Zakopane News

Zakopane Train Station Neon Campaign

Feb 16th, 2015

Those unfortunate souls who arrive to Zakopane via train (can it possibly take any longer?) will notice yet another symbol of Zakopane's indolence in caring for its image - the crumbling station neon. Though for some it is a symbol of the old times...

Best Places Vol. 3 Winners!

Feb 4th, 2015

Had the yummiest and most romantic dinner of your life? Or a good night’s sleep in a cosy, homelike hotel? Or maybe the best skiing lesson ever? Now is the time to acknowledge those who were behind this fantastic time, and to recommend the...

Zakopane Recommended By TimeOut

Dec 3rd, 2014

According to TimeOut portal, "Poland's most popular resort is Zakopane, south of Krakow. Though it's not as well organised as Switzerland, the archaic lift infrastructure is currently being modernised and it's every bit as chocolate-boxy to look at....

New Arrival at Tatra Museum

Nov 15th, 2014

Since recently Tatra Museum in Zakopane can boast a very special piece of art by Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz, aka Witkacy, the eccentric Polish painter, philosopher, playwright and novelist. More precisely, it’s a pastel portrait of Krystyna...

Record Amount of Mountain Goats

Nov 5th, 2014

As many as 1389 mountain goats live in Tatra Mountains, according to scientists within the Autumnal Naturalistic Observation project. This is a record result, employees of Tatra National Park and Slovak scientists say. Last year there were 203...

Morskie Oko Lake Ranks Top 5

Jul 21st, 2014

The Wall Street Journal has presented a list of five remarkable lakes in the world. Ranking first, the Morskie Oko [lit. "The Eye of the Sea"] Lake was dubbed "The Hidden Gem". "Straddling the border between Poland and Slovakia, the Tatra mountains...

No Advert Purging In Krupowki Yet

May 3rd, 2014

At the end of April the notion of introducing the Cultural Park Zone in Krupówki St. fell. This means the advertising chaos will not disappear from the most renowned place in the Tatra district soon. Introducing the cultural park status...

2022 Olympic Games: Smash or Flop?

Mar 5th, 2014

Andrzej Walczak, a husband of Krakow's engine of the Olympic Committee, Jagna Marczułajtis-Walczak, MP, fell to a journalistic provocation, revealing some dirty PR games in favour of the event. Pawel Salamon, a journalist of...

Slivovitz Vodka Legal At Last

Dec 13th, 2013

After 22 years of attempts to legalize slivovitz, the famous 70-percent plum moonshine from the area of Lack, one of local businessmen, Krzysztof Maurer, succeded. Until now the production of slivovitz was penalized. "I wanted to make...

More Geo-Thermal Water Down Zakopane Taps

Dec 10th, 2013

The local drilling company, Geotermia Podhalańska, has just connected the third geo-thermal drill with Zakopane's district heating system. Its power has increased by ca. 8 MW, which is a 50 percent of previous power. The drilling has commenced in...

Tatra Museum Hand In Hand With European Institutions

Nov 28th, 2013

Muzeum Tatrzańskie (The Tatra Museum) signed a letter of intent yesterday (Nov. 27th) commencing cooperation with eight European mountain museums. The institutions aim for establishing an international society of mountain museums' union and joining...

Woeful Fate of Historical Villa

Oct 13th, 2013

The battle to save a historical villa in Zakopane,Turnia, has been going on for several years now. A 1908 Zakopane style house at 9 Kosciuszki St. was founded by Jan Obrochta, a coworker of Stanisław Witkiewicz, a renowned Polish painter...

Poles, Macedonians and Hungarians Awarded with The Golden Alpenstock

Sep 1st, 2013

With over a four-hour concert closed the 45th International Mountain Lands' Folklore Festival, one of the oldest and the most prestigious folklore events in the world. This is why its grand prix, the Golden Alpenstock, is so much a...

Animal Rights Activists Protest Against Horse Transport

Aug 24th, 2013

A while ago the animal rights activists petitioned the Tatra National Park, the operator of the tourist trail to Morskie Oko mountain lake, to completely ban horse carrages. The crusade started after in 2009 one of the working horses, Jontek,...

British Director Awarded at Mountain Film Festival

Aug 20th, 2013

The Grand Prix of the 9th edition of the Meetings with the Mountain Film festival, a wooden statue and a 4.000 PLN prize went to Alastair Lee, the director of "Autana". The film demonstrates alpinism and advnture in an inventive and unusual way....

Cable Car to Kasprowy Wierch Sold at Last

May 27th, 2013

Polskie Koleje Górskie (Polish Mountain Cableways), an Ltd. company created by four districts of Podhale: the city of Zakopane, as well as Bukowina Tatrzańska, Kościelisko and Poronin, became a new owner of the cable car to Mt....

10th Museums' Night Coming This Weekend

May 15th, 2013

Another European museum spree night is not sparing Zakopane this year, so buckle up for a night of first-rate entertainment. The best part is that all entrances are free, and the institutions are preparing some special treats for the most relentless...

Zakopane and Krakow Together for Winter Olympic Games 2022

Jan 30th, 2013

Cultural and winter capitals apply together for Olympic splendor. The Minister of Sports, Joanna Mucha has announced the government will support the candidacy of the city's duo in their struggle to become host cities of Winter Olympic Games 2022. In...

Rubens is Coming to Town in 2014

Jan 15th, 2013

From July to September 2014 60 sketches of Peter Paul Rubens will be on display in the Municipal Art Gallery in Zakopane. The exhibition will arrive from Siegerland Museum in Siegen, Germany and commemorate 25. anniversary of cooperation agreement...

New life to Zakopane museums. New arrival?

Dec 23rd, 2012

Anna Wende-Surmiak, the new director of Tatra Museum in Zakopane has informed that she wanted to revitalize all branches of the museum, and build a museum of Witkacy, aka Stanislaw Ignacy Witkiewicz, a renowned Polish painter and writer of pre-WW II...

New Geothermal Well in Podhale Region

Dec 23rd, 2012

Geotermia Podhalańska SA company started drilling a new geothermal well in a town of Bańska Niżna near Nowy Targ. Water obtained from this 3.5 km deep drill will supply town's heating system, thus influencing pollution reduction in the...

BEWARE OF BOGUS PENSIONS AND HOSTELS IN ZAKOPANE!

Nov 26th, 2012

Interested in luxurious, yet cheap B&Bs at the heart in Zakopane? Beware! This might be nothing more than an e-con, especially as the winter tourist season is now kicking in. As much as 1080 zł have spent a couple who came to Zakopane at the end...

Cable Cart Like Wawel Castle?

Nov 26th, 2012

Cable cart to Kasprowy Wierch is national heritage and should be protected just as any other monument in Poland, claims right-wing party, Solidarna Polska, and want to stop its privatization process. Their vivid reaction was caused by plans of...

Tatras in your pocket

Oct 30th, 2012

TatryInfo is the first free smartphone app for a Polish national park, using innovative NFC (near-frequency) technology. it's a handy source of practical info, facilitating planning a stay in Tatra mountains: weather, security, must see places,...

New life for Zakopane train station

Oct 18th, 2012

After four years of judicial battle Zakopane magistrate will be able to communalize the city's train station and the neighboring grounds, previously belonging to Polish Railways, who would not engage in improving of Zakopane's station for financial...

Here comes the snow...

Sep 29th, 2012

If the drop in temperature and decidedly darker days were not warning enough that summer has been and gone for another year, the first snow of the season has been recorded in the Tatra mountains. Visitors to Zakopane were treated to a view of the...

All aboard the electric bus

Sep 15th, 2012

Zakopane is to trial new, 'green' buses and taxis, ahead of proposals to create an environmentally friendly zone in the town. Authorities have ordered two electric cars for use a taxis, and a bus. The vehicles are all fully-electric, rather than the...

Don't Drink and Hike!

Aug 20th, 2012

Rescue teams in Zakopane have warned tourists that beer and hiking do not go together, after a weekend that saw four rescues in the Tatra mountains. None of the rescue missions were serious, but staff at TOPR, the Tatra Mountain Rescue Team, said...

Stay Safe in the Hills

Jul 28th, 2012

Summer storms in the Tatra mountains can sweep in quickly and unexpectedly, catching hikers and tourists unaware. The Tatra mountain rescue team (TOPR) has warned visitors to Zakopane to keep a weather eye open, and stay one step ahead of sudden...

Let the Music Begin

Jul 1st, 2012

This year's International Festival of Organ and Chamber Music is underway, with concerts planned throughout the summer weekends at a variety of churches around Zakopane. The masters Bach and Mozart will feature strongly in this year's programme,...

Who is the Strongest Man of All?

Jun 4th, 2012

Voting is now open to find the strongest man in the Zakopane region. The Podhale strongman competition will sort the wimps from the wildmen, and the winner will be announced after the closing date, on June 11. The man whose six-pack and biceps make...

Tatra Summer Savings

Apr 30th, 2012

The summer edition of the Tatra Card offering discounts on many of the mountain regions tourist attractions has now been launched. The card is available free to tourists, when they stay at hotels and guest houses participating in the scheme. It...

Pathos Without the Politics

Apr 23rd, 2012

Mention the word Smoleńsk anywhere in Poland and you can expect an overtly political or emotional response, one way or another. Anywhere, it would seem, apart from Zakopane, where the unveiling of a monument to mark the second anniversary of...

If you go into the hills today...

Mar 27th, 2012

Strange footprints in the snow... it can only mean that the bears of the Tatra mountains are waking from their long winter nap, roused by the first touches of spring in southern Poland. As the sunshine brings tourists to Zakopane, Nowy Targ and...

Queen of the mountains

Mar 1st, 2012

Her hobbies include opera singing, playing violin, and dancing, and her aim is to become a doctor - meet 18-year-old Małgorzata Stoch, the new Miss Polonia Podhale. Małgorzata, from Nowy Targ, is a high school student. She won the title...

Cost-cuts for tourists

Feb 1st, 2012

The news should lighten your heart while leaving a little extra ballast in your wallet - Zakopane authorities have the changed the way that they charge tourist tax, effectively cutting the fees by a third. Visitors staying in the town overnight are...

Beware the cheese police

Jan 16th, 2012

Oscypek, the cheese made from sheep's milk, is one of the hallmarks of this region of Poland and a proudly and fiercely protected delicacy. But if you're driving into town you might want to think twice before pulling over to sample this slice of...

Stay safe on the slopes

Dec 29th, 2011

Safety on the slopes around Zakopane is at the centre of attention this month, following the introduction of a new law about protective gear. From January 1, anyone aged 16 or under must wear a helmet when ski-ing. Children who do not have the right...

Here comes the snow!

Dec 11th, 2011

The wait is over - the 2011/2012 ski season has officially opened in Małopolska. The weekend of December 10 and 11 saw special preparations on the slopes of the Tatra mountains around Zakopane, as ski service operators, mountain rescue teams,...

Shes coming round the mountain

Nov 26th, 2011

Its been a long time since the men serving in the TOPR the Tatra Mountain Rescue Service have had to worry about putting the toilet seat down. For 30 years, the organisation has been a men-only environment, with some considering rescue work in the...

Millionaire City!

Nov 21st, 2011

There could be no better place to make money than right here in Zakopane, according to records which show that the town is in the centre of a millionaire hotspot. Government figures show that the Podhale region boasts at least 88 złoty...

Euro 2012 fan ban?

Nov 6th, 2011

When the attention of the sporting world is turned on Poland and Ukraine for the Euro 2012 football championships, its going to get very busy at tourist spots such as Zakopane. However, the town council is considering making the capital of the Tatra...

Whatever the weather...

Oct 30th, 2011

Take a peek at the mountain weather before you set out to explore the lakes of the Tatra mountains thanks to a new webcam that has been installed for tourists. The webcam is operated by Tatra Volunteer Ambulance Service. It brings the total number...

Peak time travel

Sep 12th, 2011

Tourists in Zakopane could soon have a new way of getting around - as business leaders in the mountain capital are pushing for the city to launch its own bus service. The plan will be presented to the Mayor of Zakopane, Janusz Majcher, in a bid to...

Oriental partnership

Sep 12th, 2011

A Chinese city at the centre of a massive economic boom is seeking to forge stronger links with Zakopane. The plan would twin the Tatra mountain city with Sanya, in Hainan province. With a population of just over half a million, it is the largest...

It's a dog's life

Aug 29th, 2011

Dog owners visiting the Tatra national park have long faced a heart-rending choice - leave the pooch at home, or risk a fine of up to 300zl if they are caught with their best friend within the boundaries of the national beauty spot. Now there's a...

Cutting edge at cut price

Aug 17th, 2011

Music lovers have a chance to snap up discount tickets for one of the hottest international festivals this autumn, but only until the end of August. The sixth Krakow Autumn Festival of Jazz is the only music festival in Poland to focus entirely on...

The Fairest of Them All

Jul 30th, 2011

The competition was undeniably tough, but finally 19-year-old Klaudyna Krzysiowska was awarded the title of Miss Polonia Malopolska 2011. Klaudyna, from Nowy Sącz, clinched the title during a gala event in Zakopane. Other titles went to...

Anna is fairest of them all

Jul 23rd, 2011

She is 20 years old and stands 176cm tall - meet Anna Markowska, newly-elected Miss Polonia Malopolska 2012. The Cracovian wowed the judges at the final of the competition in Zakopane on Saturday. And she had extra reasons to be proud, for she...

Beautiful people

Jun 30th, 2011

It's official - a panel of judges faces the most difficult job in the world when it meets in Zakopane this month. For the organisers of the Miss Poland 2011 Malopolska regional event have announced that the finals will be held in the town on July 16....

Let the games begin

Jun 14th, 2011

Celebrated each summer in and around Zakopane, the Tatra Wici is a series of events displaying and promoting the best of life and culture of the mountains. This year, events include the Dunajec Games (July 17), at Biały Dunajec, beloved by the...

Tatra - the mark of high quality

May 26th, 2011

Look out for the Tatra brand when shopping in Zakopane, to be sure you are getting the very best of local produce. The brand is a quality assurance certificate established by the District of Zakopane, in order to promote the regions distinctive...

Zakopane the hub of the universe

Apr 19th, 2011

What should be a sleepy mountain town at the foot of the Giewont Mountain has in fact a long and glorious reputation as a home to creativity and individual style not to mention the ski-ing. The exhibition, from May 13, will focus on the art that...

Farewell to a landmark

Mar 9th, 2011

It has long been a landmark for tourists and locals alike - but at the end of March, Zakopane's Hotel Giewont will close its doors for good. The owners, Orbis, told the newspaper Gazeta Krakowska that the decision to end the buildings run as a hotel...

A hero's farewell

Mar 6th, 2011

Polish ski-jump hero Adam Małysz will be honoured in Zakopane, with a day of exhibition and competition events to mark his retirement. The Tatra Ski Association said it had already planned a day in the skiers name, on March 26. Now the two-time...

Is it a bird, is it a plane..?

Feb 16th, 2011

If Zakopane is the home of Polish winter sports, theres going to be at least one new hero in town and a record-breaking high-flyer at that. In fact, Adam Malysz is already the darling of Polish sports fans everywhere, renowned for his 39 ski jump...

An ill wind

Jan 9th, 2011

If youre feeling unusually blue or grumpy, check which way the wind is blowing. For it may be that you have fallen foul of Zakopanes mysterious Foehn. The Foehn is the name for a dry wind that blows downhill, bringing with it rain and raising...

Chris Columbus the son of a Polish King?

Nov 30th, 2010

A Portuguese historian who has spent twenty years researching the legendary navigator Christopher Columbus believes he has discovered the mystery of the explorer's origins. In short, he is convinced that Columbus was the son of a Polish king. ...

Polish Soldier Bear To Be Commemorated in UK

Nov 29th, 2010

Private Wojtek (pr. Voytek), a Syrian bear who served alongside Polish troops in the Second World War, is due to be commemorated in Edinburgh - the city where he ended his years - with a full-scale monument.A model of the statue was unveiled this...

Winter descends on Poland

Nov 29th, 2010

The last days of November saw heavy snows descend across Poland, as the country was suddenly plunged into deep Winter. Temperatures dropped to well into the minuses, with nighttime levels reaching minus 10 degrees. There were some delays at...

Tour De France In Zakopane?

Nov 27th, 2010

For years Zakopane has struggled to be taken seriously as a host for the Winter Olympics. But as the old saying goes, if at first you don't succeed try, try, try again. Or try hosting theTour de France perhaps...? Yes, the unlikely news that...

Special Highland Highway Launched

Nov 20th, 2010

For those keen to explore the region, a good bit of news is that the "Szlak GORAL*SKI" - a new route linking Poland and Slovakia - has opened to great fanfare. The route connects over two hundred attractions, including modern skiing slopes, sport...

Get Fit In Zakopane!

Nov 19th, 2010

If you want to stay as fit as a fiddle, and likewise enjoy some magnificent countryside, then why not join in the weekly foray that is Running Thursdays. All runners over 12 can join in, and the meeting place is the COS Sports Stadium every...

Highlands Prepare For Ceremony of Lights

Oct 31st, 2010

Travellers in Poland over the next week should make sure to visit at least one cemetery during their stay. Grim as the idea might sound, graveyards are amongst the most spectacular sights in early November. This is due to the time-honoured...

Solaris Author Honoured With Satellite

Oct 17th, 2010

Poland's first ever satellite will be named after celebrated science fiction author Stanislaw Lem. Close to 47,000 votes were cast in the public poll, with the writer beating off competition from 17th century astronomer Hevelius, space theorist...

Olympian Future For Zakopane?

Sep 28th, 2010

2022 may sound like a long way away, but tongues have already started wagging about the possibility of a joint bid for the Winter Olympics by Poland and Slovakia. During the Forum of Skiing Towns held in Zakopane last week, Peter Chudy, head of...

Jimi Hendrix May Crown Town Square

Sep 23rd, 2010

Residents of the town of Dabrowa Gornicza in southern Poland are petitioning authorities to rename a square after legendary rocker Jimi Hendrix. After the fall of communism twenty years ago, locals repainted a socialist monument and rededicated...

Snake Surprises Granny in Western Poland

Sep 21st, 2010

A two-metre-long anaconda took a Polish granny by surprise in Wroclaw this week when it turned up in her lavatory. However, not to be flustered (the lady needed a proper night's sleep) she closed the lid of the loo and then called the police the...

Polish Women: Harpies from Hell?

Sep 12th, 2010

Their resounding appeal to foreigners of the opposite sex has virtually become a clich. Even in the 18th century, legendary casanova the Prince de Ligne (who was indeed best buddy of the real Casanova) insisted that Polish ladies had "a grace, a...

Mountain Folklore Celebrated in Zakopane

Aug 16th, 2010

Starting on Friday, the 20th of August, the mountain town of Zakopane will again be the gathering point for folk ensembles of mountain people from all over the world to showcase their regional music, songs, dances, and customs. International groups...

Polish Desert Set For Revival

Jul 28th, 2010

The Tatra Mountains may be well-established as a tourist destination, but few foreigners know that southern Poland also boasts a bona fide desert. The Bledkowska Desert - which spans some 30 square kilometres - is the largest of its kind in...

Poland's First 3D Film Underway

Jul 24th, 2010

Filming has begun on one of the most lavish Polish films of all time. The Battle of Warsaw 1920 is being shot by veteran director Jerzy Hoffman at a budget of $6,1 million. Mr.Hoffman is no stranger to historical epics. The 78-year-old director is...

Polanski Out And About

Jul 16th, 2010

Polish film director Roman Polanski was freed from his state of house arrest on Monday 12th July. The decision by the Swiss Justice Ministry angered U.S. authorities but pleased the governments of France and Poland, countries in which Polanski enjoys...

Poland Has Chosen A New President

Jul 8th, 2010

His official swearing-in is not till early August, but Poland has elected a new President. Liberal candidate Bronislaw Komorowski beat off right wing rival Jaroslaw Kaczynski in a run-off on July 4th. The margin of victory was 53.01 percent to 46.99...

A Long Walk Through the Mountains

Jul 1st, 2010

Later this year, a blockbusting survival epic will hit cinemas, courtesy of Peter Weir (Master and Commander and The Truman Show). The Long Walk, starring Colin Farrell and Ed Harris, is based on best-selling novel The Way Back, by Polish WWII...

The Final Countdown

Jun 30th, 2010

Following an inconclusive vote on June 20th, Poland is preparing for the final round of her presidential elections. Two candidates are left in the running, middle of the spectrum Bronislaw Komorowski and right-winger Jaroslaw Kaczynski. ...

Poles Triumph in Moscow

Jun 28th, 2010

Polish directors pretty much stole the show at this year's Moscow Film Festival. And interestingly enough, both of the winning Polish entries were films that focused on poisonous elements in the former Soviet system. Jan Kidawa-Błonski won...

Beavers Get The Blame

Jun 21st, 2010

With flood damage continuing to affect Poland, fingers are being pointed at those considered culpable - ministers, local authorities and developers to name but a few. Unfortunately for lovers of the animal kingdom, it seems that a certain furry...

Poland Basks In Warm Weather

Jun 11th, 2010

Poland has been enjoying a spell of warm weather, with temperatures reaching 30 degrees in the south. Travellers concerned about May's floods have no cause for alarm. Indeed, the vicinity of Zakopane escaped the physical ravages of the flooding...

Zakopane Loses World Championships Bid

Jun 9th, 2010

Zakopane has failed to win the rights to host the Nordic World Skiing Championships of 2015. It is the third consecutive time that the town has lost out in the contest. The Swedish city of Falun came out on top, beating off Finland's Lahti, Germany's...

Floods Take Toll on Poland

May 21st, 2010

Whilst the flood risk seemed to have rescinded by the weekend of 21st May, major damage occurred across southern Poland, and 8 lives have been lost to date. Although Zakopane did not suffer to the degree of towns further upstream, one 85-year-old...

Bear Shot After Mauling Incident

May 7th, 2010

A bear was shot in the Tatra Park on Friday 7th, following two incidents over the last fortnight. The first incident came when a lumberjack was mauled on the Slovakian side of the mountains on April 22. Five days later another man was injured in a...

Pole Conquers Himalayan Peaks

Apr 30th, 2010

On 27th April, climber Piotr Pustelnik reached the peak of Mount Annapurna, rounding off a high-altitude odyssey that has seen him scale all the fourteen key peaks of the Himalayan range. He's the 21st climber in history to have accomplished the...

Olympian Star Salutes Mentor

Apr 28th, 2010

Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland's star of the Vancouver Winter games, has written an open letter to Piotr Nurowski, former President of the Polish Olympic committee. Mr. Nurowski was one of the 96 victims of the Smolensk air disaster on April 10th. In...

Highlanders Pay Tribute To Presidential Couple

Apr 20th, 2010

A delegation of highlanders travelled to Cracow on Sunday for the funeral of President Lech Kaczynski and his wife Maria. Although black volcanic clouds wreaked havoc with international delegations due to attend, the weather in Cracow remained...

Black Cloud Flies Over Funeral

Apr 16th, 2010

Iceland's volcanic eruption has caused chaos at airports across Europe, but the state funeral of President Lech Kaczynski and his wife will go ahead regardless of whether international dignitaries are able to attend. It is the wish of the late...

Phantom Egg Thief Arrested

Mar 29th, 2010

A crafty soul who seems to have swiped some 7000 chicken eggs has been arrested in south west Poland. Since December last year, a 31-year-old man had apparently been ruthlessly raiding chicken farms across the region. When the suspect was...

Python Makes Policemen's Eyes Pop Out

Mar 23rd, 2010

Policemen in the town of Otwock were amazed last week when a python emerged from a woman's cleavage during questioning. The lady had been taken to the local station following an incident involving a breach of the peace. When the snake surfaced,...

Olympian Star Sells Winning Skis

Mar 16th, 2010

Justyna Kowalczyk, Poland's hero of the Vancouver Games, has sold her lucky skis for the royal sum of 51,000 zloty. The benefits will go to a children's charity. The 25 year-old, who won three medals at this years Olympics, including gold in the...

Poland Delighted With Olympic Tally

Mar 2nd, 2010

They may not have come back dripping with gold, but the Polish team returned jubilant from Vancouver. It' was Poland's most successful Winter Olympics yet. All in all, the Poles snatched 6 medals, including one gold, three silvers and two bronze....

Explorer's Widow Fails To Ban Book

Feb 26th, 2010

A controversial biography of the late writer and explorer Ryszard Kapuscinski is to go on sale on March 1st. Kapuscinski's widow had tried to block the book's publication - for reasons that are only now beginning to come clear. One publishing...

Silver Bear For Polanski

Feb 22nd, 2010

Roman Polanski has won the award for Best Director at the Berlin Film Festival. The Polish-born film-maker, who is currently under house arrest in Gstaad, is said to be "very happy" about the news. The Ghost Writer is a thriller based on a...

Medal For Malysz

Feb 15th, 2010

Poland's ace ski jumper Adam Malysz has won a silver medal in the Vancouver Olympics. A last minute return to form saw the plucky Pole win glory at the games, finishing a close second behind Swiss star Simon Ammann. It had been a somewhat shaky...

Malysz Breaks Record In Canada

Feb 12th, 2010

Poland's star ski-jumper Adam Malysz broke an Olympic record in the warm-up training for the Vancouver Games. The Pole notched up a mighty 109,5 metres, which was not only the longest jump of any of the competitors taking part in the session, but...

Zakopane Zapped For Betting Ads

Jan 27th, 2010

Zakopane looks like the first major victim to fall foul of stringent new gambling laws enacted on 1st January, 2010. The Customs Chamber has launched proceedings over the advertising of French betting company "Bet at home", logos of which were...

Austrian Jumps To Victory In Zakopane

Jan 25th, 2010

Gregor Schlierenzauer soared to victory over the weekend in the World Ski Jumping Cup. The 20-year-old Austrian notched up two wins in as many days, taking him a tad closer in the overall ranking to leader Simon Amman of Switzerland. Amman was...

Polls Reveal Different Poles

Jan 20th, 2010

A recent CBOS poll has indicated that Poles are significantly happier than under communism. And generally speaking, Poland is considered one of the success stories of the former eastern bloc. Nevertheless, as a further Eurostat poll revealed this...

Riddle of the Stolen Sign

Dec 22nd, 2009

The notorious 'Arbeit Macht Frei' sign was recovered by Polish police on Sunday 20th December, two days after it was stolen from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum. Five men were arrested in the city of Torun, several hundred kilometres north of the...

Sporting Brands A Winner For Sportsmen

Nov 20th, 2009

Polish skiing sensation Adam Malysz can command up to 400,000 zloty (95,000 euro) for an ad campaign, according to the Pentagon Research firm. The skiing star, known as "The Flying Moustache", and "The Polish Batman", ranks third in ad punching...

Weeding Out The Weed

Nov 19th, 2009

Several thousand marijuana plants and 74 kg of dried weed have been seized from an abandoned school building in Central Poland. The unprecedented bust, which was carried out under the auspices of the Central Investigation Bureau, is the largest of...