It is no wonder that Zakopane has captivated poets, painters, and other artists for centuries. Its picturesque location, fairy-tale views, and monumental Tatra Mountains are simply irreplaceable. Does Zakopane still take your breath away, and is it worth visiting?

Zakopane – the capital of the Tatra Mountains

Zakopane owes its popularity mainly to its location at the foot of the Tatra Mountains. The views of the rugged cliffs are breathtaking at any time of the year. Many prominent figures, such as Kasprowicz, Witkiewicz, Przerwa-Tetmajer, and Hasior, fell in love with them – and these are just a few of the well-known creators particularly associated with Podhale. The artistic dimension of the town has translated not only into its artistic heritage but also into places that are worth seeing in Zakopane today. Upon entering Podhale, the characteristic Zakopane architectural style, initiated by Stanisław Witkiewicz, is immediately visible.

Sabała – the symbol of Zakopane and the highlanders of Podhale

Jan Krzeptowski-Sabała was a famous highlander storyteller, musician, guide, and hunter. Witkiewicz himself gave him the nickname "Homer of the Tatras," being one of many artists who eagerly listened to Sabała's tales and songs. Interestingly, the cottage where the most famous highlander of Podhale was born and raised still exists today. It currently operates as a private museum run by the descendants of Jan Krzeptowski. Sabała's hut is located in Krzeptówki and is definitely worth a visit. The highlanders have also not forgotten about Sabała, and they placed his monument at the foot of the bust of Chałubiński (at the corner of Chałubiński and Zamoyski Streets in Zakopane).

Krupówki – the tourist symbol of Zakopane

Is there anyone who doesn't know what Krupówki are? Today it is difficult to assess whether this is good or bad. Especially during the season, Krupówki are horrendously crowded, and taking a stroll here no longer brings much pleasure. However, that doesn't change the fact that when in Zakopane, you must come here. It is not only the tourist symbol of the city but also a place full of dining and shopping spots. The Tatra Museum is also located on Krupówki, along with many commercial exhibitions and attractions.

The Cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek

The Zakopane cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek is one of the more famous Polish necropolises. It should be noted that the place has historical status, and the decision on who can be buried here rests with the heritage conservator. The cemetery owes its fame primarily to the well-known figures who found their final resting place here. There are about 500 graves at Pęksowy Brzyzek, half of which are the burial sites of notable individuals (including Kornel Makuszyński, Władysław Orkan, Kazimierz Przerwa-Tetmajer, Tytus Chałubiński, Jan Krzeptowski-Sabała, and the symbolic grave of Stanisław Witkiewicz). The cemetery is located in the city center and can be visited free of charge. It is definitely worth taking a nostalgic walk there.

The National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima is a special place not only for the highlanders, who prayed here for nearly 100 days for the health of the Pope, who was the victim of an assassination attempt. On May 13, 1981, a decision was made here that if Our Lady saved the life of John Paul II, a church would be built in gratitude at the location of the then chapel. This was indeed done. In 1987, the Pope crowned the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which can now be seen above the altar, and years later, in 1997, he visited Zakopane and consecrated the church that had been built here, while also thanking for the fervent prayers made for him.

The sanctuary is one of the more important pilgrimage sites, but it is interesting not only to Catholics. It has long been known that the highlanders of Podhale are very religious. It is no wonder that the Tatras are full of chapels. In the 1990s, Wiesław Mierzwa attempted to collect nearly all of such places by publishing a photo album titled The Chapels of the Polish Tatras. Today, this book is hard to find, but for some, trekking along the chapel trail can be an original way to spend free time.

Gubałówka and Kasprowy Wierch

Just like on Krupówki – you must visit Gubałówka. It is a small mountain with a stunning view of the Tatras. You can take a funicular to the top (the cabin is pulled up on a wire along the tracks. This type of funicular operates only in four places in Poland: on Gubałówka in Zakopane, on Parkowa Mountain in Krynica, on Żar Mountain in Międzybrodzie Żywieckie, and on Kamienna Góra in Gdynia). There is also a road access to the top, but you need to be cautious of traffic bans that appear near the first parking lot (access from Ząb or from Kościelisko through Blachówka). On Gubałówka, there are, of course, numerous stalls and dining spots, but during the season, crowds can be expected just like on Krupówki.

Tourists in Zakopane can also take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch, but during the season, an endless line of people waiting can be somewhat discouraging. Kasprowy Wierch is additionally popular with skiers in winter. When heading to the summit, it is essential to remember the changing weather conditions and temperature differences, even in summer. Kasprowy Wierch is not Gubałówka. This is the real Tatra Mountains. Before your trip, it's worth checking the PKL website, where temperatures at the lower and upper station are provided.

Tatras not just for experienced mountaineers

Every mountaineer knows that the mountains should be treated with respect. The Tatras are dotted with mountain trails, but it is crucial to remember that most of them are routes that require physical and equipment preparation. The memes featuring tourists in flip-flops and heels strolling along the local trails are unfortunately true. Fortunately, the Tatras are not only rocky and dangerous peaks, but also beautifully picturesque valleys. The most well-known ones include the Kościeliska and Chochołowska Valleys, but there are equally pleasant walks to be had in the Mała Łąka, Strążyska, Biała Woda valleys, and many smaller, less frequented trails. A charming walk awaits tourists also on the Path under the Ridges. The valleys are located within the Tatra National Park, where you can encounter many species of wild animals, such as graceful chamois running along the slopes.

The magic of Zakopane

Hearing about the crowded Krupówki and tourists in flip-flops on the Tatra trails, one might ask whether there is more hype or rather nonsense and kitsch. Zakopane is transforming, in line with the expectations of mass tourists, but true Tatra lovers will still find a wealth of beautiful places and local curiosities here. One could talk about them endlessly while Giewont with the legendary sleeping knight keeps watch over the place that has stolen countless hearts.

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Photo and text author: Agnieszka Soszka