Scenic trails and cheap travel: This eastern European mountain town is a budget hiker’s paradise

Lazy days of sunbathing by the ocean aren’t for everybody. In the event you choose an energetic summer time vacation, skip the seashores for Europe’s mountains.

On the foot of the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is a favorite weekend escape for Krakow locals.

In winter, snowboarding and sleigh rides draw crowds of vacationers to Zakopane – but it surely’s simply as worthy of a visit in summer time.

Simply over two hours’ drive from Poland’s second metropolis, this picturesque resort city is filled with journey – from mountain climbing by way of protected nationwide parkland to rafting down the Dunajec Gorge.

Right here’s the way to discover this mountain gem on a funds.

What to do in Zakopane: From folklore festivals to cable vehicles

A part of the Carpathian Mountains, which divide Poland and Slovenia, the Tatras haven’t any scarcity of scenic trails, pine forests and lakes, just like the crystal clear Morskie Oko.

Swimming within the lakes is forbidden as a consequence of their delicate ecosystems, however you’ll be able to hit up thermal baths like Bukovina and Terma Bania, or take to the water on a Dunajec River rafting journey – round an hour’s drive from Zakopane.

In the event you like a aspect of tradition along with your energetic trip, plan your journey to Zakopane across the Worldwide Pageant of Highland Folklore. Held at the beginning of August, the annual occasion sees the streets come to life with highland music, dancers, craftspeople and meals.

When you’ve had your fill of fried trout, Oscypek smoked cheese and kwaśnica – sauerkraut and slow-cooked pork or mutton soup – burn it off on a hike to the highest of Mount Kasprowy Wierch. Right here, you’ll be able to wander by way of flower fields as you breathe the crisp mountain air earlier than hopping on the breathtaking cable automotive again down.

To see extra panoramic views with out getting worn out, take the Gubałówka Funicular from the top of Zakopani’s major hub, Krupowki Road – the place you’ll be able to seize a hard-earned beer as you dodge the vacationer touts come night.

Go to Zakopane for journey on a funds

Zakopane is standard with locals however stays lesser recognized amongst overseas vacationers. In consequence, it’s nonetheless doable to go to on a funds.

You possibly can take pleasure in a standard Polish meal for beneath €5 at Marzanna. In the summertime backyard of Bąkowo Zohylina Niźno, mains value between €5-10, whereas a beer prices €1.55. On the fine-dining Restauracja Halka, mains value between €10-25.

One-way tickets on the Gubałówka Funicular value €4 or €5.30 for a return, whereas the pricier Kasprowy Wierch cable automotive prices €24 a method and €28 return. Dunajec rafting journeys value from round €22.

For the total out of doors expertise, you’ll be able to camp close to Zakopane for beneath €5. Lodging ranges from round €30 for native lodges to €80 and upwards for luxurious spa lodges.

Go to throughout weekdays to keep away from the crowds and safe decrease costs.

Easy methods to get to Zakopane

The closest airport to Zakopane is Poprad-Tatry, which is round an hour’s drive south, whereas Krakow is about two hours’ drive north.

The easiest way to get from Krakow to Zakopane is by prepare, which takes two to 3 hours and prices as little as €3 every manner.

A direct coach from Krakow to Zakopane prices from round €7.50 a method, whereas a taxi prices round €100.

A EuroNight sleeper prepare hyperlinks Prague and different Czech cities with Krakow from €29.