Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour, Cable Car, Hotel Pickup

Travelers often find themselves drawn to Poland’s picturesque mountain town of Zakopane, known for its distinctive Goral architecture, stunning Tatra views, and relaxing thermal baths. This highly-rated day trip from Krakow offers a balanced mix of cultural exploration, breathtaking scenery, and leisure.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the expert guides’ knowledge, the spectacular panoramic views from the cable car, and the chance to sample regional cheeses and vodka. Plus, the relaxing thermal baths are a real highlight. One thing to consider? The entire day runs long—around 11 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers prepared for a full itinerary. If you’re after a well-rounded, immersive experience with a good mix of activities, this trip might be just right for you.

Key Points

• Stunning vistas: The cable car ride to Gubałówka offers panoramic views of the High Tatras.
• Authentic cultural stops: Visit Chocholów Wooden Town and taste regional cheese and vodka.
• Relaxation: Spend quality time soaking in the thermal pools with mountain views.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable, friendly guides enhance the experience.
• Flexible free time: Ample opportunity to explore Zakopane on your own.
• Value for money: The ticket includes transportation, food tastings, and entry fees, making it a comprehensive package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Guide to the Zakopane Day Trip

Easy and Comfortable Transport from Krakow

This tour begins with hotel pickup, which is a real plus if you want to skip the hassle of figuring out public transport or renting a car. The vans are described as comfortable, with reviewers mentioning the helpfulness of guides like Adam and Joanna, who not only shared local insights but also kept the mood light with humor.

The drive to Zakopane takes around 1.5 hours, giving you a relaxed start to the day with scenic views of Lesser Poland’s countryside. This is a good time to get excited about the mountain landscapes waiting ahead.

Visit Chocholów Wooden Town: A Living Museum

The first major stop is Chocholów, a village packed with traditional wooden houses crafted in the Goral style. Think of it as stepping into a living history book. The guidebook and reviews mention that this is a great opportunity for photos and learning about local architecture—these structures are not just pretty, but also a reflection of regional craftsmanship.

A highlight here is the cheese tasting, where you’ll sample oscypek, a salted sheep’s milk cheese, along with local vodka. Reviewers like Michele and Sarah praise the authenticity of this experience, noting that sampling regional foods in a shepherd’s hut (Bacówka) adds a special touch. Many mention that bringing cash is helpful, as vendors often give better prices than credit cards.

Ride the Gubałówka Funicular: Views That Take Your Breath Away

Next, you’ll hop aboard the Gubałówka funicular, which takes only 3.5 minutes to ascend to 1122 meters. The views from the top are a big draw—some reviewers describe it as “exquisite” and “breathtaking.” The panorama of Zakopane, the Tatra peaks, and the sprawling landscapes below make this a must-do highlight.

Even if the weather isn’t perfect (some reviews note cloudy days), the experience remains memorable, especially since guides are proactive in sharing recommendations for food and activities in Zakopane. You get a good sense of the scale and majesty of the mountains from this vantage point.

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Free Time in Zakopane’s Krupówki Street

After descending, you’re given about 2.5 hours to explore Zakopane’s famous Krupówki street. This bustling pedestrian area is packed with shops, cafes, and markets offering local crafts, woolen clothes, and wooden souvenirs. Reviewers frequently mention that this is the perfect chance to pick up unique gifts—think heart-shaped brooches or carved wooden ornaments.

Some guests used this time to grab a quick bite, go on the local rides, or browse the markets. As one reviewer suggested, it’s worth bringing cash to get better deals from vendors, especially on jewelry and wool products. The lively atmosphere and variety of options make this stop worthwhile, though it can get crowded and touristy.

Relax in Chocholowskie Thermal Baths

The final major activity is unwinding in the thermal pools of Chocholowskie baths. Spread across 14 pools with over 300 meters of water slides, the complex offers something for all—from saline pools and geysers to jacuzzis and water cannons. Expect to spend about 2.5 hours here, giving plenty of time for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying the mountain scenery.

Multiple reviews highlight how much visitors appreciated this part of the trip. Sharon and Joanna, for example, mention the fabulous pools and the chance to relax after a busy day. Some note that pools can get busy, but the quieter 16+ area offers a more tranquil experience. The view of the High Tatras while soaking is the cherry on top.

Return Journey and Final Drop-offs

After your relaxing soak, the group boards the van for the return trip, which takes about 1.5 hours. The day wraps up with convenient drop-offs at several central locations in Krakow, making it easy to continue exploring or head back to your accommodation.

Why This Tour Is a Good Choice

This tour balances culture with stunning scenery and relaxation—a combination that appeals to many travelers. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off removes logistical worries, allowing you to focus on enjoying each stop. The guides’ enthusiasm and local knowledge, mixed with comfortable transportation, make it feel more like a personalized day out than a generic bus tour.

The ticket price, which covers transportation, entry fees, food tastings, and the cable car, offers excellent value. With reviews raving about the delicious cheese, lively guides, and unforgettable mountain views, it’s clear many find this trip well worth the cost.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour is quite long—around 11 hours—so it’s best suited for those who don’t mind a full day on their feet and in a bus. Also, the thermal baths, being a popular spot, can get crowded, especially on weekends.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy scenic views, cultural experiences, and relaxing activities, this trip hits the sweet spot. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive day trip with minimal hassle, especially if you’re not keen on planning each element individually. Nature lovers, foodies, and anyone wanting a taste of Zakopane’s charm will find plenty to love here.

Travelers seeking an authentic experience—sampling local cheese and vodka, exploring traditional wooden houses, and soaking in mountain-view pools—will feel rewarded. For those with limited time in Poland, this tour offers a fantastic way to see the best of Zakopane in one day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from multiple central locations in Krakow, making it very convenient.

How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, including travel time, sightseeing, and free periods at each stop.

What should I bring? Bring swimwear, a towel, and flip-flops for the thermal baths. Cash is recommended for shopping at Zakopane markets.

Are there any age or mobility restrictions? The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, mainly due to walking and bathing activities.

Is there free cancellation? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is it possible to pay later? Yes, you can reserve your spot without paying immediately, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

What is included in the ticket price? The fee covers hotel transfers, an English-speaking guide, guidebook, cheese and vodka tasting, cable car ticket, thermal bath entry, and free time in Zakopane.

How crowded does it get? The thermal pools can become busy, especially during peak times, but most guests find the 16+ area more relaxing. The busy streets in Zakopane are lively but manageable with some patience.

Final Thoughts

This Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour from Krakow offers a thoughtfully curated mix of nature, culture, and relaxation. The chance to ride the cable car for panoramic mountain views, stroll through traditional wooden villages, sample local delicacies, and unwind in thermal pools makes it a standout day trip.

The guides, praised for their knowledge and friendliness, help bring the trip to life, turning it from a simple sightseeing outing into a memorable experience. The value for money is high, especially given the variety of activities and inclusions.

While the duration may be long for some, it’s a perfect choice if you’re eager to see Zakopane’s highlights in one go without the hassle of planning. Perfect for those who want an authentic taste of the Polish mountains while enjoying comfort and convenience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Poland or looking to revisit Zakopane with a guided group, this tour offers a comprehensive, enjoyable, and memorable adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: