VisitZakopane – Apartament Pod Sosnami

HOTEL OVERVIEW

You know what caught me off guard about VisitZakopane – Apartament Pod Sosnami? The name literally means “Under the Pines,” and they weren’t kidding around. I mean, you step outside and you’re basically in this little forest pocket on Jaszczurówka-Bory street, which honestly feels more like a quiet residential lane than anything touristy. It’s one of those spots where you can actually hear the wind through the trees instead of the usual Zakopane chaos – and trust me, during peak season, that’s worth its weight in gold.

The apartment itself is pretty straightforward, nothing fancy but everything works, which is more than I can say for some places I’ve stayed in the Tatras. What I really appreciated was how they’ve set it up for people who actually want to spend time in Zakopane, not just pass through. There’s proper kitchen space (like, you can actually cook a real meal), and the living area doesn’t feel cramped even when you’ve got hiking gear scattered everywhere. The whole place has this lived-in comfort that you don’t get in those sterile hotel rooms downtown. Plus, parking is right there – which anyone who’s tried to find a spot near Krupówki during summer will tell you is basically a miracle.

Here’s the thing about the location that took me a while to figure out: you’re close enough to walk into the center when you want the whole Zakopane experience, but far enough out that you’re not dealing with the tourist crowds stumbling back from the bars at 2 AM. The walk to Krupówki is maybe 15 minutes if you’re taking your time, and honestly, it’s a nice stroll through some quieter neighborhoods where you see how locals actually live. I found myself taking different routes just to explore – there’s this little path that cuts through near the old villas that’s particularly nice in the morning. And if you’re here for hiking, well, you’re already halfway to some of the better trailheads without having to fight through the town center traffic. The Jaszczurówka area has always been one of those spots that feels more authentic, less like a tourist trap – you’ll see what I mean when you’re buying groceries at the local shop and it’s mostly Polish families, not tour groups.