Zakopane

Zakopane is a town in southern Poland and is situated in the Lesser Poland Voivodship, in southern part of Podhale[?] region, at the feet of Tatra Mountains - with exception of Karkonosze mountains the only alpine mountain range in this part of Europe. It lies in big glen between the Tatra Mountains and the Gubalówka hill. Zakopane is the biggest Polish centre of mountain hiking and skiing. Its population is about 28.000 citizens. The town is visited by about 2.000.000 tourists a year.

The town located at the highest elevation in Poland: its municipal region extends from 750 to 1000 m above sea level. The town area includes part of the Polish part Tatra Mountains, with the highest peak called Mt. Swinica (2301 m). The central point of the town - the cross-road of Krupowki and Kosciuszki Streets is located at the elevation of 838 m. Such a high altitude causes that Zakopane is situated in the mountain climate zone.

The very first documents mentioning Zakopane are from the 17th century and described a glade named Zakopisko. Its further history was connected with the development of mining and metallurgy industries in the region and then with the progress of tourism. It went a long way from a little village to a climatic health-resort, often named the winter capital of Poland.