Zakopane, around 100 kilometres south of Krakow, is the lively gateway to the Tatra Mountains and is often called Poland's winter capital. Visitors come for winter sports, mountain landscapes and the distinctive culture of the Polish highlanders. Although intensive development has changed parts of the town centre, the outskirts still preserve fine examples of the Zakopane architectural style: richly designed wooden houses and villas inspired by regional folk traditions.
A particular highlight is the village of Chochołów, less than 20 kilometres away. Its long streets of original inhabited wooden houses form a remarkable living monument to regional architecture and culture.
Zakopane is also an excellent starting point for exploring the hiking trails of Tatra National Park. The Tatras are the only alpine mountain range between the Alps and the Caucasus and offer dramatic scenery and a unique high-mountain atmosphere.
