Our "Girls of..." series this time takes us to the heart of the Tatra Mountains, to Zakopane - a place many of us remember as magical. It's where we took our first steps on skis, spent winter holidays, and admired the regional culture. This time, we discover Zakopane through the eyes of local girls - those who grew up close to nature, amidst traditional music, architecture, art, and handicrafts.

Our first protagonist is Hanka Krzeptowska-Marusarz, an artist and skiing enthusiast. Hanka was born and raised in Zakopane, in a family that has been connected to the Tatra Mountains for generations. She tells us about her deep bond with this place, about the Pod Reglami trail she loves, and about the mysterious corners of Zakopane, where time seems to flow slower. "Zakopane has retained a forgotten romanticism from bygone years; it's full of quiet, hidden places, untouched by tourists," she says.

The magical world of Five Lakes

Hanka also invited us to the Valley of Five Lakes, a place that symbolizes beauty and harmony with nature for her. There, together with her mother and aunt, she hosts people who share their love for the Tatras. "There's multi-generational romanticism in Five Lakes," she says. It's a place where time flows differently, where each season brings something new. "The peaks are already white, lower down everything takes on dark red colors, and at the bottom, the dwarf pine is green, as are the lakes, which have not yet frozen over."

Hanka, raised close to nature, observes the changes that each season brings. What is special for her is precisely this intensity of experiences that contact with nature provides – something she never feels in the city. Five Lakes is a unique place not only because of its scenic qualities but also thanks to the immense efforts of Hanka's mother and aunt, who create an ecological and self-sufficient space there. It's a place full of warmth, where Hanka and her family have been hosting friends and tourists for years, building intergenerational bonds.

A Life Full of Passion

For Hanka, life in Zakopane is not only an attachment to nature but also to highlander culture and tradition. All of this shapes her personality and gives meaning to every day. "I wouldn't be myself if I didn't come from here," she emphasizes with pride. Hanka no longer lives in Zakopane on a daily basis, but it is with this place that she feels most connected.

"Life is best when you can ski," says Hanka. It's a passion that has accompanied her since childhood, just like her love for art, which is a way for her to express herself and her feelings for the Tatra Mountains. In the Valley of Five Lakes, amidst nature and her loved ones, Hanka finds her strength and balance, and every encounter with this place is an extraordinary experience for her.

During this visit to Zakopane, thanks to Hanka and her family, we discovered that Zakopane is more than just picturesque views and highlander cottages. It is a place where nature and tradition intertwine, creating a unique space full of authenticity, warmth, and mutual bonds.

Thank you, Hanka!