Wielka Krokiew

Wielka Krokiew is Poland's biggest and most famous ski jumping hill, built on the northern slope of Krokiew mountain in Zakopane. For ski jumping fans it is a true temple of the sport, and for visitors it is an impressive landmark with views toward the Tatra Mountains and Giewont.

What kind of hill is it?

The official name is Wielka Krokiew im. Stanisława Marusarza. It is a large hill with a construction point of K125 and a hill size of HS140, standing at around 1,050 metres above sea level. The in-run and landing slope are visible from many parts of town, which is why Krokiew has become one of Zakopane's symbols alongside Krupówki street and the silhouette of Giewont.

How was it built?

The hill opened on 22 March 1925. The idea and design came from Karol Stryjeński, a Zakopane town planner and artist who ran the local School of Wood Industry. Opening day was not kind to organisers, with thaw and rain, yet an inaugural competition went ahead with 19 jumpers. At first the hill was associated with its creator's name. Since 1989 its patron has been Stanisław Marusarz, an outstanding Polish skier and one of the key figures in the history of the country's skiing.

Major events

The first top-level events here took place in 1929, when Zakopane hosted the Nordic World Ski Championships. The world's elite returned in 1939, and further world championships followed in 1962. Since 1980 Wielka Krokiew has also been a venue for the Ski Jumping World Cup, and it still hosts the series regularly. Dozens of World Cup competitions have been held here, and the atmosphere beneath Giewont is among the loudest on the entire calendar.

How many spectators can it hold?

The stadium below the hill can hold more than 40,000 spectators. That makes it one of the largest facilities of its kind in the world, and on competition days Zakopane turns into a red-and-white celebration. Polish fans are known for their flags, chants and colourful displays, which create a unique mood.

Why visit Wielka Krokiew?

• You can see the place where Polish ski jumping history has been written for almost a hundred years.
• The area around the hill offers a panorama of Zakopane and the Tatras.
• It lies close to the centre, so it is easy to combine with a walk around town.
• In winter you may catch a competition or training session and feel the excitement live.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Wielka Krokiew? On the northern slope of Krokiew mountain in Zakopane, at roughly 1,050 metres above sea level.

When did the hill open? On 22 March 1925.

What do K125 and HS140 mean? They describe the size of the hill. K125 is the construction point, and HS140 is the hill size, the distance beyond which jumping becomes risky.

Who is the hill named after? Stanisław Marusarz, since 1989. Earlier the hill was associated with Karol Stryjeński, its designer.

Does it host World Cup events? Yes. Since 1980 Wielka Krokiew has regularly hosted Ski Jumping World Cup competitions.

Is it worth visiting outside the competition season? Yes. The hill makes a pleasant short outing, and the surroundings offer good views over the town and the mountains.

If you are planning a weekend in Zakopane, Wielka Krokiew deserves a place on your must-see list, especially if you enjoy sport, history or simply mountain views. It joins nearly a century of tradition with the live excitement of modern competition, so it attracts dedicated fans as well as people who have never seen a ski jump in person.