Escape to the Tatra Mountains this summer season for scenic hikes and highland bites.
Lazy days of sunbathing by the ocean aren’t for everybody. If you happen to choose an lively summer season vacation, skip the seashores for Europe’s mountains.
On the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is a favorite weekend escape for Krakow locals.
In winter, snowboarding and sleigh rides draw crowds of vacationers to Zakopane – however it’s simply as worthy of a visit in summer season.
Simply over two hours’ drive from Poland’s second metropolis, this picturesque resort city is filled with journey – from climbing by protected nationwide parkland to rafting down the Dunajec Gorge.
Right here’s the right way to discover this mountain gem on a funds.
What to do in Zakopane: From folklore festivals to cable automobiles
A part of the Carpathian Mountains, which divide Poland and Slovakia, the Tatras haven’t any scarcity of scenic trails, pine forests and lakes, just like the crystal clear Morskie Oko.
Swimming within the lakes is forbidden on account of their delicate ecosystems, however you may hit up thermal baths like Bukovina and Terma Bania, or take to the water on a Dunajec River rafting journey – round an hour’s drive from Zakopane.
If you happen to like a aspect of tradition along with your lively trip, plan your journey to Zakopane across the Worldwide Competition of Highland Folklore. Held firstly of August, the annual occasion sees the streets come to life with highland music, dancers, craftspeople and meals.
When you’ve had your fill of fried trout, Oscypek smoked cheese and kwaśnica – sauerkraut and slow-cooked pork or mutton soup – burn it off on a hike to the highest of Mount Kasprowy Wierch. Right here, you may wander by flower fields as you breathe the crisp mountain air earlier than hopping on the breathtaking cable automobile again down.
To see extra panoramic views with out getting worn out, take the Gubałówka Funicular from the top of Zakopani’s primary hub, Krupowki Road – the place you may seize a hard-earned beer as you dodge the vacationer touts come night.
Go to Zakopane for journey on a funds
Zakopane is widespread with locals however stays lesser identified amongst overseas vacationers. Consequently, it’s nonetheless attainable to go to on a funds.
You’ll be able to get pleasure from a conventional Polish meal for beneath €5 at Marzanna. In the summertime backyard of Bąkowo Zohylina Niźno, mains price between €5-10, whereas a beer prices €1.55. On the fine-dining Restauracja Halka, mains price between €10-25.
One-way tickets on the Gubałówka Funicular price €4 or €5.30 for a return, whereas the pricier Kasprowy Wierch cable automobile prices €24 a method and €28 return. Dunajec rafting journeys price from round €22.
For the complete outside expertise, you may camp close to Zakopane for beneath €5. Lodging ranges from round €30 for native lodges to €80 and upwards for luxurious spa lodges.
Go to throughout weekdays to keep away from the crowds and safe decrease costs.
How you can get to Zakopane
The closest airport to Zakopane is Poprad-Tatry, which is round an hour’s drive south, whereas Krakow is about two hours’ drive north.
The easiest way to get from Krakow to Zakopane is by practice, which takes two to a few hours and prices as little as €3 every means.
A direct coach from Krakow to Zakopane prices from round €7.50 a method, whereas a taxi prices round €100.
A EuroNight sleeper practice hyperlinks Prague and different Czech cities with Krakow from €29.
