Zakopane in south Poland

Take the short train ride from the station in Zakopane Market to the top of Gubalowka mountain for incredible views.

It's a rapid and steep ride up. You have a choice about walking one way (or both if you're very fit) but the path runnng alongside the train track is fairly narrow and equally steep.

At the top you will find a collection of restaurants and pubs for drinks and meals.

From here you can either just enjoy the views before you return down or take a walk along the path at the top.

Zakopane town centre

Zakopane town centre is almost always busy with shoppers, tourists, walkers and sightseers. In common with many tourist locations you will find regional fare with a few western influences such as Macdonalds and Pizza Hut.

The Zakopane Aqua Park

The new addition in December 2006 is a state of the art aqua park with flumes, swimming pools and jacuzzis. It is designed for all seasons. There is a geo-thermal outdoor pool heated to a comfortable temperature all year round where you can swim with a stunning view of the Tatra mountains.

There are also new geo-thermal swimming pools, four of them with massage jets, jacuzzi and sauna just south of Nowy Targ.

Travelling from Rabka to Zakopane The countryside around Rabka is quite lovely; rolling wooded hills and valleys, scattered with Alpine style houses.

Nearing Nowy Targ, you catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Tatra mountains.

Once in Zakopane, the mountains loom above. Zakopane means 'buried', which it can be with heavy snow falls.

• woollen hats, lined with fake fur. You'll need these during the winter months to prevent your ears from freezing.
• Real fur hats and coats, suede coats and jackets
• sheepskin rugs and slippers
• woollen blankets and knitwear
• glass, amber and silver
• the most beautiful Christmas decorations in the world

All beautifully decorated for Christmas. Pubs and restaurants are warm and welcoming.

• Self-catering house rental at Christmas