Poland: Tatra Mountains in Zakopane

Ah, Zakopane! The charming little town is nestled in the heart of the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland. It's the kind of place that takes your breath away with its stunning scenery and makes you feel like you've stumbled into a fairy tale. But don't let the quaint surroundings fool you, Zakopane is a bustling hub of activity with something for everyone. Whether you're an avid outdoorsman or a culture enthusiast, this town has got you covered.

Let's start with the obvious - the Tatra National Park. This is the perfect place for anyone who wants to escape the city and immerse themselves in nature. With over 29 peaks to choose from, you can spend days hiking or skiing through the mountains and still not see everything. And if you're lucky, you might even spot some of the wildlife that calls this place home, like the elusive Tatra chamois or the golden eagle.

Oh boy, let me tell you about the hike we just went on. We hiked for a whopping six hours! That’s longer than most people’s workday, and let me tell you, our legs were feeling it. I’m pretty sure we could have given any marathon runner a run for their money by the end of it.

But was it worth it? Oh, absolutely. The views we saw in those mountains were breathtaking.