What to bring back from Zakopane? More than a ciupaga and slippers.
Highlander Pralines: A Taste of Podhale from the Inside.
Forget those boring boxed chocolates from chain stores. Imagine exquisitely crafted, artisanal pralines made from the finest chocolate, which, when you bite into them, release a filling inspired by the nature of the Tatra Mountains.
Inside, you’ll find the flavors of our forests, mountain herbs, and regional cheeses. It’s a tiny, edible microcosm—the perfect accompaniment to your coffee after returning from vacation, when you want to let your thoughts wander back to the trail for a moment.
Eat the Tatra Mountains? Why not!
Local chocolatiers know how to capture the mountain landscape in a chocolate bar—and they do it brilliantly. Instead of a standard bar, you can buy:
- Chocolate with the word “Zakopane” on it—a simple yet elegantly presented classic gift.
- A chocolate edelweiss—the most famous flower of the Tatra Mountains, recreated with attention to every tiny petal.
- The Tatra Peaks—a bar whose top edge mimics the sharp, majestic mountain peaks. It looks amazing!
Pictures Painted on Chocolate
This is an absolute hit. Some chocolate bars are treated like miniature canvases. Artists hand-paint traditional genre scenes on them (using edible dyes!): highlander dances, outlaw motifs, and snow-covered Tatra landscapes. Because the work is done by hand, each bar differs in its details. You get a unique picture that’s also delicious.
And if you’re passing through Kraków...
For those traveling by train or car with a layover in the capital of Małopolska, Kraków’s chocolate shops have their own timeless, chocolate gems. Instead of yet another plush dragon, it’s worth tossing these into your bag:
- Kraków’s landmarks—precisely cast in dark or milk chocolate;
- The iconic Lajkonik;
- Replicas of Casimir the Great’s doors—a miniature, chocolate rendition of the famous Gothic gates of Wawel Cathedral, featuring the distinctive “K” monogram. It looks monumental, even in miniature form.
Traditional Podhale classics have their own unique charm, but adding a sweet handmade treat like this is a real hit. You’re bringing back something original, authentic, and… gone in the blink of an eye!