We all dream of enjoying beautiful weather on holiday—sunshine, high temperatures and a light, refreshing breeze. In practice, however, things vary, so before travelling it is worth checking what you can do at your destination when it rains and outdoor activities are difficult. What can you do in the mountains when it rains? Here are ideas for finding interesting places for the whole family and making your holiday unforgettable!
What to do in the mountains when it rains? Sightsee!
If you are wondering what to do in the mountains on a rainy day, visiting attractions and historic sites may be a good idea. Museums and city art galleries are worth discovering on sunny days too, but they often attract the most visitors when the skies are cloudy. Depending on where you spend your mountain holiday, you will find many interesting places to visit independently or with a guide. You can also visit the local tourist information office, where you are sure to learn more about attractions in the area.
Tytus Chałubiński Tatra Museum
The idea of establishing the Tatra Museum in Zakopane arose in 1888 among friends of Tytus Chałubiński, who wanted to honour his achievements. Tytus Chałubiński was an outstanding doctor, scholar and social activist, as well as a great lover of the Tatra Mountains and highland culture. The museum was established by the Tatra Museum Society in 1889, making it one of Poland’s oldest museums. Visitors can see around 1400 exhibits, including embroidered highlander bodices and colourful skirts, cheese moulds, bagpipes and Podhale fiddles, a wooden model of the Villa pod Jedlami, as well as granite, limestone and quartz.
20th-Century Art Gallery
The 20th-Century Art Gallery in Villa Oksza is a branch and the newest home of the Tatra Museum in Zakopane. It features the permanent exhibition "Artists and Art in Zakopane". The display includes works by artists such as Leon Wyczółkowski, Rafał Malczewski, Zofia Stryjeńska and Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, tracing changes in art and Zakopane itself from the late 19th century to World War II.
Nikifor Museum
Nikifor Museum, located in the centre of Krynica-Zdrój, is dedicated to the work of one of Poland’s best-known folk artists. Nikifor Krynicki (actually Epifaniusz Drowniak) was born in Krynica-Zdrój and spent most of his life there, creating exceptionally colourful and emotional paintings. The museum is housed in a restored 19th-century villa and displays the artist’s work from every period of his career, including drawings, watercolours, photographs and stamps.
Stanisław Witkiewicz Museum of Zakopane Style
The Museum of Zakopane Style is the only place in Poland where you can learn about the first concept of a Polish national style, based on the architecture and ornamentation of Podhale highlanders. The first house built in the Zakopane style was Villa Koliba, designed by Stanisław Witkiewicz. It stands on Kościeliska Street, Zakopane’s oldest street, where you can also see more historic highlander houses and farmsteads.
Muszyna Regional Museum
Muszyna Regional Museum brings the history of the town and its inhabitants closer to visitors. The museum houses rich historical and ethnographic collections, memorabilia of former starosts and townspeople, and many other exhibits, including bourgeois, guild and travel chests and military items. You can also see Judaica commemorating the Jews who lived in the region, as well as amateur and contemporary art.
Rainy mountains: what to do with children?
Summer in the mountains can be unpredictable, but children need not be bored when it rains! Rainy weather can be the perfect opportunity to show them other enjoyable ways to spend time. In the mountains you will find many places where children can play, learn or use up their energy.
Toy Museum
Did you know that Poland has museums that delight even the youngest visitors? One is the Toy Museum in Krynica-Zdrój, with nearly 6000 exhibits! Here you can see children’s toys from every era—from ancient times to the 1980s. The collection includes nativity scenes, optical toys, boys’ military toys, tin toys, animals, music boxes, various building blocks, school supplies and much more—and it is constantly growing!
Waterparks and swimming pools
Wondering what to do in the mountains with children when it rains, while still enjoying active time? If museums are not for you, waterparks, swimming pools and thermal baths are a great option, offering family fun in the water whatever the weather. Popular choices include Zakopane Aqua Park and the Terma Bania, Termy Bukovina and Termy Szaflary complexes, with leisure and sports pools, slides and paddling pools for the youngest guests. Great fun guaranteed!
Would you like to enjoy water-based fun whenever you wish? Then plan a stay at a luxury mountain hotel with a pool, such as Belmonte. Our guests have access to a hydro massage pool, children’s paddling pool and relaxation area with loungers. And if the sun comes out, you can also enjoy the outdoor jacuzzi. A rainy day is the perfect time to use the hotel’s facilities without feeling guilty!
Children’s activities
Some mountain hotels also provide special children’s activities regardless of the weather. You can enjoy them not only when you do not know what to do on a rainy holiday. As a family hotel in the mountains, we adapt our activity programme to children’s abilities, ages and the current weather, choosing themes for both younger and older children—from creative workshops and games to sports competitions and special nature encounters. Our youngest guests can also enjoy a safe playroom full of attractions.
Rainy mountain day: treat yourself to relaxation
If the weather prevents you from heading into the mountains and rain does not encourage sightseeing either, use the day to relax and fully recharge. To leave everyday worries and responsibilities behind, go to the pool or sauna, or enjoy a jacuzzi session. You can also unwind with a massage or beauty treatment by choosing a SPA hotel in the mountains for your holiday.