Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Funicular Ride and Cheese Tasting

If you’re looking for a day trip that combines gorgeous mountain scenery, cultural treats, and a touch of adventure, this Zakopane tour from Krakow might just be your ticket. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and detailed itinerary paint a compelling picture of an experience that balances natural beauty with authentic Polish traditions.

What we love about this tour is how it offers a little bit of everything: scenic rides, cultural sights, and local flavors, all packed into about nine hours. The funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill provides sweeping views that are worth every penny, and the cheese tasting of oscypek—a smoked sheep’s cheese—gives a genuine taste of regional culinary heritage.

However, a potential consideration is the duration—nine hours is quite full and involves a fair bit of travel and walking—so it’s best suited for those with a good level of mobility and a love for outdoor exploration. If you’re after a taste of the high Tatras, a chance to sample traditional food, and a comfortable guided experience, then this tour offers excellent value.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience Zakopane’s natural and cultural highlights without the hassle of planning each stop. It’s perfect for first-timers to Poland who want a well-organized, insightful day. Those who enjoy scenic views, local food, and a touch of adventure will find this trip hits the right note.

Key Points

• Scenic funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill provides panoramic views of the Tatras.
• Authentic cheese tasting of smoked oscypek paired with local spirits.
• Visit to Jaszczurówka church showcases exquisite wooden architecture.
• Opportunity to see Poland’s famous ski jumping hill, Wielka Krokiew.
• Cultural charm of Chochoów village and Zakopane’s lively town atmosphere.
• Includes transport, guided commentary, and free time in Zakopane for shopping and exploring.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Zakopane Tour

Starting Point and Transport

The tour kicks off early, with pickup options in Krakow at various central locations, from Józefa Dietla to plac Jana Matejki. The use of an air-conditioned van makes the ride comfortable, especially considering the roughly 1.5-hour drive to Zakopane. The group size is not specified but, given the nature of the tour, you can expect a small to medium-sized group, making for a more intimate experience.

Departure times seem flexible, with pickups between 8:50 AM and 9:20 AM, meaning you can choose a time that best fits your plans. This flexibility is a plus, especially if you’re coming from other parts of Krakow or arriving late the night before.

Chochoów Village and Cheese Tasting

Your first real stop is the picturesque village of Chochoów, about 20 minutes of sightseeing and photos. Here, the highlight is the tasting of traditional smoked sheep’s cheese, oscypek. This cheese is a regional specialty, made from sheep’s milk and smoked to develop a distinctive flavor. Many reviews point out that the cheese is delightful and pairs well with local spirits, giving you a taste of authentic mountain life.

The visit isn’t just about eating; it’s an opportunity to walk around a charming village, perhaps buy some souvenirs, and soak up the mountain atmosphere. The brief stop provides a nice breather before heading into Zakopane itself.

Zakopane Town and Free Time

After the cheese, you’ll have about 2.5 hours of free time in Zakopane. This is your chance to stroll along Krupówki Street—famous for its lively market stalls, traditional wooden houses, and souvenir shops. Many travelers enjoy shopping for local crafts, trying pierogi or other Polish dishes at local eateries, or just people-watching.

One traveler noted the trip’s excellent value, highlighting the opportunity to soak in Zakopane’s vibrant atmosphere without the stress of navigating on your own.

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Scenic Cable Car and Gubałówka Funicular

Next, you’ll ride the cable car (or drive if under maintenance) to Gubałówka Hill, which offers stunning views over the Tatra Mountains. The 10-minute ascent is a highlight that leaves many visitors with memorable photos and a sense of awe at the rugged landscape.

From there, you’ll take the Gubałówka funicular, a highlight and a favorite among travelers. The scenic ride up the hill is a highlight, giving you sweeping vistas of the mountains and valleys. When the cable car is under maintenance (from April 1st to April 4th), the driver will take you to the top by car, ensuring no one misses out.

Wielka Krokiew Ski Jumping Hill

For those interested in winter sports or simply impressive feats of human skill, the Wielka Krokiew ski jumping hill deserves a visit. While you might not see jumpers in action, the site itself is fascinating, and the view from the hill is spectacular. It’s a quick 10-minute walk and photo opportunity, but it leaves a strong impression of Poland’s winter sports prowess.

Jaszczurowka Chapel

The tour also includes a visit to the Jaszczurowka wooden chapel, a beautifully crafted religious structure that is a fine example of traditional wooden architecture. Many reviewers appreciated this stop for its serene setting and photo opportunities.

Final Return and Drop-offs

After a full day of sightseeing, the group heads back to Krakow, with drop-off at multiple central locations. The total duration (about 9 hours) gives enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed, though it is a long day.

The Value of the Experience

Pricing for this tour is quite reasonable considering the inclusions: transportation, a guided experience, the funicular ticket, cheese tasting, and free time in Zakopane. The only big expense not covered is lunch, so bringing a snack or plan to eat in Zakopane is advisable. The convenience of door-to-door pickup and drop-off adds to the value.

From the reviews, travelers appreciated the expert guides, with one calling Mido and Mito “very kind” and “pleasing,” noting they provided helpful tips beyond the basic itinerary. This personal touch makes a difference in making the day feel more tailored and comfortable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic views, culture, and authentic local food. It’s perfect if you want a manageable, well-organized day trip with a balance of sightseeing and leisure. It’s also good for those who prefer guided transport to focus on enjoying rather than navigating.

However, if you’re looking for an active adventure or are sensitive to long days, consider your stamina—this trip involves walking, some altitude, and several hours outside.

The Sum Up

This Krakow-Zakopane tour offers a genuine taste of Poland’s mountain charm, with highlights like the funicular ride, cheese tasting, and visits to iconic sites. It’s a solid choice for first-time visitors who want a rundown without the hassle of planning each detail. The included scenic rides and delicious local flavors make it an experience worth considering.

Travelers who enjoy picturesque landscapes, traditional foods, and a bit of adventure will find this tour rewarding. It’s a well-rounded day that combines natural beauty with cultural richness, all delivered comfortably through an experienced guide.

For those seeking a reliable, engaging snapshot of Zakopane, this tour delivers good value and memorable moments.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for about 9 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and free time in Zakopane.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow at various central locations, making it convenient.

What is included in the price?
Transport in an air-conditioned van, guided commentary in English and Polish, the funicular ticket to Gubałówka Hill, a cheese tasting, and free time in Zakopane.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so it’s best to bring snacks or plan to eat in Zakopane.

Can I join the tour without a guide?
No, this is a guided tour with live commentary, though written booklets are available in other languages if requested.

Is the tour suitable for children or those with mobility issues?
It’s mainly suitable for those comfortable with walking and standing; it’s not recommended for wheelchair users due to the nature of some stops.

You can check availability for your dates here: