. It takes about an hour and a half to get around the lake.

If you want to stay in the embrace of nature for longer, there is a hostel "Sea Eye" near the lake, where you can spend the night, having previously booked a place.

I also advise you to visit the Valley of Five Ponds. From here you will get breathtaking views!

And the most courageous should go to the mountain Rysy, which is located next to the Sea Eye, but this activity is not for beginners — the rocks there are rapid, so you can climb there only with insurance and accompanied by an instructor.

Kasprowy Wierch

Another peak worthy of your attention is located in the Western Tatras and rises to 1987 meters.

The name of the peak comes from the Kasprowy pasture at its foot, where locals used to graze their cattle. According to references, the owner of the pasture was a mountaineer named Kasper, which is where the name of the area came from.

Kasprowy Wierch gained its popularity in the 30s of the last century, when the first cable car in Poland was opened here, which (already renewed) can still be used today. The cost of a single ascent and descent is 129 PLN.

Hiking is also popular in the area. For example, the Kondracki Pass, which offers panoramic views of the Tatras or the amazing peak of Gewont Mountain, which looks like a sleeping knight.

Termy Chochołowskie

Thermal pools are fundamentally different from ordinary pools or reservoirs. The water in them comes from deep underground and usually has a sulphurous odor and higher temperature, and the main difference is its therapeutic properties.

One of the thermal complexes is located between Vitów and Chocholów, 15 km from the center of Zakopane. There are more than 30 indoor and outdoor pools, including 8 whirlpools with a total surface area of 3000 m2. Recreational pools, Jacuzzi, indoor playgrounds, steam bath and many other facilities are open to guests.

Termy Szaflary

Another complex with thermal pools is located 17 km from the town of Zakopane. It offers four outdoor bikes. In addition, there are family recreation areas, a steam sauna, two restaurants and a hotel on the territory of the complex.

Fans of such recreation will also enjoy other thermal complexes, such as Termy Bukowina Tatrzańska, Termu Bania and Gorący Potok.

Aqua Park Zakopane

This is a recreational, sports, entertainment and therapeutic facility. Here, in addition to swimming pools, you can use bowling, bars, saunas, fitness club, salt cave.