Scenic tours around Zakopane
Which is what we recommend in the spring instead of cold and snowy mountains.
Most people want to go to Zakopane planning at least one mountain trip. There are those also, who organize their entire stay around that subject. However, they often become victims of wishful thinking. They want to believe that since in other parts of the country there is already spring, and even summer, it is in the Tatra as well. Dry paths are waiting for them, the same as fluffy, flowery meadows full of butterflies. Unfortunately, Zakopane is in a separate climate zone. Checking the weather prognoses for the Cracow or the Malopolska province is just for nothing. Highland areas are governed by their own laws and the usual calendar of the seasons does not apply to them. Even if in Zakopane we encounter a spring aura, for example in the second half of April, or in May – a severe disappointment awaits us in the mountains. Knee-deep snow, snowfall can still happen, negative temperatures … In June in Zakopane it will be summer, and at the top of the mountains only the snow will finally begin to melt. Anyone who has come here on holiday in hope of sun and warmth, can feel truly disappointed.
Fortunately, there is an alternative.
Does this mean that we will sit the whole stay in Krupowki in the tavern, perhaps walk through museums and galleries, watch mountains in the form of glass paintings only? Not necessarily. If we come to Podhale by car, we can plan a wonderful view trip around Zakopane. The condition for seeing any views is of course sunny weather – on a foggy, rainy day, unfortunately, we will not see much. It is nice to look at still snow-capped mountains from a distance, sitting on a green meadow in one t-shirt… instead of freezing on a mountain path in crampons and thick gloves. Below we disclose several places worth visiting as a substitute for a mountain escapade. We especially recommend this option to those who did not foresee the winter weather and simply do not have a warm jacket, hats, solid shoes, crampons and winter equipment in general. In this case, it’s better to watch the mountains from a distance, to sunbathe and return to a home in a good mood, instead of risking health and life on the seemingly easy Tatra trails. We can also get to many places by bus if we do not have a car. And although we will not see many places in one day, it’s worth visiting at least one of them.
Polana Glodowka – Bukovina Tatrzanska
A great view point. You can see all the Tatra Mountains, especially the highest area on the Slovak side. In a small bay by the route cars stop every now and then. We also get here by bus, f.ex. from Zakopane towards Morskie Oko, this one through Poronin and Bukowina Tatrzanska. Nearby, at the neighboring Polana Szymkowka there is a tavern hidden behind the trees with a panoramic terrace.
Gliczarow Gorny
Also a great view point. If we do not need special accommodation comfort, we may consider staying here in a private small pension. Go out in the morning in front of the house and see all the Tatras at a glance – priceless.
Koscielisko Gorne – Salamandra
Trekking from Koscielisko up the route, we come across a genius viewpoint opposite Giewont. A magnificent view, similar to that from Gubalowka – but it is not obscured by any entertainment and commercial infrastructure. A view from all over Zakopane, equally beautiful at any time of the day or evening. There are guesthouses here – let’s look at the address of Salamandra Street. A room with such a view will make the holiday unforgettable.
Dzianisz
Wanting to see a real peaceful village near Tatra, let’s go to Dzianisz. There is nothing special here, a nice wooden church only. But on a sunny day, lazy cats on the thresholds of houses and free-roaming friendly dogs will make us feel very far from the everyday race. Along the way, we’ll also see some nice viewpoints. The locals also value this area for easy accessibility by bike because of lack of significant elevations.
Chocholow
In this town, we can see mostly restored old wooden log cabins in traditional dense settlement along the main road. Some of them are still inhabited, others are just historical relics of the past. It is worth getting out of the car and walking around the village to view architectural details. We can combine sightseeing with a visit to the Chochołow Thermal Baths, an attractive complex of thermal pools and saunas. If we go towards the former border crossing in Sucha Hora, we also come across a few places with a view of the meadows, the river and in the background the Western Tatras.
Zab
Going outside of Zakopane to Poronin, we will find a signpost left to Zab and Suche. It is worth going this steep route up to see the vast panorama of the whole Tatra Mountains. We can leave the car in Zab and go on an asphalt walking route along the ridge of Gubalowka. We can reach it to the mast and the famous souvenirs fair, we can also go the other way and reach the upper station of the lift on Harenda. On the way there is a nice pub with tables outside, in the summer season a booth with delicious ice cream. It’s a walk without any effort. We can also get here on foot from Zakopane. For this purpose, one should trek uphill along the green trail behind the building of the sanatorium of the Polish Teachers’ Union (ZNP) in Ciaglowka 11 St. It is a lovely, though quite steep road leading through a meadow, sometimes muddy and sometimes dry and encouraging to lying down on the grass. Above are rural buildings, geese walking freely along the road, sheep – and all the time a great view of Zakopane, a train looking like a toy model, TOPR (Tatra Volunteer Ambulance) helicopter starting from the hospital, and of course, the Tatras.
Rzepiska
Located near Bukovina Tatrzanska, Jurgow and Czarna Gora, but away from the main routes. It is worth leaving the car downstairs and climbing the meadows to one hill to admire the magnificent panorama of the Tatra Mountains. You can forget about the whole world, sit half a day in a meadow far away from civilization and crowds. And returning to stop in Bukovina in the complex term, or one of the atmospheric taverns.
Anna Markiewicz
