The Beginning of Summer in Zakopane – Tatra Trails, Highlander Traditions, and a Family Weekend Full of Attractions
As June brings longer days, warmer mornings, and greenery spilling across the slopes of the Tatras, Zakopane begins to bloom once again. It's the perfect time to plan a spontaneous mountain getaway — even if just for a few days — away from the crowds before the peak season begins. And while many associate the Tatras mainly with summer or winter, early June, with all its freshness, offers visitors a unique chance to experience the true, authentic spirit of the Podhale region. What’s more, it’s a great time for a family weekend in Zakopane — mountain walks without extremes and an encounter with living local tradition.
If you dream of spring trekking in the Tatras, you don't have to jump straight into the Orla Perć. The Tatra National Park offers dozens of trails of varying difficulty — and late May to early June is when the valleys are fully accessible, with snow-capped peaks still shimmering in the background.
Chochołowska Valley is a spring classic. It's where crocuses bloom at the start of spring, but even after they fade, the valley trail delights with wide open spaces, the scent of pine resin, and birdsong. You can hike all the way to the mountain hut — the trail is wide and easy, perfect even for an all-terrain stroller.
Strążyska Valley leads from the center of Zakopane straight to the imposing northern wall of Giewont. Its manageable length (about 1.5 hours one way) and natural beauty make it a perfect choice for a family outing. Along the way, you’ll find wooden bridges, streams, and the iconic Strążyska Glade with a view of the cross atop Giewont.
Rusinowa Polana is especially stunning in the morning — peaceful, with panoramic views of the High Tatras and the option to extend your walk to the Wiktorówki Sanctuary. It’s one of the most photogenic spots for a May hike. And if the weather’s nice, you can sit in the grass and enjoy a picnic with a view you won’t forget.
For shorter walks, consider the Ścieżka pod Reglami – a gentle trail connecting several valleys, ideal for a longer walk without steep ascents. It’s less crowded and also offers access to the lesser-known but charming Ku Dziurze Valley and Białego Valley.
As spring turns into summer, nature in the Tatras awakens in full — and so does traditional shepherd life. While the most spectacular events like redyk (the ceremonial sending of sheep to mountain pastures) usually take place in early May, the spirit of these traditions lingers throughout the late spring.
On Rusinowa Polana and around Chochołowska Valley, you may meet bacas (shepherds) preparing for the season. It’s worth striking up a conversation, asking about cheesemaking, and learning about customs passed down through generations — many will gladly share their stories and give you a behind-the-scenes look into this unique lifestyle. And if you get the chance to taste the season’s first oscypek (smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk), you’ll notice the difference — it really does “taste like spring.”
If you’re interested in highlander culture, stop by one of the taverns with live folk music, or visit a small local museum, such as the Museum of Zakopane Style in Villa Koliba — a cozy space that shows how deeply Zakopane’s architecture and craftsmanship are connected to nature and the seasons.
For families with children, a weekend in Zakopane is a great opportunity to discover the town in a more peaceful, relaxing way. This time of year even Krupówki (the main street) is more pleasant — you can stroll without the crowds, enjoy some ice cream, visit a local craft market, or simply sit down with a coffee and admire the mountains.
A trip to Gubałówka is also worth considering — not just for the views, but for the space, which is perfect for a family picnic or a photo session with the Tatra panorama in the background. Near the funicular station, there’s also a playground and a mini rope park that kids love.
If the weather turns — which can happen any time in the mountains — indoor attractions like the Illusion Park, Aqua Park Zakopane, or the popular nearby Chochołowskie Thermal Baths are great options. They offer zones for children as well as relaxation areas for adults.
Zakopane in early summer is a perfect choice for those who want to be close to nature without giving up comfort. At ApartArt Zakopane, we offer spacious, stylish apartments with fully equipped kitchens, balconies overlooking the Tatras, and all the comforts appreciated by families with children, couples, or groups of friends. Thanks to our convenient location, you can set off on a hike directly from your apartment — no need to sit in traffic or search for parking.
Late May to early June marks just the beginning of the summer season, and that’s exactly why it’s the ideal time to see Zakopane as it truly is — green, quiet, filled with the scent of spring, and ready to welcome guests.
Planning a spring trek in the Tatras, a family trip with kids, or simply want to experience highlander tradition in May? Book your stay at ApartArt Zakopane and let yourself breathe — deeply and freely.