Things to do in Zakopane in Winter
By Roberto (Updated Feb 2026)
⏱ 7 minutes
Zakopane in winter is an excellent place to spend a few days. This town, located at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, offers far more than skiing. We went there as the final destination of our trip in Poland, after visiting Warsaw and Krakow. When we went there we found thermal spas, warm food, a lively atmosphere and other options to relax, explore nature and embrace winter. Zakopane is definitely one of Poland’s most popular winter destinations, for many reasons!
This practical guide covers the best things to do in Zakopane in winter, from scenic viewpoints and snowy mountain walks to spas, traditional food, and shopping in the town centre. We were extremely thankful for all the advice, guiding and laughs with our local friend Mat. We wouldn’t have discovered this area without him, and we have amazing and funny memories 😊
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Explore the Tatra Mountains in Winter
One of the main reasons to visit Zakopane in winter is its proximity to the Tatra Mountains, Poland’s highest mountain range. Winter transforms the landscape into a nice destination, perfect for both gentle walks and more adventurous outings. We went for the second option thanks to our Polish friend Mat. We did the winter hike to the shelter at The Valley of Five Polish Ponds (Dolina Pięciu Stawów Polskich), a 17 km in-and-out hike with crampons and ice axes… at night…. Of course we were totally tricked by our friend, who said the hike was really easy. We’ll make a short post about this memorable experience soon.
Winter walks and easy trails
But not all winter activities in the Tatras require mountaineering skills. There are well maintained paths around valleys like Dolina Kościeliska or Dolina Chochołowska and these are ideal for winter walks. Expect snowy forests, frozen streams, and mountain huts for a winter (and cold) experience.
Snowshoeing and winter hiking
For those wanting to go a little further, snowshoeing is another way to experience the Tatras in winter. Guided tours are widely available and allow you to explore safely while learning about the region’s nature and traditions. We didn’t opt for this plan since we went only for two days and we did the crazy hike, but honestly, the forest there has really charming views.
Take a Cable Car to Zakopane’s Best Winter Viewpoints
Zakopane offers some of the most impressive winter panoramas in Poland, and you don’t need to hike to enjoy them.
Gubałówka Hill: a winter lookout
We visited Gubałówka on a sunny morning. It’s the most accessible viewpoint in Zakopane. A funicular railway takes you to the top (44-49 PLN for round-ticket), where you’ll find wonderful views of the snow covered Tatra mountains, market stalls, cafés, and small playgrounds for kids. It’s the perfect stop for a hot chocolate with winter views.
Kasprowy Wierch: high-altitude winter views
In case you want more alpine views, you can reach Kasprowy Wierch. A cable car (99-165 PLN per round-trip , depending on the season) takes you high directly into the Tatras. In winter, the scenery is spectacular, with peaks and snow all around. Kasprowy Wierch is a starting point for advanced hikers and experienced skiers, but you can also go only solely for the views.
Skiing or Snowboarding
Another winter activity and one of our favourites! Zakopane boasts places like Kasprowy Wierch or Polana Szymoszkowa, ski areas that are easy to reach and give you that alpine feel without the stress of huge resorts. Zakopane has snowy slopes right next to town, with the views of the Tatra Mountains, and runs that work well for beginners (Polana) or more advanced skiers (Kasprowy). We couldn’t visit them this time, because we had limited time, but if you spend more than a weekend in Zakopane in Winter, consider visiting these ski areas.
Relax in Thermal Baths and Spas Near Zakopane
This a classic thing to do in Zakopane and feels extremely good after a good activity day like hiking or skiing. Zakopane and its surroundings are famous for thermal spas, with warm mineral water drawn from deep underground. There are many options, thermal complexes with outdoor pools and saunas, and smaller relaxation baths. We went to a complex (can’t remember the name this time, sorry) and the experience was… memorable and COLD, haha.
I think Winter enhances the thermal experience, because there is a huge contrast between the warm water, cold air, and snowy mountain views. Ellen and Mat spent more than one minute standing on the snow, “enjoying” the fresh air before jumping in the warm water. Recommended!
Discover Traditional Food in Zakopane
Food is another essential part of winter in Zakopane. The cold weather makes local dishes especially comforting and satisfying, since they tend to be a bit rich and heavy. Zakopane’s cuisine is hearty and rooted in mountain traditions. Expect warm soups, grilled meats, dumplings, and regional cheeses. One of the most famous local products is oscypek, a smoked sheep’s cheese often served grilled with cranberry sauce.
Where to eat in Zakopane
We can’t really recommend places since we made a few spots on Krupówki Street (we ate a lot though), but there are many traditional inns and mountain-style restaurants scattered throughout town, many decorated with wood, fireplaces, and folk elements. Winter evenings are the perfect time to enjoy long dinners in these cozy interiors.
Go Shopping on Krupówki Street
No list of things to do in Zakopane in winter would be complete without a stroll down Krupówki Street, the town’s lively main promenade. This long street in the city centre has souvenir and local product stores, mountain clothing brands, and small markets or stalls. In winter, Krupówki feels especially festive, with snowy streets, illuminated shop windows, and the smell of hot food which create a lively yet cozy atmosphere, perfect for evening walks. We liked the vibe.
Enjoy Winter Activities Beyond Skiing
While Zakopane is famous for winter sports, there are plenty of activities for visitors who don’t ski.
Ice skating
Either you’re a pro skater raised in Minnesota like Ellen, or a lost cause born in the sunny Mediterranean like me, ice skating is another thing you can do in Zakopane. We found a decent ice rink where we had fun for a few bucks.
Sleigh rides and winter fun
Traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides through snowy valleys are a popular winter experience. Often combined with bonfires and local food, they offer a glimpse into regional traditions.
Museums and cultural attractions
Zakopane has several museums dedicated to local history, art, and the unique Zakopane architectural style. These are ideal for colder days or when you want a break from outdoor activities.
Is Zakopane Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely! Winter is when Zakopane truly comes alive, and spending 2-4 days here is a great idea. Snow enhances the mountain scenery, thermal baths feel more relaxing than ever, and the town’s traditional character shines through food, markets, and wooden architecture.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Zakopane offers an exceptional variety of winter activities. From mountain viewpoints and snowy walks to spas, shopping, and hearty local food, there’s no shortage of memorable things to do in Zakopane in winter.
Check our other posts about Poland
If you’re planning a trip to Poland, it’s a destination that offers more than you might expect. Check out our other posts:
