Zakopane is a place that constantly inspires – both those who come here and those who were lucky enough to be born and raised here. In our "Girls of…" series, we meet women whose daily lives show the great power of being close to nature, tradition, and their own passions. This time, we talk to two extraordinary girls who, though completely different, share a deep bond with this unique place.

Helka Rząsa: The soul of Zakopane tradition

Helka is a woman who wholeheartedly embraces her family heritage and the culture of Zakopane. "I'm extroverted, direct – when I arrive, I arrive with my whole being," she says with a smile, leading us to a clearing where a shepherd's hut stands right next to her house. "This is my place of rest and preparation for the Theater Academy. I feel it's an extension of my world – here, the forest, the clearing, and Giewont meet in perfect harmony."

Helka comes from an artistic family. Her grandfather and father are renowned sculptors, and her mother is a photographer. "We run a gallery that is not just an exhibition space, but also a place for extraordinary artistic encounters." Art and nature are two inseparable elements of her life that shape her every day.

"Zakopane for me is a place where tradition lives in every detail. When I'm in Villa Oksza, in the Tatra Museum, I feel how much this city draws from the atmosphere of the Interwar period. The Zakopane style and the history of this place inspire me every day."

For Helka, Zakopane is more than just a place on the map – it's a space where ancient and contemporary worlds connect, giving her energy to act and create.

Magda Sadowska: Mountain passion and everyday life

Although Magda grew up in Warsaw, she felt from an early age that Zakopane was her true home. "My skiing story began when I was three years old. My parents took me to Nosal and really wanted me to learn to ski. Today, skiing is more than just a sport – it's a way of life."

For Magda, freeride skiing is not only a challenge but also a form of self-expression. "It's about freedom and testing your limits, but also time spent in nature and with people who share the same passion."

Life in Zakopane is completely different for her than in the city she comes from. "Here, people live differently. Nature dictates the pace, and free time is spent in a completely different way. This place teaches me to appreciate moments and the beauty of everyday life." Despite her athletic lifestyle, Magda does not forget about her femininity. "What Zakopane gives me is balance – between passion and peace, adrenaline and reflection. I feel like I'm in the right place."

Helka and Magda show that Zakopane is more than just mountain landscapes and traditional architecture. It is a space where one can find oneself, cultivate passions, and create – in harmony with nature and Highlander culture.

Thank you, Helka and Magda, for sharing your stories.

We also extend our thanks to the Tatra Museum for their help in discovering Zakopane's heritage. It is thanks to such places that we can better understand how rich the history and culture of this unique region are.