Guys, I’m still dreaming about Zakopane! As someone who’s seen their fair share of mountain towns, this place hit different. Standing at the base of Mount Giewont, watching those jagged peaks pierce through the clouds, I literally forgot to breathe. And don’t even get me started on the wooden churches that look straight out of a fairy tale!
I spent days exploring the most beautiful places in Zakopane, and my mind is still blown by every single one. When I watched the sunset paint Morskie Oko lake in shades of gold and pink, with those massive Tatra mountains reflecting in the crystal clear water, I knew I had to share these incredible spots with you. Here are 12 places that made me fall head over heels for this Polish mountain paradise.
Best Places to Visit in Zakopane
Looking for the coolest things to do in Zakopane? Hike up Antałówka Hill for stunning views, visit the picturesque Chapel on Jaszczurówka, and explore the breathtaking Chochołowska Valley and Kościeliska Valley. For a true adventure, take on the iconic Giewont peak. Whether you’re into nature, history, or outdoor activities, here are the top attractions to visit in Zakopane.
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1. Antalowka Hill
- 📍 Location: Southern Poland, within walking distance from downtown Zakopane
- 🏆 Best For: Panoramic view seekers 🏔️, casual hikers 🥾, photography enthusiasts 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunset over Tatra Mountains, sledding in winter, photography of Zakopane panorama
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer for clear mountain views, winter for snowy landscapes and sledding ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Willa Carlton – Cozy, traditional-style lodging with easy access to Antałówka trails and Zakopane’s town center
Escape the crowds but keep the views at Antalowka Hill, Zakopane’s hidden gem. This gentle slope rises just above town, rewarding visitors with stunning Tatra panoramas without the tourist masses found elsewhere. I’ve never seen sunsets more magical than when the fading light paints these distant peaks in pink and purple hues.
The well-maintained path takes just 30 minutes to summit, making it perfect for families and casual walkers. Winter transforms the hill into a sledding paradise where locals zoom down on traditional wooden sleds. The vantage point offers clear views of Giewont and the main ridge, creating perfect photo opportunities throughout the year.

2. Chapel on Jaszczurówka
- 📍 Location: Jaszczurówka district, eastern outskirts of Zakopane
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture lovers 🏛️, culture enthusiasts 🎭, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring unique Zakopane-style architecture, attending highland Mass, exploring woodland trails
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially beautiful in winter snow ❄️ or autumn foliage 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Willa Regionalna – Cozy wooden guesthouse with authentic highland décor, just a short walk from the chapel and forest trails
Wooden masterpieces rarely come more perfect than the Chapel on Jaszczurówka. Built in 1907 and designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz, this architectural gem showcases the distinctive Zakopane style, blending local craftsmanship with Art Nouveau influences. The chapel stands peacefully among tall pines that frame it beautifully in every season.
Step inside to discover intricate woodcarvings and colorful stained glass reflecting the region’s artistic heritage. On Sundays, traditional highland music often accompanies Mass, adding authentic cultural dimension. The surrounding forest offers gentle walks that feel magical when dusted with fresh snow or dressed in autumn colors.

3. Chochołowska Valley and Kościeliska Valley
- 📍 Location: Western Tatra Mountains, accessible from Zakopane via bus (30-40 minutes)
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌲, hikers of all levels 🥾, wildlife spotters 🦊
- 📸 Top Experiences: Spring crocuses blooming, hiking to mountain huts, traditional shepherd’s cheese tasting
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: April for crocuses in Chochołowska, summer for hiking, autumn for colorful foliage 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Schronisko PTTK na Polanie Chochołowskiej – Cozy mountain hut offering authentic highland charm and direct trail access
Purple carpets of flowers transform Chochołowska Valley each spring when millions of crocuses bloom across its meadows. As the longest valley in the Polish Tatras, it offers gentle paths leading to Chochołowska Hut, the largest mountain shelter in the range. I always recommend timing your visit for early April to witness this natural spectacle.
Nearby, Kościeliska Valley features more dramatic landscapes with limestone formations and caves alongside the picturesque stream. Both valleys offer excellent marked trails suitable for all experience levels. Don’t miss trying oscypek, the smoky sheep cheese made by local shepherds using centuries-old methods on mountain pastures.

4. Giewont
- 📍 Location: Polish Tatras, towering directly above Zakopane
- 🏆 Best For: Experienced hikers 🥾, challenge seekers 💪, religious pilgrims ✝️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Summiting to touch the iconic cross, photographing panoramic views, conquering chain-assisted sections
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June through September (avoid during storms or wet conditions) ⛈️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Aries Hotel & Spa – Elegant mountain lodge with luxurious amenities, close to trailheads and Zakopane’s charming town center
The Sleeping Knight guards Zakopane like a silent sentinel. Giewont’s distinctive silhouette resembles a resting warrior and stands as Poland’s most iconic peak. The 15-meter steel cross on its summit has watched over the region since 1901, becoming both a religious symbol and a magnet for hikers.
The ascent to the 1,895-meter summit requires moderate fitness, with chains assisting on steeper sections. Though challenging, the trail rewards climbers with breathtaking 360-degree views across the entire Tatra range. Weather conditions change rapidly here, so always check forecasts before starting your journey.

5. Great Rafter
- 📍 Location: Dunajec River Gorge, Pieniny National Park, 2 hours from Zakopane
- 🏆 Best For: Adventure seekers 🚣, nature enthusiasts 🌿, photographers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Traditional wooden raft journey through limestone cliffs, listening to rafters’ folklore tales, spotting wildlife
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May through September when rafting services operate 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Bambi Boutique – Cozy alpine-style rooms with easy access to rafting sites and mountain trails
Limestone cliffs rise dramatically on both sides as traditional wooden rafts navigate the winding Dunajec River Gorge. For over 150 years, highland rafters in regional costumes have steered these handmade vessels while entertaining passengers with local legends. The river forms a natural border between Poland and Slovakia throughout much of the journey.
The 2-3 hour trip covers 15 kilometers between Sromowce and Szczawnica through spectacular scenery. Watch for eagles soaring overhead and listen for echoes bouncing between canyon walls. The surrounding Pieniny National Park offers excellent hiking trails that provide stunning elevated views of the gorge from different perspectives.
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6. Gubałówka
- 📍 Location: Northern edge of Zakopane, accessible by funicular railway or hiking trail
- 🏆 Best For: Families 👨👩👧👦, casual visitors 🚶, souvenir shoppers 🛍️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the historic funicular, panoramic Tatra views, visiting highland market
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, spectacular in both winter snow ❄️ and summer greenery 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pensjonat Sienkiewiczówka – Traditional guesthouse with easy access to funicular
Mountain playgrounds don’t get more accessible than Gubałówka, Zakopane’s beloved ridge offering both natural beauty and tourist attractions. The historic funicular railway, operating since 1938, whisks visitors up in just 4 minutes. Alternatively, the hiking trail provides a more active 30-minute route for those wanting to earn their views.
Once at the summit, the southern panorama offers jaw-dropping views of the entire Tatra range, with Giewont’s profile dominating the scene. The ridge buzzes with activity, from the traditional market selling local crafts to summer toboggan runs. Sunset brings special magic as alpine glow illuminates the mountains while Zakopane’s lights begin to twinkle below.
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7. Kasprowy Wierch
- 📍 Location: High Tatra Mountains, 8 km from central Zakopane, accessible via cable car from Kuźnice
- 🏆 Best For: Mountain enthusiasts 🏔️, photographers 📸, panorama lovers 👀
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the iconic cable car, hiking surrounding trails, enjoying Poland-Slovakia border views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Summer (June-September) for hiking, winter (December-March) for skiing ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Murowanica – Cozy mountain retreat with easy access to cable car station and Tatra National Park trails
Imagine zooming up nearly 1,000 meters in just 20 minutes to reach Poland’s most spectacular mountain crossroads. Kasprowy Wierch has exactly this thrill through its historic cable car, operating since 1936 and ranking among Europe’s oldest alpine lifts.
At 1,987 meters, this majestic peak straddles the Polish-Slovak border, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramas spanning both countries. Several color-marked trails lead adventurous hikers to neighboring summits along the main ridge.
Winter transforms Kasprowy into Poland’s premier ski destination with excellent slopes in two valleys. I’ve never seen a more dramatic weather change than at the summit’s meteorological observatory, where clear skies can turn to swirling clouds within minutes. This mountain truly offers year-round magic for every outdoor enthusiast.

8. Lake Morskie Oko
- 📍 Location: High Tatra Mountains, 25 km from Zakopane via Palenica Białczańska parking area
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers of all abilities 🥾, nature photographers 📸, families 👨👩👧👦
- 📸 Top Experiences: Scenic approach hike, lakeside trail, mountain reflections on calm water
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October for hiking, spectacular when frozen in winter 🍂
- 🏨 Where to Stay: PTTK Morskie Oko Mountain Hut – A historic by the lakeside accommodation in Zakopane
The “Eye of the Sea” is Poland’s most beloved natural wonder, complete with emerald waters and a legendary underground connection to the ocean. Morskie Oko nestles majestically at 1,395 meters, surrounded by towering peaks reflected perfectly in its crystal-clear surface.
Getting here involves a rewarding 9-kilometer journey from the Palenica Białczańska parking lot. This relatively gentle hike passes through lush forests and alongside the picturesque Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza waterfalls.
Once arrived, circle the lake on a one-hour trail offering different perspectives of the surrounding mountains, including Poland’s highest peak, Rysy. The historic mountain hut serves delicious traditional food and hot drinks, perfect for refueling before further adventures to the smaller Black Lake above.

9. Rysy Mountain
- 📍 Location: Polish-Slovak border, accessible from Morskie Oko lake via marked trails
- 🏆 Best For: Experienced hikers 🥾, peak-baggers 🏔️, adventure seekers 🧗
- 📸 Top Experiences: Summiting Poland’s highest peak, challenging trail with chains, cross-border views
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to September (when trail conditions are safest) ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: PTTK Morskie Oko Mountain Hut – A stunning accommodation with great facilities
Standing atop Poland’s highest mountain feels like conquering the roof of the country. Rysy reaches an impressive 2,499 meters and surprisingly has three summits, with only the northwestern one belonging to Poland while the other two sit in Slovakia.
The challenging trail from Morskie Oko first leads to the Black Lake before tackling steeper, rocky sections with chains for assistance. This route demands good fitness but requires no technical climbing skills.
Your reward? Simply the most spectacular panorama in Poland, with dozens of peaks visible in all directions and beautiful alpine lakes far below. Since both countries joined the Schengen Agreement, hikers can freely cross the border at the summit and even descend to the Slovak side for additional adventure.

10. Tatra Museum
- 📍 Location: Multiple branches throughout Zakopane, main building at 10 Krupówki Street
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, culture enthusiasts 🎭, architecture lovers 🏠, rainy day visits 🌧️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring Poland’s oldest regional museum, Zakopane-style architecture, local art exhibits
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Year-round, perfect for bad weather days when mountains are inaccessible ☂️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Aries Hotel & Spa – Elegant mountain retreat with alpine décor, just a short walk from Krupówki Street and cultural sites like the Tatra Museum
Step into Zakopane’s rich cultural heritage through Poland’s oldest and most comprehensive regional museum. Founded in 1888, the Tatra Museum now spans 11 fascinating branches throughout the region.
The main building on Krupówki Street houses impressive exhibits on Tatra natural history and highland ethnography. Explore collections of rocks, minerals, flora, and fauna alongside traditional mountain crafts and costumes that tell the story of this unique region.
Architecture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the museum’s preservation of Zakopane-style wooden structures, including historic cottages and villas. Art lovers will appreciate galleries showcasing works by prominent Polish artists who found inspiration in these mountains. The museum provides perfect shelter during bad weather days when the peaks remain hidden in clouds.

11. The Valley of Five Polish Ponds
- 📍 Location: High Tatra Mountains, accessible via green trail from Palenica Białczańska through Roztoka Valley
- 🏆 Best For: Adventurous hikers 🥾, nature lovers 🌲, off-the-beaten-path seekers 📸
- 📸 Top Experiences: Viewing Poland’s highest waterfall (Wielka Siklawa), exploring five alpine lakes, Poland’s highest mountain shelter
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September, when trails are snow-free and mountain hut is open ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Schronisko w Dolinie Pięciu Stawów – Cozy high-mountain refuge offering rustic comfort, traditional Polish meals, and direct trail access
Hidden behind towering peaks lies Poland’s most beautiful alpine valley, home to five stunning glacier lakes. The Valley of Five Polish Ponds feels like stepping into an untouched wilderness paradise that rewards those willing to make the journey.
The 2.5-hour hike follows the green trail through Roztoka Valley, featuring Wielka Siklawa, Poland’s highest waterfall, cascading dramatically 70 meters down mountain walls. This route requires moderate fitness but offers massive scenic payoff.
The valley’s centerpiece, Wielki Staw Polski, is the largest and deepest lake in the Polish Tatras. Nearby stands Poland’s highest mountain shelter, offering warm meals and comfortable beds for overnight stays. This less-crowded alternative to Morskie Oko provides a perfect base camp for exploring more challenging routes deeper into the mountains.

12. Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump
- 📍 Location: Northern slope of Krokiew mountain, 1.5 km from Zakopane’s center
- 🏆 Best For: Winter sports fans ⛷️, architecture admirers 🏗️, adrenaline seekers 🎢
- 📸 Top Experiences: Chairlift to the top, winter ski jumping competitions, summer pontoon rides
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: January for World Cup competitions, year-round for visits 🌨️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Aries Hotel & Spa – Elegant mountain lodge with luxurious amenities, just minutes from Wielka Krokiew and Krupówki Street
Poland’s most iconic sporting venue offers thrills even when there’s no snow on the ground. Wielka Krokiew, opened in 1925, isn’t just another ski jump but a national symbol that hosts world-class competitions, drawing up to 40,000 spectators.
Take the chairlift to the top for an exhilarating perspective on what jumpers see before takeoff. The panoramic views of Zakopane and surrounding mountains provide excellent photo opportunities all year round.
Summer visitors can experience sliding down the jump on special pontoons, offering genuine adrenaline rushes without winter training. The complex includes several smaller training jumps, a ski museum, and various facilities that make it fascinating even for those unfamiliar with this dramatic sport.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Zakopane
Looking to expand your knowledge about the most scenic spots in Zakopane? Here are some common questions I get a lot about the best Zakopane attractions.
What is Zakopane popular for?
Zakopane is renowned as Poland’s winter capital, offering a range of snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. But it’s not just a winter wonderland; the town is equally captivating in the warmer months with its hiking trails, mountain biking, and paragliding opportunities. The local culture is rich and vibrant, showcased through its unique wooden architecture, delicious cuisine like Oscypek cheese, and traditional Goral music. It’s a destination that offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure, and cultural richness.
Is it worth visiting Zakopane?
Absolutely, Zakopane is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Poland. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys immersing in local culture, Zakopane has something for everyone. The town offers a range of activities and attractions that can be enjoyed year-round, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer. Plus, the scenic beauty of the Tatra Mountains and the unique local culture make it a memorable experience. It’s one of those places to visit in Zakopane that you’ll want to return to again and again.
How do I get to Zakopane?
Zakopane is easily accessible by car, bus, or train from major Polish cities like Krakow and Warsaw. The journey offers some of the most scenic places in Zakopane, especially if you’re traveling by train. Once you arrive, the town is compact enough to explore on foot, or you can use local transportation to get around.

What are the must-try foods in Zakopane?
When visiting Zakopane, you can’t miss trying Oscypek, a smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk. Another local delicacy is Kwaśnica, a sour cabbage soup. For those with a sweet tooth, try Sernik, a Polish cheesecake. Local eateries and mountain huts offer a range of traditional Polish and Goral dishes that are worth exploring.
Where can I experience Zakopane’s culture?
The heart of Zakopane’s culture lies in Krupówki Street, a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performers. Here, you can buy local crafts, listen to Goral music, and even catch live performances. The Tatra Museum is another great place to immerse yourself in the local history and traditions.
What’s the best time to visit Zakopane?
The best time to visit depends on what you’re looking to do. For winter sports, the months from December to March are ideal. If you’re interested in hiking and outdoor activities, the summer months from June to September offer pleasant weather and clear skies. Each season offers its own set of Zakopane destinations, making it a year-round travel spot.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Zakopane
There you have it—a comprehensive guide to the most beautiful places in Zakopane. From towering peaks like Giewont and Kasprowy Wierch to serene valleys like Chochołowska Valley and Kościeliska Valley, Zakopane is a destination that promises endless adventures and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, this charming Polish town has something to offer for everyone.
But Zakopane is more than just a list of attractions; it’s a feeling, an experience, a memory that stays with you long after you’ve left. It’s the warmth of the locals, the taste of the traditional foods, and the sound of Goral music echoing through the mountains. It’s a place where each moment is a postcard, each view a painting, and each experience a story waiting to be told.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and set out on an adventure to explore the best places to visit in Zakopane. Trust us, it’s a journey you won’t regret and a destination you’ll want to return to, time and time again.

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