Zakopane has long been called the winter capital of Poland, and it’s no wonder – during the winter break and holidays, the city transforms into a vibrant center of tourism, culture, and highlander traditions. Thousands of tourists come here for the communion with nature, exceptional views, and attractions found only in the Tatra Mountains. In winter, the capital of Podhale offers something for everyone: from easy valley walks, to family torchlit sleigh rides, to thrilling skiing and snowboarding descents.
Interestingly, according to the Tatra Tourist Organization, Zakopane receives over 300,000 tourists in January and February alone, with the highest number arriving during the winter holidays. This means that when planning a stay in the mountains, it’s worth booking both accommodation and tickets to attractions well in advance. Demand is enormous, as Zakopane is a destination that combines everything you’d expect from a winter vacation – mountain trails, thermal spas, regional cuisine, culture, and the magical atmosphere of New Year’s Eve and Carnival.
In this post, we’ll show you which winter trails in Zakopane are worth exploring during your break, what attractions await families, couples, and groups of friends, and why a luxury apartment in the city center is the best base for a winter getaway. Practical tips, tables, and comparisons will help you plan your dream vacation and choose what best suits your travel style.
Winter hiking in the Tatra Mountains has a unique atmosphere – snow-capped peaks, crunching snow underfoot, and a mountain silence that’s hard to compare to anywhere else. When heading out on a winter hike, it’s worth remembering to be properly prepared: warm clothing, a thermos of tea, and, for longer hikes, crampons and trekking poles. Fortunately, the Zakopane area offers many safe trails, perfect for holidays – both for families with children and those who want to be active but don’t plan on conquering high peaks.
Here are some of the most interesting suggestions:
🏞️ Gubałówka – a short and pleasant route that can be reached on foot or by funicular. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains. In winter, there are also extra attractions for children and several food stalls.
🌲 Kościeliska Valley – one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tatras. In winter, it delights with its fairytale scenery and numerous caves. The trail is easy and perfect for a family walk.
🌄 Chochołowska Valley – the longest valley in the Tatras, great for a full-day walk in winter. The route is wide and safe, and at the end, there’s a mountain shelter where you can enjoy a warm meal.
⛷️ Nosal – a short but rather steep trail that offers lots of fun in winter and beautiful panoramic views of Zakopane.
❄️ Morskie Oko – a true classic of winter trips. The route is long but simple – it leads through the forest all the way to one of the most famous Tatra lakes. In winter, the view of the snow-covered mountains reflected in the water is absolutely breathtaking.
🕍 Kalatówki – an easy trail leading to the Kalatówki Glade, where a charming mountain shelter operates in winter. A perfect option for a peaceful walk.
The most interesting winter trails in Zakopane
| Trail | Route length | Difficulty level | Why worth visiting? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏞️ Gubałówka | approx. 1.3 km on foot / funicular | easy | Quick hike and panoramic view of Zakopane |
| 🌲 Kościeliska Valley | approx. 9 km round trip | easy | Fairytale-like valley with caves |
| 🌄 Chochołowska Valley | approx. 15 km round trip | moderate | Long walk ending at a mountain shelter |
| ⛷️ Nosal | approx. 2 km | moderate | Short trail with a beautiful Tatra panorama |
| ❄️ Morskie Oko | approx. 17 km round trip | moderate (due to length) | Iconic Tatra lake, exceptionally charming in winter |
| 🕍 Kalatówki | approx. 3.5 km | easy | Picturesque glade and atmospheric mountain shelter |
Thanks to these suggestions, even those with little winter hiking experience can enjoy the beauty of the Tatra Mountains. The trails are relatively safe and perfect for holidays – both for families and groups of friends.
Zakopane isn’t just about trails and mountains – in winter, the city transforms into a vast entertainment center, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway for two, or an active holiday with friends, there are plenty of attractions to enjoy.
The most interesting winter attractions in Zakopane:
🛷 Sleigh rides with torches – one of the most atmospheric attractions, perfect for couples and families. Usually ends with a bonfire and traditional highlander music.
💦 Thermal baths and hot springs – Białka, Bukowina, Chochołów – hot springs are a perfect way to relax after a day on the trail or the slopes.
⛸️ Ice rinks – great fun for both children and adults, available in the town center as well as near ski resorts.
🍽️ Highlander inns – regional cuisine, live music, and dancing until dawn.
🎤 Events and cultural shows – from the famous New Year’s Eve celebration Sylwester Marzeń to concerts, folk performances, and intimate music events.
⛷️ Ski and snowboard slopes – Kasprowy Wierch, Nosal, and Polana Szymoszkowa are the classics of winter getaways.
The best winter attractions in Zakopane
| Attraction | For whom? | Why worth visiting? |
|---|---|---|
| 🛷 Sleigh rides with torches | Couples, families | A romantic and atmospheric attraction ending with a bonfire and traditional highlander music |
| 💦 Thermal baths and hot springs | Everyone – couples, families, friends | Relax in hot springs with a view of the Tatra Mountains |
| ⛸️ Ice rinks | Families with children, youth | Fun and active entertainment in the very center of Zakopane |
| 🍽️ Highlander inns | Couples, groups of friends | Regional food, live music, and authentic mountain atmosphere |
| 🎤 New Year’s Eve and events | Everyone | Concerts, parties, and cultural events in Poland’s winter capital |
| ⛷️ Ski slopes | Active tourists | Ski and snowboard runs for every level of difficulty |
Thanks to such a rich offer, Zakopane is the perfect place for a winter break in 2025/2026 – you can combine outdoor activities with relaxation and entertainment, creating a unique holiday plan.
Zakopane is incredibly popular during the winter break, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over Poland each year. It’s no wonder, as the winter capital of the Tatra Mountains tempts visitors not only with beautiful views and mountain trails, but also with attractions for children, thermal baths, and a wide range of sleigh rides and events. However, this high demand means that many places – on Krupówki Street, inns, and at the lower cable car stations – can experience long queues. Fortunately, there are several ways to enjoy the holidays in Zakopane without having to push through the crowds.
Top tips:
🕐 Choose the right time – it’s best to visit Gubałówka or the Kościeliska Valley early in the morning, before most tourists hit the trails. Thermal baths and hot springs, on the other hand, are usually quieter in the late morning hours.
📅 Plan your stay during the week – Monday to Thursday are days with noticeably fewer tourists compared to weekends. It’s the perfect time for sightseeing and peaceful walks.
🚶 Choose less crowded attractions – instead of just strolling along Krupówki Street, consider visiting the Biały Valley, Kalatówki Glade, or smaller local inns serving traditional food.
🎟️ Book in advance – tickets to attractions, entry passes to thermal baths, or tables in restaurants can be reserved online. It’ll save you plenty of time and stress.
🏔️ Combine activities – if you’re planning a longer stay, divide your attractions over several days: one day for hiking and a sleigh ride, another for thermal baths and Krupówki, and the third for skiing adventures.
These simple rules can make your Zakopane vacation much more enjoyable. Just plan your day carefully, and your winter getaway to the mountains will become a true pleasure, without the feeling that every attraction means waiting in line.
A winter vacation in Zakopane is a time to prioritize comfort and convenience – especially if you’re planning a vacation packed with attractions and activities. After a day spent on the trail, ski slope, or in the thermal spa, it’s crucial to return to a place that offers warmth, privacy, and the opportunity to recharge. That’s why luxury apartments in Zakopane are increasingly being chosen over traditional hotels or guesthouses.
The biggest advantage of apartments is space – instead of a single hotel room, you have a living room, bedroom, often a kitchen, and a balcony with a view of the Tatra Mountains. This is especially important in winter, when the days are shorter and evenings are often spent with family or friends. You can prepare dinner together, relax by the fireplace, or unwind in your private jacuzzi.
Another advantage is the freedom to organize your time. In your apartment, you’re not bound by meal times or hotel amenities – you decide whether you’ll have breakfast at 8 a.m. or 11 a.m. after a morning walk. This is especially convenient during the holidays, when each day can be different: one day you’re heading out early for a hike, another you’re taking a nighttime sleigh ride and returning late at night.
It’s also worth highlighting the exceptional amenities available in premium apartments in Zakopane. Many offer private saunas, spa areas, and terraces with views of Giewont and the Tatra Mountains. These features transform winter holidays into a luxurious experience, where relaxation and comfort go hand in hand with the attractions of the mountain region.
Location is also crucial. Luxury apartments are often located in the center of Zakopane, close to Krupówki Street, the ski slopes, and major tourist attractions. This means you don’t waste time commuting, yet you can return to a quiet and elegant place that offers a sense of privacy.
When planning a winter break in Zakopane, it’s worth choosing a place that allows you to fully utilize the potential of this unique region. VillaT offers luxurious apartments in the heart of Zakopane, designed for those who value elegance, comfort, and proximity to mountain attractions. It’s the perfect base for families with children, couples, or groups of friends planning a winter getaway together.
Our offer includes apartments with views of the majestic Giewont Mountain, spacious living rooms perfect for socializing, and private amenities that elevate your stay. VillaT premium apartments offer access to a spa, jacuzzi, sauna, and terraces with panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains, making winter evenings an unforgettable experience.
For families, we have apartments with comfortable layouts and kitchens where you can prepare your own meals. Couples, on the other hand, can choose romantic interiors, perfect for a peaceful retreat after a day full of attractions. The proximity of Krupówki Street, trails, and ski slopes puts all the most important attractions in Zakopane within easy reach.
Check out our apartments and book the perfect place for your 2026 winter break now:
Don’t wait – plan your winter vacation in Zakopane with VillaT and enjoy luxury at its finest! ❄️✨