practical information on the town of Zakopane and the region (since 2003)
the closest airport to Zakopane is Krakow Balice airport located 100km far from Zakopane, the second one is Katowice Pyrzowice (200km far from Zakopane). There is also an airport in Poprad (Slovakia) situated lesst than 80km far from Zakopane. The easiest way to get to Zakopane from the mentioned airports is to book a private transfer via our website >>>
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The ski slopes are usually open from the 15th - 20th of December until the half, or even end of March. If only there is enough snow ski piste on Kasprowy Wierch may be open until the May 3th (it is quite popular among Poles to finish the ski season on Kasprowy Wierch during the long weekend in May). Notice please that this is the slope for intermediate and advanced skiers only.
usually there is plenty of snow, at least on the slopes in Zakopane and neighbouring villages (man made snow). The best place for advanced skiers is Kasprowy Wierch but I can't promise the slopes on Kasprowy are open already at the New Year period. Kasprowy is located in Tatra National Park and artificial
snow is forbidden there. They need more than 1,5 m of snow to open the slopes there...
I'm afraid that there is no connection between Zakopane and Poprad on the 15th October. You can try to go to Lysa Polana (bus stop on the way to Morskie Oko), walk through the border and try to get a sloval bus (mini bus) to Poprad. You can write to the tourist information in Poprad ([email protected]) to ask what time is the bus. You can also order private transfer from Zakopane to Poprad on our website
all the Polish Tatras belongs to the Tatra National Park. It's possible to ride to Murowaniec shelter (Hala Gasienicowa) and Chocholowska shelter. There are much more options for mountain bikers in Slovak Tatras
There are four chapels offering services (every Sunday) in the Tatra National Park:
Getting to one of the ski area In Zakopane is very easy - you can Take a minibus from the bus station or Just call the taxi. It is a little bit more difficult (but every year easier) to get to the ski centres in the neighbour villages. We suggest to go to the bus station (very centre of Zakopane) a day before to check the time table. You can also have a look at the bus stop vis a vis the station. While you are already on the bus you should show the driver or some of the passenger the map with the ski centre you are going to and ask them to show you the best bus stop to get off.
One can use the minibus system (there are plenty of bus stops in Zakopane and minibuses go quite frequently), walk or Just order a taxi (not expensive, aprox. 3-6 Euros for the local transfer).
UIAGM - Union Internationale des Associations de Guides de Montagnes is the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. This is a highest mountaineering qualification and the holder may instruct in all areas of mountaineering including ski mountaineering on and off piste, worldwide.
Because it is forbidden to walk a dog in the Tatra National Park we can recommend few othe walking track where your dog can accompany the owner: Droga pod Reglami (Patch under Regle - the walking track which goes along the border of Tatra National Park from the centre of Zakopane - ski jump Wielka Krokiew - to KIry - entrance to Kościeliska Valley - aprox 8km); Chocholowska Valley; yellow marked touristic track: Zakopane - Antałówka - Wierch Bachledzki - nice walk through the fields with lovely view on Tatra Mountains.
The most characteristic a of the Tatras are: mountains goats, marmots, deer, wild cats, lynx and brown bears. The most characteristic plants are stone pine, edelweiss and crocus.
Hi Barbara, thank you for the recommendations. We stayed at Monikas on Monday night and we did the cable car about 2pm and didnt have to wait at all! The kids thoroughly enjoyed it and the snow at the top (they have never seen snow as we dont get it in Western Australia!) The staff were amused as my father wears shorts everywhere, so he was the one in shorts in the snow taking photos! Zakopane is a lovely place and we do hope to return one day. A reporter from my parents home town in Australia stayed and worked in Zakopane several years back (when he was travelling around the world). He said it was great and it didn''t disappoint!
Kind regards, Erin.
Dear Barbara, In short, you did a perfect job, we are very happy we came to Zakopane and will recommend you to all our friends.
Greetings, Joep Everts.
Dear Barbara, Thank you very much for the great accommodation, we have spent a wonderful weekend there! On Friday we arrived so late that we were really lucky to have dinner there, and their restaurant is also very recommendable. So, once again, thank you!
Kind regards, Attila
Hello Barbara, Thank you again for the excellent organisation last Friday, we had a wonderful time, a number of the people in our group even said they thought it was the best thing they had ever done! So thank you again and I will definitely recommend your company to any of my friends that are visiting the area (hopefully I will return to see Zakopane next year and will definitely look for your website again).
Kind regards, James
Hello, few months ago you gave me information regarding hiking in Tatras. It was really handy info and I had one of the best trips ever. Tatras are astonishing. I really appreciated your help.
Best wishes, Ott Linnamagi.
Liebe Frau Barbara, A few days ago I had the pleasure to meet you. After my return I would like to thank you Thank you for your support that our stay was so nice. Thank you for your help with the illness of participants. All are come healthy home. Thank you for the interesting and beautiful photo book. I wish you a great time and success. I hope to see you again in Zakopane
Greetings Günter.
Hi Barbara, I'm just back in work after a great trip to the Tatras. The weather was very good (we seemed to miss the thunderstorms) and, thanks to you, the arrangements all went superbly. Once again, very many thanks for your assistance. Best wishes for your future endeavours.
Regards, Peter.
