What if your next stay in the mountains is off the beaten track? By turning to Eastern Europe and Poland, tourists interested in the great outdoors enjoy a magnificent setting, a exotic cultural richness and a much lower cost of living than in France. Then follow us! Direction Bukowina Tatrzańska and the south of the country, at the Slovak border. Far from the images historically conveyed by Poland, this great Eastern European country, as rich in its past as in the diversity of its regional cultures that still exist, also offers a wide range of landscapes. Between the Baltic coasts and its fine sand dunes, its primary forests in the east and the large urban megacities, tourists are delighted with the Polish tourist offer. Not to mention the south of the country and its splendid mountainous horizons! Throughout the year, in both summer and winter, Poles have developed a habit of heading south. For a long time, Zakopane was the eldorado. A magnificent city shining with its authenticity that over time has become a hub for mass tourism. Today, the city is nothing more than a succession of soulless shops and tourist stands. It is a long time ago when the locals used to travel by horse... Many national tourists continue to parade there as they do in St-Tropez when they are French. Nevertheless, several neighbouring regions quickly benefited from Zakopane's aura to develop in complete tranquility and offer a quality alternative. Their objective is thus to preserve the historical and traditional aspects of their region to enhance their roughness.
A strong but reasoned expansion
In the heart of Little Poland, on the Slovak border, the Bukowina region Tatrzańska has benefited from this strong development. However, this territorial community and its eponymous village have only about 12,000 inhabitants. But in a few years, and under the impetus of influential business leaders and investors, it has quickly become one of the country's most popular regions. When you arrive in the region for the first time, you will first be seduced by the environment. This hilly landscape, harmoniously alternating meadows and century-old forests, is a delight for the eyes. The view of the Tatra mountain range is a breathtaking sight. The region includes many peaks around 1,500 metres. From the city, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Mnich Mountains (2,068 metres) and Kościelec (2,155 metres). Further on, the country's highest peak, Mount Rysy (2,503 metres), dominates the entire valley of its majesty.
The altitude in all its splendour
Among the easily accessible wonders, how not to mention Lake Morskie Oko, literally the "eye of the sea" in Polish, mentioned by the New York Times as being among the most beautiful lakes in the world. A pure jewel of altitude! You will need to walk at least 2h30 to reach the site. As a whole, the region is a hiker's paradise. The city of Bukowina Tatrzańska is an ideal starting point to discover the surrounding peaks. There are many paths open to the public and accessible at all levels. All the trails are generally well marked, and with a good map, it will be easy for you to find your way around. In addition, many sporting activities are available: sports downhill cycling, horse riding, summer (or winter tobogganing depending on the season), quad biking.... There will be something for all tastes and all sensations. If you choose to come to the Bukowina region Tatrzańska during the winter season, you will have one of the richest and most modern sites in the country. The municipality has more than twenty lifts giving access to ski slopes, for all levels. It is no coincidence that the Rusin-Ski lift complex has been voted the best resort in Little Poland for several years. Perfect maintenance, permanent snow cover or almost.... The still modest dimensions are more than enough to meet the needs of families. And that is without counting on the development plan, which should quickly increase the scope of possibilities.
A first-class hotel offer
In 2018, the Tour of Poland brought a significant spotlight to the region. This competition, which has become the largest cycling race in the country, enjoys a real national and European reputation. And it is no coincidence that the tour stopped at Bukowina! Because beyond the geographical and therefore sporting interest of the route, the region has a first-class hotel offer. Many institutions have been created in recent years and are full of quality services.
Luxury chalets, aquatic hotel complexes, charming hotels... For families and couples alike, there is something for everyone. Huge thermal baths combining swimming pools and spas are also the perfect way to enjoy fun and relaxing days. The Bukowina thermal baths are one of the best examples of this. In the heart of these complexes, chefs have fun revisiting local specialities on their menus. Local cuisine is one of the attractions not to be missed during a Polish stay at altitude. Oscypek, the smoked mountain cheese made from a mixture of sheep's milk and cow's milk, is undoubtedly one of the most interesting taste specialities. During your stay, you can also enjoy the traditional preparation of this cheese cooked in small wooden huts in the fireplace. Generally served hot and melt-in-the-mouth, it is a delight often served in any good tavern. By the roadside, you will find many local products for sale: jams, cheeses, sausages, etc. It remains to be vigilant as to the origin of these products.
A historical cultural richness
The Tatra region and more generally the Little Poland region has always lived in tune with secular traditions and rituals. It is therefore not surprising to see many traditional practices continue thanks to the involvement of multigenerational associations. As you travel through the region, you will already appreciate the architectural charm of wooden buildings. Many cottages are still built according to the traditional craft practices handed down from father to son. Churches, also made of wood, are also very common. Often open to passers-by on request from a man of faith usually present at the entrance, these installations offer sublime settings. A further manifestation of the religious fervour shown by Poles. In the heart of the village of Bukowina Tatrzańska, the cultural centre showcases the region's cultural richness. Every day, during the high season, summer and winter, you can attend theatrical performances featuring traditional regional clothing. The opportunity to hear the local dialect practiced by many communities, but also to listen to traditional songs accompanied by accordions and violins. This cultural centre, the largest larch wood building in the country, also offers an opportunity to discover the craft skills of these men and women: painting on glass, making wooden musical instruments, illustrations... A souvenir is quickly bought! You will have understood it, between tradition and modernism, calm and thrills, the Bukowina region Tatrzańska is a destination of choice for family holidays at altitude. A real breath of fresh air that will allow you to broaden your hilly horizons!
Smart info
When? When? Spring, summer, autumn and winter, the Bukowina region Tatrzańska offers many possibilities for tourists (ski facilities, hiking trails, climbing, quad or bicycle rides, thermal baths, etc.).
Getting there. By car, it is certainly the most direct way, but also the longest and most challenging. It takes about 16 hours for 1,600 km to reach Bukowina Tatrzańska By plane, the easiest way is to land at John Paul II Airport in Krakow. Accessible from Beauvais or Paris, it will take you about 2h30 to get there. Finally, a bus, car or train will allow you to finish your journey to Zakopane, close to your final destination. Allow another 3 hours to finalize your trip.
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