Tatra mountain hike, Zakopane, Polen

Almost straight from Sarek we were off to Zakopane in Polen. Of course for more hiking.
As you might remember we have been in Zakopane earlier, a wedding around a year back. As we at that time didnt have time for hiking it was decided to that we were just had to come back. The mountain range there is called Tatra and is quite similar to the Alps. The highest peak in Polen is Rysy with 2499m although in the whole range the highest is Gerlach in Slovakia with its 2655m.
We spent 4 days hiking. As its a National park wild camping is not allowed so we only did day trips setting of from Zakopane. It is of course possible to stay in the park but then in huts.
We climbed few high peaks, but also did some hiking in the valleys and woodlands. In some of the valleys it was possible to go through caves which is lots of fun and gives that extra adrenalin kick :)
I must admit that Tatras delivered! They were impressive and the hikes can be made rather tough as the range is rather steep. One thing I didn't like was the crowds of people. Didn't really feel that we were in the wild. Some of the peaks are so popular that you have to stand in line for hours just to get to the top.
Anyhow, after a whole day of hiking we would choose a restaurant in Zakopane and spend the evening resting and refuelling. The food and drinks (beer) were just amazing. The list can be made long; Golonka, lamb, mutton, fish, sausage, cheese and many many more :) 
Just tasty and really cheep (especially for Swedes :) )

Thanks Krystian and Kasia for the company ;)

More adventures to come ...
                                                                                               

           

Krakow, Zakopane, Polen

Many of you were curious where we were going to move, as my wife's 3-year expat contract expires now in early October. It's back to Stockholm!
It has been amazing 3 years here in UK with its stunning scenery, hiking and animal experiences. Before moving here I did not know that UK would be this incredibly beautiful and had so much to offer. I will definitely miss it.
Anyway the flat is going to be packed this Monday and shipped. Which means that it might take a while before I make another post.

Back to this post now. Couple of weeks back we were off to a wedding in Poland, Zakopane. As you might know its a rather popular ski resort in southern Poland.
We landed in Krakow and had a half-day strolling ahead of us. Very positively surprised with that fantastic city with its old buildings, the cathedral and the main square with the market.
In Krakow we tried tradional Polish dumplings (a kind of small pasties) in a cozy little restaurant just around the corner from the main square. Very tasty but to be fair all Polish food is good :) and one of the favourites is Golonka (ham shank).
Later that afternoon we were off to Zakopane with the bus. Very cheap! As everything else is in Poland, for us at least compared to UK or Sweden. To arrive to Zakopane was like coming to an alpine village with all the nice log house and mountains in the background.
One slightly 'negative' part of it was the incredible amount of tourists. Thought this would be inbetween two seasons, but it seems its always peak season there :)
Zakopane region is famous for their smoked cheese which is really good and salty, perfect with the beer. Of course as the rest of that part of Europe, also everything made of wool is a big thing.

The wedding was amazing. Great tasting food served every two hours, and inbetween having a cold cuts table available with everything you can think of. Nothing wrong with that :)

We enjoyed the trip a lot, and will definitely come back as we unfortunately did not have time to hike even though we took the cable car up to one of the mountain top to get to experience some of the amazing nature there.

Until next time..