Zakopane and Gubałówka

The capital of the Polish mountains, Zakopane, had always been high on my list of dreams, but something always prevented such a trip. A week before the planned departure, my unsuccessful jump into the water happened, resulting in a cervical spine fracture. For many years afterward, I didn't even think that, as a person with a disability, I would ever see the Tatra Mountains. I couldn't imagine finding people willing to devote at least three days to selfless help. I was also worried about whether I would be physically able to endure such a long and demanding trip.

A change in my approach to life came with a trip to the Active Rehabilitation Foundation Camp. Ten days spent in Zielona Góra opened me up to new challenges and gave me the courage to pursue my dream of traveling to Zakopane. When my friends suggested a joint trip, I agreed without hesitation, choosing Zakopane as our destination.

Zakopane – accommodation for people with disabilities

We began our trip to Zakopane by looking for accommodation adapted for people with disabilities. Finding such a place in Zakopane is not easy. A hotel costing 280 PLN per night was our backup option, but after several phone calls, we found guest rooms called "U Babci." The main reason for choosing this accommodation was the price – 60 PLN per night – and the delicious breakfast, as it turned out. The only barrier was a low, 20-centimeter step, which my friends helped me overcome without any problem. If someone uses a wheelchair and needs a lot of space in the bathroom and toilet, this accommodation will not meet their expectations.

Zakopane – Krupówki Street

Krupówki is the most famous promenade in Zakopane and one of the most recognizable places in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The street is lively all year round, offering numerous restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and regional products. This is where you can feel the highlander atmosphere, listen to live music, and admire views of the Tatras while walking through the heart of the city. Unfortunately, while strolling along Krupówki, you can still encounter buildings that are relics of a bygone era and do not fit the highlander style at all.

Getting around the main promenade of Zakopane in a wheelchair is quite easy: the surface is flat and there are no major inclines.
For the first time, I had the opportunity to taste fresh oscypek cheese with cranberry sauce and sour cabbage soup with lamb, accompanied by a highlander band.

Gubałówka for people with disabilities

Gubałówka is one of the most popular viewpoints in Zakopane, offering a breathtaking panorama of the Tatra Mountains. You can reach the top by a funicular railway adapted for people with disabilities or hike up a scenic trail. It is an ideal place for a walk, relaxation, and enjoying numerous tourist attractions both in summer and winter.

Getting to the Gubałówka cable car is very easy when walking along Krupówki Street. The ride takes only about 3 minutes, and entering and exiting the car is very convenient for wheelchair users.

Gubałówka welcomed us with calm weather and an excellent view of Zakopane and the Tatra panorama. We reached the top after 7 p.m., which meant there were few other tourists, allowing us to admire the beauty of the surrounding nature in peace.
Moving around Gubałówka as a person with a disability is quite easy thanks to the friendly surface, but sometimes assistance may be needed due to the terrain's slope.

Is it worth visiting Zakopane as a person with a disability?

I can undoubtedly call the three-day trip to Zakopane a journey of a lifetime. Since becoming a person with a disability, I have never experienced so many beautiful moments as during those July days. I fully made use of my stay in the capital of the Polish mountains, and additionally, I managed to see Morskie Oko and take the cable car up to Kasprowy Wierch.
I recommend Zakopane to everyone, even those for whom mountains are not particularly appealing. It is worth coming here to feel the unique atmosphere of Krupówki Street, listen to the highlander dialect, and taste regional delicacies. Despite the considerable distance, the experiences you gain in this region will remain in your memory forever and will be fondly remembered for a long time.