Visiting Zakopane in Poland
Zakopane
is a beautiful mountain resort nestled in the Tatras, the highest range
in the 1,000 km (620 miles) long Carpathian Mountains, not far from the
border with Slovakia, in southern Poland. Towering above the town is
Giewont, a mountain in the shape of a sleeping giant, topped by an
enormous cross.
Zakopane is
popular both in the summer and in the winter - during the two high
seasons it enjoys, the population swells from 33,000 to more than
100,000. It is a great place for both outdoor activities and for a more
relaxed contemplation of nature. The main summertime activity is hiking
in the mountains of the magnificent Tatra National Park area, with its
many fine peaks and alpine meadows. Here you can see a good variety of
birds and animals - even the rare brown bear!
The symbol of
Zakopane is the szarotka, a hardy little white flower, better
known as edelweiss, which can grow anywhere and withstand any weather. If
you prefer to be a little less active, you can take the cable-car to the
summit of Kasprowy Wierch. Here you can stand, surrounded by fantastic,
panoramic views, with one foot in Poland and one foot in Slovakia.
In winter, the
skiing is excellent, with four major ski areas and more than 50 ski lifts
to transport you from peak to peak. Laid-back apres-ski spots are
numerous and lively. This is also the capital of Podhale folklore, a
culturally distinct area where the native 'Highlanders' still wear
colorful local costumes. The Highlander culture extends to its food, and
there are several specialties including the local smoked, sheep's cheese
- oscypek - which is carved into various designs.
