Zakopane – a place that bridges majestic mountains, tradition, and modernity. It’s not just a popular tourist destination but also a home to people full of passion, energy, and love for what they do. In our series,Girls of Zakopane, we’ve introduced extraordinary women who show how the Tatra Mountains and highlander culture influence their lives in diverse ways. Now, it’s time to present the final two heroines – Zosia Staszel and Hania Kurek. Their stories are about art, adrenaline, and a unique connection to the place that has shaped them.

Zosia Staszel – Art Inspired by the Mountains

For Zosia Staszel, Zakopane is more than just a place on a map. It’s her home, a sanctuary of peace, and an endless source of inspiration. While studying architecture, Zosia combines her artistic sensibility with her love for the Tatra Mountains. Her creative journey began at the State Secondary School of Fine Arts named after Antoni Kenar in Zakopane, which she calls a turning point in her life.

“That school opened my eyes to art and allowed me to meet incredible people who inspired me,” Zosia explains.

Her art is brimming with references to nature and highlander traditions. She draws inspiration from everything – from mountain landscapes to the architecture of shepherd’s huts, which she admires for their simplicity and timeless proportions.

“These structures reveal the highlanders’ sense of beauty and aesthetics,” she says, standing beside one of these traditional huts.

Although Zosia doesn’t work directly with folklore, traditional elements like her grandmother’s corset or earrings worn by her ancestors hold great significance for her.

“These are things that connect me to the past and remind me where I come from,” she shares.

For Zosia, Zakopane is a place that provides her with room to grow. In her free time, she explores mountain trails, climbs rocks, and skis down snowy slopes.

“This is where I feel best – the mountains, the calm, this is my place on Earth,” Zosia emphasizes.

Hania Kurek – Adrenaline on Two Wheels

Hania Kurek is a young woman who lives with passion and adrenaline. Her life revolves around extreme mountain biking (MTB), a love she discovered as a teenager. It all started with a bold ultimatum to her parents: motorcycle or bicycle.

“I told them, listen, it’s either a bike or a motorbike – pick the lesser evil. I want to ride, I want to do extreme sports because I’ve always been drawn to it,” Hania recalls.

Her parents agreed to the bicycle, though they often had their doubts.

“My mom regretted that decision many times, especially when she had to pick me up from the hospital,” Hania laughs. But for her, it was the start of a journey that’s lasted more than a decade. Today, Hania not only competes in MTB events but also trains others – both on bikes and skis.

For Hania, Zakopane is a place that offers limitless opportunities to pursue her passion.

“All of Zakopane is about biking and skiing,” she says enthusiastically. She loves the fact that she can step out of her house, strap on her skis, and set off for a ski tour, or hop on her bike and ride down mountain trails.

Hania highlights how extreme sports help her find strength that sometimes feels lacking in daily life.

“On my bike, I feel stronger and more confident. This place and these mountains shape me,” she adds. Her life is a constant stream of challenges, but also a sense of peace found in Zakopane’s natural beauty.

Zosia and Hania are two distinct personalities united by their love for Zakopane – a place that inspires, shapes, and gives room to fulfill their passions. For Zosia, it’s a haven of tranquility and a source of artistic energy; for Hania, it’s a space for challenges and thrilling adventures.

Their stories show that the magic of Zakopane lies not only in its landscapes and traditions but especially in the people who live there.

Zosia and Hania – thank you!