THE WINTER CAPITAL OF POLAND

Beneath a velvet sky dotted with an infinite array of stars, the lovely town of Zakopane. On a cold winter night, she sparkles like a diamond. When the dawn breaks above the surrounding mountains the following day, the winter capital of Poland shines like the sun.

Originally a small mining centre, the winning combination of alpine vistas, warm summers and winter snow soon attracted the well-to-do. The town’s unique architectural style was the dream of Polish artist, Stanislaw Witkiewicz. Tourists have flocked here since the railway arrived in 1889.

The first skiers were adventurous sorts, their love of the slopes rewarded with the opening of a ski jump in 1925. The following year, the first cable car began taking the intrepid to the top of Kasprowy Wierch.

These days, most of the action takes place on Krupowki, one of Poland’s most famous streets. Horse-drawn carriages ferry holidaymakers along a road lined with welcoming bars, restaurants and souvenir stalls. There are designer boutiques and other upmarket stores, as well as opportunities aplenty to sample traditional street food.

A wonderful open-air market can be found at one end of Krupowki. A bargain hunter’s paradise, this is the place to buy gifts and souvenirs to take back home.

Above the market stands lovely Gubalowka, reached by funicular railway. A bar and restaurant can be found on the mountaintop, also a beginners’ slope and breath-taking views of the surrounding countryside. If what our guests say is anything to go by, both the young and young at heart will enjoy the snow tubing here!

Nobody leaves Krupowki hungry, nor Zakopane bored. There are a number of open-air ice rinks, a water park with flumes and river rides, a ten-pin bowling alley and the world’s largest maze built from ice and snow.

Those wishing to be pampered will not be disappointed, either. Many hotels host day spas, offering beauty treatments and various massage therapies. And, of course, with Polish prices being so cheap when compared to the UK and Ireland, there is no excuse not to treat yourself.

Needless to say, the festive period is the perfect time to visit Zakopane. Bedecked with fairy lights, and cloaked in snow, the town is truly beautiful. As you’d imagine, Christmas Day is a big deal in Southern Poland, whilst the locals’ love of parties ensures New Year’s Eve always goes off with a bang.

Don’t worry if you can’t make it over here then. With the ski season usually lasting from the beginning of December to the end of March, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Zakopane for a winter break.