I left for the town of Zakopane on the 10th of March 2020. There are buses running from the main station in Kraków frequently. I got my ticket for 22 złoty and the journey was approximately an hour and a half. As you approach Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains come into view. Depending on when you visit, they are either a luscious green or a brilliant white.

The snow-capped mountains watch over the town of Zakopane. It was not too cold as I visited towards the end of the winter season but there were still plenty of snow-covered hills, perfect for skiing. Snowboarding and hiking in the nearby Tatra National Park were at the top of my list.

Zakopane is a popular winter destination in Poland, known for winter sports and hiking. You can get around the town easily on foot; it is really small. I recommend staying at Hostel 1902 as it is cheap and centrally located at Kasprusie 2/8, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland. It is equipped with the basic necessities and the communal layout was great for interacting with other guests. One night, we cooked dinner together.

Tatra Mountains:

The Tatra Mountains are part of the Carpathian Mountain Range of Eastern Europe. They can be found on the border of Poland and Slovakia. Both sides of the mountain are part of national parks and feature amazing hikes. The Polish side of the Tatras boasts many hiking routes of varying difficulty.

The highest peak on the Polish side is Rysy, with an elevation of 2,503 m. This can be attempted even by intermediate climbers during the summer. In winter, however, the snow and ice makes it really dangerous, especially for inexperienced climbers without proper gear. I personally recommend the hike to Morskie Oko, a lake which sits at 1,395 m.

Morskie Oko Hike:

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The bus from Zakopane to the Tatra National Park takes around 30 minutes and costs 10 złoty which you will have to pay in cash to the bus driver. The entrance fee for the park is 6 złoty. Trekking to Morskie Oko takes around two and a half hours, slightly longer if you stop for pictures as I did. The hike is very manageable.

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The winter conditions make hiking a little more difficult but anything is possible with a good pair of shoes. Make sure they are waterproof so your feet are protected. The view of the lake is definitely worth the hike. In the summer, a charming blue lake awaits you. In the winter, you can actually walk across the lake as it is frozen.

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The lake is absolutely gorgeous in the summer; its stunning turquoise hue, intensified by the backdrop of the majestic mountains. In the winter, Morskie Oko is blanketed by a layer of thick, white snow. The brilliant white has its own alluring properties. When the sun shines, the lake and the mountains are bathed in a heavenly glow.

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My friend and I hiked around Morksie Oko and got some great pictures of the beautiful lake. It was a lot of fun, running around and playing in the snow. Snow gear is not necessary but I would advise you to get some to stay warm and protected. There is a mountain hut next to the lake for you to rest and refuel after your journey.

The sun sets earlier up in the mountains so give yourself enough time to complete the 2-hour trek back down. You want to get back to the entrance before dark so you can catch the bus back to Zakopane. I recommend getting there early because the driver of the last bus of the day tends to overcharge since he is the only available transport option back to Zakopane. I paid twice as much for the return journey.

Snowboarding:

There are many ski resorts in Zakopane with good prices. I tried out Polana Szymoszkowa at Polana Szymoszkowa 2, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland. It is a short 15-minute walk from the town. You can rent skiing or snowboarding equipment and purchase a ski pass for a couple of hours for a good price.

I had a wonderful experience snowboarding here. The snow was fresh and the hills were not crowded. You are also treated to a splendid view of the Tatras as you zip down the slopes. Try not to get too distracted. I paid around 30 dollars for a few hours of solid snowboarding, extremely cheap by any standard.

Food to try:

Oscypek

This lovely snack originated from the mountains. It is smoked cheese made from salted sheep milk. It tastes best when it is hot, fresh off the grill, served with cranberry sauce. It has a really unique and unforgettable flavour. You should definitely try this during your stay.

Zakopane truly is a hidden gem, tucked beneath the Tatras. I highly recommend a visit as the region has so much to offer. I only spent two days here but I will definitely be back to attempt the many other hikes in the Tatra National Park and have some more fun snowboarding.

My stay here was full of excitement and adventure thanks to my new friend, whom I met in the hostel. We had a wonderful time exploring Zakopane together and ended up going on a photo shoot in the mountains. Truly, such experiences are made so much better because of the excellent company I share. See you in Zakopane!