Weekend in Zakopane — A 3-Day Plan

Zakopane is one of the most popular places in Poland — in winter and summer, it attracts tourists from all over the country. In three days, you can see the most important places: the Tatras, Krupówki, Kościeliska Valley, and the thermal baths. Here is a weekend plan.

Day 1 — Krupówki and Gubałówka

Start with a walk along Krupówki — the main promenade of Zakopane. It is worth seeing the Wielka Krokiew — a ski jumping hill, and the Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery — a historic cemetery with wooden tombstones.

In the afternoon, take the funicular to Gubałówka — a hill with a panorama of the Tatras. It is worth walking around the summit, eating grilled oscypek, and drinking mulled wine. In the evening — dinner at one of Zakopane's taverns.

Day 2 — Kościeliska Valley and Thermal Baths

In the morning, go to Kościeliska Valley — one of the most beautiful Tatra valleys. The route is easy and leads through picturesque clearings, caves, and rock walls. It is worth walking the entire valley and returning to Zakopane in the evening.

In the afternoon, go to Termy Podhalańskie or Termy Szaflary — thermal bath complexes with a view of the Tatras. This is a perfect way to relax after a day in the mountains.

Day 3 — Morskie Oko or Chochołowska Valley

The last day is a trip into the higher parts of the Tatras. You can choose Morskie Oko (easy route, about 2 hours one way) or Chochołowska Valley (easy route, famous for crocuses in spring).

In the afternoon, return to Zakopane and have a farewell dinner. If you have time, stop in Chochołów — a village with wooden architecture and traditional shepherd's huts.

Where to Sleep?

The best bases are the center of Zakopane and the area around Krupówki — extensive accommodation, restaurants, and tourist infrastructure. It is worth choosing a guesthouse or hotel in the center to be close to the attractions. In the winter season (December-February), it is worth booking accommodation well in advance.

What to Eat?

Podhale cuisine is oscypek, kwaśnica, bryjka, and moskole. It is worth trying grilled oscypek, kwaśnica, bryjka with cranberry, and duck with apples. In Zakopane there are many highland taverns and shepherd's huts.

Practical Tips

Zakopane is a tourist city — in season (January-February, July-August) it is crowded, and prices are high. It is worth going off-season — in spring or autumn, when the city is calmer. In winter, the Tatra trails require appropriate equipment and experience.