Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Baths, Cable Car & Pickup

Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Baths, Cable Car & Pickup

Rating: 4.8/5 (904 reviews)
Price: $51 per person
Duration: 11 hours
Location: Lesser Poland, Poland

Introduction

Taking a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane offers a fantastic way to explore the Polish Highlands, enjoy stunning mountain scenery, and unwind in thermal waters—all in one go. This tour catches your eye because of its combination of scenic views, cultural stops, and relaxing thermal baths.

What we appreciate most is how smoothly everything is organized, with hotel pickup, a well-paced itinerary, and a knowledgeable guide leading the way. However, with a full day packed with activities, some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight, especially if they prefer more time in one spot rather than rushing from activity to activity.

This experience appeals especially to those who love a blend of nature, local culture, and relaxation, and are happy to spend a long day on the move. If you’re after a comprehensive taste of Zakopane without the hassle of planning, this tour could be perfect for you.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines sightseeing, mountain views, thermal baths, local tastings, and cultural insights.
• Value for Money: At around $51, it offers a full day of varied activities, guided by knowledgeable hosts.
• Comfortable Transport: Includes round-trip transportation, hotel pickup, and drop-off, making logistics hassle-free.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Tasting regional cheese (oscypek) and spirits adds a tasty cultural layer.
• Scenic Highlights: Cable car rides and mountain viewpoints offer some of the most memorable views in Poland.
• Well-Reviewed Guides: From the glowing reviews, guides like Maciek, Michael, and others stand out for their friendliness, knowledge, and humor.

What to Expect on This Zakopane Day Trip

Convenient Pickup and Travel

The day kicks off with hotel pickup from one of seven designated locations in Krakow, which means you won’t need to worry about navigating public transport or finding designated meeting points. The transfer to Zakopane takes roughly 1.5 hours, and the journey itself is comfortable, with a friendly guide providing commentary along the way.

Exploring Chochołów Village

Your first stop is a traditional wooden village called Chochołów, famous for its historic, still-inhabited wooden houses. This part of the trip really helps you get a sense of local village life and architecture. You’ll also visit a bacywka—a shepherd’s hut—where you can sample smoked sheep cheese (oscypek) and regional spirits, a highlight appreciated by many travelers who enjoy tasting authentic local flavors. A reviewer noted that the cheese tasting was “delicious,” and that sampling vodka with the cheese gave a true Highlander experience.

Zakopane and Krupówki Street

Arriving in Zakopane, you’ll have about two hours to explore Krupówki Street—the town’s lively main promenade. It’s a hub of local shops, cafes, and stalls, perfect for picking up souvenirs or grabbing a quick meal. One reviewer called Zakopane “like a fairy tale,” commenting on its picturesque wooden architecture and mountain backdrop.

Cable Car to Gubałówka

A highlight for many is the 10-minute cable car ride to Gubałówka Hill. The views from the top are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Tatra Mountains. This is a prime photo opportunity and a chance to appreciate the scale of these ancient peaks. Several reviews mention that the mountain views were “stunning” and that the ride added a scenic thrill to the day.

Scenic Ride on Gubałówka Funicular

Descending from Gubałówka, you’ll have some free time to soak in the scenery and perhaps snap a few more photos. The scenic ride itself is often praised for providing a different perspective of Zakopane and the surrounding mountains.

Relaxing in Chochołów Thermal Baths

The thermal baths are a major draw, offering indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, and saunas—many with views of the mountains. Several reviews mention how relaxing and enjoyable this part of the tour is. One guest described it as “so big we got lost,” and appreciated the outdoor pools with a DJ and lively atmosphere. The baths are perfect for unwinding after a busy morning of sightseeing, and many note that the experience is the “highlight” of their trip.

Return Journey

After a relaxing 2.5 hours at the thermal baths, you’re transported back to Krakow, with the return trip taking around 1.5 hours. Many reviewers comment on the professionalism of guides like Michael and Maciek, who kept the mood light with humor and local insights, making the journey both informative and fun.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Pickup and Transportation

Starting from a selection of 7 pickup points in Krakow, the experience is designed to be smooth and stress-free. We loved the way the tour keeps logistics simple, with hotel pickup and a comfortable bus or coach. The journey to Zakopane is about 1.5 hours, providing a good opportunity to relax and chat with fellow travelers or absorb scenic views along the way.

Chochołów Village & Wooden Houses

This stop is a cultural gem. The wooden houses are some of the oldest in the region, and the chance to see a still-inhabited traditional home adds authenticity to the visit. The cheese tasting is a highlight—an opportunity to enjoy regional flavors and learn about traditional food preparations. One guest remarked that the cheese was “smelly but in a good way,” emphasizing the genuine experience.

Krupówki Street & Zakopane Town

With two hours to explore, you get plenty of freedom. Walk along the bustling street, browse local shops, or sample some regional dishes at the cafes. Several reviews mention how Zakopane feels like “a fairy tale,” thanks to its charming wooden architecture and mountain views. The lively atmosphere is what makes Krupówki a favorite spot for many visitors.

Cable Car & Mountain Views

The cable car ride, often described as short but sweet, takes you up Gubałówka Hill for sweeping vistas. Many reviews praise the “spectacular” views and how the ride enhances the overall experience. It’s a wonderful way to see the mountains without strenuous hiking, especially appreciated by those with limited mobility.

Thermal Baths

The thermal pools are the perfect way to unwind. The pools are spacious, with options for indoor and outdoor soaking, and the atmosphere is often lively, with music and socializing. A review highlighted how the pools had a “DJ and jacuzzi,” making it a fun and relaxing finale. Many travelers mention that these baths are “breathtaking,” with mountain scenery adding to the serene setting.

Return and Final Drop-Off

The journey back provides time to reflect on the day’s highlights. Guides like Michael and Maciek are praised repeatedly for their local knowledge, humor, and professionalism. Many mention the seamless experience, with some guides even going above and beyond—like dropping off forgotten T-shirts at your hotel.

The Value of This Tour

At just $51, this experience offers remarkable value considering the full day of activities, guided commentary, and transportation. Guests consistently emphasize the quality of the guides, the diversity of stops, and the authenticity of tastings, making it a well-rounded outing.

While lunch isn’t included, the two hours in Zakopane allow you to grab a meal or snack at your own pace—adding to the flexibility. The tour’s inclusions, like the cable car ticket and thermal baths, mean you don’t need to worry about extra costs, which adds to the overall value.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is a fantastic choice for first-time visitors to Krakow wanting a comprehensive taste of the region. It’s especially suited for those who love a mix of scenic beauty, local culture, and relaxation. If you’re after a more leisurely experience, keep in mind the long day and packed schedule.

Travelers who appreciate authentic regional foods and drinks will enjoy the cheese and vodka tastings, and those keen on breathtaking mountain vistas will find plenty to love. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues due to some physical stops and the nature of the activities.

The Sum Up

This Zakopane day trip from Krakow packs in a little bit of everything—picturesque mountain views, charming villages, local tastings, and relaxing thermal baths—all guided by friendly, knowledgeable hosts. It provides excellent value for money and suits travelers looking for a full, active day without the hassle of planning.

If you’re someone who wants to experience Poland’s mountain charm, indulge in regional flavors, and relax in thermal waters, this trip hits all those marks. The positive reviews highlight consistent professionalism, stunning scenery, and memorable moments, making it a strong contender for your Krakow itinerary.

Just be prepared for a long day, and bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and an appetite for local cheese and spirits. Overall, it’s a well-organized, authentic experience that offers a fantastic taste of the Polish highlands.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour provides pickup directly from your hotel or nearby location in Krakow, making the start of your day hassle-free.

How long is the drive to Zakopane?
The journey takes about 1.5 hours, giving you a comfortable ride with scenic views en route.

What activities are included in the tour?
Highlights include visiting Chochołów Village, sampling regional cheese and vodka, riding the cable car to Gubałówka, exploring Krupówki Street, and relaxing in thermal baths.

Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?
Towels and lunch are not included, so plan to bring your own towel or buy lunch locally. The cable car and thermal bath tickets are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s best suited for those able to handle some walking and physical stops. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

What’s the best time of year to take this tour?
While the tour runs year-round, the mountain views and thermal baths are especially spectacular in winter when snow dusts the landscape. Summer offers lush scenery and lively street markets.

In summary, this Krakow to Zakopane tour offers a well-balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences, and relaxation, making it a memorable day for those eager to see Poland’s highland treasures without the stress of independent planning.