If you’re visiting Zakopane, don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll through the Marshal Józef Piłsudski City Park, conveniently located near Krupówki Street. It’s a great place to relax, take a break from hiking and enjoy the beautiful view of the Tatras, especially Giewont.
The park has been renovated and was nominated for the prestigious award „Piękniejsza Polska”. I suggest you spend some time here with your children, explore the rich sports and recreational facilities and take a much-needed breather.
By the way, you could be intrigued by reading my article about some other fantastic locations in Zakopane, which are situated close to Krupówki.
History of The Park in Zakopane
The park was opened in 1925 thanks to the initiative and design of Jan Kowalski, a social worker and tailor from Zakopane. For many years it served as a place of rest for the inhabitants of Zakopane. In 2013 it underwent a comprehensive revitalization and modernization, during which many sports facilities, playgrounds and other leisure, sports and recreational infrastructure were built.
↳ Make sure to check out my guide to ALL attractions in Zakopane, so you don't overlook anything interesting: 66 Best Attractions in Zakopane 2023 – What to Do – Interesting Places
The park also reinforced the banks of the Czarny Potok river. This impressive achievement earned the park a nomination for the prestigious „Piękniejsza Polska” award in 2014.
Location of the City Park in Zakopane
The Marshal Józef Piłsudski City Park in Zakopane is located in the Stanisława Staszic Promenade, on Grunwaldzka Street, just north of the Independence Square. The Czarny Potok River, a tributary of the Foluszowy Potok River, flows through its center, while to the east and south it is bordered by urban buildings. Despite its location in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Zakopane, the park is a haven of peace.
Cultural Zone
At the entrance to the park from Grunwaldzka Street there is an over 100-year-old Zakopane-style villa called „Jutrzenka”, which houses the Tatra Culture and Sports Center. This cultural zone also includes a concert hall with an auditorium and other facilities where events and concerts are often held. There are also 9 showcases suitable for outdoor exhibitions.
Relaxation Area
The Marshal Józef Piłsudski City Park is a modern recreational and sports facility. Here you will find a playground designed especially for children, with all the fun you can imagine: merry-go-rounds, swings, slides and a sandbox.
There are also many sports facilities, such as a multi-purpose court for basketball and volleyball, clay tennis courts, mini-courts for children and a skate park for teenagers. Take a walk along the designated paths and enjoy the benches in the rest area.
Memorial Area
The memorial area of the park is the Independence Square with the Grunwaldzki Monument, also known as the King Jagiełło Monument. It was erected to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Battle of Grunwald, as the inscription reads: „The conquerors of the Teutonic Knights, Highlanders 1410-1910”.
All patriotic ceremonies in Zakopane are held in front of this monument. On the same square, formerly known as the Zakopane Market and Victory Square, there is also the Bronislaw Czech Memorial Chamber and the Kresy Villa.
Ecosystem Protection Area
The Ecological Reserve of Marshal Józef Piłsudski’s City Park features a miniature alpinarium, which displays the vegetation of the high mountains. The main feature of the park is the Czarny Potok River, which flows through the center of the park and forms its main axis.
Celebrations, Events, Parties and Concerts in the Park
Marshal Józef Piłsudski Park is the venue of many celebrations, sports events and concerts. Plac Niepodległości is the place to be for patriotic events and Zakopane Mikołajki.
Music concerts and theatrical performances take place in the Stone Concert Hall, the most famous of which is the Zakopane Theatre Summer. Sports and recreational facilities are used for sports competitions, including the Zakopane running league.
Krupówki is located near the park, which makes it a perfect place to take a break from the busy streets full of tourists, shops, restaurants and pubs. You can take a peaceful walk with your children, relax or engage in active recreation while admiring the breathtaking view of the Tatras and Giewont.
References:
- https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Miejski_w_Zakopanem
