Zakopane Funicular Hill & Thermal Springs regular tour

A Complete Guide to the Zakopane Funicular Hill & Thermal Springs Tour

Traveling from Krakow to Zakopane offers a chance to experience Poland’s highland culture, stunning mountain vistas, and relaxing thermal baths—all in one memorable day. This tour, highly rated and praised for its well-organized itinerary and knowledgeable guides, promises a balanced mix of sightseeing, local flavor, and leisure. Whether you’re after panoramic views, authentic cuisine, or simply a day to unwind, this trip aims to tick all those boxes.

What we particularly love about this experience is how smoothly it combines multiple highlights within a manageable timeframe. The inclusion of a scenic cable car ride up Gubałówka Hill, a walk along Zakopane’s famous Krupówki street, and a soak in the thermal springs makes it a well-rounded adventure. That said, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a guided tour with a dedicated guide leading every stop—your driver offers helpful commentary, but some visitors might prefer a more guided experience.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic local culture, loves spectacular mountain scenery, and enjoys relaxing in thermal pools after a day of sightseeing, this tour could be perfect. It’s especially suited to travelers looking for a hassle-free, all-in-one day trip that combines nature, culture, and relaxation, without the need to organize multiple transport or tickets.

Key Points

• Comprehensive day trip from Krakow covering Zakopane’s main attractions
• Includes scenic cable car ride to Gubałówka Hill for panoramic mountain views
• Relaxing thermal springs provide a perfect unwind after sightseeing
• Authentic local experiences, including tasting smoked sheep’s cheese
• Transport and tickets included, ensuring a smooth day with no fuss
• Small group size (up to 22 travelers), making it intimate yet lively

Exploring Zakopane: A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Convenient Pickup and Transport from Krakow

The adventure begins early, with a pickup from a designated hotel or apartment in Krakow around 8:00 am. The tour operator, Welcome in Cracow, ensures a comfortable ride in air-conditioned vehicles. The drive takes roughly 2 hours, offering travelers a chance to relax, chat, or enjoy scenic views as you leave the city behind. You will receive the driver’s contact details and vehicle info the day before, making logistics straightforward.

First Stop: Zywy Skansen and Historic Wooden Architecture

Your first glimpse of Zakopane’s unique mountain culture comes at Zywy Skansen, a historic open-air museum showcasing traditional wooden buildings of the Chocholowa village. This stop provides a chance to admire authentic Highlander architecture in a picturesque setting. Best of all, admission here is free, so it’s a cost-effective way to start understanding the local way of life.

Travelers note that this stop lasts around 20 minutes—enough for quick photos and a sense of place—though it’s not an in-depth guided tour of every building. This quick look sets the tone for the day, immersing you in the rustic charm of the region.

Gubałowka Mountain and the Funicular Ride

Next, it’s time for the iconic Gubałówka Mountain experience. The funicular ascent offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Zakopane itself. As one reviewer put it, “The views from Gubałówka are breathtaking,” and you’ll have ample time (about an hour) to soak in the scenery, take photos, or enjoy local snacks. The ticket for the funicular is included in the tour price, so no extra expenses there.

The climb up Gubałówka isn’t just about the view—it’s also about the experience of riding the historic cable car, which adds a fun element to the day. While the ride itself is quick, the vistas you’ll enjoy at the top are well worth it, especially in clear weather.

Strolling Along Krupówki Street

After descending from Gubałówka, you’ll head to Krupówki Street, the bustling heart of Zakopane. Here, you can wander freely for about two hours, browsing stalls full of souvenirs, local crafts, and snacks. It’s the perfect spot to pick up traditional Highlander costumes, handcrafted gifts, or just soak in the lively atmosphere.

Many reviews mention how vibrant and authentic Krupówki is—”You can feel the local energy and see the traditional attire,” one guest remarked. While it’s free to explore, keep in mind that this stop is about soaking in the atmosphere, not a structured tour component, so you’re free to tailor your time.

Relaxation at Chocholowskie Termy

The day’s highlight for many is the visit to the thermal springs park—Chocholowskie Termy. This sprawling complex offers a chance to unwind in warm, mineral-rich pools. Guests can relax in jacuzzis, slide down water rides, or simply float and enjoy the soothing heat.

One reviewer enthused, “Sitting in the hot water with a beer after a busy day was a perfect way to end.” Remember to bring flip-flops, swimsuits, and towels—these are not provided. The soak lasts approximately 2.5 hours, giving plenty of time to relax, play in the water, or enjoy the saunas.

End of the Day: Return to Krakow

After a full day of sightseeing and relaxation, your driver will take you back to your Krakow hotel or accommodation. The return journey is a good chance to reflect on the day’s highlights and perhaps plan your next adventure.

The Value of This Tour

At $120.37 per person, including transportation, tickets, and a helpful English-speaking driver, this tour offers strong value considering the multiple stops and experiences. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an all-in-one day trip that covers cultural, scenic, and leisure elements without the hassle of planning each step independently.

The inclusion of the scenic funicular ride and thermal pools makes this experience stand out. The guided elements—helpful drivers and the knowledgeable guide (if appreciated)—add a layer of comfort, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted by Reviews

Guests have praised the guides for their helpfulness and knowledge. One said, “Gregor was an exceptional guide who made sure we saw things we missed on previous visits,” illustrating how personalized attention can enhance your trip. Plus, the thermal baths garnered high praise, with a guest noting, “The hot springs were a brilliant way to unwind after a busy day.”

Some travelers mentioned the limited time at each stop, especially in Zakopane itself. One reviewer said, “We were looking forward to more time in Zakopane and the baths,” but the overall schedule balances sightseeing and leisure effectively. Keep in mind this isn’t an in-depth guided tour—your driver provides helpful commentary but is not a guide for every attraction.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of Your Trip

• Book in advance: The tour is popular, with an average booking window of 21 days.
• Bring essentials: Swimsuits, towels, flip-flops, and perhaps a light snack or water for the day.
• Dress for the weather: Mountain weather can be unpredictable; layers are advised.
• Allocate time wisely: While the schedule is tight, it’s designed to maximize your experience, so try to stick to the suggested durations.
• Capture the views: Bring a camera or smartphone to record the stunning vistas from Gubałówka.

Final Thoughts

This Zakopane tour offers a balanced mix of culture, scenic beauty, and relaxation, perfect for travelers wanting a comprehensive taste of Poland’s highlands. The scenic cable car ride provides unforgettable views, while the thermal baths offer a well-deserved rest after a day of exploring.

The tour’s small group size and inclusive tickets make it convenient and intimate, ensuring you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd. The knowledgeable, friendly driver and the authentic local experiences—like tasting smoked sheep’s cheese—add a genuine touch.

Overall, if you’re after a hassle-free way to experience Zakopane’s highlights, this trip stands out as a valuable, well-organized option. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate scenic vistas, cultural flavor, and relaxing water therapy in one go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Krakow in an air-conditioned vehicle is included, making it easy to relax during the transfer.

Do I need to buy additional tickets?
No, the tickets for the funicular to Gubałówka Hill and the thermal springs are included in the price.

What’s the typical duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 to 12 hours, starting around 8:00 am and returning to Krakow afterward.

Is this a guided tour?
It’s not a guided tour in the traditional sense; your driver provides helpful commentary, but there’s no dedicated guide for each stop. You have free time at certain locations to explore on your own.

What should I bring for the thermal springs?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, flip-flops, and perhaps a water bottle or a drink to enjoy in the pools.

Can I expect to see mountain views?
Absolutely. The Gubałówka funicular ride offers sweeping views of the Tatras and Zakopane, making it a highlight of the trip.

Is there any flexibility in the itinerary?
The schedule is fairly fixed to include all main stops, but the driver can make helpful stops for photos or quick views if time permits. However, the overall timing is designed to maximize your experience.

This comprehensive day trip from Krakow to Zakopane brings together the best of mountain scenery, local culture, and relaxation—perfect for travelers eager for an authentic, hassle-free adventure.