Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains

The Tatras form the central, highest and most beautiful section of the Carpathian mountain range, situated in Central Europe. Located at their feet is Zakopane, an attractive mountain resort and a popular centre for sport and tourism. Beautiful panoramas of snow-covered peaks in winter, torch-lit sleigh rides through snowy forests, Poland’s only alpine meadows in summer and kilometres of hiking trails, starting with the demanding Orla Perć route at more than 2,000 metres above sea level to the long, scenic valleys stretching from the mountain peaks towards Zakopane: are just some of the attractions of Zakopane and the Polish Tatras. Other places worth seeing in this region include the oldest and highest cable car in Poland, leading to Kasprowy Wierch, the traditional wooden architecture of the village of Chochołów and one of Poland’s oldest wooden churches in Dębno, dating from the fifteenth century and decorated with rich Gothic polychromes. Located only about two hours by car from Kraków, Zakopane offers numerous hotels and attractions, including thermal baths, water parks and traditional inns featuring the distinctive music and cuisine of the local highlanders, known as "Górale". It is an ideal destination for travellers who appreciate beautiful natural landscapes, high-mountain trails and a culture rich in local architecture, customs, traditional clothing, regional music and the cuisine of the Polish Tatra highlanders.