The funicular — a monument of 1938
The Zakopane–Gubałówka funicular opened in 1938, one of the first of its kind in Europe. It was designed by Polish engineers for the development of Zakopane as a visitor centre. The line is 1,298 m long with a rise of about 300 m and an average gradient of 35%. The journey takes just under 3 minutes.
The cars were thoroughly modernised in 2002, but the layout and character of the line remain historic. Today's cars take 130 people a run, with departures every few minutes. Tickets: about 26 zł one way, about 37 zł return. You board on ulica Krupówki (the lower station) and step out on the Gubałówka ridge — without any effort.
What to see from Gubałówka
- The panorama of the Tatras — the most famous "postcard" view of the range. From Wołoszyn and Nosal (east), through Świnica, Kasprowy and the Czerwone Wierchy, to Bobrowiec (west)
- Babia Góra in the Żywiec Beskids — in perfect visibility
- The Gorce range and the Pieniny deep in the landscape
- The Gubałówka ridge — a ridge trail as far as Butorowy Wierch (1160 m), with beautiful panoramas over about 4 km
- The Butorowy Wierch chairlift — an alternative way down (or up) from the ridge
The highland market on the ridge
As you leave the upper station you are met by a long, glazed market running along the Gubałówka ridge for several hundred metres. Stalls sell oscypek cheese, honey, regional sweaters, shepherds' axes, amber jewellery and souvenirs. Prices are for visitors (that is, higher), but the choice is the widest in Zakopane.
Places to eat: highland inns with bigos, kwaśnica and potato pancakes. Some have terraces looking out over the Tatras — a coffee with a view of Giewont is one of the classics of a stay in Zakopane. In summer prices are higher and there are more visitors; in winter the atmosphere is more intimate.
On foot and by bicycle
On foot to Gubałówka: trails from Krupówki via ul. Kościeliska (about 45 minutes) or from Krzeptówki via Butorowy Wierch (about 1.5 hours, longer but lovelier). By bicycle: mountain bike trails with descents from Butorowy, in season from May to October. In winter Gubałówka is an easy family ski area — short runs, ideal for beginners and children.
The loveliest moment: sunset in summer (the Tatras in red light) or early morning in winter (fresh snow and few people). The funicular runs from early until late in the evening.
How to get there and practical info
- Height
- 1126 m a.s.l.
- Funicular from Krupówki
- About 3 min, about 26 zł / about 37 zł return
- On foot from Krupówki
- About 45 min
- Difficulty
- Easy (by funicular) / moderate (on foot)
- Season
- All year (gentle skiing in winter)
- The market
- Open daily in season, less often out of it
When to go
May and June — the meadows in full bloom, few people and lower prices.
Crowds, but the ridge is long — it is easy to find a quiet spot for photographs.
September — the gold of the Tatras and the best photographs. October can already be misty.
Gentle skiing and sledging, ideal for families. Evening sleigh rides.
Other sights in Zakopane
Straight-line distances from „Gubałówka" — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
Where to stay nearby
Places from our list that have Gubałówka within walking distance or a short drive.
