Krupowki Street

Krupówki is the main street of Zakopane and the axis around which the whole town has revolved for generations. If this is your first trip to the Tatra Mountains, this is where your first walk will usually begin: among timber buildings, regional restaurants, cafes and stalls selling highland crafts.

Where does Krupówki run, and how did it get its name?

The street starts at the junction with Nowotarska and Kościeliska streets. From there it runs for just over a kilometre to the south-east, climbing gently the whole way, until it meets Zamoyskiego Street and 3 Maja Avenue. The name comes from the Krupówki glade that once lay here. Traditionally, the name was also used for Zamoyskiego Street, so older descriptions of the town sometimes mix the two.

What is there to see on Krupówki?

This is one of the oldest streets in Zakopane, so alongside newer buildings you will find a good number of historic ones. It was once the road highlanders took on their way to work in Kuźnice, where ironworks operated. Today it is a busy promenade, especially in season.

Nearby you can find:

• The Church of the Holy Family, built in the second half of the 19th century and one of the more interesting churches in town,
• The Tatra Museum, a key stop for anyone who wants to learn about the region's history, the nature of the Tatras and highland culture,
• many inns and shepherd-style restaurants serving regional food such as oscypek smoked cheese, sour cabbage soup and the robber's potato pancake,
• shops and stalls with wood, wool and leather goods, as well as traditional cheeses.

Can you see the Tatras from Krupówki?

Yes. As you walk up the street, the Tatra ridgelines rise ahead of you, and in good weather you can also pick out the distinctive profile of Giewont, whose shape is often compared to a sleeping knight. The lower station of the Gubałówka funicular is not far away, and from the top there is a wide panorama of Giewont, the Red Peaks, Kasprowy Wierch and the town itself.

When is the best time to visit Krupówki?

It is liveliest in summer, on long weekends and during the winter holidays, when crowds fill the promenade. If you prefer a calmer stroll, go in the morning or in late autumn. In the evening the street changes character: signs light up, highland music drifts out of the venues, and pubs and cafes fill with people.

Krupówki is also a convenient starting point for longer trips. From here it is easy to reach the stops where minibuses leave for the Kościeliska Valley and Morskie Oko, as well as the trails towards Kuźnice and Kasprowy Wierch.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Krupówki? A little over a kilometre. A relaxed walk from one end to the other takes a quarter of an hour or so, though in season, with stops at stalls and shop windows, it usually takes longer.

Is Krupówki a pedestrian street? It is a promenade-style street where pedestrians are the main presence. It is best explored on foot.

Where does the name come from? From the former Krupówki glade on which the street was laid out.

Is it a good place for lunch? Yes. Along the street and in the side streets there are many restaurants serving highland cuisine, from simple inns to more upscale venues. In season it is wise to book a table in advance.

Is it worth coming outside the season? Definitely. Autumn and early spring are calmer, and the mountain views are just as good, often better thanks to clear air.

If you are planning a stay in Zakopane, Krupówki is a must: it lets you feel the atmosphere of the town, enjoy a regional meal and plan your next days in the mountains.