Zakopane is a southern Polish town not far from Krakow (Image: SVPRO via Getty Images)
Often eclipsed by Poland’s most celebrated city break hotspots, Warsaw and Krakow, Zakopane merits far greater recognition as an underappreciated European treasure. Nestled along the Slovak frontier, this southern Polish town delivers a mountain retreat every bit as spectacular as the Alps, yet at a mere fraction of the cost.
Trails spread across the Tatras, timber lodges radiate Highland authenticity, and substantial cuisine arrives without Alpine price tags. Though known as the “winter capital of Poland,” autumn proves the ideal window for experiencing Zakopane, after summer visitors have dispersed and conditions become more reliable than the dampest months of June, July and August. The town stands proudly as a destination in its own right, rather than playing second fiddle to the Alps, previously reported by the Express.
Zakopane is like stepping into a fairytale (Image: Getty)
For avid ramblers considering Switzerland, France or Italy this year, Poland’s mountain capital presents a great alternative.
Top walking routes in Zakopane
Extensive and diverse, the hiking options cater to every fitness level and feature Morskie Oko, Poland’s most renowned trail. The manageable four to five-hour return journey rewards walkers with vistas of the glistening lake encircled by vertical granite cliffs.
Morskie Oko stands as the largest lake within Tatra National Park, making it essential viewing for tourists. Organise your journey based on bus timetables from Zakopane bus station, situated on the railway station forecourt.
Cash is required, though navigation proves straightforward using Google Maps and speaking with locals at the terminus.
Zakopane offers countless walking routes, with scenic pavements threading through the town towards the base of the Tatra Mountains. For a relaxed, accessible ramble, the stunning Dolina Kocieliska and Dolina Biaego valleys deliver gorgeous countryside trails.
Zakopane has stunning views of the Tatra Mountains (Image: Getty)
The demanding Giewont suits experienced mountaineers, while the accessible Nosal summit offers sweeping vistas near the town centre.
Naturally, the finest treks conclude with sustenance, particularly at Morskie Oko. Beside the lake, a traditional timber cabin dishes up substantial mountain cuisine.
During Reach’s Phoebe Cornish’s visit, drenched from a summer rainstorm yet warm in mid-20s heat, she sheltered inside for refreshment.
With merely a few zloty remaining and needing bus fare back to central Zakopane, Phoebe opted for pickled herring atop bread alongside a portion of apple cake. While somewhat unusual to taste, this pairing remains memorable long after any Alpine fondue.
Zakopane’s culinary landscape embraces its highlander (Goral) heritage, creating distinctive regional character. Oscypek, the smoked sheep’s cheese holding protected EU designation, is barbecued on every street corner, typically accompanied by cranberry preserve.
Pierogi — dumplings filled with potato, meat, or cabbage — feature on every menu alongside locally brewed beers, with a pint in Zakopane costing approximately £2.20. By comparison, you can expect to pay upwards of £6 or £7 in France, Austria, and Switzerland.
Phoebe got to try pierogi which are filled dumplings (Image: Phoebe Cornish/ Reach PLC)
What to do in Zakopane
Following a day on the trails, Zakopane provides another alpine essential at a considerably lower price: thermal baths, such as Chocholowskie Termy.
This represents Poland’s largest thermal pool facility at present, featuring 30 indoor and outdoor pools plus barrels containing thermal water with medicinal and therapeutic benefits. Chocholow is a small yet fascinating village situated 17km from Zakopane.
For those without transport in Zakopane, an alternative option is the town’s most prestigious accommodation, Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa. Day visitors can purchase a Nabe Spa Day Pass for entry to the wellness facility, which remains open until 10pm daily.
The hotel boasts one of the area’s most significant addresses: Villa Marilor. Originally constructed in 1912, it now serves as the hotel’s sophisticated restaurant, while retaining its remarkable historical heritage.
Throughout the town, visitors will observe Zakopane’s distinctive architectural character, created by Stanisaw Witkiewicz during the 1890s. This design merges traditional Podhale region log-construction techniques with Art Nouveau ornamental features.
At every turn, dramatic A-frames and balconies stand silhouetted against the mountains, lending the town centre a fairytale charm that Alpine ski destinations frequently lack. Villa Koliba represents the first Witkiewicz structure, while Villa Atma accommodates the Szymanowski museum.
For those wishing to admire the architecture externally, a stroll down Koscieliska Street, Zakopane’s most ancient thoroughfare, reveals numerous historic timber dwellings.
Reaching Zakopane
Travellers can arrive via Krakow John Paul II International Airport (KRK) (the principal choice) or Poprad-Tatry Airport (TAT) in Slovakia, before continuing by bus, train, or car to Zakopane. Krakow serves as a major international hub with excellent connections, whereas Poprad sits nearer to Zakopane but necessitates a briefer cross-border transfer.
Regular direct coaches depart at least hourly from Kraków’s central bus terminal. The fare costs approximately £7 and the journey lasts just shy of two hours.
Upon arrival, the town proves level, compact, and easily navigable on foot. Local buses and minibuses connect walking trails and thermal spa facilities.
According to Skyscanner, November emerges as the most economical month for UK-Poland flights, with fares from £29. During October, flights begin at £42.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
