Zakopane is located at the foot of the Tatras, in the Low Tatra Valley. Several watercourses flow through the territory of the settlement, which flow into the Zakopyanka River, a tributary of the White Danube.
Zakopane is the highest city in Poland. Within its administrative boundaries are the Tatra mountain ranges (the highest point in the vicinity of the city is Mount Svynytsia with a height of 2301 m),
as well as a large part of the Tatra National Park. The central point of the city (the intersection of Krupuvka and Kosciuszka streets) is located at an altitude of 838 m above sea level.r. m
Zakopane arose on the site of seasonal settlements of shepherds who took flocks of sheep to graze in the Tatras. The existence of this settlement was documented for the first time in 1578 by King Stephen Bathory, but the document has not been preserved.
Initially, Zakopane belonged to the Queen of Poland, and after the partition of Poland - to the kingdom of the Austrian Empire. In 1824, the settlement was sold to the Homolyask family.
The prosperity of Zakopane began in the second half of the 19th century. In 1876, a carving school was opened in the settlement, and in 1886, the settlement received the status of a health resort.
After the end of the First World War, Zakopane again became part of Poland, and in 1933 it received the status of a city.
Zakopane is the largest settlement at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, one of the most famous tourist settlements in all of Poland, as well as an important center of winter sports on a pan-European scale.
Every year, the Velika Krokva mountain hosts the Ski Jumping World Cup. Also, Zakopane is considered the center of winter family recreation,
however, there are tracks of any difficulty level on the territory of the ski complexes built here. In particular, the following centers of ski tourism operate here:
The slopes of the Zakopane resort are perfect for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders. There are a large number of professional instructors who teach skiing on slopes of various levels of difficulty.
The skiing area on the northern slope of Mount Kozinets is intended for beginners and amateurs. The Antalówka ski sector in Zakopane is located on the southern and northern slopes of the mountain peak of the same name.
Thanks to simple tracks and not too steep slopes, the ski complexes located here are also great for beginners and amateurs. In the center of the city there is a ski lift that leads to Mount Gubaluvka, which has a height of 1120 m.
There is also a funicular that can be used to go to the observation deck, which offers a wonderful view of the Tatras panorama.
The best place in Poland for experienced skiers and snowboarders is the Zakopane peak of Kasprowa Wierch. You can get here from the Zakopany Kuznytsia area. The cable car ride to the top takes about 10 minutes with a transfer at Myslennicki Turny (1325 m).
There are two ski runs and separate chairlifts on Kasprovy Verkh. One of them is called Halya Gonsenitska and has a length of 1,182 m and a height difference of more than 350 m. There is a modern four-chair lift that can transport up to 2,400 people per hour.
The second track on Hala Gorychkova is almost 2,000 m long and has a height difference of 602 m. There are two-seater chairlifts that transport up to 730 people per hour.
There is also an aqua park in Zakopane, in which there are two indoor pools for visitors: swimming and recreational. In addition, an outdoor pool filled with thermal waters is available for tourists.
From this pool, visitors to the recreation complex will be able to see a panoramic view of Mount Gavont and the entire western chain of Tatra mountain ranges. From the other side of the pool there is a view of Mount Gubaluvka and its surroundings.
The water park also has water slides, a jacuzzi, a children's pool, a "wild river", a sauna complex, bowling, etc.
