Zakopane outskirts – the most charming corner of the Podhale region! Why is it worth investing in Kościelisko, Chochołów and surrounding areas?
Zakopane outskirts – the most charming corner of the Podhale region! Why is it worth investing in Kościelisko, Chochołów and surrounding areas?
The cradle of Podhale tradition
Chochołów, 20 km away from Zakopane, became a settlement already at the end of the 16th century. We know about the first village leader from a document dated 1592, issued by King Sigismund III. Chochołów is the best-preserved highland village, since the mid-20th century it has been under conservation protection – as many as 103 buildings are listed in the register.
The oldest building in the village is the Bafia Cottage (dating from 1798). It currently houses the Chochołów Uprising Museum, commemorating the armed uprising by highlanders from Chochołów, Dzianisz and the surrounding area against the oppression of the manor and Austrian authorities on 21 February 1846.
The road of the Kościelisko commune to independence was long and winding. The shepherds’ settlements that later became part of Kościelisko date back to 1623. In the 18th century, Kościelisko was even called a state – Herrschaft Kościelisko. Then, until 1847, Kościelisko belonged to the settlement of Zakopane. In the 1970s, it merged with nearby Witów, Dzianisz and Chochołów – and so the Kościelisko-Witów commune was formed. After a few years, this commune became incorporated into the Tatra commune. In 1994, the Kościelisko commune was created, which consists of the villages of Kościelisko, Witów and Dzianisz.
It is worth noting that the descendants of families of merit for Chochołów and Kościelisko, with rich traditions, are still living in the area today – these include for example the Bafias, the Styrculas, the Staszels and the Karpiels.
The Kościeliska Valley – An ideal starting point in the mountains
The Kościeliska Valley is by far the most well-known of the Tatra valleys. Experienced mountaineers return to it with sentiment, and families with children discover it with great excitement. During the walk, we can visit as many as 5 caves: Mroźna, Mylna, Raptawicka, Obłazkowa and Smocza Jama – the Dragon’s Den. There are trails from the valley leading to several summits – including Ornak, Błyszcz or Bystra, as well as to the Smreczyński Pond or the Krakow Gorge.
The name of the valley refers to the church visited by workers from the copper (later iron) smelter. A merchant route led through it, thus attracting robbers.
Away from the traffic, close to nature
Plots of land in Kościelisko, Chochołów and the surrounding area have appreciated strongly in value over recent years, and this trend is sure to continue.
These areas attract tourists – they offer communion with nature, which is what one certainly comes to the mountains for.
At the same time, a stay in this region of Podhale provides an excellent opportunity to get to know the local culture and to taste traditional highland delicacies. Another factor that makes rental real estate desirable in this area are the most famous and largest thermal baths in Poland located in Chochołów. Chochołowskie Thermal Baths complex also includes a saunarium, spa and sports centre.
