The Polish mountains are a popular destination for both short weekend trips and longer vacations among tourists from Poland and from abroad. In fact, they are the second most popular leisure destination in the country, after the sea and lakes.
There is a wide range of mountain attractions suitable for all ages and climates, including hiking trails and popular peaks to conquer. All these features make mountain villages a popular choice for tourists.
The following list presents my top mountain villages and towns in Poland. It includes both well-established resorts and smaller towns known for their peaceful atmosphere and unique climate. Regardless of your preference, you will definitely find a mountain destination that fits your needs.
Zakopane – Capital City of Poland’s Mountains
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Zakopane which is the capital of the Polish mountains, is known for its stunning peaks, excellent skiing conditions, and a range of natural attractions that draw tourists year-round. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find rest among the Tatra peaks, Zakopane should be your destination.
This city offers something interesting for everyone, from peaceful trails to lively streets and plenty of attractions. One popular spot is Krupówki Street. It is a promenade filled with restaurants and souvenir shops. From this central location, it is easy to walk to other places in Zakopane. It could be Wielka Krokiew (ski jump) or the cable car station to Gubalowka. You will find plenty of sleeping options in Zakopane.
From my personal experience, it is worth visiting Zakopane at least once in your lifetime. It is, however, a crowded place that not everyone will find appealing. If you visit Zakopane, make sure to check out the trails to Morskie Oko Lake, which is a local attraction. This place is quite expensive.
Karpacz – Great For Skiing and Hiking
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Karpacz is another top tourist destination in Poland. It is also the capital of the Karkonosze Mountains. Located at the foot of Sniezka Peak, it is known for its excellent skiing facilities. Some consider them some of the best in the country. In addition to sports-related attractions, Karpacz also offers other types of entertainment.
If you visit Karpacz, you need to see some of these most interesting sights, such as the Wang Church and the Conquerors’ Square, where the footprints of prominent Himalayan climbers are preserved. The surrounding area is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the mountains up close.
One of the routes to the top of Śnieżka Peak wpasses by the Wang Church, so if you plan on hiking in the mountains, you might want to stay in this historic church for a while. Karpacz might be expensive for some.
Szczawnica – For Those Who Seek To Relax
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Next, let’s talk about Szczawnica, which is located in the Pieniny region. It is a popular Polish health resort known for its pleasant climate, beautiful surroundings, and a range of attractions suitable for all ages. The most important nearby attractions are the mountain peaks of Sokolica and Trzy Korony, as well as the Pieniny National Park.
While mountain activities and skiing are popular in Szczawnica, the area also offers water-based adventures like rafting down the Dunajec River. The rafting, however, is different from what you may know. In Szczawnica, you use an old wooden raft, not a pontoon. You should also consider taking in the local natural attractions, such as the Homole Gorge, High Rocks, and White Water Reserve, which can be reached via easy routes. The Spa Park is also worth a visit.
Cisna – Calm and Peaceful Town
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If you’re considering heading to the Bieszczady Mountains, then the small and peaceful village of Cisna is a top destination. This small town is located in the heart of the Bieszczady Mountains. It is an important tourist spot that is known for its beautiful views, opportunities for communing with nature, and a variety of other attractions.
Cisna offers many hiking trails, including the main Carpathian tourist trail from Komancza to the High Bieszczady, which goes through Cisna village. There are also trails leading to the Lopiennik massif and the Nad Roztokami Pass, which can be accessed via a trail that comes from Slovakia. In addition to hiking, there are also many bike trails in this area.
One of Cisna’s most notable attractions is the Bieszczady Forest Railway, which is definitely worth checking out.
Szklarska Poręba – Great Mountain Views
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Szklarska Poreba is the second most popular resort in the Karkonosze Mountains, after Karpacz. It is known for its beautiful climate, a wide range of attractions, and a well-developed ski base that is particularly popular with tourists in winter. The town is well situated, surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty.
The area surrounding Szklarska Poreba is ideal for recreation all year. In spring and summer, visitors can take advantage of the many biking and hiking trails. Winter is the perfect time for skiing and snowboarding, with both downhill and cross-country options available.
In addition to outdoor activities, Szklarska Poreba also offers you the opportunity to learn more about the town and the region through museums and art galleries. There are also amusement parks in the area that are worth checking out. If you plan to take in the many attractions of Szklarska Poreba, consider staying in accommodations close to the center of town.
Wisła – For Ski Jumping Fans
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Wisła is a popular destination in the Silesian Beskid region. It is well known for its association with Polish ski jumper Adam Malysz and for hosting World Cup competitions on that sport. The town also boasts a pleasant climate, numerous mountain trails, and a range of attractions to see. It is a great place to visit at any time of year, thanks to its unique terrain and stunning landscapes, including the Czerniańskie Lake, waterfalls, and ski lifts.
If you are planning a ski trip to Wisla, it is a good idea to find accommodation close to the slopes to avoid traffic and parking issues. This way, you can easily access the ski lifts and enjoy the slopes without any hassles.
By the way – as You are interested in amazing places, I am sure you will love my other article about most interesting Abandoned Palaces in Poland. Thank you for checking it too!
Żywiec – For Those Who Admire Mountains and Beer
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Zywiec is a charming town in the Beskid Zywiec region that attracts visitors all year. Not only is it famous for its beer (Żywiec Beer), but it also has excellent recreational facilities. Town is located near three mountain ranges (Beskid Maly, Beskid Slaski, and Beskid Zywiecki), and close to Żywiec Lake. It is a good destination in any season.
While in Zywiec, be sure to visit the castle complex, which includes the Old Komorowski and Wielkopolski Castles and the Habsburg Palace, as well as the Zywiec Brewery Museum. The natural beauty of Lake Zywiec and Zywiec Mountain is also something that you should not miss.
If you want to make the most of your visit to Zywiec, consider staying for a night close to the main tourist attractions. This will allow you to easily access the sights and make the most of your time in the town. This could be great solution for those who seek for budget solutions.
Krynica Zdrój – Old Village with Modern Climate
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Krynica-Zdroj, also known as Krynica Górska, is a beautiful town located at the foot of the Beskidy Mountains. It is well known for its climate, natural beauty, and impressive architecture and monuments. Just like Szczawnica, Krynica is a popular Polish health resort, It offers a range of attractions for both active visitors and those seeking a more peaceful vacation.
If you are looking to relax, just take advantage of Krynica-Zdroj’s spa offerings. They usually include spa treatments and wellness stays. The Spa Park, with its wooden villas and mineral water pump rooms, is a great place to calm down and take in the charm of the town.
Krynica-Zdroj is also a well-known ski center in the winter. There are numerous trails of varying difficulty and amenities like equipment rentals, ski schools, ski lifts, and food and drink bars. Even in the colder months, there is plenty to do and see in this picturesque town.
Szczyrk – Great For Skiing
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Szczyrk is best choice if you enjoy skiing, nature, and active recreation. Despite its popularity, it is easy to find quiet and secluded areas in Szczyrk, as well as trails leading into the surrounding mountains. The town is pedestrian-friendly, making it a perfect place to relax and take in the beauty of the Beskidy Mountains.
Szczyrk offers excellent skiing facilities, so if you are planning to hit the slopes, it is worth finding accommodation as close to the ski slopes as possible. Regardless of the season, Szczyrk is a wonderful destination for a short vacation.
Białka Tatrzańska – You Want to Check It For Thermal Water Spa
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I will conclude this review of popular mountain towns in Poland with Bialka Tatrzanska which is located in the Tatra Mountains. This village is popular with visitors all year. There are many people coming in the summer to enjoy the beauty of the Tatra Mountains, but there is also a large influx of visitors during the winter when the local ski lifts are open.
Bialka Tatrzanska has several resorts that are excellent for winter sports. Many of them offer a ski pass, making it easier to access all of the various facilities. The village also stands out for its year-round thermal pools, which attract tourists looking to relax and unwind.
When I am there, I usually book accommodation near the Terma Bania complex, where I can take advantage of the hot spring water in the pools after a day on the slopes. This is a great way to recharge, however for some it might be quite expensive.
Bibliography
- Zakopane: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakopane
- Karpacz: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karpacz
- Szczawnica: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szczawnica
- Cisna: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisna
- Szklarska Poręba: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szklarska_Poręba
- Wisła: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisła
- Żywiec: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Żywiec
- Krynica Zdrój: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krynica-Zdrój
- Szczyrk: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Szczyrk
- Białka Tatrzańska: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Białka_Tatrzańska
