Discover the Charm of Zakopane - nature break in the heart of the Tatra Mountains

Why is it worth choosing the train when traveling to Zakopane?

Traveling by train to Zakopane is a comfortable and ecological way to reach this charming place. Here are some reasons why it is worth choosing this means of transport.

Where do the trains to Zakopane come from?

Zakopane is well connected with the rest of the country. We can reach this charming town from virtually every corner of the country. There are direct trains from most of the largest Polish cities, and in the search engine www.polishtrains.eu you will easily find convenient connections with transfers.

Communication from Zakopane

In Zakopane, you can easily get to selected attractions and distant trails, both thanks to well-organized public transport and numerous offers of private carriers. Most of them start their journey at the railway station.

Gubałówka

Gubałówka is one of the most popular places in Zakopane, offering spectacular views of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane. You can get to the top by cable car, which is an attraction in itself. In winter, Gubałówka attracts skiers and snowboarders, and in summer it becomes an ideal place for hiking and cycling.

Krupówki

Krupówki is the heart of Zakopane - the city's main promenade, full of shops, restaurants and cafes. Walking along Krupówki, you can feel the unique atmosphere of this place, try regional delicacies and buy handmade souvenirs.

Morskie Oko

One of the most beautiful lakes in Poland, Morskie Oko, is located in the High Tatras and is accessible via a picturesque, although demanding, hike. A visit to Morskie Oko is a must-see for every mountain lover.

Morskie Oko – Chałubiński Gate

This over 7-kilometer round trip trail is considered demanding and takes an average of 3 hours and 29 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for backpackers and hikers, but you can enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The best time to visit this trail is from May to October. The trail offers beautiful views and allows you to commune with the nature of the Tatra National Park. Due to its requirements, it is suitable for people in good physical condition. It is worth preparing adequately for the hike by taking enough water, snacks and clothes appropriate for changing weather conditions. This trail is a great choice for those who are looking for challenges and want to admire the Tatra landscapes in peace and quiet, away from the hustle and bustle of tourist attractions. The trail to the Chałubiński Gate starts at the PTTK Morskie Oko shelter and leads through picturesque areas, offering wonderful views of the Tatra peaks. The route is well marked and intended for tourists with moderate physical condition.

To reach the Chałubiński Gate:

1. Start your hike in Palenica Białczańska, where there is a parking lot and the starting point of many trails.
2. Follow the red trail leading to the PTTK Morskie Oko Shelter. This route is popular and well-maintained.
3. After reaching the PTTK Morskie Oko shelter, continue walking along the rocky path leading to the Chałubiński Gate.

Kościeliska Valley and Chochołowska Valley

These two valleys are perfect places for longer walks and admiring the Tatra nature. In spring, the Chochołowska Valley delights with blooming crocuses, and in winter, both valleys become an ideal place for cross-country skiing.

Skiing and snowboarding

In winter, Zakopane turns into a paradise for skiers and snowboarders. Ski resorts such as Kasprowy Wierch and Nosal offer excellent conditions for winter sports.

Zakopane mountain trails

In summer, Zakopane attracts hiking enthusiasts. The trails leading to Rysy, Giewont and Kasprowy Wierch are full of challenges, but also extremely satisfying. We have prepared a list of trails with various levels of advancement. Be sure to save it for later.

Caves in the Kościeliska Valley

For people who don't like thrills, we recommend a walk along the main trail. Perfect for people who do not like mountain challenges, but want to enjoy beautiful views of mountain landscapes. For those who love hiking and exploring the mountains more actively, we recommend visiting the caves, which are approximately 300 m long in total. When exploring the caves, be sure to bring a headlamp, waterproof clothes and be prepared for mud. Type of route there and back with a total length of 10.8 km. Please remember that dogs are not allowed.

Caves on this trail:

🔹 Mroźna Cave

🔹 Raptawicka Cave

🔹 Obłazkowa Cave

🔹 Mylna Cave

🔹 Dragon's Den

Staników Żleb – Przysłop Miętusi

A route of moderate difficulty, back and forth. The route is only 4.5 hours long and takes 2 hours on average. The route is open all year round and guarantees beautiful views. The picturesque route leads along the stream through the forest to Przysłop Miętusi, a pass located at an altitude of 1,189 meters, which separates the Kościeliska Valley from the Mała Łąki Valley. The start of the route is in Nędzówka, where buses arrive, or at the parking lot in Kiry, from where the black trail Droga pod Reglami leads.

To enter the Tatra National Park, you must have an entrance ticket. There is no sales point before the start of the route, so the ticket must be purchased online or at the nearest stationary point. The trail is quite popular, so depending on the season, you can meet many hikers.

Chochołowska Valley - Starorobociański Wierch

Discover a 22.9-kilometer loop route near Zakopane, in Lesser Poland. The route is considered demanding and takes an average of 8 hours and 56 minutes to complete. This is a very popular trail for hikers, so you'll likely encounter other people while hiking. The best time to visit this trail is from May to October. Remember that outside the Chochołowska Valley, dogs are not allowed on this trail. The route to Starorobociański Wierch starts at the parking lot in Siwa Polana, right in front of the ticket office for the Tatra National Park. The first stage leads along a gentle green trail through the beginning of the Chochołowska Valley. Then, entering the Starororobocińska Valley, we choose the black trail, which runs along a forest path to a clearing, and then along a much stronger approach to Siwa Przełęcz. From the pass, following the ridge and rocky slope, you should head towards Starorobociański Wierch, located at an altitude of 2,176 meters. The beautiful panorama compensates for the effort of the hike. The descent leads through Kończy Wierch and Trzydniowiański Wierch to the Chochołowska Valley and the beginning of the trail.

Palenica Białczańska - Gęsia Szyja

This 6.9-kilometer out-and-back trail is considered challenging and takes an average of 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. This is a very popular area for hikers, so you'll likely meet other people while hiking. The trail is open all year round and is attractive at any time of the year. The shortest route leading to the peak of Gęsia Szyja, rising at an altitude of 1,489 meters, starts at the parking lot in Palenica Białczańska, in front of the ticket office for the Tatra National Park. From this point, a forest path marked with a blue trail leads to Rusinowa Polana. From Rusinowa Polana there is a beautiful panorama of the High Tatras, it is worth taking a break for a picnic here. The entrance to the peak leads along a green trail, largely covered with wooden stairs. The return takes the same route.

Antałówka - Harenda - Gubałówka

Test yourself on a 15-kilometer trail in Zakopane. The loop trail is considered moderately demanding and takes an average of 4 hours and 25 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for hikers, mountain bikers and runners, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. The trail is open all year round and is attractive at any time of the year.

The route starts in Zakopane and leads through picturesque areas, providing beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. The route is well marked and intended for people with moderate physical condition. This is an excellent option for those who want to spend time actively outdoors, regardless of the season.

Be sure to prepare for your hike by bringing enough water, snacks, and clothing appropriate to the weather conditions. This trail allows you to commune with nature and admire the beautiful landscapes of the Tatra National Park, providing an unforgettable experience.

Thermal baths and SPA

After a day full of activity, it is worth relaxing in one of the numerous thermal pools and spas, which offer not only relaxation, but also health benefits thanks to mineral thermal waters.

Discover Zakopane by train

Zakopane is a place that everyone should visit. Traveling by train to Zakopane is an excellent choice for those who value comfort, ecology and safety. Regardless of the season, Zakopane offers countless attractions that will delight both lovers of active recreation and those looking for a quiet break surrounded by nature. Choose a nature break instead of a city break and discover the magical charm of Zakopane!

Find out about other places for outdoor recreation in Poland