ZAKOPANE POLAND

What is the nearest airport to Zakopane?

The nearest airport to Zakopane is Krakow Balice Airport located 100 km from Zakopane, the next one is Katowice Pyrzowice (200km from Zakopane). There is also a small airport in Poprad (Slovakia) situated less than 80km from Zakopane, but with limited flight connections.
Find out more how to get to Zakopane

How long does it take to get from Krakow Balice Airport to Zakopane?

The route from Kraków Balice Airport to the center of Zakopane is 114 km and takes less than 2 hours in good road conditions. Unfortunately, traffic jams often form, and travel times can be significantly longer, sometimes exceeding 4-5 hours during peak tourist season.

When does the ski season start?

Ski slopes are usually open from mid-December to mid- or even late March. If there is enough natural snow, Kasprowy Wierch can be open until the first days of May. Please note: there are no beginner slopes on Kasprowy Wierch.
Find out more skiing and snowboarding in Zakopane and the surrounding area

How much snow is there generally around Christmas and New Year's, and are all winter attractions open during this period?

In recent years, it has been very difficult to predict whether there will be much snow in late December and early January. The ski slopes are artificially snowed, so skiing and snowboarding are almost always possible. However, sleigh rides and snowmobile tours require a lot of natural snow, so the availability of these attractions cannot be guaranteed.
Find out more Christmas and New Year'e Eve in Zakopane and things to do in Zakopane in winter .

Where can we tent in the Tatra National Park?

Camping is prohibited in the Tatra National Park. If you plan to spend the night in the mountains, I recommend staying in one of the eight mountain refuges. You can also plan a multi-day trek with overnight stays in huts, without descending to Zakopane.
Find out moreMountain refugest in the Tatra Mountains

Are Catholic masses held in the Tatra Mountains?

There are four chapels in the Tatra National Park where services are held every Sunday: the Chapel of Our Lady Queen of the Tatra National Park in Wiktorówki, the chapel on Chochołowska Glade, the Albertine Brothers' Chapel in Kalatówki, and the Albertine Sisters' Chapel in Kalatówki. Beautiful Midnight Masses (on the Christmas Day), popular with Zakopane residents, are held in the Wiktorówki chapel and at the Albertine Brothers' chapel in Kalatówki.

How can we get to the different ski resorts?

To get to one of the four ski stations in Zakopane you can take a taxi or public bus or minibus. To get to one of the several ski resorts near Zakopane you can also take a private transfer (the easiest option) or line minibus. I suggest going to the bus station a day before to check the time table. Once on the bus/minibus, show the driver or one of the passengers a map of the ski resort you are going to and ask them to point out the best bus stop to get off at. Unfortunately, we do not have free ski buses in Zakopane.

Is it true that I can't walk my dog in the Tatra National Park?

Yes, it's true. In Tatra National Park, dogs are only allowed in the Chocholowska Valley and on the edge of the park, along the Droga pod Reglami. Dogs are also not allowed on the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch. However, for a small fee, dogs can be taken on the funicular to Gubalowka.
Find out more Zakopane with dog

What are the most characteristic plants and animals of the Tatras?

The most characteristic animals of the Tatras are mountain goats, marmots, deer, wild cats, lynx and brown bears. The most characteristic plants are stone pine, edelweiss and crocus

Where in Zakopane is the regional open-air market, and what time is it open?

The Zakopane's local market is situated at the bottom of the Gubalowka hillside and it is open from 9.00 am till 5.00 pm.
Find out more local market in Zakopane

What is the best month to visit Zakopane?

I can't answer that question. If you want to avoid crowds, the best months are April, the first half of June, and the two months from mid-October to mid-December. If you're planning on hiking, I recommend September. If you want to ski, January and February. If you're interested in folklore, the second half of August.
Find out more Zakopane when to come Zakopane Folklore Festival skiing and snowboarding in Zakopane and vicinity

Tell me what other questions I should answer here: barbara(@)altius.pl