Trip from Krakow to Zakopane – why it’s worth it?

Tourists visiting Kraków, after exploring this beautiful city, look for other places worth visiting along the way. Standard points of interest include the Salt Mine in Wieliczka and the Auschwitz camp, but they are increasingly choosing to take a slightly longer trip to Zakopane as well. See why it's worth going there.

Ride on the Gubałówka Cable Car

Cable cars in the mountains are mainly associated with a journey in a gondola suspended on a line. In Zakopane, you can find such cable cars, but one of them is different as the gondolas move up the mountain on tracks. The ride always evokes a lot of emotions, especially among the youngest, who watch with fear as a gondola comes down from the opposite side. However, there's no need to worry, as halfway up the mountain there's a place where the gondolas pass each other.

Stunning View of the Tatra Mountains

The panorama of the Tatra Mountains seen from the top of Gubałówka is a view that stays in the memory for a long time. The prominent Giewont is the most characteristic point of this panorama. The rugged peaks, covered with snow for a large part of the year, evoke admiration while simultaneously commanding respect and stand as the best evidence of nature's extraordinary power. These views will appeal not only to mountain lovers but to anyone wanting to see impressive natural formations.

Local Folklore

A trip to Zakopane  cannot do without visiting stands selling highlander products located at the foot of Gubałówka. Here, you will find elements of highlander clothing, local food products: oscypek, honey, and preserves, as well as various garments made of leather and sheep wool. This is a place where you can undoubtedly feel the atmosphere of Highlander culture and listen to the Highland dialect that thrives under the Tatras.

Highlander Cuisine

During your trip to Zakopane, it's also worth indulging in the local cuisine by visiting one of the many restaurants offering these specialties. kwaśnica, moskole, roast lamb are just a small sample of the long list of dishes we can try under the Tatras. It's worth tasting them to also appreciate the local culinary traditions.

Walking in the Valley

However, Zakopane is not only a city and mountains but also beautiful valleys. Walking in the most popular ones, namely Chochołowska Valley or Kościeliska Valley, does not require significant physical preparation, making them suitable not only for avid hikers but also for those in slightly poorer physical condition.