Discover Nowy Targ, Poland!

Paulami Basu
Oct 3
4 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

After spending considerable time in the Balkan region and experiencing closely almost six Balkan countries, my life took a turn towards a road that led further north. I have arrived in Poland.

Cars drive on a snowy rural road with distant hills and scattered houses under a clear blue sky, exuding a peaceful, wintery scene. — Winter arrival in Poland

Poland doesn’t always ring a bell for the average traveller. And honestly, that’s not such a bad thing. In a world where so many destinations are overhyped, overcrowded, and overexposed, being underrated is a kind of quiet luxury. There's something special about discovering a country that hasn't been shaped by mass tourism — where authenticity still lives in the streets, the food, and the people. Poland is one of those rare places that still feels like a secret worth keeping.

Poland has endured a long and harrowing past. The devastation of WWII followed by falling on the lap of a very long communist era – few could have imagined the Poland we see today. Resilient, vibrant, and forward-looking, the country’s transformation is nothing short of remarkable.

My first rendezvous with Poland began in Nowy Targ. It was time to discover this quaint little town.

Snowy village with houses and red roofs by a winding river. Mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. Peaceful winter scene. — Nowy Targ

Tucked quietly in the southern reaches of Poland, Nowy Targ is a town that many travellers may skip in favour of Zakopane or Kraków — and that’s exactly why this place enticed me more. They are not comparable, no. Rather Nowy Targ has its own rhythm, own charm. The curvy flow of River Dunajec gives a touch of additional glamour to the little town.

But its proximity to Zakopane makes Nowy Targ a great alternative for those seeking a more affordable and less touristy place to stay to enjoy the magic of Tatra Mountains, Nowy Targ being the gateway to the Tatras.

This isn't a place that screams for attention. Instead, it gently pulls you in with its rhythm — one shaped by mountains, the sharp peaks of Tatras, the quiet riverside walks and snow covered land during winter. Yes, it was winter and I arrived in Poland.

Gateway to the Gorce & Tatra Mountains

Nowy Targ sits at the foot of the Gorce Mountains, with panoramic views that stretch toward the majestic Tatra range. Whether you're a hiker, cyclist, or simply a mountain gazer, the location is unbeatable.

Gorce National Park is just minutes away — perfect for serene forest walks and less crowded trails.
To the south, the road climbs toward Zakopane, but the views from Nowy Targ's outskirts are just as rewarding, minus the tourist rush.

Snowy landscape with leafless trees and distant mountains under a pastel sky. A river flows through the scene, creating a serene mood. — Peaks of Tatra Mountains visible from my hotel

Thursday Markets & Timeless Traditions

Visit on a Thursday, and the town comes alive. The Nowy Targ market (Targowisko) is one of the oldest in Poland, and walking through it feels like stepping into a living piece of folklore.

Vendors sell everything from highlander cheese (oscypek) to sheepskin slippers, kitchen tools, handmade crafts, and mountains of produce.
It’s loud, colourful, and completely unfiltered — a perfect window into Podhale culture.

Where to stay in Nowy Targ

There are no dearth of choices yet let me share details of my stay here – Oberża pod Różą.

It was just perfect – big-sized room and an equally big balcony with a view of the stunning peaks of the high Tatras. And the land all around was white, till my eyes could reach, till the land blended with the horizon.

But the best reason to choose this place would be its food. They have a restaurant and everything being served there is absolutely amazing, including the breakfast. A paradise for food lovers. Try their potato pancakes with goulash, pierogis and soups.

What to Eat in Nowy Targ

Local food here hits differently — simple, hearty, and honest.

Try moskole (potato flatbreads) fresh off a grill, or kwaśnica, a highlander sauerkraut soup that warms you from the inside out.

Don’t miss the ice cream parlors in the town square. They’re wildly popular for a reason.

Snowy hillside village with colorful houses under a clear blue sky. Cars parked along a road, trees, and hills in the background. — Colours of Nowy Targ

Slow Adventures: Rafting, Biking, Wandering

Rafting on the Dunajec River is a peaceful, scenic way to experience the region — and Nowy Targ is an ideal base.

The town is connected to an amazing network of bike paths, including the iconic Velo Dunajec, which winds through the hills and valleys with stunning views all around.

Old Soul, New Vibe

Nowy Targ isn’t polished or curated. It’s a town that still wears its everyday life proudly — a little weathered, a little quiet, but deeply rooted.

Stroll the Rynek (town square) with a coffee in hand and watch daily life unfold.
Visit the Church of St. Catherine, one of the oldest in the region, with wooden interiors and soul-soothing silence.
For something modern, check out the Nowa Targowica shopping area or stop by a local craft brewery.

Woman in black coat walking on a snowy land at a distance, and bare branches of trees create the backdrop. — Nowy Targ, the winter wonderland

Final Thoughts: The Charm of the Undiscovered

Nowy Targ is for travelers who prefer realness over rush, quiet trails over crowded peaks, and small-town heart over big-city lights.

It’s not flashy, but give it a little time, and it might just stay with you longer than the tourist hotspots, just like it did in my mind.

Come for the mountains. Stay for the mood. Leave with a little more stillness than you came with.

Getting There:

✈️ Nearest airport: Kraków-Balice (about 1.5 hrs by car)
🚌 Bus from Kraków: Frequent connections, ~2 hours
🚆 Train: A slower but scenic ride through the hills

Person walks on snowy path towards houses with brown roofs, set against mountains under a clear blue sky. Peaceful winter scene. — Nowy Targ