The real bane of Zakopane will finally disappear. Tourists will feel the difference

Over the years, advertising billboards have entered the landscape of Zakopane for good. Tourists had a negative opinion about them, but even this did not cause the introduction of wider regulations regarding their size and method of deployment. Soon, the infamous decoration of the capital of the Tatra Mountains may disappear. According to Gazeta Krakowska, by the summer of 2026, the provisions of the landscape resolution in Zakopane should enter into force. According to them, large billboards and advertising sheets will be not allowed, also those placed at Zakopianka.

Admiring billboards instead of the Tatra Mountains

Every year, millions of tourists defeat the Billboards forest on their way from Krakow to Zakopane. Colorful advertising of all sorts of services set up almost along the entire length of the Zakopane will disfigure the natural landscape of Lesser Poland. There are so many posters and boards that they cover the view of the mountain coming from behind the horizon. Although guests heading for mountain trails complain about this state of affairs, the situation has not changed for years.

Hope appeared again in May last year, when the new mayor of Zakopane Łukasz Filipowicz announced the refinement of the draft new regulations prepared by the previous city hall. Until March 31, 2025, public consultations will last on restrictions on placing billboards. “After this time, officials will consider the applications of residents, they will make any changes and the project will go to the councilors” – we read in Gazeta Krakowska.

Holidays 2026 will be different

Although there is a chance that after accepting the regulations will come into force this summer, the city will have twelve months to adapt to the applicable law. The first vacation free from billboards is waiting for tourists at the earliest in 2026. “Large billboards and advertising sheets will be not allowed. Only periodic sheets will be allowed in the case of renovation of the building,” explains Marta Gratkowska, head of the spatial office of the City Hall of Zakopane, quoted by Gazeta Krakowska.

It cannot be denied that Zakopane is experiencing an image crisis. Bandy souvenirs, street scammers and high prices can discourage tourists from arrival. Removing some of unwanted ads will therefore be a step towards important changes in the perception of a mountain town.