Hike
Climb

Access

Many of these activities aren't in the centre Zakopane itself. However, minibuses, leaving when full, depart from different points in Zakopane all day. Most minibuses leave from the front of the train station. The same system works to return hikers/skiers to Zakopane. Expect to pay about 3.50 Zt each for the minibus(around 1euro)

Hike

Maps

It's worth buying a map of the area if you're going hiking. They're sold by the tourist office (17 Kosciuszki St., telephone: 01820 12211), down the hill, on your left, just before getting to the bus stop and cross roads (Krupowki St. and Kosciuszki St.) in the centre of town. They'll also give suggested routes, based on the latest weather forecasts and your fitness and equipment.

The maps are very tourist-friendly, with the "difficultly levels" for different paths marked: possibly slightly patronising for seasoned hikers. People have been seen trying to get prams up steep paths from Zakopane into the mountains >_< The pram symbol for the 'easy' paths is taken too literally.

Advice

Whichever route you plan to take, it is advised you dress warmly and bring spare waterproof clothes and water. Put the clothes in a plastic bag in your backpack, to keep them dry in case of a rain. (Even midsummer it can hail for an whole day in the mountains!). Remember you are already at 1000m, although it doesn't feel like it.

All the paths marked on the map are well maintained by the government. Note: you will have to pay a small entrance fee.

A Suggested Route: Zakopane to Giewont

Obviously a map and a compass should be used. Not just this rough outline!

A suggested route, straight from town, heads South along a road away from Zakopane, to the North end of the Strążyska Dolina valley (898m). A wide clear footpath leads from here to Strążyska Polana (1042m). Follow a path West along Grzybowiecka Dolina, then up a dogleg to Mały Giewont (note the "Dangerous Places" symbol on the map - ignore it). Head through the pass between Kondracka Przełęcz and Giewont, and out of the pine woods at Przełęcz Bacuch (1700m).

Giewont, the highest peak on this route at 1894m is a short detour away. The paths often stretch over smooth sloped sheets of rock. Treacherously slippery. However, on most of these a handy chain has been bolted to the rock, making it easy. (If it's very cold though the chain freezes your hands.)

Once the cloud has been admired at the top (or the view if you're lucky!), and you've looked at the 40ft high cross, it's time to come back down. The cross, according to legend, was made by one man, who carried all the pieces up separately, and constructed it himself.

Follow the original path downwards towards Kuźnice. On the way is the Mountain rescue-cum-cafe refuge in Kondratowa Dolina (1333m). They serve hot food and drink (hotdogs and tea!).

This little hut is a wonderful reprieve after the freezing weather you may encounter.

The route takes you down, through Kuźnice (back onto tarmac for a bit), and finally into Zakopane.

Buy