A walk down the Krupowki Street

A walk down the Krupowki Street

Gingerly I walk on the road, making my way through slush; I stop for a moment to look around. There is snow on both sides of the road. There are small shops, cafes and restaurants on one side of this street & some vendors on the other side. A restaurant owner writes menu for the day on the board and his eyes are looking at me hoping for business. A middle-aged woman carefully places the rate cards on the home made cheese that she’s selling on a handcart.

I stop by her, and ask for permission to click a few shots. She first smiles shyly then can not resist laughing. She says, “I am a common woman, why are you making me a celebrity?” I respond by smiling and letting my camera work.

I am on Krupowki Street, the most popular place in Zakopane. The very mention of a visit to Zakopane, receives a recommendation by every Polish person to visit here.

Located in the center of Zakopane, the street of Krupowki pronounced as (crew-poof-key) is a pedestrian only access. This is the place where most shops and restaurants are located and I can see that even in sub-zero temperature the street is bustling with life. Holidaying tourists or the locals, there are plenty of places to sit, enjoy the atmosphere or simply walk down for some shopping. I am told it is also the main nightlife destination.

As I walk, Krupowki Street turns to left at a very slight angle. Most of the chalets have thick layers of snow on their wooden sloped roofs.

At one end of the street stands a monument of Count Zamoyski. Then I reach a small romantic bridge over a stream flowing along the street. Offering a nice view of the most popular Mount Giewont, this is the place where most pictures are taken.

Further down the road, passing a number of shops, restaurants I reach a shopping center built in traditional style. There are small stores selling handmade woolens, lace work, jackets, leather garments, wooden artifacts and much more.
I am pleasantly surprised to see that most of the shopkeepers speak English!! A definite advantage for the tourists. 🙂

Then I can not stop admiring at a row of shops, all of which are selling home made cheese of different varieties! A cheesy street? 🙂
I buy a few stuff including some Oscypek cheese. I am again amazed to know that most of the things are much cheaper than in India.

Somewhere at a corner, I see a carriage rank where you can hop onto a horse-drawn carriage and enjoy a nice trip around Zakopane. The beautiful old church of the Holy Family stands at a distance.

As I reach the set off point at the end of the street to take the Funicular onto the Gubalowka Hill, I turn around to see the street one more time… to capture the quintessence of the place… to cherish it in my heart.

Would you like to go for such a walk? 🙂

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