Villa Birdhouse, Zakopane

BBC TravelAug 9

Breathtaking alpine scenery and budget prices make this overlooked Polish escape an alternative to Europe's overcrowded mountain regions.

Premium chalet with sauna, terrace, and barbecue

12 things in this story

Morskie OkoSightGlacial lake surrounded by snowcapped mountains
Tatra National ParkSightPark bordering Zakopane with trails, lakes, and waterfalls
RysyGuest housePyramid-shaped peak, highest summit in Poland
Villa BirdhouseHotelPremium chalet with sauna, terrace, and barbecue
Placki ZiemniaczaneRestaurantEatery serving "solid potato" and "liquid potato"
Karczma ZapiecekRestaurantTraditional Polish Highlander restaurant
GiewontTrailMountain hike requiring chains for summit section
KuźniceSightTrailhead for hikes into the Tatras
Dolina StrążyskaSightValley with a 400m walk to Wodospad Siklawica
Wodospad SiklawicaSightSecond-highest waterfall in the Polish Tatras
Chochołowskie TermySightLargest thermal bath complex in Poland
Krupówki StreetNeighborhood

Villa Birdhouse