Stepping over the hundred-year-old threshold of the Villa, a surprised Ewa Kasprzyk might have exclaimed: "Marian! It's so luxurious here!" (anyone who has watched Kogel-Mogel knows that scene). Not only is it cosy and comfortable, with every interior refined, but also the view from the window is so breathtaking.
Because the Villa grew up under the Giewont massif, not far from mountain trails, it combines all the best from the highland tradition and modernity in the tastiest way. This combination (Tatra, not Alpine) creates a place for rest, recreation and hiking - at any time of year. Admittedly, the stairs creak, but it is homely, cosy and fully Zakopane-like.
In 1919, when the cross on Giewont was celebrating its 18th birthday, the Tatra Voluntary Rescue Service was starting to assist, the construction of Villa Olsza began - at that time a real highlander cottage, which was to soak up the atmosphere of the Tatra capital for the next hundred years. And it was a special atmosphere, compared by Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz to opium intoxication.
And so it is in Zakopane to this day - if only you know where to look.
Willa Olsza is one of the few guesthouses with real Zakopane history, atmosphere and soul, which opens wide its over 100-year-old doors, offering accommodation in comfortable apartments. The decor and furnishings of each of them are the result of a passion for highlander heritage and sculpture - each has selected materials and stylish accessories.
The three comfortably furnished rooms can accommodate up to 14 people. Apart from the bedroom, the apartments also include a living area with a sofa and a TV (if you are tired after hiking or skiing, you can lie down comfortably and watch movies) and a bathroom with cosmetics and a hairdryer. Each has a well-equipped kitchen. And from almost each of them you can go out onto a balcony with a great view - we recommend drinking your morning coffee or tea there and enjoying your eyes. For some it's a minus, for us the charm lies in the old wooden stairs, which have their moods and creak. Wooden walls carry loud conversations, so a sensitive ear can hear them.
Some rooms offer the option of an extra bed or travel cot.
Around the villa there is a garden and a common lounge area where you can barbecue, laze around and grab some vitamin D. You can park right in front of the door. Note: the road home is steep and narrow - it is best to leave the steering wheel to an experienced driver, especially in winter (remember to wear winter tires and, in case of black ice, even chains)!
Our principle is: you eat whenever you want. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, so you cook yourself. You are not kept by mealtimes or imposed dishes. Go shopping in nearby stores and enjoy your vacation. On Strążyska Street there is a "Store in the garage" which we recommend wholeheartedly. You will find there traditionally baked bread, dairy products, cold cuts, honey dumplings, cakes and other products prepared locally. From May to October (in the sheep grazing season), there is a shepherd's hut where you can buy oscypek.
If you would like fresh milk, kefir, bundz white cheese, cottage cheese or eggs - no problem - we will bring you from our small family farm. We have prepared a barbecue in the garden, so don't forget about steaks, sausages or skewers.
If you prefer to eat in a restaurant, we can recommend a few, where they feed really solidly and tasty: Zakopiańska (on Jagiellońska street), where you must eat dumplings with bryndza, Hideout with Grzegorz Lelka's original menu and Karczma Muzykancko with highlander music, sometimes even with dance shows - conducted by the "musician" Krzysiek Rybka.
Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz wrote in Echo Tatrzański as follows: "For the weak, Zakopane is almost as deadly [...] as meeting a demonic woman [...] in the atmosphere of Zakopane [...] there is a subtle drug, a hundred times worse than opium fumes and hash marmalade. " 100 years later, these words are still relevant - not only the heart can be left here.
The villa is situated in a beautiful environment, the closest is the trail to Kuźnice, and from there where the legs will lift: to Giewont, Kasprowy Wierch, Kalatówki and Hala Kondratowa. We especially recommend a walk to Antałówka, Butorowy Wierch, Nosal and Morskie Oko (although it is best here during the week and early in the morning to avoid crowds). It is worth taking a walk to the Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jaszczurówka and to the Cemetery in Pęksowy Brzyzek, where many distinguished Poles (including Kornel Makuszyński) are buried, who tied their lives with Zakopane in various ways.
It is also worth going to the Chochołowska Valley (especially in March, when crocuses begin to bloom) and the Kościeliska Valley with a shelter in Hala Ornak, where you can eat the real sour soup with ribs and further to the Smreczyński Pond.
Zakopane's cultural background is so rich that it is best to check the calendar of events in the Infogram on an ongoing basis. Every year, the Great Tatra May weekend takes place near Gubałówka. This mass event is an excellent opportunity to admire the performances of regional bands and taste traditional dishes. In August, we invite you to the Mountain Region Folklore Festival, which is accompanied by a lot of attractions: dancing lessons, selling local products, games for the youngest, competitions and dancing with festival participants. In August, Poronin hosts the Teddy Bear, honey and honey hunters festival, during which you can buy various Podhale honeys and take part in many competitions. In addition, the following are organized: Oscypek Festival, Harendziańkie Zwyki and Olczy Festival. In towns and villages neighboring Zakopane, it is worth taking part in: Trout Festival (Biały Dunajec), Hunting Day (Jurgów), Witowiańsko Watra (Witów), Choosing Harnas of the Year (Białka Tatrzańska), and Święcie Lasu (Siwa Polana in Kościelisko).
What’s there for children?
Although we like kids, we don't have anything special to offer them at home. Outside the house, there is a completely unexplored space full of climbing, exploring caves, walking in meadows, mountains and valleys - in a word: full of adventures!
In addition, older kids can experience a slide down the Wielka Krokiew ski jump and a gravity slide from Gubałówka. A walk along the Kościeliska Valley to the Ornak Shelter will not be difficult and even short legs will cope with it. And in the shelter itself, it is worth trying desserts and the legendary kwaśnica.
During the rain, it is worth going to the museums that will present the folk art of the Highlanders. The Tatra Museum is a great place to learn about local culture, and the Karol Szymanowski Museum will allow you to familiarize yourself with the composer's work. In addition, you can find out a lot of interesting information at the Oscypek Museum.
