Zakopane Jewish Heritage & General Sightseeing Tour

Discover Zakopane from two meaningful perspectives: its rich mountain culture and its largely forgotten Jewish past.

Set at the foot of the majestic Tatra Mountains, Zakopane is famous for its wooden architecture, highlander traditions, artistic spirit, and breathtaking scenery. Yet beneath its charming resort atmosphere lies a fascinating heritage that shaped the town before World War II.

Jewish Zakopane: A Lost World

Before the war, Zakopane was home to a vibrant Jewish community of merchants, entrepreneurs, and intellectuals. Drawn by the town’s creative energy, fresh mountain air, and economic opportunities, Jewish residents became an integral part of its social and cultural life.

As we walk through the town’s historic streets, you will:

• Explore neighborhoods once inhabited by both liberal Jewish families and Hasidic communities
• Visit sites connected to Jewish-owned businesses and guesthouses
• Stop at one of Zakopane’s oldest restaurants, once run by Jewish proprietors
• Hear stories of daily life, creativity, coexistence, and community

We also address the tragic chapter of the Nazi occupation, when Zakopane — once known as the “Polish Davos” — was transformed into a Gestapo headquarters, complete with a Sipo-SD training school and the notorious prison known as the “Dungeons of Podhale.” You will learn about the destruction of the Jewish community and the so-called “Jewish Treasure Hunt” initiated at the beginning of the occupation.

Zakopane: Culture, Architecture & Mountain Spirit

Alongside Jewish heritage, this tour introduces you to the broader story of Zakopane as Poland’s iconic mountain resort.

You will discover:

• Why it became called the Polish Davos in 1920s
• The distinctive Zakopane architectural style, with its beautiful wooden villas
• The influence of artists and writers who helped shape the town’s bohemian reputation
• The traditions of the local highlander (Górale) culture
• How it became the escape route to a lot of Christian Poles and the Jews

Optional Extension

For those who wish, the tour may include a 45-minute walk to the Zakopane Jewish cemetery. Located 900 meters both the see level, the cemetery hosts the Holocaust memorial and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Alternatively, we can share visual materials and discuss the cemetery’s history without the hike

This is a private walking tour ideal for travelers staying in Zakopane who wish to combine meaningful heritage exploration with engaging sightseeing.

If you are based in Krakow, we can also accompany you to Zakopane by public transport (train or bus) and guide you throughout the day.

From hidden heritage to mountain panoramas, this tour offers a rich and thoughtful introduction to Zakopane — past and present.

Our Tour Guests Say 

Here’s a sneak peek into our Jewish Zakopane tour#