Explore the enchanting town of Zakopane, known as the “hub of the universe” by artist Rafał Malczewski, as you uncover its rich history and cultural heritage. This tour takes you through the charming streets, revealing the artistic legacy that flourished since the 1870s. Visit the Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery to learn about legendary figures, admire the architectural beauty of the Tatra Manor and the Tatra Museum, and discover the unique Zakopane style at Koliba villa. Delve into the life of composer Karol Szymanowski at Atma villa, making this an engaging journey through the heart of the Tatra Mountains.
Your first landmark on the Zakopane Tour is the main building of the Tatra Museum, one of the oldest regional museums in Poland. Here, your guide will introduce you to the origins of Zakopane—its early settlement, the birth of tourism, and the unique highlander culture that shaped the town's identity.
The second landmark is Pęksów Brzyzek Cemetery and the Old Church, the oldest sacred site in Zakopane. At this peaceful and deeply symbolic place, your guide will explain the unique craftsmanship of the tombs, many of which are works of art carved in wood and stone. You’ll also hear stories of the first explorers of the Tatra Mountains and learn about the local heroes of World War II, whose memory lives on in this historic cemetery.
The third landmark is Villa Koliba, the first building designed in the distinctive Zakopane Style. Here, your guide will introduce you to Stanisław Witkiewicz, the visionary behind this architectural movement. You’ll learn how he blended local highlander traditions with modern ideas to create a style that became a symbol of Zakopane’s cultural identity.
You will make your own way to the meeting points