Zakopane

Zakopane is a mountain resort town nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland, roughly 100 km from Kraków. Often referred to as Poland's winter capital, it draws skiers and hikers thanks to its direct access to Tatra National Park, where peaks rise above 2,000 metres. The Kasprowy Wierch cable car leads to popular ski slopes and offers sweeping views across the range towards the Slovak side. In summer, the surrounding area is ideal for hiking, particularly towards Lake Morskie Oko, one of Poland's most photographed natural landmarks. The town centre is known for its traditional wooden architecture, especially along Krupówki, the main pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants and stalls selling oscypek, a smoked cheese typical of the Podhale region. Zakopane also retains a strong cultural identity, with folk traditions still visible in local crafts and building styles. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring both the Western and Polish Tatras throughout the year, with a mountain climate marked by harsh winters and mild summers.