The European Fair of Regional Products

The Polish Highlanders are proud of the fact that they've got two products on the EU's Protected Designation of Origin List. Cheese aficionados should certainly try oscypek and bryndza whilst in this neck of the woods. Beyond Polish borders, there are scores of products on the EU list, taking in brie, camembert, feta, serrano ham, and even the modest English Melton Mowbray Pork Pie.In the boozy sphere, champagne, beaujolais and chianti are amongst the better known examples. Many of these will be represented at this new fair, and the town will be laying on accompanying entertainment.

when - 5th - 8th August
where - Zakopane
more info - click here

Zakopane Running Thursdays

If you want to stay as fit as a fiddle, and likewise enjoy some magnificent countryside, then why not join in this weekly foray. All runners over 12 can join in, and the meeting place is the COS Sports Stadium every Thursday at 6 pm. The running is not on the track, but normally on woodland trails. Please see the link.

when - Every Thursday
where - COS Sports Stadium, ul. Bronka Czecha
more info - click here

Festival of Oscypek Cheese

We've got a soft spot for this local cheese, but what other foreigners will make of it is anyones guess.There's no denying that it's a rather rubbery creation. Recently, there was much wrangling over who owned the rights to the recipe. Was it the Slovaks over the hill, or was it the Poles and their own time-honoured version? In the end, it was decided that Poles could call their brand oscypek whilst Slovaks could sell theirs as ostiepok, echoing local dialects. Give it a try.

when - 8th August
where - Zakopane
more info - click here

42nd International Highland Folk Festival

This is a major event that will see highlanders from all over the world descend on Zakopane. Mountain folks will be competing for gold, silver and bronze axes (hopefully customs officials will be warm-hearted when the winning contestants return home). For the duration of the festival, an entire tented village will open in the Dolna Rowien Krupowa valley. Besides singing, music and dancing, the festival will present a range of regional dishes from around the world. There will also be the chance to check out all kinds of folk art.

when - 20th - 27th August
where - Various
more info - click here

Summer Ski Jumping Grand Prix

Ski jumping is big news in Zakopane, not least due to the blockbusting success of Adam Malysz, the only person to win the World Cup three times in a row. This summer event may be lacking in snow, but the thrills and spills will be as authentic as ever. Aces from around the world will be taking part in the contest, which has been an annual event since 1994. After scooping a silver medal at the Vancouver Games, Malysz will be aiming to wow the home crowd.

when - 21st - 22nd August
where - Wielka Krokiew
more info - click here