Location: Zakopane
Top Things to do in Zakopane
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The 6 Best Valleys in Zakopane, Southern Poland
Just a few miles from the Slovak border in south central Poland, Zakopane is a resort town in the Tatra Mountains, popular with skiers in winter and with hikers and climbers year-round. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Zakopane grew into Poland’s most visible art colony, a hotbed of culture ended by Soviet influence after World War II. Today it harkens back to an earlier time, complete with gorgeous wooden houses. Learn about these buildings and more at the Museum of Zakopane Style.
Restaurants in Zakopane
1. Strazyska Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
The entrance to this valley is within walking distance from central Zakopane (2.4 km from Krupowki street; 100m up; follow Kasprusie road). A well maintained path, at times more like a small road, leads to the upper part of the valley and takes about 40 minutes. Special about Strazyska is the fact it is a rather narrow valley with a wild stream running through. Not just pine trees, but deciduous trees as well provide a colorful experience. Especially this time of the year (October) when autumn sets in. It is possible to hike out of the valley towards Sarnia Skala 1377 m. (follow a trail with black and white markings towards the east). Add another extra hour to reach the peak.
2. Hala Kondratowa
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By endrju_74 - Ipswich, United Kingdom
It was once a clearing with grazing sheep, and its name probably comes from the name of the first owner. But since establishing Tatrzański Park Narodowy (national park), all farm activities, especially shepherding, were banned, and Hala Kondratowa became a place known to tourists only. Especially two things affect the unbelievable popularity of Hala: the most popular trail towards the most popular summit over Zakopane - Giewont, as well as the presence of a tourist hostel (or mountain hut) on this trail, which can barely cope with feeding the incredible masses of tourists hiking the trail. There's also another trail, the green one (the main is blue), which starts at the hut, at leads towards Przełęcz pod Kopą Kondracką (Pass under Kopa Kondracka peak) in Tatra main ridge. Absolutely beautiful place, but those huge crowds of tourists are just overwhelming.
3. Przelecz Miedzy Kopami
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
One of the lowest passes just over Zakopane district of Kuznice. A gateway to highest parts of Tatra mountains.
4. Olczyska Valley
5. Dolina Bialego
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By Robert937 - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Almost like a ravine, this narrow valley is close to the center of Zakopane. It is named after the wild stream that runs through it: white creek valley. Perhaps the reason this valley is rather untouched and enchanting is, it does not provide easy access to alps at higher altitudes. A well marked trail (yellow signs) leads to the end with some small waterfalls. You have an option to continue hiking to Sarnia Skala (1377m) along a steep path through the woods. Access to the valley is not easy to find. From Zakopane follow Grunwaldzka street, then Droga do Bialego where there is a sign. Continue straight towards the south (no signs) until you will find the park entrance with ticket boot.
