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Why Poland deserves a spot on your travel wishlist
Picture a town fit for a fairytale, surrounded by forests, lakes and rugged mountains – welcome to Zakopane, Poland. If this place isn’t on your travel radar, it should be.
We caught up with Lakes & Mountains expert (and Zakopane super fan) Alice, to get a rundown of the reasons why you should head here on your next summer holiday.
It’s super scenic
From the flower-filled meadows to the still lakes and pointed peaks, it’s safe to say that the scenery here had Alice smitten at first sight.
‘In Zakopane, you’ve got panoramic mountain views all around,’ explains Alice. ‘The countryside is very green, with lots of trees and wooden cottages dotted across the hillside. Herds of sheep and cows wander through meadows sprinkled with purple wildflowers.’
Delve deeper into the nearby Tatra mountains, and there are loads more snap-worthy sights to discover, like Morskie Oko – a glacial lake that’s surrounded by towering peaks. And according to Alice, there’s one more reason to keep your camera handy: ‘You can see lots of wildlife here, too. I saw plenty of wild deer, and you can sometimes even spot golden eagles.’
‘In Zakopane, you’ve got panoramic mountain views all around,’ explains Alice. ‘The countryside is very green, with lots of trees and wooden cottages dotted across the hillside. Herds of sheep and cows wander through meadows sprinkled with purple wildflowers.’
Delve deeper into the nearby Tatra mountains, and there are loads more snap-worthy sights to discover, like Morskie Oko – a glacial lake that’s surrounded by towering peaks. And according to Alice, there’s one more reason to keep your camera handy: ‘You can see lots of wildlife here, too. I saw plenty of wild deer, and you can sometimes even spot golden eagles.’
Morskie Oko lake, Zakopane.
The walks are AMAZING
With knockout natural beauty in every direction, it’s no surprise to hear that stepping out on a walking trail is one of the best ways to explore Zakopane. And as Alice reassures us, you don’t need to be a pro-hiker with legs of steel either.
‘There are lots of walking paths in the mountains and they’re quite easy to reach by riding the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, just outside Zakopane.’
One of Alice’s favourite routes is the well signposted trail to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, otherwise known as the Black Lake. ‘The still, dark water and misty mountains make it feel really atmospheric.’
‘There are lots of walking paths in the mountains and they’re quite easy to reach by riding the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, just outside Zakopane.’
One of Alice’s favourite routes is the well signposted trail to Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy, otherwise known as the Black Lake. ‘The still, dark water and misty mountains make it feel really atmospheric.’
There are heaps of activities
It’s not just the hiking that keeps Alice coming back to this part of Poland.
‘This region’s also famous for its thermal baths. The Aqua Park Zakopane has an outdoor pool on the terrace, so you can have a soak while enjoying the mountain views.’
Sticking with the water theme, rafting on the Dunajec river is another of Alice’s must-dos. Locals in flat-bottomed boats guide you through deep-sided gorges using a long pole to steer. ‘It’s kind of like a Polish gondola’ she says, smiling.
‘Horse carriage rides are also really popular,’ she continues. ‘The horses are quite decorative and wear fancy harnesses.’
‘This region’s also famous for its thermal baths. The Aqua Park Zakopane has an outdoor pool on the terrace, so you can have a soak while enjoying the mountain views.’
Sticking with the water theme, rafting on the Dunajec river is another of Alice’s must-dos. Locals in flat-bottomed boats guide you through deep-sided gorges using a long pole to steer. ‘It’s kind of like a Polish gondola’ she says, smiling.
‘Horse carriage rides are also really popular,’ she continues. ‘The horses are quite decorative and wear fancy harnesses.’
Rafting on the Dunajec river, Zakopane.
The local culture is like nowhere else
Zakopane is more than just nature – local Goral highlander culture is front and centre everywhere you look. Take a quick peek at Alice’s pics and you can’t miss the iconic wooden buildings, which were designed by a local artist and writer, and help give the place its distinctive storybook style.
Old traditions are alive and kicking at the regular market, too, with food and drink top of Alice’s shopping list. A particular fave for her is oscypek, a type of local sheep’s cheese, which she recommends having pan-fried – ‘crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and delicious served on toast with some cranberry sauce.’
It’s an under-the-radar pick
Off-the-beaten-path holidays are having a moment right now, with travel pics popping up on social feeds that make you go ‘wow, where is that?’ So, if you’re eager to hop on this hot trend and be the one posting those pics, why not follow in Alice’s tracks and head to Zakopane?
Alice’s top tips for visiting Zakopane
1. Wear walking boots
If you want to make the most of the walking trails, bring proper walking boots. Alice recommends a pair that supports your ankles.
2. Pack some warm layers
Zakopane is up in the mountains, so the temperature drops at night. Alice packs a lightweight puffer jacket to wear when she’s out and about in the evening.
3. Book your cable car rides in advance
Lots of mountain lifts allow you to buy your tickets ahead of time, so follow Alice’s lead and book beforehand to skip the ticket queue on the day.Where to stay in Zakopane
Rysy Boutique Hotel
If sleek and modern is your style, try the Rysy Boutique Hotel. Add in a bar and relaxing spa, and your holiday R&R is sorted, too.
Find out more
Hotel Aquarion Family & Friends
It’s all about fun facilities here. You’ve direct access to Zakopane’s Aqua Park (hello waterslides) and there’s a bowling alley as well.
Find out more
If this has moved Poland into pole position on your travel wishlist, then head this way to learn even more about Zakopane.
Author: Matt Robinson
Last updated: 14/11/2025