Jewish Zakopane Private Tour

Join this private Jewish Zakopane tour to uncover the lesser-known Jewish history of Zakopane, Poland’s iconic mountain resort. This private Jewish tour offers a unique perspective on the town’s vibrant Jewish community before World War II, highlighting their contributions to local culture and their tragic fate during the Holocaust.

Stroll through charming streets once home to Jewish artists, merchants, and intellectuals drawn to the beauty, spirit, and commercial opportunities of the Tatra Mountains. Visit key landmarks, hear stories of resilience and remembrance, and explore how Jewish life intertwined with Zakopane’s artistic and bohemian scene.

Stop by one of Zakopane’s oldest restaurants, once owned by Jewish proprietors, and walk through neighborhoods formerly inhabited by both liberal and Hasidic communities. We’ll explore the most devastating chapter in Zakopane’s history—when this vibrant resort, 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.” Learn why the Nazis initiated the ‘ Jewish Treasure Hunt’ at the start of the occupation.

Optional: Take a 20-minute hike into the mountains to visit the Zakopane Jewish cemetery, pay respects at the Holocaust memorial, and enjoy stunning views of the Tatra Mountains. Alternatively, we can show you a video of the cemetery and share its history.

From hidden heritage to powerful memory, this private Jewish Zakopane tour sheds light on a fascinating, yet sobering chapter of Zakopane’s and the Tatra Mountains’ Jewish past.

This is a private walking tour that you can take it you are planning your own trip to Zakopane or we can take you to Zakopane from Krakow by public transport (train or bus).

If you’d like to get an idea of Krakow’s Jewish heritage before your visit, join our live-stream tours on Youtube.