Day Trip to Zakopane — Exploring in the Rain
A trip to the Polish mountain town of Zakopane in rainy weather — the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, the famous Krupówki shopping street, and the Church of the Holy Family.
We woke up to a rainy morning at Hotel Górski the next day.
The forecast promised the rain would only last until noon, so it didn’t put us off our plan to head out for a day trip. Our destination: the famous town of Zakopane.
From our hotel in Białka Tatrzańska, Zakopane is about 25 kilometres away — roughly half an hour by car — which makes it an absolutely perfect day-trip destination.
A Bit of History and Highland Culture
Zakopane started out as a small shepherd’s settlement, but in the 19th century it transformed into a fashionable health resort. The local highlanders (Górale) still maintain their unique culture and architecture to this day. The famous Polish artist Stanisław Witkiewicz even created the so-called “Zakopane style” here — buildings made of heavy timber with intricate wood carvings that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.
The Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump
Our first stop was the legendary Wielka Krokiew ski jump, which has been in operation since 1925 and regularly hosts World Cup competitions. Since we visited shortly after Easter in mid-April, the weather was quite cold and there was still snow on the ground in Zakopane.
Even in the cold and unpredictable spring weather, there were plenty of stalls open along the path to the jump. Some of our group couldn’t resist and bought their first souvenirs right then and there. From the ski jump, we walked over to the nearby entertainment area, where a giant carved mammoth statue and a huge Ferris wheel stand.
From the Wielka Krokiew ski jump to the entertainment area
The Famous Krupówki Shopping Street
We then moved on to the very heart of the town — Poland’s most famous pedestrian shopping zone, Krupówki Street. Neither of us had been there before, so this was a first for us.
Krupówki is a fully pedestrianised zone, about 1.2 km long, and even in April it was packed with tourists. The street buzzes with incredible energy, lined with interesting shops, restaurants in traditional wooden style, and stalls selling all sorts of things.
There’s something for everyone — you can find everything from luxury chocolates and traditional Polish sweets to clothing and the renowned smoked mountain cheeses that fill the air at every turn. At the lower end of the street, an underpass leads you to the market and the Gubałówka cable car station.
Strolling along the famous Krupówki Street
The Church of the Holy Family
During our walk through the town, we also came across a beautiful stone Church of the Holy Family (Kościół Świętej Rodziny), which dates back to the late 19th century and has stunning architecture.
On the way to the church in Zakopane
Rain Didn’t Ruin the Trip
Zakopane simply won us over with its atmosphere. It showed us that even when it’s raining and cold, you can still have a perfect morning full of discovery, shopping, and great food.
I’m sharing the photos from our walk above — tell me, have you ever shopped on Krupówki?
Good to know
What to do in Zakopane when it rains?
Stroll along Krupówki Street, with its shops, stalls and restaurants in traditional wooden style, where you can shop and eat well even in the rain. Visit the Wielka Krokiew ski jump and the stone Church of the Holy Family. We had an absolutely perfect morning in the rain and cold.
How far is Zakopane from Białka Tatrzańska?
About 25 km, roughly half an hour by car, so it makes an ideal day trip.
What is Krupówki Street?
Poland's most famous shopping zone, a pedestrian street about 1.2 km long. You will find shops, wooden restaurants and stalls selling chocolate, Polish sweets, clothing and the famous smoked mountain cheese (oscypek). At the lower end, an underpass leads to the market and the cable car up to Gubałówka.
Can you see a ski jump in Zakopane?
Yes, the legendary Wielka Krokiew from 1925, which hosts World Cup competitions. On the way there are souvenir stalls, and a little further on an amusement area with a giant carved mammoth statue and a Ferris wheel.
What is the weather like in Zakopane in April?
We went in mid-April, shortly after Easter. It was quite cold and there was still snow in the town.
Is Zakopane crowded even in the off-season?
Even in April there were really a lot of tourists on Krupówki, and the street buzzes with incredible energy.
Where to park in Zakopane?
We first parked near the ski jump, then drove over to Krupówki Street and parked close to it. Outside the season, parking was no problem at all.
How much time to set aside for Zakopane?
We spent about two hours there, including the food some of us grabbed along Krupówki.
