Zakopane with children: what to do when a high trail is out

Is Zakopane suitable for small children?

Yes, if you swap the ridges for valleys and cable cars. The lower part of Koscieliska Valley is wide and level enough for a pushchair, and the drive takes about 16 minutes.

Cable cars instead of climbs

Gubalowka - 5 minutes from the apartments. A funicular reaches the ridge in minutes and the top has a flat promenade.

Kasprowy Wierch - 12 minutes to Kuznice, then a cable car to 1987 m. It can be cold and windy up there even in July.

The Mrozna Cave

The only show cave in the Tatras with electric lighting, in Koscieliska Valley. It stays around 6 degrees all year - bring a fleece. For children aged five and up it is usually the highlight of the trip.

When it rains

The thermal pools near Zakopane work in any weather and save a washed-out day.

What to watch out for

• the weather changes fast - layers work better than one thick coat
• keep children on the inner side of valley tracks, horse carts use them
• car parks at valley entrances fill up before 8 a.m. in season