Zakopane: Poland's Winter Wonderland

• HelloDzień dobry
  [Jen dobri]
• GoodbyeDo widzenia
  [Do veedzenia]
• YesTak
  [Tak]
• NoNie
  [Nye]
• Please/You're welcomeProszę
  [Prosheh]
• Thank youDziękuję
  [Jen-koo-yeh]
• Excuse me/SorryPrzepraszam
  [Pzeh-prah-sham]
• How are you?Jak się masz?
  [Yak sheh mahsh?]
• Fine. And you?Dobrze. A ty?
  [Dohb-zeh. Ah tee?]
• Do you speak English?Czy mówisz po angielsku?
  [Chih moo-veesh poh ahn-gyel-skoo?]
• I don't understandNie rozumiem
  [Nye roh-zoo-myem]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseChciałbym zobaczyć menu, proszę
  [H-chyaw-beem zoh-bah-cheech meh-noo, proh-sheh]
• I don't eat meatNie jem mięsa
  [Nye yem myen-sah]
• Cheers!Na zdrowie!
  [Nah zdroh-vee-eh!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseChciałbym zapłacić, proszę
  [H-chyaw-beem zah-pwah-cheech, proh-sheh]

• Help!Pomocy!
  [Poh-mo-tsy]
• Go away!Idź sobie!
  [Eedz soh-bee-eh]
• Call the Police!Zadzwoń po policję!
  [Zahdz-von poh po-lee-tsyeh]
• Call a doctor!Zadzwoń po lekarza!
  [Zahdz-von poh leh-kah-zah]
• I'm lostZgubiłem się
  [Zgoo-bee-wem sheh]
• I'm illJestem chory
  [Yeh-stem hoh-ree]

• I'd like to buy...Chciałbym kupić...
  [H-chyaw-beem koo-peetch...]
• I'm just lookingTylko się rozglądam
  [Tsy-koh sheh rohz-gwah-dahm]
• How much is it?Ile to kosztuje?
  [Ee-leh toh kohs-tzoo-yeh?]
• That's too expensiveTo za drogie
  [Toh zah dro-gee-eh]
• Can you lower the price?Czy możesz obniżyć cenę?
  [Chih moo-zhehsh ohb-nee-zhoo-ch cheh-neh?]

• What time is it?Która jest godzina?
  [Ktoh-rah yest goh-dzee-nah?]
• It's one o'clockJest pierwsza
  [Yest pyeh-roo-sha]
• Half past (10)Pół godziny (10)
  [Poo-w goh-dzee-ny (10)]
• MorningRano
  [Rah-noh]
• AfternoonPopołudnie
  [Poh-poo-wood-nyeh]
• EveningWieczór
  [Vee-eh-choor]
• YesterdayWczoraj
  [V-cho-rye]
• TodayDzisiaj
  [Jee-shay]
• TomorrowJutro
  [Yoo-tro]
• 1Jeden
  [Yeh-den]
• 2Dwa
  [Dvah]
• 3Trzy
  [Tzih]
• 4Cztery
  [Ch-teh-ree]
• 5Pięć
  [P-yeh-ntz]
• 6Sześć
  [S-zeh-shch]
• 7Siedem
  [Syeh-dem]
• 8Osiem
  [Oh-shyem]
• 9Dziewięć
  [Jeh-vyeh-ntz]
• 10Dziesięć
  [Jeh-shyehntz]

• Where's a/the...?Gdzie jest...
  [Gdzyeh yest...]
• What's the address?Jaki jest adres?
  [Yah-kee yest ah-drehs]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Czy możesz mi pokazać (na mapie)?
  [Chih moo-zhehsh mee poh-kah-zahch (nah mah-pyeh)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Kiedy jest następny (autobus)?
  [Kyeh-dy yest nah-stehp-ny (ow-toh-boos)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Bilet (do ...)
  [Bee-let (doh ...)]

Zakopane, nestled in the Tatra Mountains, has a history that dates back to at least the 17th century. Initially, it was a small shepherding community, with its name first mentioned in documents from 1630. The area was known for its pastoral life and simplicity.

The 19th century marked a significant transformation for Zakopane. The discovery of iron ore and the opening of the first ironworks in the region led to industrial growth. Additionally, the strategic location and natural beauty of Zakopane attracted artists, writers, and scholars, turning it into a cultural hub.

Dr. Tytus Chałubiński, a prominent Polish physician, played a crucial role in popularizing Zakopane as a health resort in the late 19th century. His advocacy for the therapeutic benefits of the mountain climate attracted numerous visitors seeking health and wellness.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Zakopane became the center of the 'Zakopane Style' of architecture, initiated by Stanisław Witkiewicz. This distinctive architectural style blended local folk traditions with elements of Art Nouveau, influencing the design of numerous buildings in the region.

During the interwar period, Zakopane emerged as a significant cultural and artistic center. The town attracted prominent figures from Polish literature, art, and science, including Karol Szymanowski and Witkacy. This era is often regarded as a cultural renaissance for Zakopane.

World War II brought significant hardship to Zakopane. The town was occupied by Nazi Germany, and many residents were subjected to persecution. Despite the challenges, Zakopane also became a center of resistance, with local partisans actively working against the occupiers.

After World War II, Zakopane underwent reconstruction and revitalization. The town re-established itself as a premier tourist destination, famous for its winter sports, hiking trails, and vibrant cultural scene. It continues to attract visitors from around the world.

Today, Zakopane is known as the 'Winter Capital of Poland.' It hosts numerous cultural events, including the annual International Festival of Highland Folklore. The town's unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities continues to make it a beloved destination for travelers.

Zakopane is located in the southern part of Poland, near the Tatra Mountains. The nearest international airport is Kraków John Paul II International Airport, approximately 110 kilometers away. From Kraków, you can take a bus or a train to Zakopane, with the journey typically taking around 2 to 3 hours. Buses are more frequent and offer direct routes, while trains provide a scenic route through the Polish countryside.

Zakopane is a relatively small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. Local buses and minibuses (known as 'busik') are available for longer trips within the town and to nearby villages. Taxis are also readily available but can be more expensive. Renting a bike or a car is a convenient option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace. During winter, horse-drawn sleighs are a popular way to get around.

The official currency in Poland is the Polish Zloty (PLN). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Zakopane. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available throughout the town, and currency exchange offices can be found in the main tourist areas.

Zakopane is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Zakopane does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Zakopane. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress warmly, especially during winter months, as temperatures can drop significantly. Avoid wearing overly casual or revealing clothing in upscale restaurants or religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your head when entering churches and avoid loud conversations inside. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a firm handshake and maintain eye contact. A smile goes a long way. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as oscypek (smoked cheese) and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Zakopane like a local, visit the local markets (such as Krupówki Street) where you can buy traditional highlander crafts and foods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share their knowledge of the area. Don't miss out on visiting the Tatra National Park for hiking and breathtaking views. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Gubałówka Hill funicular railway or the Kasprowy Wierch cable car for panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains.