Nestled in the foothills of the Tatras, Zakopane is Poland’s best-known mountain resort, famed for hiking in summer and skiing in winter, though at the height of the summer and winter seasons it can get positively overrun. Zakopane Back to topAttractionsMust-see attractionsOld Church & Cemetery This small wooden church and atmospheric cemetery date from the mid-19th century The Old Church has charming carved wooden decorations and pews Szymanowski Museum An adjunct to the national museum in Krakow the Szymanowski Museum highlights the life and work of the early modern Polish composer Karol Szymanowski … Morskie Oko the emerald-green 'Eye of the Sea' is the largest lake in the Tatras and a popular outing from Zakopane Tatra Museum This is the main branch of the Tatra Museum which occupies various branches around Zakopane Featuring old-fashioned exhibits exploring the natural… Museum of Zakopane Style this was the first of several grand wooden villas designed by the noted Polish painter and architect Stanisław Witkiewicz in… Tatra Park Nature Education Centre The national park's education centre walks visitors through the natural history of the mountains Museum of Zakopane Style – Inspirations This companion museum to the main Zakopane Style museum is more of an ethnographic exhibition highlighting the highlander folk roots and styles that… View more attractionsArticlesLatest stories from ZakopaneRead more articlesHiking Poland's southern border is defined by the upward thrust of the Carpathian Mountains Europe's second-biggest mountain range after the Alps Get to the heart of Zakopane with one of our in-depth Visit in ShopPocket Krakow $14.99 Visit in ShopPocket Warsaw $13.99 Go to checkout (0 items)in partnership with getyourguide No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission But in the past five years it has unexpectedly emerged as a major tourist destination for holidaymakers from the Gulf and “I’ll tell you how it happened but you won’t believe me “People expect there to have been some massive advertisement campaign Just off its bustling market street where embroidered woollen scarfs handmade leather shoes and local cheeses are sold from chiselled wooden huts a group of young women in hijabs enjoy hamburgers at Bifalo Steakhouse which boasts an entirely halal menu.  “It’s been easier to find halal food in Zakopane than anywhere else I’ve visited in central Europe,” said Alya Amerrudin a 24-year-old computer science student at the University of Birmingham heard about Zakopane from a non-Muslim friend who described it as an affordable alternative to the Alps She gathered a group of friends and they’ve come for a weekend to hike to the Morskie Oko lake and enjoy the snow.  “We saw a lot of halal signs but there don’t seem to be that many Muslims here.” Zakopane and its population of 30,000 are part of the Góral — a region in the Polish highlands with distinct dialect and traditions even Polish visitors can be labelled “ceper”,  a dismissive term that translates as inexperienced mountaineer But despite this lukewarm attitude to outsiders tourism has become Zakopane’s main source of revenue Close to 5 million people visited the Tatra mountains in 2024 of which the TIG estimates Gulf nationals made up around 10% Gulf citizens have been the fastest-growing group of tourists travelling to the region and their interest doesn’t seem to be waning.  Wojtowicz traces the trend to 2018, when the airline Flydubai launched daily flights between Dubai and Kraków, a Polish city two hours drive from Zakopane. Wojtowicz recalls that Emirati tour operators soon followed suit and videos of Zakopane’s wooden cottages and lush landscapes started to spread across Arabic social media When Covid travel restrictions were lifted in 2022 a steady stream of Gulf tourists began to pour in “I’m in love with Poland, I feel so happy, and just feel very balanced. It is very vibrant but still feels very safe,” said Hussam Zakhur, an aspiring content creator from Riyadh who spent two days in Zakopane at the end of January Zakhur was keen to visit after hearing of the region’s beauty and comparative affordability In Saudi we have the opposite: we have deserts “I met two people running a restaurant in the middle of nowhere I brought it back with me to Riyadh.” He tears up at the memory Zakopane’s hotels could include spray bidets in the bathrooms He also thinks there could be more prayer spaces available in public areas But the biggest inconvenience was getting a visa which Zakhur says is much more difficult than for other Schengen countries “You have to go to the consulate in person You have to pay in cash and it takes a very long time In Saudi we’re used to doing everything digitally so this does not leave a good impression.”   He’s eager to return for a longer visit so he can better immerse himself in nature but next time Zakhur will do what most Saudi tourists visiting Poland do and obtain a visa from a different Schengen country before travelling “If you do it through the French embassy you can upload everything online and it only takes a few days,” he said.  Not everyone in Zakopane has been so quick to welcome Muslim business. Taxi drivers still grumble about tourists slaughtering sheep in their hotel rooms and women bathing in swimming pools fully clothed. But overall, Wojtowicz is surprised by how well the town is adapting. Two years ago she was considering organising cultural sensitivity courses for hospitality staff. Now she thinks that’s no longer necessary.  “These new visitors changed our town, but we are changing too. The culture here can be quite hermetic and insular. We have become more open. We have become more tolerant, I think,” she said, adding that this cultural appreciation is starting to flow both ways.  “I see more and more people here travelling to Qatar for holidays. People might have gone abroad to Italy, maybe on a pilgrimage with the parish priest, not a beach in Dubai. Twenty years ago that was unthinkable.” Hyphen is the leading media platform on Muslim life in the UK and Europe. Sign up to our newsletter to receive our top stories straight to your inbox every week. This form may not be visible due to adblockers, or JavaScript not being enabled. © 2025 Hyphen® / Link Media Corporation Ltd 2025·Ski JumpingPawel Wasek won his career-first national title last week | NordicFocus.One week after securing his career-first national title Pawel Wasek (POL) hopes to continue his winning ways as he seeks his first World Cup podium as the men continue their season in Zakopane newly crowned national champion Nika Prevc (SLO) and World Cup leader Katharina Schmid (GER) are the top contenders in Sapporo (JPN) A big weekend in the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup is approaching Twelve days after the conclusion of the Four Hills Tournament the men continue their quest for the Crystal Globe in Zakopane While the Austrians - with Four Hills winner and current World Cup leader Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) – are the clear favorites for glory Wasek hopes to shine in front of his home crowd The 25-year-old is currently in the form of his life and recently proved he can compete with the world’s best following a fifth place in Innsbruck “I am aware that the best ones are not terribly far away,” Wasek told Polish media I have been jumping well for a long time now and I feel great joy about it Wasek will be joined by Polish teammates Aleksander Zniszczoł Stoch returns to the national team having missed the Four Hills Tournament – the three-time Olympic champion opted to ‘focus on training’ during the last few weeks after a disappointing start to the World Cup campaign World Cup leader and Four Hills winner Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) is the man to beat in Zakopane as he looks for his fifth win of the season He will face tough competition from teammates Jan Hoerl (AUT) and last year’s Crystal Globe winner Stefan Kraft (AUT) has fond memories of the Wielka KrokiewhHill where he won three times and landed in the top three six times in his career Other favorites include Pius Paschke (GER) and Gregor Deschwanden (SUI) The men’s competition starts with the qualifications on Friday and the Large Hill team event taking place on Saturday the ski jumpers will compete for individual World Cup glory for their sixth World Cup event of the season Newly crowned Slovenian national champion Nika Prevc looks to continue her fine form The Two Nights Tournament winner will face stiff competition from World Cup leader Katharina Schmid (GER) “I actually really like the hill out there Prevc and Schmid have both won four World Cup events so far this season the gap between the two being 66 points in the ranking Eva Pinkelnig (AUT) and Lisa Eder (AUT) follow at a great distance The European stars will face competition from the Japanese athletes competing on home snow seeking their first World Cup win of the season who topped the podium in Sapporo last year and is looking for back-to-back wins •       Two individual events will take place in Sapporo with the women competing for glory on both Saturday and Sunday •       Nika Prevc (SLO) and Katharina Schmid (GER) both have four wins so far this season •       The difference between them in the World Cup ranking is 66 points •       Yuki Ito (JPN) won the event in Sapporo last year and is looking for back-to-back wins the field will reconvene in Zakopane (POL) with the Wielka Krokiew HS140 becoming the 10th different host hill to hold a men’s 2024/25 World Cup contest •       Zakopane premiered as a World Cup host in 1980 •       The men compete in the Team Large Hill event on Saturday •       Stefan Kraft (AUT) won the Zakopane World Cup in 2024 •       Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) is the current World Cup leader and has a advantage of 40 points over teammate Jan Hoerl (AUT) •       Pius Paschke (GER) has won most World Cups so far this season: five The TimesIn the boiling summers of the late 1800s romantic poets and a handful of tuberculosis patients taking the cure would slog their way up into the Tatra Mountains for the clean air of cooler climes visitors are welcomed by locals who were once memorably described by the Polish painter Rafal Malczewski as a “handsome free people who had never been oppressed by serfdom or bowed down before any lord” Mass tourism followed as Poles and Europeans in the know beat a steady path to Zakopane idyllic landscapes and relative affordability the hills are alive in southern Poland with a new breed of tourists from an unlikely location: the Middle Apr 2, 2025 | Energy & Climate, Society Notes from Poland is run by a small editorial team and is published by an independent non-profit foundation that is funded through donations from our readers We cannot do what we do without your support Poland’s Supreme Administrative Court (NSA) has issued a ruling confirming that Zakopane, a popular mountain resort town is unjustified in charging tourists a “climate fee” given how bad the air quality is in the area The decision opens the way for those who paid the charge to claim back their money Zakopane says that it disagrees with the ruling and plans to change its local laws so that it can continue charging the fee which brings in around 5 million zloty (€1.2 million) a year Wyrok Naczelnego Sądu Administracyjnego ostatecznie potwierdza, że Zakopane nie ma podstaw prawnych, do tego, by pobierać opłatę klimatyczną. Powód? Zła jakość powietrza.https://t.co/kWxSPTree6 — Michał Wojtczuk (@MichaWojtcz) April 1, 2025 The decision by the NSA marks the culmination of a long-running case that was first brought to court in 2015 by Bogdan Achimescu a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków local authorities are entitled to charge tourists a special daily tax – officially called opłata miejscowa translating roughly as “local fee” but often colloquially known as a “climate fee” – if the area meets certain criteria After Achimescu stayed in Zakopane, he questioned why he had been charged the fee (which amounted to 2 zloty, or around €0.50, a day) given the poor air quality he experienced there. Southern Poland, where Zakopane is located, has some of the worst air pollution in Europe Experts from the ClientEarth Lawyers for Earth Foundation told the Gazeta Wyborcza daily that at the time the complaint was filed the entire Małopolska province in which Zakopane is located was classified by Poland’s environmental authorities as exceeding air pollution limits Achimescu won his first case against the town after the NSA ruled that Zakopane did not meet the climate requirements to charge the fees including Achimescu himself when he visited again he filed a motion to the town authorities to return the fee He then filed another complaint against the resolution Zakopane had issued in order to continue collecting the fee the provincial administrative court in Kraków once again ruled that the fees were being collected illegally which yesterday dismissed the town’s claim Kraków in Poland had the second-worst air pollution in the world at one point yesterday Local authorities issued warnings advising residents to limit outdoor physical activity and the amount of air they let into their homes https://t.co/AOD0tPoWrL — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) December 7, 2023 “I am glad that the court once again agreed with me in the dispute with Zakopane,” said Achimescu after the latest NSA ruling “I hope that this time the city will stop charging fees for which there is no legal basis.” “I know that the air quality in the city is improving although there is still a lot to do,” he added because the goal of my actions has always been the good of visitors and the people of Zakopane.” The NSA’s decision also opens the way for other tourists to now apply for a refund of the fee Szymon Żuławski from ClientEarth told Gazeta Wyborcza His organisation notes that it also supported similar legal cases against three other popular tourist towns which as a result have now stopped charging tourists climate fees NSA: Zakopane nie ma podstaw prawnych do pobierania opłaty miejscowej od turystów.Oddalenie skargi kasacyjnej Zakopanego kończy sprawę, którą zapoczątkował turysta Bogdan Achimescu, wspierany przez Fundację ClientEarth. Więcej o sprawie i wyroku:https://t.co/RyzMNPTkIW pic.twitter.com/4dSh2RYRuV — ClientEarth Polska (@ClientEarth_PL) April 1, 2025 But Zakopane believes that the court’s decision is unjust According to news website Wirtualna Polska argued that the town bears the consequences of pollution produced around the whole region even though the town itself has improved air quality since 2022 Filipowicz announced that Zakopane is to introduce a new resolution that will enable the collection of fees on a different basis and intends to lobby for the introduction of a new tourist tax which brought in 5.2 million zloty last year Kraków, Poland’s biggest tourist destination and which also suffers from severe air pollution, has likewise called for a change that would allow it to charge a tourist tax Kraków, Poland’s second-largest city and biggest tourist destination, has asked the government to change the law so that it can introduce a tourist tax in response to growing visitor numbers https://t.co/qJdsmFVNAk — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) October 10, 2024 Main image credit: MFA/Flickr (under CC BY-ND 2.0) Agata Pyka is an assistant editor at Notes from Poland She is a journalist and a political communication student at the University of Amsterdam She specialises in Polish and European politics as well as investigative journalism and has previously written for Euractiv and The European Correspondent , , The proportion of Poles saying the US has a positive influence on the world has also fallen to its lowest recorded level , , Poland has recorded the strongest rise in consumer sentiment across the EU this year , , , The stunt has also been criticised by Ukraine’s ambassador to Poland as well as politicians from Poland’s main ruling party Apr 30, 2025 | , , , That response will include “large Polish and NATO exercises in Poland” Apr 29, 2025 | , , , Those employed in Poland work on average the third-longest hours in the European Union Apr 28, 2025 | , , , , Westinghouse and Bechtel were first chosen in 2022 as partners on the 192 billion zloty ($51 billion) project please consider helping us to continue and expand it [email protected] Copyright © 2025 Notes From Poland | Design jurko studio | Code by 2sides.pl Senior Research Fellow at the Global Europe Centre ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Weronika Strzyżyńska is currently studying journalism at Goldsmiths as a Scott Trust Bursary recipient She  has written on issues immigration and Brexit for New Statesman and Prospect Agnieszka Wądołowska is managing editor of Notes from Poland She has previously worked for Gazeta.pl and Tokfm.pl and contributed to Gazeta Wyborcza ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Daniel Tilles is editor-in-chief of Notes from Poland and assistant professor of history at the Pedagogical University of Krakow He has written on Polish affairs for a wide range of publications The Independent and Dziennik Gazeta Prawna ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Stanley Bill is the founder and editor-at-large of Notes from Poland.He is also Senior Lecturer in Polish Studies and Director of the Polish Studies Programme at the University of Cambridge Stanley has spent more than ten years living in Poland He founded Notes from Poland in 2014 as a blog dedicated to personal impressions cultural analysis and political commentary He is committed to the promotion of deeper knowledge and understanding of Poland He is the Chair of the Board of the Notes from Poland Foundation ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Professor of European Studies at Oxford University ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Professor at the Institute of History of the Jagiellonian University ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Executive Director of Taube Family Foundation ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Associate Professor at the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Science ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR ARTICLES BY THIS AUTHOR Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience Zakopane in the Podhale region is known as the winter capital of Poland Whether you're drawn to adventures on snowy slopes indulgent hotel spa experiences or are keen to sample a taste of MICHELIN Star cuisine Zakopane lies at the foot of the majestic Tatra Mountains in the Podhale region in southern Poland just 100 kilometres from Kraków the country’s most visited city by international tourists Zakopane is an ideal getaway destination for a short break or a longer winter retreat whose highest peak culminates at 2,499 metres above sea level dramatic landscapes and premium winter sports conditions ideal for cross-country skiing and snowboarding While winter sports activities are the most obvious and more than sufficient reason to visit Zakopane The Podhale region boasts a unique culture and traditional art that are only found here characterised by intricate wooden craftsmanship local music and traditional dress have long made Zakopane a destination for Polish artists seeking inspiration Emblematic figures of Polish culture such as Stanisław Witkiewicz (architect graphic artist and illustrator) and Karol Szymanowski (composer and pianist) fell under the region’s spell which is home to the Museum of Zakopane Style Zakopane's strong cultural identity continues to inspire contemporary interpretations across various disciplines from art and architecture to gastronomy. For a modern take on traditional craftsmanship, visit the Antoni Rząsa Gallery who is one of the most well-known local artists reinterpreting the Zakopane style in his own way Start with moskole (stone-baked potato pancakes) and oscypek (smoked aged ewe’s milk cheese that carries PDO certification) served with cranberry jam a hearty soup made with sauerkraut and smoked bacon or savour a simple pan-fried river trout is always busy and buzzy and often filled with the sound of live folk music For a modern twist to local dishes, it’s also worth visiting Stary Niedźwiedź restaurant, run by chef Marcin Filipkiewicz, previously of the MICHELIN-recommended Copernicus restaurant in Kraków he focuses on regional ingredients such as freshwater fish and seasonal vegetables while incorporating subtle hints of his personal fascination with Italian cuisine offering winter specialties such as warm onion consommé with duck-filled “kołduny” dumplings velvety mushroom pâté with Jerusalem artichoke and black truffles or venison served with celery purée and roasted chestnuts Zakopane’s gourmet scene has also been recognized by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors, who awarded the Giewont Restaurant a prestigious MICHELIN Star last year. Giewont takes its name from one of the most iconic and picturesque ranges of the Tatra Mountains visible from the restaurant's panoramic windows Giewont is actually a sleeping knight who will awaken if Poland is ever faced with terrible danger leaving us to focus on sampling Giewont’s exceptional cuisine merges two seemingly distant worlds - local Podhale produce and pedigree French technique creating exceptional and highly personal dishes Guests can choose between an à la carte or tasting menu be it for a quick weekday lunch or a special occasion celebration One of Giewont’s signature creations is inspired by kwaśnica it takes the form of a silky velouté served with a crispy tartlet filled with juicy lamb potato foam and topped with chervil and is an absolute must try Other standout dishes include egg from the Lipowe Wzgórze (“Linden Hill”) farm with crispy bacon cracklings hot-smoked sturgeon with creamy white bean purée made from “Handsome Johnny” white beans as well as locally sourced trout paired with truffle sauce and black chanterelles a masterpiece crafted using a custom-made 3D-printed mould that replicates the exact outline of the Giewont massif it hides a smoked plum and cocoa nib mousse you can enjoy a digestive in the cigar room possibly sipping something from the fine selection of spirits from France and Poland while savouring the spectacular view of the mountains on the horizon MICHELIN Guide Inspectors share their most exciting recent discoveries Check back each month for a new batch of spectacular accommodations geometric accommodations get you right up against the wilderness There doesn’t exist a hotel on earth that can match the majesty of a Yellowstone or Banff or Kruger or Komodo The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Greek hotels in 2025 Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels in the Podhale region in southern Poland just 100 kilometres from Krak\u00f3w the country\u2019s most visited city by international tourists Emblematic figures of Polish culture such as Stanis\u0142aw Witkiewicz (architect graphic artist and illustrator) and Karol Szymanowski (composer and pianist) fell under the region\u2019s spell A simple stroll through Zakopane\u2019s historic centre reveals enchanting old wooden villas, featuring steep shingle-covered roofs, elaborately carved porches and stained-glass windows that bear witness to the town's artistic heritage. For a deeper insight into the region's culture, visit Tatra Museum (Muzeum Tatrza\u0144skie), which exhibits original furniture, home accessories and outfits from the region. The collections of Villa Koliba Zakopane's strong cultural identity continues to inspire contemporary interpretations across various disciplines from art and architecture to gastronomy. For a modern take on traditional craftsmanship, visit the Antoni Rz\u0105sa Gallery aged ewe\u2019s milk cheese that carries PDO certification) served with cranberry jam For a modern twist to local dishes, it\u2019s also worth visiting Stary Nied\u017awied\u017a restaurant, run by chef Marcin Filipkiewicz, previously of the MICHELIN-recommended Copernicus restaurant in Krak\u00f3w offering winter specialties such as warm onion consomm\u00e9 with duck-filled \u201cko\u0142duny\u201d dumplings velvety mushroom p\u00e2t\u00e9 with Jerusalem artichoke and black truffles or venison served with celery pur\u00e9e and roasted chestnuts Zakopane\u2019s gourmet scene has also been recognized by MICHELIN Guide Inspectors, who awarded the Giewont Restaurant a prestigious MICHELIN Star last year. Giewont takes its name from one of the most iconic and picturesque ranges of the Tatra Mountains leaving us to focus on sampling Giewont\u2019s exceptional cuisine Guests can choose between an \u00e0 la carte or tasting menu One of Giewont\u2019s signature creations is inspired by kwa\u015bnica it takes the form of a silky velout\u00e9 served with a crispy tartlet filled with juicy lamb Other standout dishes include egg from the Lipowe Wzg\u00f3rze (\u201cLinden Hill\u201d) farm with crispy bacon cracklings hot-smoked sturgeon with creamy white bean pur\u00e9e made from \u201cHandsome Johnny\u201d white beans Biathlon: the selection of the Austrian national team for the 2025/2026 training season Biathlon | Nordic skiing : for the Olympic winter the French teams will once again be changing their overalls Biathlon | “Joining this group is a step forward in my project” : Bressaud Martin Botet talks about his arrival in the French B team Biathlon | “It was a tiring race”: Johannes Thingnes Boe reflects on his participation in the Grue Halvmaraton Biathlon | “Joining the federal group is not an end in itself”: the words of Guillaume Poirot Camille Grataloup-Manissolle and Antonin Delsol Cross-country skiing: the selection of the Swedish national team for the 2025/2026 season Cross-country skiing : Gustav Kvarnbrink’s fright after being hit by a car while training Cross-country skiing | Nordic skiing: the composition of the Austrian team for the 2025/2026 season Cross-country skiing | “It’s really nice to see progress” Jessie Diggins gives her news following plantar fasciitis Norway or Bessans : the full programme of French team training camps to prepare for 2025/2026 Nordic combined: the composition of the French teams for the 2025/2026 season Nordic combined: Ivar Stuan remains Norway’s boss for another 2 years… with an option until 2030 Nordic Combined: Florian Schabereiter becomes head coach of the Austrian women’s national team Nordic combined | Mo i Rana: Ida Marie Hagen and Jens Luraas Oftebro crowned Norwegian mass start and gundersen champions Nordic Combined : the full list of 2024/2025 World Cup winners Ski jumping | “Not the season I imagined” Ski jumping: Slovenia’s Bine Norcic takes over from Rune Velta at the helm of the Swiss team Ski jumping: Thomas Thurnbichler to coach Germany’s B team Ski jumping: the make-up of the French teams for the 2025/2026 season… with newcomer Louis Obersteiner and leaders Joséphine Pagnier and Valentin Foubert Ski jumping: Rune Velta decides to step down as Switzerland coach Rollerskiing | ASOP and Thomas Joly launch the HautDoubsLoppet a 42 km classic ski-wheel race: first edition on 27 July Rollerski | Soldier Hollow: the Schutzenski Festival free sprint for Jessie Diggins and Reid Goble Rollerski | Soldier Hollow: Luke Jager and Rosie Brennan win the individual classic at the Schutzenski Festival Rollerski | “There are many reasons”: why didn’t Arnaud Du Pasquier’s third Dupaski Festival take place this weekend Rollerskiing | “It’s very reassuring”: the satisfaction of Mathis Desloges after winning the French individual classic title in La Bresse Vu de Trondheim #2: Jarl Magnus Riiber stripped of his title From Trondheim #1 : Marit Bjoergen head coach for women’s sprint Vu de Norge #451 : Sturla Holm Lægreid stands up against homophobia Vu de Norge #449 : Vetle Sjaastad Christiansen improves his rifle Planète Nordic #29: Oleksandra Merkushyna appreciates Julia Simon’s gesture Planète Nordic #23 : Norwegian cross-country skiers take on footballer Erling Braut Haaland on his recovery techniques dog’s name… at the Tour de Ski Planète Nordic #21 : Sebastian Samuelsson donates his race number to Dmytro Pidruchnyi in support of Ukraine Nordic Planet #20 : Dorothea Wierer could do nothing about the individual short in Kontiolahti after suffering a back injury the first edition of the Red Bull Target Jumping took place in Zakopane (Poland) Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed. Discover the composition of Swiss-Ski's biathlon ski jumping and Nordic combined teams for the 2025/2026 season Discover the full list of winners of the 2024/2025 Ski Jumping World Cup the first of the two individual competitions in the ski jumping world cup finals took place on the giant hill.. the 2024/2025 continental ski jumping cup came to a close in Zakopane (Poland) with two competitions on the programme the international circuits of the FIS Cup and the continental ski jumping cup come to a close in Zakopane.. It's the big ski jumping show of the post-season: the Red Bull Skoki w Punkt takes place on 5 April in Zakopane the first men’s qualifying round of the Ski Flying World Cup in Vikersund (Norway) was scheduled on the Norwegian.. Thursday saw the first round of the Raw Air ski jumping competition in Oslo-Holmenkollen (Norway) Sep 30, 2024 | Notes from Pawland A pair of male red deer have been caught on camera fighting one another on a busy street near the centre of the Polish town of Zakopane An official from a nearby national park notes that such a sight is rare in natural environments video footage emerged of the two deer locking horns with one another on Jagiellońska Street in Zakopane Cars are forced to stop as the pair fight in the middle of the road while pedestrians are seen staring in amazement Na jednej z głównych ulic miasta doszło do spektakularnej walki dwóch jeleni 🎥 | Tatry_official pic.twitter.com/UcBABM2Wox — 🌐 ᴛʜᴇᴘᴏʟᴀɴᴅɴᴇᴡs 🌐 (@thepolandnews_) September 29, 2024 “The sight of fighting deer in the middle of a busy street is quite a big surprise,” said Tomasz Skrzydłowski, a scientist working at Tatra National Park which sits alongside Zakopane among the mountains on Poland’s southern border with Slovakia “It is the rutting [mating] season now the stags [male deer] try to scare off potential rivals but it rarely happens that a fight takes place The fact that they are fighting in the middle of a city on the street is a bizarre situation.” Skrzydłowski notes that such duels are rare because they are exhausting and dangerous for the animals “The individuals that fought the duel on Jagiellońska Street are not very large but with beautiful antlers,” continued the scientist “The bull that wins such a duel starts breeding with a whole herd of does [female deer] in a given area – this is how it is in nature TVN reports that in recent years does have been a fairly common sight in Zakopane and are now something of a tourist attraction Tatra National Park has appealed to people not to approach the wild animals In recent years, there have been growing reports of wild animals encroaching into urban spaces in Poland. In 2022, Zakopane installed bear-proof rubbish bins to discourage animals from foraging in them Last year, the city of Kraków asked residents to stop feeding wild boar, whose numbers have surged. Poland’s capital, Warsaw Kraków has appealed to residents to stop feeding wild boars as growing numbers of the animals roam the streets The authorities estimate that up to 1,500 boars now live in the city, which is ten times the normal figure https://t.co/AkvbvVzKs3 — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) November 12, 2023 Main image credit: tatryofficial/Facebook Daniel Tilles is editor-in-chief of Notes from Poland , , Karol Nawrocki even suggested that the state security services were involved in creating the scandal , , The 1,200 square metre national symbol was unfurled on the beach in Międzyzdroje [email protected] 2025·Ski JumpingAustria also won the team event in Zakopane last year (pictured) | NordicFocusAn outstanding performance saw favorites Austria claim victory in the Men’s Team World Cup event in Zakopane Stefan Kraft and Maximilian Ortner achieved a combined total of 1170.4 points from their eight jumps across two rounds It saw them finish 40.8 points clear of Slovenia the team that secured their first World Cup podium of the season You have to make your best jumps and stay focused A team competition always has different rules and you have to make eight really good and stable jumps (as a team).” “In the first round we had Maximilian with a spectacular jump and in the second round We knew we could do our job and I’m proud of the team.” It was a special day for Kraft’s teammate Ortner who secured the first World Cup podium of his career "I am very satisfied with the result" "I am very happy about my first win in the team competition because last year in the Continental Cup I won the overall ranking here." Jan Hoerl got the Austrians off to a flying start in the first round with a strong and far (137.0m) jump which saw him score 150.9 points Hoerl had clearly set the standard for his teammates the Austrians had a 19.8 point lead over Norway and a 32.5 point lead over Germany The Austrians further extended their lead in the second and final round especially after strong jumps from Hoerl (157.1) and Ortner (146.7) Slovenia sat in fourth after the first round It eventually all came down to the final round and the final jumps for Slovenia and Norway and Slovenia's Anze Lanisek was right in the middle of it Lanisek produced the best jump of the day (159.0 points) when it mattered most to help his team move ahead of Norway to take silver “This was the first competition where the whole team did a really good job” I’m really surprised about the (gap of) 40 points (with Austria) failed to make it onto the podium in the team event Karl Geiger and Philipp Raimund finished fourth with a combined total of 1110.0 points Pius (Paschke) is struggling at the moment” The Germans sat in third after the first round but were not able to maintain a place on the podium The FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Zakopane continues on Sunday 19 January with the individual World Cup World Cup leader Daniel Tschofenig (AUT) topped the individual qualification rankings on Friday with a total of 153.5 points He finished ahead of Johann Andre Forfang of Norway (151.7 points) and Slovenia’s Anze Lanisek (150.0) the women jump in Sapporo (JPN) this weekend Alexandria Loutitt (CAN) soared to her first World Cup win of the season with a dominant display on Saturday The women have another individual event coming up on Sunday the 140-metre ski jump in Zakopane (Poland) hosted the Polish ski jumping championships it was Pawel Wasek (145 and 134.5 metres) who took the national title Kamil Stoch (127.5 and 131 metres) and Jakub Wolny (136.5 and 119.5 metres) finished on the podium Anna Twardosz (110 and 122 metres) won the women’s gold medal ahead of Pola Beltowska (114.5 and 120.5 metres) and Nicole Konderla (94.5 and 118.5 metres) Discover the full composition of the Austrian cross-country skiing ski jumping and Nordic combined team squads for the 2025/2026 season the equipment supplier to the French biathlon and Nordic ski teams Slovenia's Bine Norcic becomes head coach of Swiss ski jumping after the departure of Rune Velta Ramsau/Bischofshofen (Austria)'s bid to host the 2031 Nordic World Ski Championships will not be competing against Planica (Slovenia) who has coached the Poles for the last few years saw his mission come to an end in recent weeks.. Discover the full composition of the French ski jumping team for the 2025/2026 season the Nordic skiing world championships could return to Planica (Slovenia) Swiss-Ski announced the departure of Rune Velta who has been head coach of the men’s national ski jumping team since.. Jun 3, 2024 | Business created with the help of artificial intelligence have appeared around the Polish mountain resort town of Zakopane as local businesses prepare for a record number of tourists from the Middle East this year which sits at the foot of Poland’s southern Tatra mountains has in recent years become a popular destination for Arab visitors when they made up the largest group of foreign tourists “We have around 20% more reservations from this direction [the Middle East] than in the same period last year,” Karol Wagner of the Tatra Chamber of Commerce told the newspaper last month It is estimated that around 15% of tourists in the area now come from Arab countries Górale z Zakopanego przeżywają kolejny najazd turystów. Dlaczego Arabowie interesują się Polską po sezonie? #Wyborcza #Zakopane https://t.co/M0pbFSV9WX — Gazeta Wyborcza.pl (@gazeta_wyborcza) September 11, 2023 In anticipation of the arrival of visitors from places such as Bahrain UAE and Qatar – who are bigger spenders on average than Polish or other European tourists – local businesses have been preparing Arabic-language material Signs have appeared around the city advertising restaurants in Arabic, including the fact that they offer halal food. (Poland is in fact one of Europe’s biggest producers of halal and kosher meat.) “This is a consequence of the innate skill of Podhale entrepreneurs combined with the most modern AI solutions,” Wagner told Gazeta Wyborcza, referring to the name of the historical Podhale region in which Zakopane is located “Thanks to tools that enable error-free communication in Arabic menus and information in Arabic quickly and completely free of charge,” he added Arabowie szturmują Zakopane. Oto co kupują https://t.co/8Kj8q6TdCM pic.twitter.com/zPY8etjQgG — Money.pl (@Money_pl) August 3, 2023 told the newspaper that there was initially “a little indignation” among locals when the first Arab tourists began to arrive in the town “Everyone is first afraid of something they don’t know.” a local newspaper warned Poles “not to panic” at the fact that some Arab tourists were giving local children money This was just part of a present-giving tradition during Eid “These billboards [in Arabic] are another step in our flexibility,” she added from a local consulting and marketing agency noted that tourists from the Middle East have helped Zakopane “fill the gap left by guests from Belarus and Russia whom we no longer see here” following the invasion of Ukraine Arab tourists in the mountain resort of Zakopane have been giving local Polish children money as they celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha with its tradition of gift-giving The Tatra mountains are a popular destination for Arab visitors to Poland https://t.co/9WfURZaJoZ — Notes from Poland 🇵🇱 (@notesfrompoland) August 14, 2019 Meanwhile, Polish media report that Arab visitors are also becoming interested in another popular Polish tourist destination: the northern Baltic coast “The proportion of foreign guests is higher [than before] in Świnoujście,” Agnieszka Maszner-Paprocka of the Polish Hotel Industry Chamber of Commerce told news website Wirtualna Polska last month, referring to a popular tourist town “They are mainly tourists from Germany, but we are also an attractive destination for Swedes and Czechs There are also the first inquiries from Saudi Arabian citizens,” she added Main image credit: Marek Podmokly / Agencja Wyborcza.pl [email protected] Tschofenig showed he can deliver when it matters most, as he came from behind to secure the individual win. After the first round, everything was pointing towards a season-first World Cup victory for Anze Lanisek (SLO), who led the way at the halfway stage thanks to a magnificent first jump (169.2 points). The Slovenian had a massive 11.9-point lead over Johann Andre Forfang (NOR) and had a margin of 12,1 points over Tschofenig. For that exact reason, Tschofenig did not expect he was still in with a chance to land on top of the podium before heading into the second and final jump. "Twelve points are a lot", Tschofenig said. “Lanisek had a great (first) jump and I know he can perform extremely well under pressure. So, therefore, I didn’t really think I had a chance (to win)." But things changed dramatically. Lanisek messed up his second jump as he landed in 130m to score 136.0 points. In the end, that wasn't even enough for the podium: Lanisek finished fourth. Meanwhile, Tschofenig had performed the best jump of the second round to move to the top of the leaderboard. The World Cup leader posted a combined total of 316.7 points to finish well ahead of Norway’s Johann Andre Forfang (309.4 points), who secured his first podium finish of the season. "It was a really good day for me", Fordang said. "I jumped better and better in the last few weeks. Standing on the podium again feels really good." Only 0.1 points separated second and third place. Tschofenig’s teammate Jan Hoerl took third place (309.3 points), despite performing the furthest jump of the day (140m). After the competition, Tschofenig admitted that having no expectations had helped him to his fifth win of the season. "I was just free to do my stuff, to do my jump. That truly helped me to this outcome." Tschofenig further extended his World Cup lead and now has 1056 points. It's the first time in his career he surpassed the number of 1000 points. Hoerl sits in second (976), with Pius Paschke in third (848). Newly crowned Polish national champion Pawel Wasek (POL) finished in fifth (300.3), equalling his career-best result. Wasek, who was in seventh place after the first round, managed to move up two spots thanks to a strong second outing. Austrians Michael Hayboeck (298.5) and last year's Crystal Globe winner Stefan Kraft (297.4) followed in sixth and seventh. Valentin Foubert (FRA) secured a career-best finish with a twelfth place (281.7). Germany's Pius Paschke, who won five World Cup events so far this season, was unable to build on his earlier performances and missed the final in Zakopane. Paschke finished 32nd in the first round. "Sometimes it's hard to understand,” Paschke said about his performance. "It was actually a step in the right direction in the trial round, but the bottom line is that I never had the feeling here that I'm used to. I didn't really find a solution today and yesterday, but we'll continue next week. First and foremost, the position has to be right again", Paschke said. The Men’s FIS Ski Jumping World Cup continues in Obertsdorf (GER) next week, with Ski Flying on the program. “You can expect a lot, hopefully”, Tschofenig said. “It’s a different sport almost. I have strong teammates that can fly really well, so I will try to stick with them. Maybe I can get some news from them as to what to do", he said with a smile. While the men competed in Zakopane, Poland, this weekend, the women jumped in Sapporo (JPN). Alexandria Loutitt (CAN) and Eirin Maria Kvandal (NOR) claimed their first win of the season on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. 2025·Snowboard Alpine© Marcin Szkodzinski PhotoThis past weekend marked the successful conclusion of the VISA FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup with the final two races in Winterberg (GER) setting the stage for the season’s highlight - the Engadin 2025 FIS Snowboard Freestyle and Freeski World Championships in Switzerland Before the Snowboard Alpine World Cup tour wrapped up young talents battled for glory at the FIS Snowboard Alpine Junior World Championships in Zakopane (POL) More than 100 of the world's most promising racers from 16 nations gathered at the Suche resort for three days of intense competition The championships opened with the PGS event many already making their mark in World Cup finals Canada’s Aurelie Moisan secured her second consecutive junior gold medal fresh off her first World Cup podium just two days prior The small final saw Germany’s Yuna Taniguchi take bronze after outpacing Switzerland’s Xenia von Siebenthal Bulgaria’s Tervel Zamfirov clinched his second career gold at the Junior World Championships in PGS while Czech rider Krystof Minarik edged out Italy’s Mike Santuari for the bronze medal The excitement continued with Wednesday’s Parallel Slalom event where Xenia von Siebenthal (SUI) delivered a stellar performance defeating Malena Zamfirova (BUL) in the big final This marked Siebenthal’s second PSL gold at the Junior World Championships Aurelia Buccioni (GER) overcame Eleonora Pavliuk from Ukraine The men’s PSL podium mirrored the previous day’s PGS results with another outstanding showdown between Zamfirov and Rabanser while Mike Santuari (ITA) secured bronze after finishing just outside the podium in Parallel Giant Slalom race The final day of the championships was dedicated to the Mixed Team Parallel event where male and female athletes from the same nation joined forces to compete represented by the sibling duo Tervel Zamfirov and Malena Zamfirova Czechia 1 (Krystof Minarik and Adela Keclikova) secured silver while Switzerland 1 (Xenia von Siebenthal and Nuri Mosca) rounded out the podium with bronze FIS Race Director and Snowboard Coordinator Peter Krogoll praised the impressive performances highlighting the fierce competition and dedication of the junior athletes “These young riders showcased incredible skill and determination making the championships a defining moment for the future of alpine snowboarding producing unexpected outcomes and thrilling final standings."– Krogoll said.Jan Winkel from the Local Organizing Committee emphasized the efforts of the Polish Ski Association and FIS in promoting snowboarding at all levels in Poland “Improving athlete performance has been a key driver for development enabling Poland to host Europa Cup races and the prestigious Visa FIS Snowboard Alpine World Cup in Krynica just days before Hosting the FIS Snowboard Alpine Junior World Championships was the next step in providing young Polish riders with better opportunities to grow.”– added Winkel.Pawel Dawidek Chief of Competition and a Polish snowboarding coach from Zakopane expressed his satisfaction with how the championships unfolded Snowlandia is a unique destination for families looking for a winter experience like no other the park features a monumental attraction: the world’s largest snow labyrinth Built each year using almost 60,000 blocks of compacted snow but also a fun and immersive activity for young and old alike Snowlandia was inaugurated during the 2015/2016 winter season and is located near the Wielka Krokiew ski jump The Snowlandia labyrinth is made up of high snow walls The labyrinth is so intricately designed that visitors can spend up to an hour trying to find their way out The structure is made from locally accumulated snow and compacted into massive blocks a team of snow and ice specialists work for several weeks to create this huge installation inspired by the classic architecture of labyrinths Its success lies in the combination of thoughtful design and harmonious integration into the winter landscape of the resort of Zakopane This winter theme park offers a host of activities for all ages making it an ideal destination for families where children can let their imaginations run wild offers panoramic views of the surrounding area Inside the castle are ice sculptures carved with incredible precision fairytale characters and even mythological figures The Snow Queen’s Palace is an enchanting space made entirely of snow and ice Its interiors are adorned with sculptures by local and Slovakian artists depicting a variety of motifs from mythological figures to scenes from nature Visitors can explore richly decorated rooms sit on a majestic ice throne or warm themselves by a fireplace carved from ice creating a warm atmosphere despite the icy material The carefully designed lighting highlights the details of the sculptures and adds a magical atmosphere to the whole The palace also offers interactive activities allowing visitors to learn about this ephemeral art form Snowlandia also offers a toboggan run open to all Tobogganing is particularly popular with children while adults can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscape with the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop Snowlandia stands out for its magical atmosphere and exceptional natural setting Located at the foot of the Tatra mountains the park offers breathtaking views and the perfect setting for a day out The temporary snow and ice installations are designed to amaze visitors and immerse them in a magical world means you can combine the Snowlandia experience with a discovery of local Polish culture The Zakopane region is also known for its ski resorts (Kasprowy Wierch making it a great destination for a family winter holiday Snowlandia is an attraction open every year during the coldest months The maze is regularly maintained to ensure optimum safety for families Family packages are available to take full advantage of the park’s various activities Families travelling with young children are advised to bring warm The Zakopane region offers a wide range of accommodation options providing all the comforts needed for a memorable stay Have you ever wondered what happens when you eat snow? While it might seem harmless, this common mountain habit has some surprising facts that are worth knowing. Find out more in our article What happens when you eat snow? It’s the big ski jumping show of the post-season: the Red Bull Skoki w Punkt takes place on 5 April in Zakopane with Valentin Foubert among the competitors This Sunday saw the men’s individual competition at the Ski Jumping World Cup in Zakopane (Poland) This Friday evening saw the qualifying round of the men’s ski jumping world cup in Zakopane (Poland) Discover the names of the French ski jumpers selected for the World Cups in Sapporo (Japan) Hochfilzen or Os og Røros: discover the full programme for Nordic Week (9-12 January) Our Streets are Full of White Bears by Barbara Caillot and Aleksandra Karkowska is an archival project presented by the Belfast photo festival that documents the history of the legendary White Bear of Zakopane It examines how thousands of pictures of people with white bears became part of Polish popular culture Our Streets are Full of White Bears by Barbara Caillot and Aleksandra Karkowska is an archival project presented by the Belfast photo festival that documents the history of the legendary White Bear of Zakopane the first competition of the FIS Cup ski jumping finals in Zakopane (Poland) saw Chamonix’s Jules Chervet (121.5 and 119.5 metres) take a fine 17th place Austria’s Francisco Moerth (136 and 137 metres) won ahead of Switzerland’s Remo Imhof (129 and 139 metres) Ari Repellin (112.5 metres) was forty-third Faustin Moureaux (110 metres) fifty-second and Julien Gay (116.5 metres) fifty-seventh The annual Ski Slalom Marathon in Zakopane is the brainchild of former Polish Olympian and multiple national champion in alpine skiing - Małgorzata Tlałka-Długosz who currently presides over the Handicap Zakopane Foundation The event consists of a twelve hour long ski slalom relay - with numerous skiers trying to ride a marked slalom one after another one as many times as possible (with multiple rides allowed) The event is attended by professional competitors and coaches children and youth under the foundation's patronage the participants managed to ski a total of 720 km on the course All proceeds from the event's sponsors are donated to the Handicap Zakopane Foundation Zakopane. Prezydent startuje w charytatywnym 12-godzinnym "Slalom Maratonie Zakopane 2025". Andrzej Duda ostatni raz bierze udział w wydarzeniu jako głowa państwa.https://t.co/tNFs84zvoH Andrzej Duda emphasized that alpine skiing is his great passion and hobby he himself skied down the slalom course several times as the captain of the team with number 1 - together with the Handicap Zakopane Foundation's protégées and some leading Polish skiers "I hope that we will continue to meet here even though I will end my term as a President soon Ten years is a very long time - and I am glad that I could be with you all these years thank you for always welcoming me so kindly" Na X max. 10 min materiału. Subskrybuj na: https://t.co/HUY14mkirZAndrzej Duda: XI edycja zawodów „12H Slalom Maraton Zakopane 2025” pic.twitter.com/re4LlvYWys Since 2014, Poland's Handicap Zakopane Foundation has been running year-round, free integration sports training in winter and summer disciplines for children and adults with disabilities. It also organizes sports and rehabilitation camps, competitions and includes its charges in sports competitions. The incredible building combines interwar and contemporary architecture to craft a hotel that offers guests the highest quality of service located 500m from the city’s main street Unlike other five-star resorts in the region Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa is home to one of the most poignant addresses in the region Now used as the hotel’s sauve restaurant the incredible structure is an attraction in itself The walkway to Nosalowy Park's entrance is vast and unassuming but that all changes when the remarkable white building that is Villa Marilor comes into view With lush green accents surrounding the beautifully restored 20th-century guesthouse The villa seamlessly transitions into the newer hotel building which combined creates the most grand premises with a flavour of the grand old days The Tatra Mountains serve as an idyllic backdrop to the hotel grounds (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The Marilor building is historically significant in the area (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The lobby area is richly decorated with highland influence blended with art-deco (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) Incredible artwork decorates the rooms throughout the hotel (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The Marilor Restaurant is an incredible white space with a huge staircase and mezzanine (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) Restaurant Marilor has a gorgeous mezzanine with a statement staircase and tall ceilings (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The breakfast buffet is one of the best you'll find (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) Local delicacies including locally sourced meat and cheese are beautifully served in the restaurant (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) Restaurant Marilor offers guests a fine dining experience in an exquisite setting (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) Three jacuzzis can be found in the wellness centre at the hotel (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The rooms are modern and elegant with ambient lighting (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The Nabe Spa and Wellness Centre is a highlight of the Nosalowy Park Hotel (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The Nabe Spa has more than half a dozen treatment rooms (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) The hotel has a state of the art wellness centre and luxurious spa on-site (Image: NOSALOWY PARK HOTEL & SPA) Upon entering the large doors to the main lobby at Nosalowy Park Hotel guests are met with an inviting warmth radiated by the smart interiors; wooden floors in varying hues deep red accents and gold details that glimmer under warm lights and reflective glass surfaces Guests are transported back to the early 20th century but with a contemporary flair that hints at the newness of the hotel.  plus large elevators to the upper floors that house the bedrooms Simplistic corridors with red details connect the hotel’s 139 rooms and suites with the top floors home to apartments with private terraces and panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa is a part of the Nosalowy Dwór group which manages other hotels including the Nosalowy Dwór Resort a family-friendly premises also located in Zakopane Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa is the newest addition to the brand’s Zakopane offering and was developed in 2019 through an extension and conversion of Villa Marilor The hotel’s cosy highland-inspired charm blends with its tall ceilings and stylish open-plan spaces to create a mountainous retreat like no other has an aura that’s reflective of the outdoor setting; earthy and cosy on a grey cold day and flooded with natural light on a bright summer’s morning Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa has 139 guest bedrooms set across five floors Family Suite and Executive Suite also make up the hotel's room offerings Executive rooftop suites boast exclusive access to a private and very spacious roof terrace while the Deluxe View rooms overlook the Tatra’s Bed sizes vary by room type with a mixture of king-size double beds and sofa beds on offer in suites The Family Suites have two bedrooms and two bathrooms while the Executive suites also boast two bathrooms One of the most notable features of the Executive Suites is the use of natural light to illuminate the space Floor-to-ceiling windows with thick black frames surround the living area with sheer white curtains layered for privacy All rooms are decorated in the absence of ceiling light fittings instead relying on the hue of warm lamps that are strategically placed throughout the space Dark wooden and stone materials combine with soft neutrals to make a relaxing space with the same gold details and bold red accents featured throughout the hotel Spotless white marble contrasts with shiny golden fittings and warm wooden materials to create the most luxurious ensuite bathrooms which are well-stocked with fluffy white towels and robes with gold embroidery Executive Suites boast the luxury of space with a separate living area furnished with armchairs each suite has access to a private seating area including loungers There’s plenty of storage inside the suites with full-length cabinets complete with rails and shelves plus a walk-in wardrobe space kitted out with ironing facilities the top-floor suites have the best views of the Tatra mountains though standard rooms are more restricted they benefit from the same tasteful decor as the suites and are cleverly laid out with ample space Incredible original artwork decorates every room in the hotel all in keeping with the regal red and gold motifs that make Nosalowy Park Hotel and Spa so inviting The bedrooms are every inch a show of luxury and are cleaned to an incredibly high standard by housekeeping staff which make for a comfortable night’s sleep though they feel somewhat small for a five-star retreat Large wall-mounted TV screens are available in the bedroom and also in the lounge area of the Executive Suites Amenities are covered across all comforts including toiletries conditioner and body wash bottles are provided as standard Large wall-mounted mirrors are standard in all rooms along with a tabletop bathroom mirror with backlights and a magnified side Tea and coffee-making facilities are provided in the rooms though the tea selection is limited along with a welcome platter of chocolates and fruit to give guests the warmest of welcomes In addition to its impressive culinary offerings Nosalowy Park has incredible spa facilities in its Nabe Spa and wellness space this luxurious facility is one of just a few located in the historical part of the Marilor building the eight Nabe Spa treatment rooms are a testament to the legacy of the infamous building blending modern wellness techniques with the timeless beauty of the Tatra Mountains that surround the architecture and meditation sessions for relaxation are notable highlights of the spa The seven other elegantly furnished and spacious suites each have their quirks; some include a panoramic balcony or bath in addition to a relaxation zone where guests can toast with a drink from the menu created especially for Nosalowy Park Spa guests A separate gym can be found on the ground floor of the hotel near the Marilor restaurant Complete with changing rooms and shower facilities the fitness facility has free weights and a generous selection of equipment for guests to break a sweat on their own accord Hotel guests and visitors on a Nabe Spa Day Pass have free roam of the wellness centre It boasts an impressive array of facilities including two indoor jacuzzis a well-presented swimming pool with rainfall shower features An outdoor jacuzzi is also built into a patio area enclosed with lush greenery the hotel has a restricted adults-only area located just off of the pool with two incredibly presented saunas of varying temperatures Private rainfall showers are located next to the saunas plus the brine graduation tower for guests to relax in a soothing atmosphere dark room features a living wall and a spacious layout scattered with swinging chairs is one of the highlights of the Nosalowy Hotel experience Its design is inspired by the natural beauty of its surroundings with interiors that exude elegance and calm and soothing music creates an atmosphere that invites guests to unwind and escape the stresses of everyday life The hotel spoils its guests with two restaurants; Eleanora and Marilor The latter is a somewhat separate entity from the hotel’s main dining area while Eleanora hosts breakfast and is conveniently placed off the lobby area Guests awake to an incredible continental spread of regional and national delicacies including cottage cheese-stuffed crepes and cheese from the Polish Tatra mountains that Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa sits at the foot of The restaurant menu is not just locally authentic consisting of carefully selected produce that is expertly prepared for guests Detailed allergen tags are available on all breakfast dishes which include a buffet assortment of the freshest fruits and vegetables coffee and juices are available with the buffet from a barista-quality There’s nothing you won’t find laid out for breakfast the chefs are happy to make omelettes and more freshly cooked delicacies to order at the live cooking station Guests who prefer breakfast in bed can arrange a meal to be delivered to their room for a fee Room service is also available at an extra fee with menus available in the bedrooms the convenient location of the hotel makes it easy to wander to nearby restaurants to experience different takes on Polish cuisine and regional delights Nosalowy Park guests can head to the historic Villa Marilor - the unmissable white building that’s connected to the modern hotel via a carpeted walkway surrounded by floor-to-ceiling windows The Marilor is a true beacon of culinary excellence in the region that seamlessly blends modern Polish cuisine with global inspirations The interiors are a delightful mix of contemporary elegance and traditional Zakopane accents; old posters and paintings by Zofia Stryjeńska adorn the walls creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the region’s rich cultural heritage Marilor’s menu is a testament to the chef’s dedication to quality and creativity The “Flavours of Zakopane” section features local delicacies crafted with passion the highlights of which include the signature tartare locally sourced ingredients taking centre stage The dessert menu is a sweet lover’s paradise a custard dessert that tastes like a smokey toasted marshmallow The apple crumble is not to be missed for its delectable texture like no other Seasonal food and drink menus are also available with clever pairing suggestions to give diners the ultimate experience The wine list at Marilor is carefully curated to complement the menu Guests can choose from a selection of fine wines each chosen to enhance the flavours of the dishes Prices for main courses range from 60 to 120 PLN while desserts are priced between 20 and 40 PLN A glass of wine will set you back around 30 PLN making it an affordable luxury in this charming mountain town Staff go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience at the Marilor whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a meal with friends the restaurant’s friendly and attentive staff will make you feel right at home With more than a century of history restored in the four walls of the hotel Nosalowy Park Hotel and Spa is a symbol of Zakopane’s past and present Channelling authentic local architecture that fits perfectly with the mountainous surroundings the incredible location can be felt in every inch of the hotel Even when the Tatra’s are out of view in the Nabe Spa guests are reminded of Nosalowy Park’s impressive address The hotel is conveniently located near Centrum Handlowe Krupówki which leads to a high street lined with highland-inspired buildings Lined with shops and decorated with authentic Polish restaurants visitors can indulge in regional delicacies like Oscypek found exclusively in the Tatra Mountains region of Poland Walking in any direction from Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa immerses visitors in Zakopane's culture with traditional highland architecture on every street A-frame wooden chalets in every colour line the town all with the unforgettable misty backdrop of the vast Tatra’s is within walking distance of the hotel and a great day out for those wanting to learn more about the Goralska (highlander) style of architecture.  the attentive staff at Nosalowy Park are willing to arrange tickets and maps for guests They are on hand to advise on the best trails for hikes and cycling routes for which guests can hire e-bikes from the hotel Winter sports fans can make use of the nearby ski resorts which include Gubałówka and Tor Saneczkowy get your winter sports fix by heading to The Great Krokiew - a 30-minute walk or 11-minute cycle from the hotel to watch professional ski jumpers practice or compete Many trails through the Tatra Mountains begin on the outskirts of Zakopane’s centre a well-marked trail that takes about three to four hours to reach the summit you can peer over into Slovakia and see the main ski station Kasprowy Wierch is another eight to nine-hour route that leads to the towering peak that keeps watch over Zakopane itself.  Just seconds from the hotel other eateries offer Italian sushi and traditional family-style Polish cuisine There’s also a supermarket located right next to the train station which is around five minutes from the hotel grounds Buses with links to Morskie Oko and other famous trails in the Tatra mountains are plentiful at the train station Room prices at Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa vary on the season The mountain-town retreat offers an unforgettable stay regardless of the room type though guests do have to pay a premium to benefit from views of the Tatra's Superior Single Rooms start from 540 PLN (approximately £106.39) between Sunday and Thursday or 640 PLN (approximately £126.09) on weekends Superior Double Rooms start from 590 PLN (approximately £116) between Sunday and Thursday or 690 PLN (approximately £136) on weekends This well-placed Zakopane hotel offers visitors the ultimate base for discovering the history and gorgeous scenery of this Polish mountain town. Still tranquil and remote despite its central location, the vast hotel is fully equipped with everything guests could need for the most comfortable stay. Whether exploring the Tatra Mountains on foot or skiing snow-covered pistes in the depths of winter, Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa provides the highest level of luxury to ensure guests are well-fed and relaxed before embarking on a scenic journey of their choosing. Exquisite dining options and cosy highland interiors make the hotel an exciting place to unwind for an evening. And no matter the weather, the high-quality Nabe Spa and Wellness Centre makes Nosalowy Park an attractive place to spend the day. Perfect for every season, this artistic and characterful haven is ideal for solo travellers, couples, groups and even families seeking a slice of highland luxury. Find a deal on your stay at Nosalowy Park with Booking.com Book NowREAD NEXT: order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated will be happening from 17-22 May 2024 in Zakopane The camp will have the participation of Polish & foreign composers who will work in 2-3 person teams composing music for film scenes and commercials There will be a be faculty of four music supervisors and the teams will be mentored by Spanish composer Luis Ivars who are mostly accustomed to individual composing work the formula proposed by Music Export Poland borrows from so popular songwriting camps which involve frequent changes in the line-ups of creative teams Participating Polish composers are: Wojtek Grabek There are two additional Ukrainian composers-songwriters: Vladyslav Libenson The faculty includes four music supervisors: Patrycja Bukowska who will be guiding the composers in the completion of the tasks assigned Spanish composer Luis Ivars will be mentoring the teams he will be a link/bridge between supervisors & composers a listening session of all the pieces will be held in Krakow during the Film Music Festival to which festival participants will be invited You can read detailed information about Krakow FMF 2024 program here: https://soundtrackfest.com/en/news/krakow-fmf-2024-detailed-concert-program/ The first Synchronization Camp in Poland (SyncCamp) took place at the Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music in Lusławice between 11-15 May 2019 Organized by Music Export Poland and the Krakow Festival Office with financial support from the Authors’ Society ZAiKS SyncCamp was a part of the Audiovisual Forum – Film Music Festival’s educational programme implemented within the framework of the Film Music Festival in Krakow one of the most important film music festivals in the world Music Export Poland provides the creators with a common creative space to collectively compose music for films and commercials under the supervision of music supervisors whose task is to deliver to the SyncCamp briefs for music to synchronize Networking role of the event is realized thanks to the participation of composers from many countries and backgrounds supervisors together with MExP representatives arrange a work plan for the next day matching composers’ competences to individual orders The composers are provided with rooms for work The composers bring the rest of the equipment with them: personal computers equipped with software (DAW some participants also bring musical instruments with them SoundTrackFest will be attending and participating the Zakopane SyncCamp 2024 and will bring you timely information from Zakopane http://www.musicexportpoland.org/ Discover a way to enjoy that music live in SoundTrackFest Here you will find all the information you need to live your favorite Soundtracks and meet the Composers An avalanche occurred in the Wołowy Żleb area near the trail to Rysy The Tatra Volunteer Search and Rescue (TOPR) team received an emergency call at 10:30 AM from two ski mountaineers concerned for their friend rescuers established contact with the injured man a TOPR helicopter managed to reach the site The injured ski mountaineer was airlifted to a hospital in Zakopane (southern Poland near the Tatra Mountains) with only minor injuries Initial fears that more people might be trapped led to an extensive search using avalanche dogs and detectors described as unusually large given the season’s low snowfall measured several hundred meters in length and around 300 meters in width Its front edge reached close to Czarny Staw pod Rysami The rescue operation involved 22 TOPR rescuers and the helicopter crew While the ski mountaineers were equipped with standard avalanche safety gear (detectors conditions in the mountains remain hazardous Avalanche danger is currently at Level 2 (moderate) on a 5-level scale and hiking in the Tatras is strongly discouraged due to icy trails Lawina pod Rysami. Jedna osoba poszkodowana https://t.co/01kcP7d6Lf rescuers found the three Lithuanian woman early Saturday morning at the Liliowe mountain pass on the Polish-Slovak border One of them was unconscious when help reached her and was taken by helicopter to a hospital in Krakow Two other Lithuanian women were found at a mountain pass on the Polish-Slovak border further away One of them was taken by helicopter to Zakopane and the other to a shelter in the region the Lithuanian tourists were unprepared for their hike and did not have the right equipment or warm clothes Forty-four rescuers and a helicopter crew took part in the search operation weather conditions for tourism in the Tatra Mountains were poor on Friday and worsened at night There were also strong winds of up to 120km/h and heavy rain Our slow travel expert discovers the legacy of popes and revolutionaries on a trip south from Kraków to the resort town in the Tatra Mountains Nine trains leave Kraków each weekday to climb up to Poland’s premier mountain retreat the fastest trains to Zakopane took under 2½ hours after infrastructure renewal work lasting several years just one of those nine trains matches the 1936 time Such is the state of railways in some parts of rural Poland Anyone in a hurry to reach Zakopane from Kraków will take the bus There’s a dash of Slavic magic in the litany of stations along the route: Sieniawa We rattle south from Kraków’s main station which has a fine Armenian votive cross in its garden Then to the left is one of the two Jewish cemeteries in the Kazimierz district Soon we are crossing the Vistula River on an impressive bridge with a complex lattice of girders this meandering river marked the frontier between the Free City of Kraków (Rzeczpospolita Krakowska) and the Austro-Hungarian empire The monastery church of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska Photograph: Krzysztof Nahlik/AlamyWe shudder to a stop at Zabłocie a community which in Kraków’s heyday as a city-state was where Habsburg bureaucrats could monitor the comings and goings there It was from here that the salt mined at Wieliczka was shipped downriver and the place bustled with commercial energy it is where tourists come to see the former enamelware factory featured in Steven Spielberg’s Schindler’s List many of them brand new or recently rebuilt serving the memorial complex and sanctuary dedicated to the late Polish pope This rail route touches on many places that featured in the early life of the future pope Our stuttering escape from Kraków affords views of modern churches rusting railway sidings and concrete flyovers Oriental domes in the distance signal a nightclub rather than Byzantium which for decades endured pollution from an aluminium smelter and then cruise through orchards planted long ago by Bernardine (Franciscan) monks From Skawina the route south to Zakopane is single track The beauty of this train journey today is the way the train dances with the topography occasionally striking assertively south but more commonly following the warp and weft of the landscape but just occasionally the landscape opens out sufficiently to reveal glorious views of the High Tatras This is the most ambitious of Europe’s sacri monti and 400 years after its creation it is still in the care of the Bernardines who stage dramatic re-enactments of Christ’s Passion at Easter an elderly woman with strong hands and hennaed hair crosses herself as the train glides slowly past a monumental crucifix Noting my interest in the passing landscape she tells me that the trains make special stops to allow passengers to alight directly into the park Few landscapes are so rich in religious symbolism as those of Kalwaria Zebrzydowska and the complex is so huge that one might visit many times without retreading the same devotional itinerary Period buildings in Biały Dunajec Photograph: Mike Hardiman/AlamyI always have mixed feelings about the last leg of this journey Increasing numbers of wooden houses are a hint of the feast of vernacular architecture which gives such style to the Polish Tatras But at this point the railway also parallels the main highway to Zakopane which is lined by billboards and fast food outlets We cross the 700-metre contour just before Biały Dunajec “This is almost Russia,” Lenin wrote in 1913 of this area alluding to the fact that the border of the Tsarist empire was not far away to which Lenin would regularly cycle to collect his post A landmark Bolshevik congress was held in the village in 1913 the distinct line of the High Tatras marks the southern sky These are the hills the young future Pope would regularly roam following the paths Lenin had hiked while pondering developments back in Russia the railway to Zakopane has long been laced with creative energy and the promise of pure mountain air Zakopane station is 835 metres above sea level Photograph: Alamy“Next stop Zakopane,” says the guard in both English and Polish as he walks through the train we slide to a stop at Zakopane’s recently refurbished station But I am well prepared and head out into the hills following a path I remember being signposted years ago as one of Lenin’s regular routes and these days pictures of John Paul II are affixed to a tree by the trail The fastest daily train from Kraków to Zakopane is a mid-morning departure taking 2hrs 26mins. All other trains take over three hours, the slowest almost four hours. The one-way fare on the slow, local trains is 22.50 złoty (£4.50). Tickets must be bought before boarding the train, online or at the station. Only on the faster trains can seats be booked, at intercity.pl but advance tickets are typically £6 second class and £11 first class Nicky Gardner is co-author 0f Europe by Rail: the Definitive Guide. The 17th edition was reprinted this month and is available from the Guardian Bookshop The 2,058-metre tunnel some 65 km from the historic city of Kraków was built to make it easier for tourists to reach the Tatra Mountains by helping eliminate traffic congestion on the Kraków-Zakopane road The two-lane tunnel is now believed to effectively supplant the old road connection One of the most modern in this part of Europe the tunnel  runs through the mountain of Lubań Mały connecting the villages of Naprawa and Skomielna Biała in Poland's southern Małopolskie province it will be part of a busy national road that leads from Kraków to Zakopane a top tourist destination in the Tatra Mountains near the Polish-Slovak border Work on the tunnel began in March 2017 and suffered some delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather conditions Poland’s president Andrzej Duda last month described the new tunnel as “a very important project both for the local community and for the tourists who will find it easier to reach the Tatra Mountains.” He told reporters that similar projects had been delivered or were under way on the S3 road in western Poland on the transnational Via Carpatia highway and in the northwestern Polish city of Świnoujście The State Fire Service confirmed via social media that services worked tirelessly throughout the night The sudden weather change was triggered by a cloud burst The highest number of incidents were reported in the Wielkopolskie Voivodeship - 203 👨‍🚒🚒⛈️Kolejną dobę strażacy walczą ze skutkami zjawisk atmosferycznychW poniedziałek 1 lipca do godz. 21.00 strażacy odnotowali 1⃣0⃣4⃣5⃣ zdarzeń związanych z przechodzącym przez Polskę frontem burzowym. pic.twitter.com/wUncKGWMBS The route had to be temporarily closed in both directions causing kilometers-long traffic jams in the area Similar weather conditions were also noted outside Poland TREMENDO: Fuertes daños en varios municipios, edificios y tejados tras lluvias, granizos, e inundaciones, sobre todo en Zakopane (Polonia), Waldkirchen (Alemania), Rappolz (Austria), y varias zonas de Eslovenia, Suiza, e Italia. pic.twitter.com/W8TrKTOb3f An Austrian alpiner attacks the Men’s Super-G competition with aplomb during the Zakopane 1993 Winter Universiade The organisers of the Zakopane 1993 Winter Universiade dodged a rather sizeable bullet when snow started falling in the area on the day of the Opening Ceremony the weather had been so mild that the snow-making machines were rendered useless thereby putting the skiing events in jeopardy The snow brought relief to the organisers and added a touch of magic to the Opening Ceremony including Polish President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Lech Walesa “I am entirely convinced that competition does not at all mean hostility,” Walesa said in his welcoming speech can go hand in hand together perfectly … I would be happy if a message would go out carrying the Olympic ideal solidarity replaces hostility and noble competition replaces fighting.” There was certainly a good mix of competition and friendship in the ice hockey tournament With the break-up of both Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union since the previous Winter Universiade in Sapporo a number of new teams were formed and competition at Zakopane sometimes pitted former teammates against each other In the absence of reigning champions Canada with a surprising Kazakhstan in second and Slovakia in third Kazakhstan was given a major boost en route to its silver medal thanks to the fair play of the South Koreans who agreed to play the Kazakhs despite the latter having arrived at the tournament late after their bus was delayed at the Kazakh border South Korea should have been awarded an automatic victory but the FISU Executive Committee made the difficult decision to allow the game to be rescheduled with the Koreans deciding to play “out of honour.” South Korea would eventually finish last at the tournament A ski jumper crests the lip of the knoll during the Men’s Large Hill competition during the Zakopane 1993 Winter Universiade That was not the only story from the hockey tournament to make headlines in Zakopane The home team surprised their opponents with their good spirits The Polish players were allegedly so taken with the local nightclub that they frequented it every night This likely explains their second-to-last-place finish For the second straight Winter Universiade Japan finished first in the medals table with 6 gold China also won 6 golds (10 medals overall) while Team USA topped the podium five times The high Tatras Mountains have been the setting for many of the finest athletic performances in Winter Universiade history The protected national parkland is home to 29 peaks over 2,500 metres and last helped host the event in 2015 in Štrbské pleso © International University Sports Federation Information and reservations on weekdays 9 a.m.- 4 p.m Deputy Director for for Exhibition Activities Deputy Director for Strategy and Communications Chief Cataloguer of the National Museum in Krakow a decorative panel entitled Pochód górali (Procession of Highlanders) painted by the artist Jan Rembowski (1879–1923) will return temporarily to Zakopane This monumental work of art was initially part of the artistic interior design of the theatre room in the main building of the sanatorium run by Bronisława and Kazimierz Dłuski in Kościelisko This magnificent treatment facility from the early 20th century still standing today albeit in a changed form is a testament to the investment made by a group formed in Kraków in 1899 called the “Sanatorium Association for Chest Ailment Sufferers in Zakopane” the facility won renown not only as an outstanding medical establishment using the most modern equipment and methods for the treatment of tuberculosis which quickly became an obligatory stopping off point for visitors to the Tatra Mountains Dłuskis took care to create an original design for the sanatorium incorporating art into the treatment programme The most significant decorative works were created in the years 1909 and 1910 and were installed in the recreational areas Recognised artists such as Karol Frycz and Henryk Uziembło were employed and entrusted with decorating the reading room together with the library and music room respectively at that time living in Zakopane and undergoing treatment at the facility who had earlier also been engaged in works at the sanatorium decorated the theatre room and the preceding vestibule with straircase that led up to it As a result of a succession of renovations and transformations the edifice in Kościelisko lost its artistic character and the decorations were almost entirely forgotten The exhibition of Rembowski’s painting at villa “Atma” with selected reproductions of photos from around the year 1910 which will give visitors an insight into the ideas of artistic interior design in the early 20th century and will highlight the ways in which applied art and design reflect art rooted in local tradition and culture they are often lavishly covered in flowers particularly around Roman Catholic holidays and especially on All Saints' Day Strangers will often look after graves of non-family members; it’s rare to see an uncared-for or unclean tombstone The Polish word “zakopane” translates into English as "buried," so it should be no surprise that one particularly notable Polish burial ground can be found in the popular ski resort town of the same name What really stands out are the stylistic representations of the grave markers themselves In a stark contrast to traditional cemetery plots the burial sites in the Old Zakopane Cemetery are adorned with memorials carved from raw rock and metal or built in the form of tall wooden totems and sculptures These monuments to the departed are true pieces of art in their own right incorporating gnarly branches and moss-covered boulders sudden visionary protrusions festooned with names and dates with the impression that the entire ensemble is growing organically from the ground Very easy to get to and about a 5 minute walk from the main city center for entrance to this magical graveyard and feel free to bring a token or any kind of remembrance to place on the graves of the deceased A war memorial dedicated to the Free French Naval forces of World War II Austrian and Germans who died on British soil during World War I and II are buried here This memorial complex contains several mass graves for victims of the Siege of Leningrad The childhood home of the famous general's mother is now a small A sad reminder of the World War II bombing stands largely unnoticed on a street corner but activists have since recontextualized it as a way to educate visitors about the dangers posed by fascist regimes Published: Invalid Date TAKE a look at one of the lesser-known holiday destinations in Europe this Christmas Zakopane in Poland is just under three hours from Ireland and has been voted the top place to spend the festive months The winter destination is located in southern Poland and is known as a resort town At the base of the Tatras Mountains, many choose this spot as a departure point for winter sports - along with mountain climbing and hiking during the summer The town is known for it's 20th century wooden chalets which are large marks of Zakopane-style architecture Nearby ski resorts the town comes alive with festive cheer and magical transformations The winter wonderland offers a unique experience with streets covered in twinkling lights and the air full of scents including pine and spices Polish Christmas traditions are kept in mind in the town You can discover handmade treasures, traditional Christmas decorations, and delicious festive foods. carolling groups and traditional dance performances The cosy Zakopane Christmas markets is held from December 9 until January 8 It transforms the Niepodleglosci Square with festive decorations and a large variety of stalls - making it the perfect place to finish your Christmas shopping The traditional food on offer includes mead - an alcoholic beverage crafted from fermented honey - pure honey You can also sample local cured meats and cheeses Mulled wine and artisan beers are also on offer There is also a range of activities for children Christmas in the town stays true to Polish traditions including homes adorned with charming garlands an important dinner where they exchange gifts Many restaurants across the town also host traditional dinners and you can also attend Pasterka - which is midnight mass One of the highlights is midnight mass at the Wiktorowki Chapel in the Tatra National Park which brings guests on a nocturnal trek through a snowy forest You can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride up the main street to enjoy the lights or go on snow sleigh rides and snowmobile excursions to get in the festive mood you can walk across a quaint bridge over a gentle stream with views of Mount Giewont or head to the Upside Down House where you can walk on ceilings and see everything the wrong way around Take the Zakopane Cable Car up the mountain from Kuznice Station to enjoy gorgeous views from 1,985 metres above sea level you can explore the Meteorological Observatory or see the Cicha Valley pass with views of the mountains from both the Polish and Slovakian sides The Gubalowka Hill Funicular Railway brings you from central Zakopane to the peak's summit - over 1,000 metres Close to the station at the top of the mountain is the Zlota Gran adventure park with seven courses of varying difficulty The park also has an easier course for children You can also go ice skating in many places across the town including at the COS Sports Centre with two skating rinks during the New Year's period the town comes alive with fireworks A popular activity during this time is a Kulig - riding in a horse drawn sleigh The Tatra Mountains are particularly popular with tourists from the Arabian Peninsula especially those from the United Arab Emirates Karol Wagner from the Tatra Economic Chamber told the Polish Press Agency PAP that there is an expectation of increased tourism from Arab countries as seen in the rise in summer holiday bookings and the expansion of flight connections to Kraków the demand for a holiday in the Tatra Mountains among guests from Arab countries is very high "We can see 20% more bookings from this direction compared to the same period last year and the number is growing," he highlighted "Guests from the Arabian Peninsula spend a lot of money when traveling They have slightly higher requirements for which they are willing to pay extra such as for a special and unknown cuisine," Wagner noted Zakopane hoteliers also expect increasing numbers of Hungarian and Slovak tourists this summer Wagner said: "Poland is still attractive not because of the prices of tourist services but also when it comes to purchases of all sorts of goods Poland hosted the Winter Universiade in 2001 just eight years after hosting the 1993 edition The community in the heart of the Tatra Mountains welcomed 1,543 participants from 41 countries from 7-17 February Athletes competed in nine sports and 52 events overall with perennial leaders Russia once again winning the lion’s share of the medals (31) 17 more than runners-up South Korea and Poland Overall the conditions for the snow events were quite good in Zakopane but one night the cross-country course was badly damaged recalls how the organisers scrambled to get the course back in shape again in time for the next day’s competition which brought a lot of cohesion to the team although the slope was still not in ideal condition so I told all the coaches to pass along a message to the athletes: ‘Please do not complain about the quality of the slope but respect the work that went into it.’ This helped create an ambience of friendship When winter suddenly turns warm sometimes all it takes is several snow shovels and plenty of back-breaking sweat to turn a muddy farm field back into a biathlon and cross-country ski course The Russians certainly appeared to comprehend the best winning all eight gold medals in the cross-country competition A first-time winner was crowned in ice hockey when Slovakia beat Canada in the final 1993 Winter Universiade and silver at the 1999 Poprad-Tatry Games Defending champions Ukraine finished third Two of the biggest winners of this Universiade were Bulgaria’s Evgenia Radanova and South Korea’s Choi Min-kyung The women’s short-track speed skaters battled each other tooth and nail all week and left Poland with seven medals between them a precursor of what was to come the following year when she went on to become World and Olympic Champion brought her Universiade medal haul to three golds and four silvers in three appearances at the Games Radanova was the first Bulgarian to win more than one medal at the Winter Olympics and was also the country’s first to compete at both a Winter and Summer Olympic Games in speed skating and cycling While the 2001 Winter Universiade edition was the last hosted in Poland the High Tatras has continued to be a familiar international student-athlete competition site The Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service (TOPR) warned hikers on Saturday that the trails in the mountain range were covered with fresh snow making them potentially hazardous and necessitating proper winter gear "Several centimetres of snow have fallen in the Tatras over the past 24 hours," mountain rescuers said in a social media message this has led to the formation of large snow deposits in some areas," they added "These deposits are unstable and not anchored to the ground posing a significant risk," the message said The avalanche risk level was defined as low "The snowpack is well bonded and stable in general," the Tatra Volunteer Rescue Service said in a statement It added that although "only small and medium natural avalanches are possible," anyone venturing into the mountains should exercise caution W rejonach powyżej około 800 m n.p.m. występują i w ciągu najbliższych godzin są prognozowane opady śniegu, okresami o umiarkowanym natężeniu. Prognozowany przyrost pokrywy śnieżnej do wieczora o 5 do 10 cm, w górach lokalnie 15-20 cm.https://t.co/QWSn4Qm6Ft#IMGW pic.twitter.com/VyXboyKjTw Source: IAR, PAP, topr.pl