Known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is a winter wonderland that is also filled with things to do year-round. From the breathtaking hikes in Tatra National Park to the relaxing thermal baths in Zakopane, visitors surely won’t have a single dull moment here. We have rounded up the best things to Zakopane, Poland.
Zakopane Poland Facts
Language: Polish
Currency: Polish Zolty
Safe: Pretty Safe but use precaution
Climate: Hot and Humid Continental Climate
Visit Snowlandia
Open: December- March ( Depending on Wether)
Snowlandia is a winter wonderland where everything from the giant pyramid to the giant maze is made from snow and ice. The structures take around one month to build although adversely warm weather conditions can hamper construction.
Snowboard/Ski
Season: December- April
The mountainous landscape of Poland is ideal for skiers and snowboarders. In the south of our country there are several dozen resorts, some with a long tradition, some newly opened.
The most popular spots are Kasprowy Wierch, Nosal and Gubałówka Hill. The Polish Ski Resort of Zakopane has direct access to 16 individual pistes, served by 20 ski lifts.
Hike The Tetra Mountains
You can’t visit Zakopane and not go hiking at least once. Hiking is definitely one of the best things to do in Zakopane and the small town makes an excellent base. So if you’re an adventurer, hiking is probably the best thing to do in Zakopane for you!
The town is right next to the Tatra National Park, and trails are abundant. Most trails are day-long hikes, allowing for a full day hike up to a peak, only to later return to town and relax in your well-equipped guesthouse. Or if you’re feeling your muscles could use a little R&R, you could head to a beautiful Zakopane Spa to relax.
Soak in a Thermal Pool
Thermal baths are pools of water with mineral properties at various extreme temperatures that aim to recalibrate your body, relax your mind and recharge your spirit. To define the therapeutic action of a bath, two important qualities are considered: temperature and chemical composition of the water. Depending on the desired effect, several uses for thermal baths have been developed, which fall under the category of hydrotherapy.
• Thermal hydrotherapy
Thermal hydrotherapy is the use of water at various temperatures to elicit specific physiological responses in the body. Water is known to have important and medicinal properties which, along with the enhanced effects of temperature, aid in improving digestion, blood circulation and muscle toning.
• Physical hydrotherapy
Physical hydrotherapy is the practice of physical exercises inside a pool. It helps physically injured patients to execute these exercises with less pain by using the buoyancy of water to decrease their physical impact.
• Chemical hydrotherapy
Chemical hydrotherapy consists of adding certain minerals or chemicals that are normally found on natural hot springs, such as iron, lithium, sulphates, potassium, bicarbonic acid and calcium. Dissolved in high temperature water, the water’s therapeutic effects increase, causing chemical reactions in the body that enhance the healing and relaxing effects of hydrotherapy.
Try Some Polish Food
Polish food is more than just pierogies. While Polish dishes are often described as heavy, hearty, and filling, the Central European cuisine is quite complex, with a variety of influences dating back to the Middle Ages. From fermented favorites to comforting cuisine, there are so many underrated Polish foods worth sampling.
Comments