Zakopane declared independence before the rest of the country – the Republic of Zakopane existed for just 16 days but caused some commotion. On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the city celebrates the 108th anniversary of regaining independence: from 10:30 AM at the Municipal Stadium on Orkana 4 street, the 13th Zakopane Independence Run is underway, and at noon the celebrations move to the National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Krzeptówki.
Celebration program
Run
13th Zakopane Independence Run
Municipal Stadium in Zakopane, Orkana 4
Mass
"Independent to the anthem." Holy Mass for the Homeland
National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Krzeptówki 14
Ceremony
Placing an urn with soil from Tobruk under the Cross – National Memorial Site
National Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima, Krzeptówki 14
Honor and independence have always been among the greatest values in the Podhale region. The myth of the proud highlander who, deprived of freedom, will neither bow his head nor bend his knee, did not arise without reason. Did you know that Zakopane was the first place on Polish land to declare disobedience to the occupiers and proclaim independence?
Under the Tatras, it was long felt that the Austro-Hungarian monarchy was shaking at its foundations. From early October 1918, preparations began to seize power. The key was finding a leader who could unite the opposing supporters of various political factions. The choice fell on Stefan Żeromski, who had been regularly visiting Podhale for thirty years to improve his health. He also spent World War I in Zakopane – besides social, cultural, and political activity, he supported his two families: his wife and son, and… his mistress with a small daughter.
In mid-October, the writer took leadership of the Zakopane National Organization. His deputies were: social activist and leader of the Highlanders’ Union Franciszek Pawlica, mountaineer and skier Mariusz Zaruski, and Wincenty Szymborski, future father of Nobel laureate Wisława. In Zakopane – a known spa town – several hundred soldiers were undergoing treatment at that time, who needed to be disarmed and taken prisoner. This was done without problems, and on November 1, 1918, the National Organization transformed into the National Council, marking the beginning of the so-called Republic of Zakopane.
Stefan Żeromski became president, and the Zakopane Belweder was a villa in the Zakopane style.
On November 16, 1918, the Republic of Zakopane ceased to exist, submitting to the authority of the Polish government.