Trifter

Poland is not a destination that is high on most people lists when planning a holiday abroad. This country is best known for its historic World War Two concentration camp, Auschwitz, and millions of people all over the world visit it. Many tourists though are unaware of the beauty and tradition that lie in this historic country.

Zakopane is a mountain town that has embraced recent tourism, yet has managed to keep its traditions alive with restaurants boasting the finest mountain food and drinks including mulled wines and warm beers. There is also a large range of museums to be explored like Tatra Museum, which Founded in 1875, is one of the oldest regional museums in Poland. With some charming folk interiors, and a large range of local clothing and art, it has plenty to inspire fans of mountain style. You can visit many art galleries, The Old Graveyard, which contains tomb from some of Poland’s most famous figures of the arts.

If you are planning to visit Zakopane, the Tatra Mountains are a must see! You have to ride two cable cars to reach the top of one of the smaller mountain ranges. The views are spectacular and if you’re, lucky you can witness the helicopter mountain rescue team conducting training. Of course you don’t have to take the cable car up the mountain. You are free to hike the distance, and when you finally reach the top, there is a cafe/restaurant ready to take your order. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use the chair lifts to get up and down the mountains, so you can view all the scenery and take some great pictures along the way.

When it comes to its most recent history, skiing has helped put Zakopane on the sporting map. Zakopane hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships in 1929, 1939, and 1962, the winter Universiade in 1956, 1993, and 2001, the biathlon World Championship, several ski jumping world cups, and several Nordic combined, Nordic and Alpine European Cups. It hosted the Alpine World Ski Championships in 1939, the first outside the Alps and the last official world championships prior to World War 2. Of course skiing here isn’t just for the professionals, you can have a go yourself during the winter months. There is a large selection of shops where you can rent and buy all the equipment required, and when you reach the mountains, there are plenty of places where you can learn how to ski.

The prices at tourist destinations can cripple most holiday makers just days after arriving in most countries. But this is not the case in Zakopane, I personally went to a restaurant with my wife and six friends and for eight main meals and two rounds of drink came to around £65! Amazing value, especially given the fact that all food is prepared cooked fresh, and in most restaurants you can actually witness the cooking of your food. Buying gifts here is done with ease with the dense market area selling multiple items from wood crafted models to traditional goat’s cheese(which is delicious).

If you wish to see awe inspiring views, taste new local cuisines and drinks and stick to a low budget at the same time, Zakopane is a great destination to visit. You will be booking your second holiday there before you even finish the first!