zakopane Winter Break

ZAKOPANE

You might not have heard of this destination before but if you are looking for a Winter Wonderland destination then look no further.

Everything you ever dreamed of doing at Christmas is available and set in a picturesque location straight from the magical scenes on Christmas chocolate boxes you often wished you could step into, breathless with awe, like a portal to the land of Narnia.

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Zakopane is a lovely town situated at the foothills of the majestic Tatra mountains. The unusual location of the town, hidden between a gentle range of Gubałówka and the rocky Tatra summits was a decisive factor in its development as a tourism centre.

As early as at the end of the 18th century Zakopane, a small and remote village located at the southern end of Poland, started to attract the first summer holidaymakers. The visitors arrived mainly from Krakow in horse carts, often carrying various pieces of domestic equipment which they couldn't find in the modest highland peasant cottages.

Much has changed since those early days and Zakopane offers an exciting range of activities that enable you to explore further afield and enjoy traditional winter activities such as horse sleighs, bonfires, husky dog sleighs and for the more energetic there is skiing and snowboarding available for beginners as well as more challenging routes for the experienced.

Krupówki Street - the main pedestrian zone of Zakopane, is full of shops and restaurants. This is where the post office, banks as well as exchange offices are situated. In high season the place is extremely popular and it is hard to imagine what it was like at the very beginnings of the 19th century when this street was nothing more than just a narrow dirt path joining central parts of the village with the iron works in Kuźnice (where the cable car is located today).

Kasprowy Wierch - While in Zakopane, it is a must to take the cable car to Mount Kasprowy (1987 m asl), both in summer and winter this is one of the most popular local attractions for both the adults and especially the kids. In winter time, there are two chair lifts operating in Mt. Kasprowy and two skiing posts for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Gubałówka and the local market - The other very popular lift in the area is funicular to Gubałówka hill, which starts in the very centre of the town. Gubałówka (1100 m) offers spectacular views over the town and the surrounding Tatra mountains. On the way back to the centre of the town we come across the local market nestled in between the very foot of the hill and Krupówki Street where you are able to find local souvenirs (woodware, leatherware, woolware, etc.) together with leather jackets and fur coats, clothes, shoes, fruit, vegetables, and a whole alley of local OSCYPEK sheep cheese sellers - all in different shapes and sizes.

The Dolinki Reglowe (valleys) are very inviting places for romantic walks, as the Tatra National Park covered in snow, with its multitude of snow-capped spruces, is most beautiful.

In the Dolina Chochołowska or Kościeliska (valleys) an alternative to walking is to ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. It is really warm under a sheepskin and the joyful sound of the bells hanging on the horse's neck.

Zakopane has some great ideas for those who are looking for something more exhilarating. A one-hour snowmobile ride (or three-hour snowmobile expedition) through the Podhale forests and fields will certainly be unforgettable. Especially when it finishes at the door of a regional inn where they serve mead and toasted smoked sheep's cheese. When there is not enough snow or when the snow is too hard it is better to choose a quad. Quads have no problems with rough terrain, streams or even shallow rivers. The tracks around Zakopane offer exceptionally attractive landscapes.

You are sure to fall in love with friendly husky dogs, which pull their sleds barking joyfully. The driver stands on the runners, leaving the passengers to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride. An extra thrill is to drive the dog team yourself, but the smart huskies often get rid of an inexperienced driver by cutting a sharp turn. A fall into a snow bank can be regarded as an attraction, but having to catch up with the dogs is not necessarily so much fun.

Ski-lifts are in service from early morning hours to late evening hours. Around almost all of them there are instructors waiting, ready to teach a little or a big lover of winter sports how to ski or snowboard. In the central part of the town there are two ice rinks with skate rental. Skating with family or friends is lots of fun for all ages.

Snowshoe Tours is a new proposal of active leisure for tourists spending their winter holidays in Zakopane. Tours last about two hours and are an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the technique of walking with snowshoes. Snow shoeing walk does not require any exceptional physical ability or condition and is an excellent sport for the whole family. If you prefer to go for a snowshoe walk by yourself you are welcome to rent the equipment (snowshoes and trekking poles).

Snowmobiles are exhilarating and you can choose between a SNOW TRIP SAFARI (a one-hour trip), SNOW PRO SAFARI (a two-hour trip) or SNOW FUN SAFARI (a three-hour trip with refreshments served at the bonfire in a forest glade!).

We are able to arrange and pre-book any activities you are interested in before you travel.