Planning a trip to the Polish mountains and wondering what to see in Zakopane? The capital of the Tatra Mountains is a place that offers much more than just Krupówki and Gubałówka! From picturesque mountain trails to charming valleys and authentic highlander vibes, Zakopane delights at any time of the year. In this guide you will find the most interesting attractions, hidden gems and practical tips on how best to visit this unique corner of Poland.

Krupówki - the heart of Zakopane

No trip to Zakopane would be complete without a stroll through the famous Krupówki promenade. This main shopping street of the town is bustling with life at any time of the day or year. Here you will find hundreds of shops selling souvenirs, oscypek, regional products, restaurants serving kwaśnica and moskole, bacówka with live highlander music and plenty of stalls selling local delicacies.

What is worth doing: Taste fresh oscypek straight from the grill, buy a souvenir kierpce or ciupaga, listen to live highlander music. In the evening, Krupówki acquire a magical atmosphere - lights, crowds of tourists, the smell of grilled cheese and traditional dishes create a unique atmosphere.

Tip: Krupówki is always crowded, especially at weekends and during the winter season. Come in the morning or late evening if you prefer a quieter tour.

Gubałówka - a classic with a panoramic view

Gubałówka (1126 m). is the most popular viewpoint in Zakopane, accessible to everyone regardless of their fitness. The summit can be reached by cable car (10 minutes) or hiked by trail (about an hour). From the top, you can see breathtaking view of the Tatra Mountains - Giewont, Kasprowy Wierch, Czerwone Wierchy and the entire Tatra massif.

What you will find there: Food outlets, souvenir stalls, children's playgrounds, a toboggan run in summer and winter, walking paths along the ridge. In the winter season, Gubałówka is also a ski resort with several ski lifts.

Curiosity: From Gubałówka, the red trail leads to Butorowy Wierch - an easy route with even better views, ideal for an afternoon stroll.

Dolina Kościeliska - the most beautiful valley in the Tatras

If you are looking for peace and communing with nature, Koscieliska Valley is a must-see. It is the longest (almost 10 km) and one of the most beautiful valleys in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The trail leads along a scenic, gentle route among forests, glades and streams - ideal for families with children.

The valley's main attractions:

• Frost Cave and Misty Cave - open to tourists, with a guide (worth booking in advance)
• Pisana Glade - a charming place with a shepherd's hut where you can relax
• Smreczynski Pond - picturesque mountain lake at the end of the valley

Route length: To Ornak (the turning point for most tourists) - about 3-4 hours round trip. An easy route, accessible even to beginners.

Access: You can get from Zakopane to the entrance to the valley (Kiry) by PKS bus or by by car (paid parking). Renting car at Slawa Rentyou have full flexibility - You can set off at any time and stop anywhere along the way.

Morskie Oko - the pearl of the Tatras

Morskie Oko to największe i najbardziej rozpoznawalne jezioro w polskich Tatrach, położone na wysokości 1395 m n.p.m. Jego turkusowa woda otoczona stromymi szczytami (Rysy – najwyższy szczyt Polski!) tworzy jeden z najpiękniejszych widoków w kraju.

How to get there: From the car park in Palenica Białczańska (9 km from the lake), there is an asphalt road accessible only for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages. The walk takes approximately 2 hours one way. Horse-drawn carriages can also be hired (chargeable, about £50-80 round trip).

What to know: The route is easy and pleasant, although quite long. There is a PTTK (Polish Tourist Country-Lovers' Association) chalet by the lake, where you can rest and eat traditional food. For the more ambitious - the trail continues to the Black Pond below Rysy (extra hour, more difficult route).

Access from Zakopane: Approximately 30 km (45 minutes' drive). There is a charge for parking in Palenica (approximately PLN 25-40). With a hired car from Slawa Rent get there comfortably and at your own pacewithout stressing about bus connections.

Kasprowy Wierch - to the summit by train

Kasprowy Wierch (1987 m). is one of the most popular peaks in the Tatras, accessible by cable car. From the top, you can see 360-degree panorama - Polish and Slovak Tatra Mountains, and on clear days you can even see Babia Góra!

Cable car: Departure from Kuźnice (a district of Zakopane). The journey takes about 20 minutes, there is an intermediate station at Myslenice Turki on the way. Tickets: approximately PLN 84 round trip (prices are subject to change, online booking recommended).

What's on top: Viewpoints, restaurant, meteorological museum. In winter, Kasprowy is a skiers' paradise - difficult, demanding routes with a long season (often until May!).

For the active: From Kasprowy, you can take trails to other peaks (requires mountain experience) or go down to the Gąsienicowa Valley - a beautiful, if challenging route.

Chocholowska Valley - the longest and widest

Chocholowska Valley is a paradise for cyclists and walkers. It is the longest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains (almost 10 km), with a gentle, wide trail ideal for family trips. It can be walk or ride a bike (rentals at the entrance).

Main attractions:

• Chocholowska glade - the largest mountain pasture in the Tatras, with a shepherd's hut and beautiful views
• Siklawica Waterfall - the highest waterfall in the Polish Tatra Mountains (70 m), at the end of the valley
• Traditional shepherd's huts serving oscypek and żentyce

Route length: To Polana Chochołowska - about 2 hours on foot (or 40 minutes by bike). To the waterfall - an additional 1.5 hours.

Access: From Zakopane to the entrance to the valley (Siwa Polana) - about 15 km. Hired samochód zapewni Ci komfort i możliwość zabrania rowerów – idealne connection!

Wielka Krokiew - national ski jumping hill

A must for winter sports enthusiasts is the Grand Rafter - the famous ski jumping hill which regularly hosts World Cup competitions. You can climb to the top of the hill (lift or stairs) and enjoy the breathtaking view the jumpers have before jumping!

What it's worth: Ski Jumping Museum at the foot of the hill, view of Zakopane and the Tatras from the threshold, possibility to take the cable car down.

Location: Zakopane-Kościelisko district, easy access by car (parking available).

Tatra cemeteries - history and tribute to heroes

Old Cemetery on Pęksowy Brzyzku is a place full of history and extraordinary atmosphere. Eminent mountaineers, artists, mountaineers and victims of the mountains rest here. It is worth strolling among the historical tombstones, admiring the sculptures and architecture.

Cemetery of the Deserved on Pęksowy Brzyzku - right next door, the burial place of the most important figures connected with Zakopane and the Tatras.

Why it's worth it: A peaceful, contemplative place with a beautiful view of Giewont. Ideal for a moment of reflection after an active day.

Villa district - Zakopane architecture

A walk through villa district is a journey back in time to the Belle Époque of Zakopane. Kasprusie, Chałubińskiego or Kościuszki streets are full of beautiful wooden villas in the Zakopane style - with characteristic carved ornaments, sloping roofs and a regional atmosphere.

A must-see:

• Koliba Villa - the most famous villa designed by Stanislaw Witkiewicz
• Chapel of the Holy Family on Jaszczurówka - wooden church from 1908
• Tatra Museum - learn about the history of the region, highland culture and nature of the Tatras

Thermal baths and aqua parks - relaxing after the mountains

After an active day in the mountains, nothing regenerates as well as a hot thermal pools. Zakopane and the surrounding area offer some excellent options:

Terma Bania - modern complex with thermal pools, saunas, slides, with a view of the Tatra mountains Aqua Park Zakopane - swimming pools, slides, wellness area Chocholow Thermal Baths (15 km from Zakopane) - the largest thermal complex in the region, 30 pools!

Tip: Book your tickets online in advance - they can be full in high season!

What's the best way to visit Zakopane? Rent a car at Slawa Rent!

Zakopane and its surroundings is a region that is best explored with own car. Why?

Full flexibility

You leave when you want, return when you want. No waiting for buses or adjusting to schedules.

Access to hidden places

Many attractions (Chochołowska Valley, Morskie Oko, Kościeliska Valley) require access by car. Public transport is limited and inconvenient.

Comfort with luggage and equipment

Backpacks, trekking poles, skis, bicycles - everything fits in your rental car. You don't have to lug your equipment on buses.

Saving time

Access from Wadowice to Zakopane is only approx. hours driving (50 km). Z Krakow - approximately 1.5 hours (100 km).

Ideal for families and groups

Rent a spacious SUV (Peugeot 3008 from £180/day) or a bus 9-person room (from £200/day) - you will all travel together, comfortably and safely.

What does Slawa Rent offer?

✓ Wide range of vehicles - from the urban Skoda Fabia to spacious vans ✓ Modern, efficient fleet - all cars regularly serviced ✓ Flexible deadlines - rental from 1 day to several months ✓ Delivery to address - we can bring the car to Wadowice, Krakow or the surrounding area ✓. 24/7 support - if you have any problems we can always help you ✓ Competitive prices - no hidden costs

Book a car before a weekend in Zakopane and discover the beauty of the Tatras at your own pace!

Practical tips for a trip to Zakopane

When to go?

• Summer (June-August): Ideal for hiking, cycling, long days
• Winter (December-March): Skiing season, thermal baths, winter sports
• Spring/Autumn: Fewer tourists, beautiful colours, lower prices

What to take?

Comfortable trekking shoes, rain jacket (even in summer!), water, snacks, sunscreen, trail map or app (e.g. Traseo).

Tickets and fees

Admission to the Tatra National Park - about 6-10 PLN (tickets at the entrances to the trails). Railways, car parks, caves - payable separately.

Security

The Tatras are real mountains! Even easy trails require preparation. Check the weather forecast, inform someone of your plans, don't overestimate your strength.

Summary

Zakopane is a place that offers countless attractions - from the iconic views from Gubałówka and Kasprowy Wierch, through picturesque valleys (Kościeliska, Chochołowska), to the iconic Morskie Oko. Here, highland tradition meets modern tourist infrastructure, creating a unique place for active leisure at any time of the year.

To make the most of the region's potential, hire a samochód w Slawa Rent! Z Wadowic do Zakopanego is just an hour's drive, with complete flexibility, comfort and no stress about communication. Choose the right vehicle from our fleet and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the Tatras!

Slawa Rent - your gateway to the Tatras!

Book your car today and discover the beauty of the Polish mountains!