ZAKOPANE

ZAKOPANE

​

The earliest documents mentioning Zakopane date to the 17th century, describing a glade called Zakopisko. In 1676, it was a village of 43 inhabitants. In 1818, Zakopane was a small town that was still being developed. As of December 31, 2019, the city boasted a population of 27,010, according to data from the Central Statistical Office. Positioned as the largest town in close proximity to the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is renowned as a premier winter sports center, often hailed as the winter capital of Poland. Notably, a significant portion of the Tatra National Park lies within its administrative boundaries. Beyond its winter fame, Zakopane offers an array of experiences, from easy to challenging hiking trails, insightful museums, vibrant culture, to delectable cuisine. The majestic mountains grace the skyline from every vantage point, enticing hikers with countless picturesque routes. The most popular is the day-long hike to the Morskie Oko, or “Eye of the Sea” – a deep, alpine lake but there are much more to see depending on the level of your experience.

​

GEOGRAPHY

​

Situated near the border with Slovakia, Zakopane resides in a picturesque valley between the Tatra Mountains and Gubałówka Hill. The city is seamlessly connected by rail and road to the provincial capital, Krakow. Positioned at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,000 meters above sea level, Zakopane's focal point is the convergence of Krupówki and Kościuszko Streets. The Tatra Mountains, forming a natural border between Slovakia and Poland, are a prominent feature within the Western Carpathians. These lofty peaks represent the highest mountains in the Carpathian range, with Poland's highest point being the north-western summit of Rysy, standing at 2,499 meters (8,199 feet) in elevation. Now safeguarded by the Tatra National Park, these majestic peaks add to the allure of Zakopane, offering a remarkable blend of nature, culture, and winter sports. In 1992, UNESCO jointly designated the Polish and Slovak Tatra National Parks a transboundary biosphere reserve in the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, under its Man and the Biosphere Programme.

​

NATURE

​

From the base to 1,250 metres (4,100 ft), the Tatra Mountains boast silver fir and European beech forests, creating a serene and verdant landscape. As you ascend to higher altitudes, reaching up to 1,550 metres (5,090 ft), European spruce forests dominate the scenery, gradually giving way to picturesque meadows and grasslands at elevations up to 1,800 metres (5,900 ft). Beyond this point, the highest elevations, soaring above 1,800 metres (5,900 ft), showcase alpine flora habitats, creating a breathtaking panorama. Among the diverse plant life, one encounters the resilient Swiss pine, the iconic edelweiss, and the distinctive stemless carline thistle. The Kościeliska Valley, especially in spring, becomes a spectacle with vast fields of giant crocus, adding a burst of color to the mountainous terrain.

​

Within the confines of the National Park lie a multitude of endemic fauna species, alongside numerous endangered and protected ones. Among the rich wildlife are the Tatra chamois and Alpine marmot, both safeguarded since the mid-19th century. Other notable inhabitants include the brown bear, Eurasian lynx, gray wolf, European otter, and the lesser spotted eagle. Explore the diverse and protected ecosystems of the National Park, providing a haven for these remarkable creatures and contributing to the region's ecological diversity.

​

The Tatra mountains have witnessed historical human exploitation, with past activities leaving their mark on the landscape. Summer saw the grazing of domestic animals such as goats, sheep, and cows on the meadows, contributing to soil erosion. The 18th and 19th centuries saw the establishment of mines and ironworks, industries that heavily relied on the abundant local timber.

​

In the present day, environmental challenges persist. The burgeoning town of Zakopane poses a threat due to rapid development, while air pollution from industrial zones in Krakow, Ostrava, and Orava adds to the concerns. The local fauna faces risks from poaching activities and habitat loss, accentuating the need for ongoing conservation efforts in the Tatra mountains.