From Kraków: Zakopane & Chochoów A Wooden Jewel of Podhale

Travelers looking for an escape from Kraków’s urban charm often turn to the mountain-town of Zakopane, and this day trip offers a well-rounded taste of what makes the region special. For just $39 per person, you get a mix of scenic views, cultural highlights, and relaxation, all packed into an 11-hour adventure.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it balances stunning mountain vistas with authentic highland culture, and the chance to wind down in the thermal baths at the end. Plus, the included tastings of oscypek cheese and traditional Polish vodka add a flavorful local touch. However, the tour’s packed schedule means you’ll need comfortable shoes and a willingness to move at a brisk pace.

This experience is best suited for travelers who love a mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation — especially those who enjoy a bit of adventure and don’t mind a full day on the go. If you’re after a relaxed, unhurried experience, you might find the tight schedule a bit rushed. But for most, this tour offers excellent value and a genuine taste of the Polish highlands.

Key Points:

• Stunning mountain views from Gubałówka and Krupówki
• Authentic highland culture, including cheese and vodka tastings
• Flexible thermal bath option for relaxation at Chochołów
• Efficient transportation with a live guide making the experience seamless
• Packed itinerary with multiple stops and activities
• Great value at $39, especially given the included funicular and tastings

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary: A Day in the High Tatras and Podhale

The journey begins with a pickup from your Kraków accommodation or designated meeting point, followed by about 1.5 hours on a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. This initial drive sets the scene with scenic views of Lesser Poland’s landscape, building anticipation for the mountain adventure ahead.

First Stop: Bacówka u Edeka – Polish Tasting Delight

Your first stop is a cozy place called Bacówka u Edeka, where you’ll be introduced to regional flavors. Here, you’ll sample oscypek cheese, a smoked, sheep’s milk delicacy that’s iconic in the region, along with regional spirits and traditional local foods. Reviews highlight this as a highlight, with many travelers noting they enjoyed buying highlander cheese directly from the source. Olga mentioned, “Take some cash to buy some highlander cheese,” which is a smart tip.

Gubałówka Funicular Ride – The View from Above

Next, you’ll ascend via the Gubałówka funicular, skipping the lines thanks to your tour arrangement. The ride offers breathtaking panoramic views of the High Tatras — a moment that truly sticks with many travelers. Once at the top, you’ll have a guided tour and some free time for photos. The views from Gubałówka are often described as “amazing,” and they make for memorable photos of the mountains and Zakopane below.

Discovering Zakopane: Krupówki and Local Charm

After descending, you’ll arrive in Zakopane itself, the heart of Poland’s highland culture. A stroll along Krupówki Street reveals a lively hub of craft shops, mountain taverns, and street performers. As Reanna puts it, “The views are amazing and a great place to go,” and many mention how lively and picturesque the town feels.

You’ll have approximately 2.5 hours here — enough time to browse, grab a snack, or just soak in the mountain atmosphere. We loved the way Zakopane blends tourist-friendly with authentic mountain-town charm.

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Optional: Relax in Chochołów Thermal Baths

One of the tour’s flexible features is the chance to visit the Chochołów Thermal Baths — among Poland’s largest and most renowned. The mineral-rich waters are said to have health benefits, and the pools offer a relaxing retreat after a day of walking and sightseeing. If you choose to go, you’ll find pools, saunas, whirlpools, and water slides, which appeal to families and those wanting a bit of unwinding.

Multiple reviews praise the baths as “worth spending a whole day in,” especially the outdoor pools with mountain views. The baths are optional, and tickets can be bought from the guide on the day, giving you the flexibility to decide on the spot if relaxation suits you after the busy morning.

Scenic Return and Final Stops

After your time in Zakopane and possibly the thermal pools, you’ll board the bus for the journey back. The ride offers more scenic views, giving you a last look at the mountains and countryside. The return trip lasts about 1.5 hours, and you’ll be dropped off at designated locations in Kraków, making your day convenient and straightforward.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Knowledgeable Guides: Many reviews mention guides like John, Ilo, and Cyprian — highly praised for their friendliness, local knowledge, and ability to make the day flow smoothly. As Olga noted, “John is an excellent guide,” and Reanna appreciated Cyprian’s communication and tips.

Authentic Cultural Experiences: The cheese and vodka tastings are not just filler but genuine opportunities to connect with regional traditions. The wooden architecture of Chochołów, with its oldest inhabited houses, offers a glimpse into traditional highland life, making the visit more than just a snapshot.

Stunning Views & Photo Opportunities: Most travelers rave about the panoramic vistas from Gubałówka and the overall mountain scenery. These moments are what many consider highlights, especially when captured with a good camera or smartphone.

Great Value for Money: At $39, the tour includes transportation, guide, funicular ride, tastings, and optional thermal baths. For a full day out with so many highlights, this price is quite reasonable.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the trip offers a lot, it’s important to recognize that the schedule is quite tight. Many reviews echo that there’s little time to explore Zakopane at leisure, especially if you want to linger in shops or enjoy the thermal pools longer. Some found the thermal bath experience a bit rushed or disappointing, but most still felt it was worth it.

Another consideration is that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and involves considerable walking and outdoor exposure, so dressing appropriately is essential. Weather can be unpredictable, especially in the mountains, so layers, sturdy shoes, and waterproofs are recommended.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This day trip from Kraków is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of the Polish highlands without the hassle of planning every detail. The combination of mountain vistas, cultural insights, and relaxation makes it a well-rounded experience. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy guided tours, scenic rides, and authentic local flavors.

If you’re after a full, active day that balances sightseeing with cultural experiences, this trip offers excellent value. It’s also ideal for first-timers in Poland wanting a snapshot of Zakopane’s unique atmosphere.

However, if you prefer a slower pace or extensive exploration, you might find the timing a bit rushed. The optional thermal baths provide a lovely wind-down but can get crowded and busy, depending on the day.

This tour is a trustworthy choice for a memorable day in the mountains — one that combines the best of nature, tradition, and local hospitality.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many families enjoy this trip, especially with the pools, scenic views, and short walks. Just ensure kids are comfortable with the outdoor activities and weather conditions.

Can I buy thermal bath tickets separately?
Yes, tickets for the Chochołów Thermal Baths are available from the guide on the day of the tour, giving you flexibility.

How much is the cheese and vodka tasting?
The tastings are included in the tour price, giving you an authentic local experience without extra charges.

Will I have enough time in Zakopane?
Most travelers say 2.5 hours is enough to explore Krupówki, take photos, or grab a snack, but not enough for a detailed exploration.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes and layered clothing are best, as mountain weather can change quickly. Bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and possibly a hat.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking and outdoor terrain.

Is there free time at the top of Gubałówka?
Yes, you’ll have about 20 minutes to take photos and enjoy the views.

Can I skip the thermal baths?
Absolutely, the thermal baths are optional and can be skipped if you prefer to spend more time exploring Zakopane.

How long is the bus ride?
The ride to Zakopane is about 1.5 hours, with return trips similar in length.

What languages are guides available in?
The tour features an English-speaking guide, making the experience accessible for most travelers.

This day trip to Zakopane and Chochołów offers a well-balanced mix of mountain scenery, culture, and relaxation. It’s an excellent way to see Poland’s highland treasures without the fuss of organizing a complex itinerary yourself. Whether you’re after iconic views, local flavors, or simply a change of pace, this tour packs plenty into a memorable 11 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here: