ZAKOPANE

Zakopane is a mountain town in southern Poland, set at the foot of the Tatra Mountains and long regarded as the country's winter capital. Reached from Kraków in roughly two hours, it draws visitors year-round with its dramatic alpine scenery, the distinctive Zakopane Style of wooden architecture pioneered by Stanisław Witkiewicz in the late nineteenth century, and a strong tradition of highland culture rooted in the Górale people of the region. The town's main promenade, Krupówki, is lined with timber buildings, regional food stalls, and craft markets that reflect this singular local identity.

From Kraków, a guided day trip to Zakopane offers a practical and immersive way to take in the area. Current experiences include a full-day excursion combining a visit to the traditional village of Chochołów, a ride on the Gubałówka cable car for panoramic views across the Tatras, and time at a thermal spa in the region, with transfers from Kraków included throughout.