Bigchiefally

Hi Folks,

My wife and I are going to be in Poland for 5 days/ 6 nights in mid June. At the minute I am thinking of doing something like 3 nights straight off in Krakow, then go to Zakopane for 2 nights, then, as we fly out of Krakow head back there for a final night.

Krakow seems to have 3 days worth of stuff to see and do easily enough.

The wife and I arent exactly big on hiking but I think it would be nice doing a few gentle strolls about some easy foothills near Zako.

The bit of the break I am not sure about is Zakopane. For someone who isnt a hard core hiker but is reasonably fit and open minded about giving it a go are there enough things in and very close to the town that will keep us interested?

Anyone who knows a bit about the Krakow or Zakopane area, espescially Zakopane please feel free to send me your thoughts.

Also anyone with any good budget/medium priced hotels/B+Bs/Hostels recommendations I would greatly appreciate them.

Thanks

Alistair

julies

You'll be fine with the hiking in Zakopane. There are lots of different options. Actually, you could just walk around the city area if you want. I guess I don't know exactly what you mean by gentle strolls. Are you referring to a mile or two walk with no elevation gain, or are you referring to something more strenuous?

Bigchiefally

I suppose gentle stroll is a bit of an understatement. We are both vaguely fit and just in our thirties and would be more than able to do a bit of light elevation climbing for half a day or so.

Have visions of spending 1/2 - 2/3s of a day walking up foothills, stopping every 90 minutes or so for a drink in a pub/inn, with nice views all the way up. No idea if it is plausible at all!

Thanks

AngelaS

i did a day trip to Zakopane from Krakow & spent time in the town & also walking on a path by the mountains, which was absolutely stunning. The walk I did was very light & we stopped by a waterfall that was stunning. Very lush & green. Be prepared for a quick weather change, as it can happen in the mountains.

Bigchiefally

Hi Angela,

Thanks for your reply.

We were thinking of actually spending a couple of nights in Zakopane, rather than going on a day trip. Did it look like there was much to do in Zako at night? Do you think it would be worth staying there rather than day tripping?

AngelaS

It's been a while since I was there, so I can't really account for the "nightlife" - I'm sure there are things to do - at least just relax & enjoy the surroundings, have some good Polish food. If it turns out you're seen all you want to see you could always cut your trip short & return to Krakow early.

PeterB

Hi Bigchiefally: You be more then fine in Zakopane ;-) there are many trails which are just easy walks also there are couple of lifts which will take you up where you can then walk the top or walk down. Not to mention bike rentals etc. as for "nightlife" Zakopane is a hang out place - where you fill find many restaurants, pubs etc. open late hours - where everyone knows that during the day people will hike the trails and then at evening "rest" with many hanging out ...

couple of suggestions:
Gobalowka Mtn... which is not high and in city limits of Zakopane - but has some great views from the top.

Kasprowy Wierch Mtn. Lift will take you all the way to the top - from here you can pick up some marked trails - BTW trails are down to Polish as well as Slovak side.

nice easy trail is DOLINA CHOCHOŁOWSKA ... where you can rent bikes - same company rents at 3 different spots on this trail ... http://www.z-ne.pl/tyralowka/wypozyczalnia.htm
you can rent at one spot and return and another ... in past I've rented at that last area where I was coming back ... my ride was down hill for most of the way ;-) if you rent at the begining then you may want to drop off at 2nd drop off since then trails goes slightly uphill.

Also search this Forum for ton of other info on Zakopane...

Enjoy!