Zakopane: Poland's Winter Capital

By August Kochanowski

Over the last month I have become acquainted with the beautiful people and region of Poland, specifically, Zakopane. By getting to know my two good friends, Chris Budz and Kathy Laba whose roots both lie in the mountain villages of the Zakopane region, I feel I have a better understanding of the area.


Other than getting to know these people, I’ve had the opportunity to take two weekend trips there. It is one of the two most visited resort towns in Poland, the other being the Baltic town of Sopot. It became famous in the 19th century as people moved out of the cities looking for unspoiled beauty and adventure. With its pristine climate, gradually it became a health resort.

Today tourists come mainly for its recreational appeal, offering the best skiing, hiking, and climbing in Poland. The rate of tourism is so high, in fact, that it is affecting the natural habitat, but it is part of the national park and is strictly protected. Unofficially known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane can be compared to the foot hills of the Alps, but with its own distinct architecture and highlander folk culture.

The people that traditionally inhabited the mountains of the northern Carpathians are known as Gorals or in Polish, Highlanders. They are a hardy people that live mainly as sheep herders on the steep slops of the mountains. They still wear traditional dress that is very distinct. For the men the main defining characteristic is their wide-brimmed, round felt hats, tight white pants trimmed with colored string and short overcoats. Goral women wear much of the same clothing but with colorful overcoats and, instead of felt hats, cover their heads with scarves.

Architecture in the mountains is reminiscent of that of Scandinavia but with its own distinguishing Polish traits, known as Zakopane style developed by Stanislaw Witkiewicz, a noted Polish artist. The buildings are completely wooden except for their stone foundations. With steep bungalow roofs and timber-frame interiors, they finish off the mountain experience. There are numerous hostels converted from old Zakopane-style cabins. Especially worth seeing are the many pubs that line the main tourist street of Zakopane. I think now that I have experienced this unique corner of Poland it will be in my thoughts for the rest of my life.