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27 Things To Do in Zakopane, Poland in the Winter
14th June 2024
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What’s better than relaxing in a hot pool of mineral water after a long day of skiing? Nothing, really.
27 Things To Do in Zakopane, Poland in the Winter
Wondering what things to do in Zakopane, Poland?
The winter capital of Poland is quickly becoming one of the prime skiing locations in Eastern Europe due to its affordability, pristine slopes, and cultural infusions. It’s easy to forget many forget that Zakopane is much more than a ski resort. It’s a beautiful and lively retreat with tons of activities outside of skiing.
Let’s go over 27 things to do in Zakopane, Poland on your next winter holiday.
1. Explore Snowlandia’s Icy Attractions
Snowlandia is a winter wonderland park, primarily made for children but showcasing beautiful ice creations that everyone can appreciate. Depending on snow conditions, it’s open from December to early March and it includes attractions such as:
- The largest snow maze in Poland (3000m2);
- A snow castle with towers reaching up to 15m;
- An ice palace containing hand-made ice sculptures;
- A ski lift and slope for beginners;
- A toboggan run (sledding).
Pricing: £6 per adult, or £18 for 2 adults + child
2. Visit Tatra Educational Park
In addition to the snow maze and castle, Snowlandia also offers access to the breathtaking Tatra Education Park.
It’s an incredibly well-kept and protected part of the Tatra National Park where you can encounter cute and exotic breeds of deer, owl, marmots… well, we won’t tell you all of them. Go see them for yourself!
There’s also a playground on the premises.
Pricing: £6 per adult, or £15 for 2 adults + child. Additional discount if you visit both the ice sculpture park and the educational park.
3. Ride a Snowmobile / Skidoo
Adrenaline junkies will LOVE taking a skidoo tour through the snowy mountains. Some snowmobile trips start at one of the most picturesque vistas in Zakopane. With English-speaking guides, professional equipment, and scenic routes, it’s a great way to spend your afternoon.
If a snowmobile ride is not your cup of tea, you may also opt for 4×4 buggies or quad bikes instead. In any case, the fast-paced exploration of the Tatra Mountains is a breathtaking winter activity you’ll regret missing out on.
4. Take the Funicular Train Up to GUBAŁÓWKA
This one will make you fall IN LOVE with Zakopane…
The funicular railway operates all year round and goes up to Gubalowka, one of the most famous peaks in Zakopane – and with good reason. The view from up there is so beautiful, you won’t dare to close your eyes.
And once you’re up, there’s a market, and a few great places to sit down, get some food and enjoy a drink while the sun is setting.
Pricing: £7 per person (high season, 2-way ticket)
5. Go Hiking
There’s so much to explore, so we’ll give you a breakdown.
Climbing Mt. Nosal is a less challenging hike as it takes about 30-40 minutes to get to the top, where a magnificent view of the Tatras awaits. Best of all, Mt. Nosal is situated right in front of our Stardust chalet.
If you’re looking for a bigger challenge, go for Giewont (1895m) and Kasprowy Wierch (1987m) – the two more notorious peaks in the Polish Tatras. It’s entirely possible to tackle them both in the same day. If you feel fit and want to add Kopa Kondracka (2005m), the whole circular route takes about nine hours to conquer.
We always recommend Morskie Oko – our favorite hike. It translates to the ‘Eye of the Sea’ and it’s one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Want to make it easier and more fun? You can take a horse sleigh there and back!
6. Visit the Mini Zoo (and Feed ALPACAS!)
Yet another ridiculously cute thing you can do in Zakopane is visit the famous Mini Zoo. There you can meet furry alpacas, gorgeous peacocks, proud zebras, and other exotic animals.
The zoo is quite educational for children and has multiple attractions to keep them busy such as a mini-bungee, a sandbox with toys, an obstacle course, swings, and more.
Pricing: £8 per person (includes parking!)
7. Rejuvenate in Top-Notch Thermal Baths
Right in the center of Zakopane, you’ll find its very own thermal pool complex – full of hot mineral pools, jacuzzis, saunas a massage centre, and much more. This is one of our favorite things to do in Zakopane after a heavy skiing day or week.
Can’t get enough? Zakopane is located in a perfect central location, from which you can visit 5 more fantastic thermal complexes you’ll never want to leave. Most of them have indoor and outdoor pools, restaurants, and gyms and each offers unique healing experiences.
If you stay in a Snomads eco-chalet, we can arrange transport from Zakopane.
Pricing: Most 3-hour stays cost £20-£30 per adult. Prices vary.
Check out our list of the BEST thermal bath complexes in and around Zakopane, including prices, working hours, and additional amenities.
8. Go to the Cinema or Theatre
Zakopane houses a surprising array of cinema venues for those who want to relax with a film at the end of the day.
Here’s where you can find them:
- Sokol Cinema, 2 Orkana Street
Over 100 years old, big screens, films in Polish with English subtitles - Miejce Cinema, 2 Orkana Street
Smaller venue, can be rented for private parties and professional presentations - Giewont Cinema, 4 Kosciuszki Street
Historic interior, 4K screen - Witkacy Theater, 15 Chramowki Street
Showcases traditional Polish cultural heritage, all plays are in Polish
Zakopane has a deep-rooted appreciation and love for art and culture, which is apparent in the way the venues are run. Oh… and a pro tip: you can enjoy films in Miejce Cinea with a drink in hand.
9. Kulig Horse Ride Evening (MUST DO)
There’s no better way to experience traditional Polish culture than riding on the signature Kulig horse sleighs, taking in the stunning panoramas of the Tatras, and finishing it off with a BBQ dinner, hot wine, and mountain tea.
Away from the town, in the quiet unspoiled white powder snows, the soft wind on your cheeks and through your hair. The whole trip lasts about 3 hours and will leave you breathless. There are many routes, but our favorite has to be from the nearby Podhalańska.
10. Attend the Highland Folklore Festival
Looking for things to do in Zakopane in the summer? The infamous Highland Folklore Festival is a cherished tradition amongst locals as it aims to preserve local tradition and culture.
The event is packed with interesting attractions, competitions, traditional highland dances, and (naturally) some delicious food. It usually runs for a week. You might even get to see a traditional highland wedding take place!
Pricing: Free
11. Enjoy the Unique Architecture
The town of Zakopane was transformed in the late 1800s, primarily by artist-architect Stanislaw Witkiewicz. His unique approach as a painter spawned an architectural style like no other. In fact, it’s known as “Zakopane Style”.
So go ahead! Take a stroll through the town, take in its beauty – the rounded wood windows and detailed embellishments. These beloved works of art are at the forefront of Podhale aesthetic and are begging to be seen and appreciated.
12. Go Shopping Down Krupówki Street
While Zakopane is no St Moritz, it’s still a fantastic shopping centre. Throughout both summer and winter, the town’s streets and shops are bustling with life. You’ll find designer brands, quality sportswear, and ski gear at fair prices. There’s even a TK Maxx store.
Of course, quaint little shops with charming decorations can be found as well. There, local artisans offer peculiar but fascinating little souvenirs, hand-made decorations and tantalizing food and drinks.
13. Enjoy Southern Polish Cuisine
Polish cuisine is eccentric, but also delicious and rather comforting – ideal for reinvigorating the body during a cold winter day. Traditional taverns and modern restaurants offer a large array of options, suited for all dietary preferences.
Some traditional Polish foods you should definitely try are:
- Zurek (meat-based soup);
- Rosol (chicken noodle soup);
- Tripe Soup (animal belly-based soup);
- Oscypek (traditional smoked Polish cheese);
- Pierogi Dumplings.
Locals source their food locally. For the most part, you’ll find that food quality is exceptionally high, which makes Zakopane a true foodie’s heaven.
14. Nightlife in Zakopane is CRAZY
Zakopane isn’t just a skiing resort – there are over 30,000 full-time residents, some of whom want to get wild under the moonlight. After 9 pm, when the ski slopes close, a lively nightlife begins.
Drinks and food are about twice as cheap compared to most French, Swiss, and Austrian resorts – between 10-15 zloty ( £2-£3) for a large beer.
The atmosphere is unmatched – artists, street performers, street chefs, and horse sleighs fill the street with a lovely energy you won’t find anywhere else.
There are plenty of bars like our favorites Cafe Piano – 7XV5+33 and “Na Końcu Świata” Bar – 7XR6+MV, as well as nightclubs. Polish people know how to party.
15. Go on a Day Trip to Slovakia
The location of Zakopane is perfect – right near incredible ski slopes, a variety of thermal baths, beautiful mountains, and RIGHT next to the Slovakian border. From some views, you can even see the inviting Slovakian part of the Tatra Mountains. So why not accept the invitation and go check it out?
A day trip to Slovakia can easily be arranged and can be quite the experience. Here are some things you can do in Northern Slovakia:
- Snowshoeing;
- Husky sledding;
- Horse carriage riding;
- Natural hot pool bathing;
- Ice sculpture park;
- Visit a thermal bath and aquapark;
- Explore caves.
Need help arranging that day trip? E-mail maks@snomads.co.uk and we’ll fit a quick trip into your Zakopane stay, so you can make the most of it.
16. Go Ice Skating
Winter? Snow? Let’s go back to the basics.
There’s more than one ice rink in Zakopane, each one offering ice skates rental. Best of all, it’s incredibly cheap. Here are the ice rinks in Zakopane:
- Ice Rink Cos, Czecha St.
Two ice rinks – one for speed skating and open for amateurs. It’s close to the National Park and surrounded by cross-country skiing trails. - Ice Rink u Daniela, Oberconiowka 21
Has a beautiful view and an eponymous restaurant, U Daniela. - Ice Rink Domino, Grunwaldzka St.
A rather small ice rink, located in the centre of Zakopane. It’s recommended to visit it in the afternoon, to avoid pupil crowds, as it’s located right next to a school. - Ice Rink Tafla, Nowotarska St.
Another relatively small ice rink right next to the Solidarność Roundabout.
Pricing: £2 per hour, £2 for skates rental
17. Take a Cable Car Trip to Kasprowy Wierch
This scenic attraction is open both in summer and winter, even on Christmas, Easter, and Corpus Christie. We still suggest checking the availability in the link below.
The cable car station is located in Kuznice and can get quite busy in during high season. Luckily, you can bypass this if you purchase a ticket online here.
The trip itself takes about 10 minutes and is in two stages. However, if you have return tickets, you can stay up at Kasprowy Wierch for 100 mins. Otherwise, a walk to the top takes around 3 hours one way.
Pricing: £25, regular adult two-way ticket
18. Visit the Fascinating Local Museums and Galleries in Zakopane
By now, you’ve probably gathered that Zakopane’s focus on culture, art and heritage is quite intense. Luckily, we get to see a lot of that too! Numerous museums and artistic institutions can be explored freely. Here are some of our favorites:
- Muzeum Oscypka Zakopane, Jagiellońska 28, 34-500
Heritage centre for traditional highland village crafts primarily focused on cheesemaking. Visitors can witness various cheesemaking techniques. - The Koliba Villa, Kościeliska 18, Zakopane 34-500
The first house was erected in the local Zakopane style of architecture. It’s a time-piece, helping us appreciate the architect’s intent when designing the entire town. - The Wladyslaw Hasior Gallery, Ul. Jagiellonska 18 B, Zakopane 34-500
A collection of the eponymous artist’s work. Many of the materials used in his pieces were for daily use, often bordering on junk. But through his creativity, they’ve acquired a new meaning.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg – there are so many galleries, educational museums and heritage museums, you’ll likely have to come back to Zakopane for a second round!
Pricing: Either FREE or about £2
19. Get Lost in Zakopane’s Illusion House
Among the more peculiar things to do in Zakopane, Poland, is immersing yourself in its Illusion House.
Full of optical illusions, mind-bending visuals, and eccentric exhibitions, the House is a perfect place to take memorable and surreal photos with your friends or family. You should, however, book a visit through the website in advance.
Pricing: £8/adult
20. Take Skiing Lessons
If you’re new to skiing and find it daunting, or simply want to brush up on your skills, you might want to take some solo or group ski lessons. Luckily, Zakopane has great schools and individual teachers who speak English and take on larger groups.
Skiing is the primary activity in Zakopane due to its diverse range of ski slopes and the fantastic climate conditions throughout the season. Never too late to learn!
21. Visit the Mouse House (can it get any cuter?)
Seriously, this isn’t a figure of speech.
Myszogrod is a real mouse house measuring 200 m2, full of miniature houses, trains, mountains, magic trees and so much more. Over 1000 mice from all over the world live there, and you can observe their lives in various fairy-tale settings from behind a glass screen.
Pricing: £5 (regular) or £13 (family)
22. Photoshoot in the BeHappy Museum
Social media lovers, hear hear!
Entirely dedicated to light-hearted, soft-coloured, and happiness-inducing interiors, the BeHappy Museum is THE place to do fun photoshoots with your friends. Your Instagram profile will thank you.
A pool with marshmallow foams, banana swing, magical unicorns… the list goes on. There’s also a coffee shop, illusion rooms, and a lot of props to play and take pictures with.
Pricing: £10 (regular) or £24 (family)
23. Go to the Arcade
There’s a mouse house in Zakopane… did you think there wouldn’t be an arcade too?
Game Planet is right on Krupowki Street. A variety of video games and sports mini-games await, not to mention a billiards table.
24. Visit the Upside Down House in Zakopane
Yet another fascinating piece of eccentric architecture, the upside-down house sits on its roof, positioned diagonally.
Ever walked on a ceiling? It’s actually quite challenging to keep your balance there because of the slant.
This is not the only upside-down house in Poland – Daniel Czapiewski designed the original one in Szymbark to make a statement about the uncertainty of life in post-Communist era Poland.
Pricing: £4 (regular)
25. Day Trip to Krakow
Miss the city? Krakow is a wonderful destination with much to do and see. A day trip can be arranged. It’s a 2-hour drive, so if you don’t feel like doing the drive twice, you can also stay there for a night and make the most of your time there before returning to Zakopane.
Poland’s economy is on a steady rise and it definitely shows in its larger cities. The quality of life is increasing and tourists are finding it a very attractive location to spend their holidays.
If you need help arranging a trip from your stay with our eco-chalets in Zakopane, don’t hesitate to reach out!
26. Day Trip to Jasna Chopok
Awaiting you in Slovakia is Jasna – the largest ski resort in Central Europe with 49km of skiing on 36 slopes serviced by 26 mostly new lifts. It offers much more than skiing though.
The ski season in Jasna starts in early December and runs until the end of April an is only 94km away from Zakopane, allowing you to squeeze in a quick ski trip on your ski trip!
27. Join the “Easter Egg” Competition
Don’t be confused by the name – there are actually no eggs in this competition. It’s more of a pageant really!
This wonderful tradition includes a showcase of retro clothing and skiing style – a true return to the old skiing atmosphere. Competitors wear heavy wooden skis that are notoriously unreliable, which makes for some very funny mishaps. There’s also a time trial race.
The competition takes place on the incredibly picturesque slope at Suchy Żleb.
Where to stay in Zakopane?
Do you need help creating the perfect plan with things to do in Zakopane? The Snomads cozy eco-chalets are the perfect base camp for you and your group. Our team will help you at every step of the way to make sure your Zakopane holiday is unparalleled.
Stardust I and Stardust II are built and run with love. Equipped with a guest kitchenette and an outdoor BBQ, as well as private bathrooms and a cozy interior, the chalets are the perfect home away from home.
And because it’s an eco-chalet, we maintain an environmentally friendly approach to everything we do.
We hope to see you in Zakopane! We promise a part of your soul will stay here forever.
Hope you enjoyed the read!
There are so many great things to do in Zakopane, Poland – a town that has kept its traditions while welcoming foreigners with arms wide open. If you need help creating the perfect itinerary as a solo traveler, friend group, or family, reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to help you and arrange the perfect affordable accommodation, ski lessons, or excursions. Check out our 5* reviews on TripAdvisor here for more proof of our awesomeness.
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We love Zakopane, and we want you to love it too.
Our award-winning eco chalets are designed to make you feel right at home. Trained staff will take care of all your needs from the moment you arrive so you can enjoy a fully catered, care-free ski trip.