When visiting Zakopane, a must-do — and a very pleasant one — is a visit to Gubałówka. The peak, at an elevation of 1,120 meters above sea level, belongs to the Gubałówka Range, which is part of the Spisz-Gubałówka Foothills, bordered by the waters of two rivers — the White and Black Dunajec.
Gubałówka rises above the city and attracts tourists with its breathtaking panorama of the Tatra mountain range!
Gubałówka rises above the city and attracts tourists with its breathtaking panorama of the Tatra mountain range!
There are several ways to reach this place. You can go on foot. How to get there? A marked hiking trail (black trail) leads to Gubałówka, passing the historic church on Kościeliska Street. This route runs through the entire Gubałówka Range all the way to Witów. Reaching the summit takes an average tourist no more than an hour, and the views will surely reward the effort. You can also hike to Gubałówka with your dog.
You can also drive to the Gubałówka Range. From Zakopane, head towards Kościelisko. About 4 kilometers from the city center, turn right onto Salamandra Street, which is also marked as the Papal Trail. After driving a 2-kilometer mountain section, turn right again and park your vehicle in one of the parking areas. From there, follow Zubek Road to reach your destination.
The most popular way to reach Gubałówka is by taking the funicular railway operated by Polish Cableways. Built in 1938, it has become a symbol of this place, and it is hard to imagine Gubałówka without its characteristic inclined carriage. The 1,300-meter route with a 300-meter elevation gain is covered in just 3.5 minutes, and the carriage can transport up to 120 passengers at a time. The panoramic glass roof allows you to enjoy uninterrupted views of the majestic Tatras and admire Zakopane from an increasingly higher perspective.
Opening hours of the funicular depend on the season. Outside peak season, it usually operates between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Tickets to Gubałówka can be purchased at the ticket office located at the lower station, less than 300 meters from the lower end of Krupówki Street. If you choose to go up by funicular, it is worth returning by a different route. Weather permitting, a walk along the Gubałówka Ridge is recommended, ending with a descent via the Butorowy Wierch cable car to Kościelisko. From there, you can return to the center of Zakopane by public transport.
Polish Cableways provide visitors with numerous attractions. Tourists can enjoy Poland’s highest located beach, which is very popular during the summer season. In this unique setting, visitors can play beach sports, especially volleyball. For those who prefer relaxation, sunbathing zones with deck chairs are also available.
Nearby, you will also find a gravity slide that offers plenty of excitement for those who decide to ride down the winding 750-meter track.
In winter, a 300-meter drag lift and the Goobaya Snowpark are opened. The tourist offer is further enhanced by numerous restaurants and food outlets. Walking west, you will come across a rope park, popular among adrenaline lovers. Gubałówka is also used as a venue for sports and cultural events.
Regardless of the season, this part of Zakopane attracts countless visitors. It is definitely worth visiting — for relatively little effort and time, you are rewarded with spectacular views.