Krupówki - the heart of Zakopane, bustling with life
Krupówki is not only the centre of Zakopane, but also one of the most iconic places in Poland, which attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world every year. This vibrant street, located in the heart of the mountain town, has been a symbol of magnificent views, rich culture and unforgettable experiences for years. What makes Krupówki so popular all the time? There are several key factors that contribute to its extraordinary charm. First and foremost, it is the unique combination of highlander tradition and culture with modern attractions that attract a variety of groups of visitors. Walking along Krupówki, you can come across numerous stalls and shops offering regional products, such as oscypek - traditional smoked sheep cheese, highlander handicrafts and souvenirs from Zakopane. You can also eat delicious local cuisine in numerous restaurants, where dishes are served that reflect the rich culinary tradition of Podhale. Krupówki is also a place where various cultural events and festivals take place, which attract both tourists and locals. From highland music concerts, through art festivals, to Christmas markets, this charming street is bustling with life all year round. Each season brings something new: in summer, visitors can enjoy the beauty of mountain landscapes while strolling along flower-decorated avenues, while in winter Zakopane turns into a fairytale land with white fluff covering the roofs of houses and streets. Additionally, the atmosphere of Krupówki is unforgettable. The air is filled with the scent of burning wood from the nearby furnaces and aromatic food, which makes every visitor feel like a part of this magical place. People who come to Zakopane often say that Krupówki has its own unique atmosphere, which makes them want to come back here. You could say that Krupówki is not just a place, but a whole world full of experiences that delight and inspire. These icons of Zakopane are a place where tradition meets modernity, creating an atmosphere incomparable to any other place in Poland. It is all these elements that make Krupówki an inseparable point on the map of every tourist visiting our beautiful country.
The History of Krupówki
The name "Krupówki" comes from the surname of the former owners of these areas - the Krupowski family, who for many years had a significant influence on the development of this region. Initially, it was an inconspicuous path leading through rural areas, surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of the Tatra Mountains, where local residents would traverse this charming route in search of daily activities. However, over the years, and especially with the development of tourism, this small road transformed into the main promenade of Zakopane, becoming the cultural and social heart of the city. In the 19th century, when Zakopane began to gain popularity as a health resort, this place became a place that attracted spa guests, artists and intellectuals from all over Poland and beyond. Krupówki transformed into a bustling center, filled with stalls, art galleries, cafes and colorful stalls offering local crafts. Initially, mainly doctors and patients met here, but they were quickly joined by people from different backgrounds, which gave this place a unique atmosphere. Today, Krupówki is one of the most important attractions in the Podhale region, bustling with life all year round. Currently, visitors can find numerous shops here, offering both regional souvenirs and fashion, bringing fresh proposals straight from the catwalks. Numerous restaurants invite you to try local specialties, such as oscypek, kwaśnica or various types of pierogi, and charming inns with wooden interiors offer guests the opportunity to feel the atmosphere of Podhale hospitality. Krupówki is not only a place for shopping or culinary delights, but also an important cultural center. During the year, numerous festivals, fairs and concerts take place here, which attract crowds of tourists. It is also worth paying attention to the architecture surrounding this artery, with beautiful houses in the Zakopane style, characterized by richly decorated wooden facades, which introduce the atmosphere of the region. Thanks to its diversity, Krupówki has become a symbolic place, reflecting the cultural wealth of Podhale. Everyone who visits this place will certainly find something for themselves, and the memories of the time spent there will remain in the memory for a long time. Krupówki, like a trail leading to mountain adventures, is an important point on the map of not only Zakopane, but all of Poland.
What can you see on Krupówki?
Walking along Krupówki, the heart of Zakopane, you can come across many interesting places and attractions that attract tourists from all over the world. Krupówki is not just a street, but also a living gallery of regional culture, where tradition intertwines with modernity. It is worth spending some time to take a closer look at what this picturesque location has to offer. First of all, it is worth visiting the famous stalls with local products. You can find a variety of handicrafts here, from pottery, through wooden sculptures, to traditional highlander hats and clothing. Each of these products carries a unique history, and their creators are often happy to share their passions and techniques, which are passed down from generation to generation. It is worth stopping, trying to talk to the craftsmen and learning more about their work. On Krupówki, you can also try regional culinary specialties. Numerous restaurants and cafes offer dishes based on traditional recipes, such as highlander pancakes, kwaśnica or oscypek served warm. Each bite is a real explosion of flavors and aromas that takes us to the world of highland cuisine. We cannot forget about the smell of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries that float in the air, encouraging us to stop in one of the cozy cafes. Nearby there is also the Tatra Museum, which is worth visiting to explore the rich history of the Tatras and the agricultural and pastoral culture of the region. The exhibitions include many valuable artifacts that document the lives of the old highlanders, as well as interesting exhibitions devoted to the fauna and flora of the Tatras. This is a great opportunity to enrich your knowledge and understand how nature shaped the lives of the inhabitants of these lands. We cannot miss the beauty of the surrounding mountain landscapes. Krupówki is an excellent starting point for many hiking trips that will take us to the majestic Tatras. Each walk gives you the opportunity to admire unique views that change with the seasons - from blooming meadows in spring to winter landscapes covered with a thick layer of snow. This place has a magic that attracts lovers of active recreation and invites you to discover new paths and trails. It is also worth paying attention to the numerous cultural events that take place on Krupówki throughout the year. Festivals, concerts and fairs attract numerous visitors, offering them access to art and music from various corners of Poland and abroad. Taking part in such events is a great opportunity to feel the pulsation of the local community and meet new, interesting people. To sum up, Krupówki is a place that is full of life and energy. Walking along this famous street, you can discover countless treasures that make up the unique atmosphere of Zakopane. This is where tradition meets modernity, and every step opens the door to new experiences, tastes and memories that will stay with us for a long time. It is therefore worth taking the time to wander around Krupówki and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this unique place.
- Highland inns – serving regional delicacies such as oscypek, kwaśnica or moskole.
- Souvenir shops – offering handicrafts, wool and leather products, and Zakopane decorations.
- Tatra Museum – one of the most important museums dedicated to the history and culture of Podhale.
- Horses and carriages – which add a unique atmosphere to the place and are a popular attraction.
- View of the Tatra Mountains – although Krupówki is located in the city center, you can still admire the panorama of the mountains from there.
Krupówki in summer and winter
Krupówki is one of the most recognizable streets in Zakopane, and its character changes depending on the season, which means that you can always find something new and unique here. In the summer, when the sun shines in full over the Tatras, Krupówki comes alive with colorful stalls selling handicrafts and local delicacies. Street artists showcase their talents; you can meet painters who capture the beauty of mountain landscapes on canvases, musicians playing highland music, and even dancers in traditional costumes who engage passers-by in their dance. Strolling tourists can sit in cozy restaurant gardens, enjoying regional dishes such as kwaśnica, potato pancakes or cheese with cranberries, while enjoying the atmosphere of summer festivals and events taking place in this popular location. In winter, Krupówki turns into a fairytale land, where every step leads through streets that are surrounded by snow, and colorful decorations give the place a magical atmosphere. During this period, you can feel the smell of mulled wine and aromatic oscypek with cranberries, which spreads from numerous stands. Tourists, wrapped in warm jackets, walk along the promenade, and their faces are painted with smiles and delight at the winter landscape. All around you can see beautifully decorated Christmas trees, and the illuminated buildings create an amazing atmosphere that attracts both residents and tourists eager for a festive atmosphere. You can also not forget about the numerous winter attractions that take place near Krupówki - from attractions for children, such as a snow park, to a ski slope that attracts enthusiasts of winter madness. During the winter holidays, Krupówki becomes a place where families spend time together, playing in the snow, and evenings end by the fireplace in one of the local restaurants, enjoying the warmth and taste of regional specialties. Regardless of the season, Krupówki is a place that is constantly bustling with life and culture, offering something for everyone. It is the perfect place to feel the true spirit of the Tatras, both in summer and winter, and to discover local traditions and the hospitality of the locals.
Krupówki - a must-see in Zakopane
Whether you are visiting Zakopane for the first time or returning here for a second time, Krupówki always has something fascinating to offer. It is a vibrant place that serves as the heart of this charming city, where you can feel not only the spirit of the Tatras, but also the true magic of the region. Krupówki is not just a street, but a real phenomenon, where both locals and tourists from all over the world meet. When walking along Krupówki, it is worth paying attention to the variety of regional specialties that delight not only the palate, but also the senses. Local restaurants and cafes offer a wide selection of dishes, including unique highlander dishes such as oscypek, kwaśnica, or potato pancakes. Each bite is a unique experience that introduces you to the atmosphere of the mountain region and allows you to feel like a real highlander. Additionally, Krupówki is the perfect place to buy unique souvenirs that will remind you of unforgettable moments spent in the Tatras. Here you can find handmade local products, traditional highlander candlesticks, ceramics, as well as various clothes and accessories inspired by highlander culture. Every vendor on Krupówki will be happy to share stories about their products, which makes shopping not only an act of consumption, but also unique memories. Despite the fact that Krupówki can be crowded in the summer and winter seasons, it is worth getting carried away by its unforgettable atmosphere. The street is full of colorful stalls, music, and the joyful laughter of passers-by, which makes every visitor feel part of this vibrant place. Regardless of the season, Krupówki lives its own rhythm, which attracts and delights. This extraordinary place also becomes an ideal base for further exploration of the Tatra Mountains and the surrounding area. Krupówki is close to many hiking trails that lead to the most beautiful corners of the mountains. Everyone walking along this charming promenade has the opportunity to admire the breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains, which additionally makes the time spent in Zakopane more enjoyable. That is why it is worth delving into the atmosphere of Krupówki to fully appreciate what Zakopane has to offer.
What about you? Do you have your favorite places on Krupówki? It's a truly unique street, full of life, with lots of cafes, shops and attractions that attract tourists from all over Poland and the world. Maybe you love the local places where they serve delicious oscypek cheese with cranberries, or maybe you prefer romantic walks through the crowded streets, admiring the mountain landscapes? Everyone has their favorite spots that make Krupówki even more magical. Share your experiences in the comments! What do you remember best? Is it the place with the best waffles, or maybe the handicraft stands where you can find unique souvenirs? Your memories can inspire others to discover these amazing places!
English (UK) 
Polski