Zakopane attracts crowds, but contrary to what you might expect, access to “public” toilets can be problematic — in the town centre there are only a few municipal restrooms, and most other facilities are run by private businesses that set their own prices. That means walkers on Krupówki often encounter paid facilities or need to ask for toilet access in cafés and restaurants.
In recent years the town has announced and started implementing investments in automated public toilets in several locations in the centre and at parking areas, which should gradually improve the situation — but during the high season it’s still a good idea to plan breaks and have a plan B.
If you’re heading into the mountains — remember that outside built-up areas nature protection rules apply. On popular trails sanitary issues are handled in various ways: from facilities near Tatra National Park entrances to pilot schemes introducing special bags for human waste.
In practice there are only a handful of restrooms in the centre that are managed by the local government or municipal institutions — they are usually located near larger public spaces and parks. If you’re looking for a municipal WC, plan a short walk toward the main squares and parks; those locations tend to be cheaper and more reliable.
Keep in mind that some facilities along the promenade that look like “public toilets” may be privately owned — in that case price and opening hours depend on the owner. For this reason it’s good to carry small change or check in advance where you plan to stop.
If you want the cheapest option — look for restrooms owned by municipal or park institutions; in practice using such facilities often involves only a small fee.
At popular entrances to the Tatras (Kuźnice, Palenica Białczańska, Morskie Oko and others) there are information points and sanitary facilities located on land managed by the national park or by entities that run particular entrances. These solutions are generally available to tourists, although they can be busy in peak season.
Tatra National Park (TPN) is introducing measures to reduce the problem of people relieving themselves in the open — one of the measures is a pilot distribution of special bags for biological waste, available at park entrances and at the TPN information point. This is a practical solution for people heading to long, frequently used trails and helps protect nature.
At trailheads pay attention to signage and park announcements — you may find information about availability of toilets, changes to opening hours or temporary restrictions.
The difference between a “municipal toilet” and a “private toilet” matters: municipal and institutional facilities usually charge a low, fixed fee; private facilities along the promenade and near parking lots can set their own rates, which may be higher, especially in season.
In practice it’s worth carrying a few coins and small notes. Not all toilets on Krupówki or at parking areas accept cashless payments, and for simple automated units coins are still often the most convenient option.
If you encounter a very high price in one place — don’t panic: there are usually alternatives nearby (cafés, restaurants, other service points), and the town is gradually investing in additional automated toilets in selected locations.
Plan toilet breaks the same way you plan food or photo stops — especially for longer walks along Krupówki and before heading into the mountains. It’s best to stop at the first opportunity instead of searching for a WC at the last minute.
When visiting the centre, consider going into a well-rated café or restaurant — buying a small drink often gives you access to the restroom and is a comfortable, tidy option. Choose places with good reviews; if in doubt, ask staff politely about their restroom policy.
Carry wet wipes and a small hand sanitizer. Even in modern automated units you won’t always find paper or soap. For longer hikes pack a small sanitary kit in your backpack.
In the Tatras nature protection rules apply — do not leave biological waste in the environment. Where there are no designated toilets, use the solutions provided by the Park (for example the bags mentioned earlier) or go away from the most heavily used areas and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Never leave toilet paper or packaging from wipes in nature. If you use a special bag or another disposal solution intended for waste, follow the Park’s instructions — usually such a bag should be thrown into a bin in a built-up place, not on the trail.
Respect privacy and hygiene: near trail starts and at queues keep things tidy, don’t block passages and use sanitary facilities as briefly as reasonable so others can use them too.
Assuming “there’s surely a toilet on Krupówki” — unfortunately that’s a common trap; it’s better to have a backup plan and ask where the nearest municipal WC is.
Not having small change — not all toilets and machines accept cards. Carry a few coins or a small note.
Not being prepared for mountain conditions — when entering the Tatras don’t postpone sanitary considerations: longer hikes require preparation (bags, wipes, extra water) and awareness of nature protection rules.
Where is the cheapest toilet in the centre? — The cheapest options are municipal and institutional toilets near larger squares and parks; in practice they are often cheaper than private points along the promenade.
Can you use hotel toilets? — Hotels usually provide toilets only to their guests, but in emergencies the reception may help; it’s best to ask politely.
What to do if there’s no toilet on the trail? — Use solutions recommended by TPN (hygiene bags, indicated spots), choose less frequented parts of the route and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Plan breaks in advance, carry small change, keep a basic hygiene kit in your backpack and use municipal conveniences whenever you can. During the season crowds on Krupówki and at trailheads can be significant, so calm reactions and preparation will save you stress.
If you found this article helpful — share it with friends or on social media; you can also send it to people you’re travelling with. If you want to explore Zakopane and Krakow without stress and with local knowledge, consider the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Good luck on the trail and enjoy your stay in Zakopane!
