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August 5, 2025

Attractions, Relaxation

🧖‍♀️Relaxation in the mountains – where can you find the best thermal baths and saunas in Podhale?

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The Tatra Mountains offer more than just trails, mountain panoramas, and hikes. They’re also a paradise for those seeking relaxation and blissful rest. Thanks to the abundance of geothermal waters, Podhale offers unique places where relaxation blends with the natural beauty of the mountains. The complexes are so extensive that you can spend several hours or even a whole day here, enjoying the pools, waterslides, saunas, spa areas, and numerous water attractions. The mineral-rich thermal waters act as natural therapy: they support muscle regeneration, improve circulation, and relax the mind. Check which thermal baths are worth visiting and what awaits you in each complex! 🟣 Chochołowskie Thermal Baths – the largest complex in Podhale A true “city of relaxation”—the largest facility of its kind in the region. Chochołowskie Thermal Baths offer 46 pools with geothermal water ranging in temperature from 32°C to 38°C. This water is rich in sulfur, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, making bathing beneficial for joints, muscles, and skin, improving circulation and strengthening the immune system. Adults can enjoy an extensive treatment zone, including barrels filled with sulfur water and a brine pool with iodized water, ideal for post-exercise regeneration. Those who enjoy hot rituals will find a modern saunarium, complete with a panoramic sauna overlooking the Tatra Mountains, an organic juniper sauna, classic dry saunas, a steam room, an infrared sauna, and a unique Highlander’s Cottage with a regional atmosphere. The entire experience is complemented by a salt cave, cooling barrels, and an innovative normobaric chamber, which supports body oxygenation and cellular regeneration. Kids won’t be bored either! Slides, rushing rivers, paddling pools, and a water playground are just some of the attractions for the little ones. Outside, there’s a huge terrace with views of the Tatra Mountains and year-round outdoor pools. 🟢 Termy Bania – family relaxation in Białka Tatrzańska This is one of the most popular destinations for families with children. The complex offers 15 indoor and outdoor pools with thermal water at temperatures of 34–38°C, as well as numerous water attractions, such as a jacuzzi, a wild river, and water jets. Rich in sulfides, silica, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron, the thermal water not only soothes the body and mind but also supports health – reducing stress, improving circulation, stabilizing blood pressure, and accelerating muscle and skin regeneration. Adults can relax in the relaxation area with panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains, enjoying the hydromassage pools and comfortable water loungers. There’s also an extensive sauna area. Guests have access to the Russian Banya, the Fir Room Sauna with its resin scent, the Finnish Sauna with high temperature and dry air, the Steam Forge, and the classic Steam Bath, perfect for skin cleansing. These are complemented by an Infrared Sauna using infrared light, a Salt Cave that supports respiratory health, and a Brine Pool – perfect for relaxation and skin improvement. A true paradise awaits children! The outdoor summer area features inflatable attractions, pools, flumes, and giant water slides, as well as a water playground with five twisting slides, water cannons, sprinklers, and buckets filled with water. Older children will love the three-lane water slide with a total length of over 150 meters. 🔵 Gorący Potok – naturalness and sulfur in Szaflary If you dream of relaxing surrounded by nature, this place will delight you. Gorący Potok boasts geothermal water with temperatures ranging from 32°C to 40°C, saturated with sulfur and minerals that have health-promoting properties – supporting the musculoskeletal system, improving skin condition, and assisting in body regeneration. The water is completely natural, free of chemical additives, making bathing a pure pleasure and true therapy. The complex offers 21 outdoor pools, including uniquely named zones such as Ślebodny Bonior, Zawaternik przy Smreku, Sulcane Koloseum, Górsko Riviera, Wartki Potok, and Podkowa. Each pool has its own unique atmosphere – from intimate, warm corners to larger pools perfect for family relaxation. The children’s water fun zone is a true paradise for the little ones! It features colorful water slides, a water playground, a pool with a “Wet Bubble” attraction, a water inflatable zone, and three large slides that guarantee an adrenaline rush. Adults can immerse themselves in a world of relaxation and rest in the unique sauna complex. Here, you’ll find a multimedia Gawra, dry and steam saunas, a salt graduation tower, and aromatic saunas, recommended for those seeking a more gentle form of sauna experience and relaxation combined with aromatherapy. Steam infused with essential oils, from fresh mint and soothing lavender to citrus, wafts through the sauna. It’s not only a pleasure for the senses but also a natural inhalation experience that benefits the respiratory system, skin, and overall well-being. 🟡 Bukovina Thermal Baths – relaxation with a view of the mountains This place combines elegance with a true mountain atmosphere. Bukovina Thermal Baths offers 20 pools with thermal water rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur, which has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, muscles, and joints. The complex is divided into zones for children, families, and adults, so everyone will find something for themselves. Inside, you’ll find attractions like Bulgotnik, Bystry Potok, Bonior Basisty, Mocydełko, the jacuzzi, and the Zostawnica swimming pool. Outside, you’ll find Niebiesko Dolina, Letnie Mocydełko, Cepersko Płań, the Cave on the Poroniec River, and the charming Corny Staw, perfect for relaxing outdoors with a panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains in the background. Water enthusiasts will love the water slides – Wartko Ruła, Kryniconka, and Łostry Śwrung, which will provide thrills for both adults and older children. The spa area is a true oasis of peace. Guests can enjoy indoor and outdoor saunas, as well as the unique Omingustnik—the perfect place to quickly cool down after a hot ritual. Massages, beauty treatments, and wellness rituals are also available, allowing you to regain complete harmony of body and soul. ✅ Summary Podhale is a paradise for lovers of hot springs and spas. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet evening in the sauna overlooking the Tatra Mountains or a

Mountains, Relaxation

🚼 Mountain hiking with children – stroller-friendly routes in the Tatra Mountains

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The Tatra Mountains are a dream place for mountain hiking, but is it possible to walk here with a stroller? Yes! While many trails are challenging, there are also routes designed for families with young children. Below, I present the best trails accessible to strollers, along with practical tips. ⭐ Strążyska Valley – a short walk with a view of Giewont This is one of the most popular valleys for a family outing, perfect for a leisurely stroll with a toddler. The trail is approximately 2.4 km each way, taking less than an hour. It follows a wide, paved path along a stream, and its greatest asset is the view of the majestic Giewont, which appears once you reach Strążyska Glade. Once there, you can relax in the teahouse, enjoy a warm beverage, and admire the mountain panorama. The surface is relatively even, but there are rocks and roots in places, so a stroller with air wheels or a sturdy all-terrain stroller is best. 🔹 Morskie Oko – a classic accessible to wheelchairs The most famous point in the Tatra Mountains, and also a route easily covered with a stroller, the road leading to Morskie Oko is fully paved and approximately 8 km each way. Although the elevation gain is 400 meters, a leisurely walk with breaks is no problem for families with children. Along the way, you can admire beautiful panoramas, and at the end, the reward awaits – one of the most beautiful views in Poland. There’s a mountain hut with a restaurant where you can enjoy a warm meal and rest after your hike. 🔸 Kościeliska Valley – wide and picturesque Kościeliska Valley is the epitome of Tatra charm – streams, bridges, clearings, and impressive rock formations. The trail is wide and leads to the mountain hut on Hala Ornak, and the route is approximately 5.5 km long. This is a nature walk that can be adapted to your abilities – if you don’t want to walk all the way to the hut, simply reach Polana Pisana. A stroller will handle most of the route, although the final section has rocky sections that require a bit of caution. Along the way, it’s worth stopping at viewpoints to soak up the unique atmosphere of this valley. ✴️ Chochołowska Valley – the longest and most comfortable The Chochołowska Valley is the longest valley in the Polish Tatra Mountains and one of the most stroller-friendly. The entire route from Siwa Polana to the shelter on Chochołowska Polana is approximately 10 km, but there’s nothing stopping you from ending the hike earlier – at Huciska Polana. The first section is paved, then the surface turns rocky, but with a suitable stroller, the walk is easy. It’s a place full of space, grazing sheep, and wooden shepherd’s huts, creating a unique atmosphere. At the end, a shelter awaits you where you can rest and enjoy a warm meal. 🌿 Mała Łąka Valley – a quiet route with beautiful views The Mała Łąki Valley is another option for families with children, and is largely stroller-friendly. The trail through the valley floor follows a wide, gravel path, with no steep climbs, making the walk comfortable and enjoyable. The walk to Wielka Polana Małołącka is about 2 km each way, and the view of Giewont from the clearing is worth every step. It is worth remembering, however, that the last section of the trail before the clearing is more rocky, which may be a challenge for a classic stroller – off-road models will cope better. 🔹 Lejowa Valley – a quiet route away from the crowds The Lejowa Valley is one of the most intimate and family-friendly trails, also ideal for strollers. The valley floor follows a wide, gently sloping path, and the climbs are very gentle, making it one of the best options for a low-impact mountain walk. The trail runs along Lejowy Potok, passing picturesque clearings, including the distinctive Huta Clearing, home to a shepherd’s hut. Lejowa Valley is one of the subalpine valleys in the Western Tatras, nestled between the Kościeliska and Chochołowska Valleys, making it a great alternative to crowded trails. Even in peak season, it remains peaceful, perfect for family recreation and communion with nature. The trail is approximately 3 km each way and ends at the Huciska Glade. Its moderate length and lack of steep climbs make it an excellent choice for a child’s first mountain hike. ➡️ Droga pod Reglami – a walk right near Zakopane Droga pod Reglami is an excellent option for those who want to stay close to the city center while enjoying nature. The trail runs along the forest edge and is approximately 8.5 km long, but only a portion of it is walkable. The route is gentle, with a paved surface, and along the way, you’ll pass the mouths of mountain valleys, such as the Strążyska Valley and the Białego Valley. 🔔 Practical tips before hiking with a stroller When heading to the Tatra Mountains with a stroller, remember that travel comfort depends primarily on the equipment. A model with inflatable tires and good shock absorption, which can handle bumps, is best. On popular trails like Morskie Oko, it’s worth setting off early in the morning to avoid the largest crowds. Some trails are long, so plan breaks, bring water, snacks, and a change of clothes – the weather in the mountains can change in the blink of an eye. The best time for this type of walk is between May and October, when the roads are dry and safe. ✅ Summary The Tatra Mountains are a perfect place for family walks – even with a stroller. Carefully selected trails, a leisurely pace, and moments of respite in nature will make your hike a pleasure, not a challenge. Bring a comfortable stroller, plan breaks, and enjoy time spent together in the mountain scenery. The mountains are for everyone – including the little ones! 🌄

Smaki podhala
Food

🧀 Zakopane’s treasures of taste – oscypek, korboce, bunc and bryndza

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Podhale is a land where flavors have deep roots, and each dish is a story of tradition and nature. While hiking in the Tatra Mountains, sooner or later you’ll come across highland cheeses, made for generations in shepherd’s huts, according to the same recipes passed down from generation to generation. Among them are four true gems: oscypek, korboce, bunc, and bryndza. Each has its own unique character, flavor, and presentation, capable of enchanting even the most discerning palates. 🟡 Oscypek – the golden symbol of Podhale Oscypek is the king of highland cheeses and a symbol of Zakopane. Its spindle-shaped shape, golden rind, and aroma immediately evoke mountain shepherd’s huts. It’s a hard cheese, made primarily from sheep’s milk, sometimes with the addition of cow’s milk. The entire process—from shaping to smoking—is an art requiring experience and patience. After shaping, the cheese is brined and then smoked in a smokehouse, where it develops its distinctive flavor and color in alder, pine, or spruce wood smoke. What does oscypek taste like? Distinct, salty, with a hint of smokiness, yet delicate and springy on the inside. It’s most often eaten warm – grilled or baked, with cranberry jam. This combination of sweet and salty is a classic worth trying at least once. Oscypek is also delicious cold – thinly sliced and served with nuts and dried fruit. 🧶 Korboce – cheese braids with character Although oscypek reigns supreme among tourists, it’s worth getting to know its “younger sibling” – korboce. These long, braided braids of steamed cheese are delightful not only for their taste but also for their appearance. Made from sheep’s or mixed milk, their secret lies in the proper stretching of the cheese until it becomes elastic and soft. Korboce can be either natural, white, or smoked, resulting in two completely different flavors. How to serve them? They’re most often treated as a snack—perfect with beer, wine, or simply as a snack during a feast. They also pair well with salads, cut into smaller strips. 🌿 Bunc – a delicacy straight from the mountain pastures If you enjoy subtle flavors, Bunc will be a hit. This fresh, soft sheep’s cheese is delicate, slightly sweet, and pleasantly milky. It’s made very simply – from sour milk, which is heated and drained. It’s the whey left after Bunc production that is used to make Żentyca – another Podhale delicacy. Bunc tastes best on a slice of fresh bread with tomato and chives. It can also be added to salads or served sweet with honey and nuts. 🥣 Bryndza – a creamy mountain classic Bryndza is the complete opposite of bunc. It has an unmistakable character – a spicy, slightly salty taste and an intense aroma. It’s made from mature sheep’s cheese, which is crumbled and mixed with salt until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Bryndza is most often eaten on a slice of bread with onion, but it is also perfect as a filling for dumplings or as a base for sandwich spreads and dips. 🍇 What should you pair highland cheeses with to bring out their flavor? ❄️ Why is it worth trying these cheeses? Because it’s more than just food—it’s a taste of tradition, history, and mountain life. Each of these cheeses tells a different story. Oscypek is a symbol of Podhale, protected by the EU Protected Designation of Origin certificate, meaning that true oscypek can only be made here—in the mountain pastures of the Tatra Mountains and Podhale, during a specific sheep-grazing season, which lasts from May to September. Korboce showcases the creativity of the highlanders, bunc their simplicity and naturalness, and bryndza their distinctive character, impossible to imitate. Try them all and experience the true taste of Podhale – not the tourist version, but the authentic version you won’t find anywhere else.

Mountains

🐻How to Avoid a Bear Encounter and What to Do If You Do.

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🐾 How many bears live in the Tatra Mountains? If you’re wondering how large the bear population is in the Tatra Mountains, the answer might surprise you. Between 50 and 60 brown bears live throughout the entire range – on both the Polish and Slovak sides. It’s a single, shared population, because for these animals, national borders don’t matter – they roam freely throughout the Tatras, choosing places where they can find peace and food. And how many of them can be found in Poland? There are approximately 15 individuals living permanently in Poland. The Tatra National Park emphasizes that this number has remained stable for years – proof of the species’ effective protection and the preservation of natural conditions in which bears can live safely. 🌙 Lifestyle – when are bears active? In the Tatra Mountains, bears know perfectly well how to avoid crowds. In areas with a high human presence, they have adapted to live primarily at night and at dusk. They are most active in the evening, after sunset, and in the early morning, just before dawn, when they forage intensively and conserve energy. This means you won’t usually encounter them on crowded trails in the middle of the day – they prefer peace and quiet. But be careful! This isn’t a hard and fast rule. Bears can also be seen during the day, especially in less-frequented areas or when food is scarce and they need to go searching. ❓ Why do bears enter Zakopane? It’s not human curiosity that draws bears to cities, but… food. For wild animals, survival instincts are paramount, as is finding easy, high-calorie food with minimal effort. Unsecured garbage dumps, tourist leftovers, and even bird feeders become veritable canteens for them. The problem is that once a bear finds food this way, it loses its natural fear of humans and begins to regularly visit homes. Worse still, females pass on this behavior to their cubs, raising successive generations of “trash bears.” 🚫 What can’t you do? ❌ Don’t feed bears. Neither in the mountains nor near buildings. Feeding wild animals is the surest path to tragedy – bears lose their natural fear of humans and can become aggressive.❌ Don’t leave food scraps in the mountains. Even apple peels or sandwiches attract animals.❌ Don’t leave open trash cans. If you’re renting a cabin or staying in a guesthouse, always ensure your waste is secure.❌ Don’t try to chase a bear away. Whistling, shouting, or throwing stones are all ways to provoke an attack. 🥪 Why does feeding bears kill them? A bear that becomes accustomed to easy food from humans becomes increasingly bold and dangerous. When it begins to regularly approach homes and shelters, the only solution is capture or, in extreme cases, shooting. Feeding the bear is therefore a surefire path to tragedy, even for the bear. ✅ How to avoid meeting a bear? ✔ Hike during the day, not at dawn or dusk.✔ Hike in groups and talk – natural noise scares away animals.✔ Don’t stray from the trail or take shortcuts through the forest.✔ Be especially careful in autumn – this is a time of intense feeding. ⚠️ Encounter with a bear – how to behave? While this is a unique experience for many tourists, it’s important to remember that a bear is not a stuffed animal, but a predator weighing up to 300 kg and capable of running at speeds of up to 50 km/h. Here are the most important rules: ✅ Keep calm and distance. Don’t approach or try to get the “perfect photo” up close. The minimum safe distance is several dozen meters.✅ Don’t run! A sudden escape can provoke a bear to chase you.✅ Don’t shout or wave your arms. Loud, aggressive gestures can trigger an attack. It’s better to slowly retreat in the direction you came from.✅ If the bear hasn’t noticed your presence, move away quietly. Try not to break branches or make noise.✅ If you’re in a group, stick together. Animals rarely attack groups of people. ✅ Summary Bears are a symbol of the Tatra Mountains’ wildlife, but also a reminder that we are guests in the mountains. Respect their space, don’t feed them, maintain order, and exercise caution, and an encounter with this extraordinary mountain dweller will remain only a beautiful memory – from a safe distance.

OTOZAKOPANE

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Charming wooden cottages with fireplaces, an adults-only villa full of character, and a cozy house perfect for groups – OtoZakopane offers unique stays where the beauty of the mountains meets comfort, tranquility, and style.
Choose your pace of getaway – just for two, for the whole family, or your entire crew

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34-500
Zakopane, Poland

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