We call Zakopane the winter capital of Poland. It is appreciated by tourists, undoubtedly for its extensive tourist facilities, but also for its unique Zakopane landscapes and architecture. Today, however, it is slowly changing and due to the increasing number of people, it is becoming a place besieged by crowds, ubiquitous bustle and expensive. Meanwhile, not far from Zakopane there is a charming place in the heart of many mountain trails.
Nowy Targ in the shadow of Zakopane? The historic capital of Podhale has many attractions
The city of Nowy Targ is the seat of Nowy Targ County, the main commercial and industrial center of the region and the historical capital of Podhale. It is also a good base for active recreation enthusiasts, as it is close to the Tatra Mountains and many mountain trails. We can go, among others: to Turbacz, the highest peak of the Gorce Mountains, rising to a height of 1,310 m above sea level
Nowy Targ is the only city in Poland from where you can see four national parks located nearby (Gorczański National Park, Tatra National Park, Babiogórski National Park and Pieniny National Park). In this city with over 33,000 inhabitants, you will also find attractions such as: Dunajec Castle in Niedzica, the UNESCO wooden church of St. Michael the Archangel in Dębno Podhalański, one of the oldest nature reserves in Poland, the “Bór nad Czerwonem” peat bog.
What interesting things can you see in Podhale? Residents of Nowy Targ are speaking out
Although Nowy Targ is located approximately 23 km from Zakopane, tourists only pass through the city. Despite all its predispositions to become one of the most interesting places in Poland, some locals complain about the lack of interest from tourists. Onet.pl journalists decided to find out the opinion of residents. Several different attitudes emerged. – There are few attractions here to attract visitors. We have two really short ski slopes, which are inferior to those from Bukowina or Białka Tatrzańska. There is this atmosphere of a mountain town, in Nowy Targ you can only feel the stench of smoke from the chimney. – explained 47-year-old Tadeusz, a teacher from Podhale.
There are also those who praise life in Nowy Targ and see its advantages. – Nowy Targ is a great place to live for families with children. […]. It’s not a strictly tourist town, so It doesn’t get crowded even in high season. We met only wonderful, warm and very open people here. – declared a married couple who had lived in this place for a long time. – Why doesn’t anyone advertise us, after all, we are the capital of Podhale? Why do we give up without a fight? […] We have beautiful views, beautiful places that can still be used. – adds another resident of Nowy Targ.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
