Kraków: Zakopane Horse ride & Thermal Baths Day Trip

Traveling from Kraków to the stunning landscapes of Zakopane offers an enriching blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. This day trip promises a peek into Polish mountain life, with highlights that include horseback riding, exploring traditional wooden villages, and unwinding at thermal baths. If you’re after a well-rounded day mixing adventure, local flavor, and scenic views, this experience offers plenty to love.

What truly makes this tour special is the chance to feel the thrill of riding in the Tatra Mountains, discover authentic highlander craftsmanship, and sample regional delicacies—all with the comfort of hotel pickup and drop-off. That said, it’s worth noting that horse rental costs an extra, and winter weather can switch the ride to a magical sleigh experience. Perfect for those seeking a taste of mountain life with a touch of adventure and relaxation.

We appreciate how the tour balances outdoor activity with cultural insights and downtime. However, travelers should consider their mobility levels and weather conditions, especially if visiting in winter. This trip suits curious travelers eager to experience Poland’s scenic mountain regions with a focus on authentic local traditions and leisure.

Contents show

Key Points

Scenic horseback riding with views of the Tatra Mountains
Authentic highlander culture and craftsmanship in Chochołów
Traditional oscypek cheese tasting directly from a shepherd’s hut
Relaxing thermal baths with indoor and outdoor pools and mountain vistas
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off from Kraków
Extra costs for horse rental and considerations for winter weather

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Full Itinerary

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Krakow

Convenient Pickup and Journey to the Mountains

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Kraków, making it an easy start for those staying in the city. From there, you’ll travel through Lesser Poland’s beautiful scenery, heading towards Zakopane, a well-loved mountain retreat. The drive itself offers glimpses of rural villages and rolling hills, setting a peaceful tone for the day ahead.

Discovering Chochołów Village: A Living Museum

The first stop is Chochołów, famous for its remarkably preserved wooden houses, some dating back centuries. Walking through this village feels like stepping into a living open-air museum. The traditional architecture, with intricately carved wooden facades and thatched roofs, perfectly embodies the highlander way of life. Many visitors mention how charming it is to see such authentic structures still in use, making it a genuine insight into Polish mountain culture.

Meeting a Highlighter Sculptor

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to a local Góral (highlander) sculptor’s workshop. Here, you get an exclusive look at hand-carved wooden sculptures, a craft passed down through generations. The artist shares insights into his process, giving visitors a tangible connection to traditional mountain craftsmanship. This encounter offers a deeper appreciation of the artistry that adorns many mountain homes and public spaces.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Horseback Ride: Scenic Trails & Mountain Views

After cultural exploration, the activity most eagerly anticipated is the horseback riding. With no previous experience needed, the ride begins with a short lesson, making it accessible even for beginners. The horses are well-trained, and the guides ensure everyone feels comfortable.

You’ll traverse mountain trails with views of the Tatra Mountains—a landscape that often leaves visitors speechless. Some reviews mention that the ride is “more scenic than challenging,” making it a perfect activity for a wide range of fitness levels. In winter months, though, this is replaced with a sleigh ride, which many find equally enchanting, especially amid snow-covered peaks.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Krakow

Tasting Oscypek Cheese at a Shepherd’s Hut

Next, you’ll visit a bacówka—a traditional shepherd’s hut—where smoked sheep cheese, oscypek, is freshly made. This is a highlight for food lovers. Guests often rave about the authentic flavor and the opportunity to watch cheese being crafted right before their eyes. Tasting oscypek in its rustic setting offers an immersive experience, connecting you directly to local mountain traditions.

Free Time in Zakopane

Following the outdoor activities, you’ll have some free time in Zakopane’s town center, particularly on Krupówki Street. This bustling promenade is lined with shops, cafes, and stalls selling regional products and souvenirs. It’s an ideal spot to soak up the mountain-town vibe, grab a snack, or do some light shopping.

Relaxing at Chochoowskie Thermal Baths

The day concludes at the largest thermal spa in the region. With both indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and mountain views, it’s a relaxing way to unwind after a busy day. Many visitors note that the thermal baths provide excellent value—offering a variety of thermal pools and saunas to soothe tired muscles, all set against the backdrop of the Tatra peaks.

What to Keep in Mind

Horse rental costs 250 Polish Zloty per person—an additional expense to consider if you want to ride.
During winter, snowy days transform the horseback ride into a sleigh experience, which many find magical but may be less physically active.
The tour involves walking around Chochołów and Zakopane, so comfortable shoes are a must.
Don’t forget swimwear for the thermal baths, along with weather-appropriate clothing, especially in cooler months.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, due to the physical activities involved.

Authentic Experiences and Local Insights

From reviews, we gather that visitors love the opportunity to connect with local artisans, especially the sculptor whose work encapsulates highlander culture. One guest expressed appreciation for the personal touch of meeting a craftsman, which adds depth beyond typical sightseeing.

Others mention that the dinner at the shepherd’s hut is simple but authentic, providing a real taste of mountain life. The thermal baths are often described as “the perfect way to relax and reflect on the day,” with several reviewers noting the stunning mountain vistas from the pools.

Pricing and Value

At $161 per person, this tour offers considerable value for a full day of diverse activities. The combination of cultural insights, outdoor adventure, regional tasting, and relaxation makes it a well-rounded experience. However, the added cost for horse rental (around 250 Zloty) should be factored in if you want to ride.

The included hotel pickup, entrance to thermal baths, and a local guide ensure a smooth, hassle-free day. For those with limited time in Kraków but a desire to experience the Tatra Mountains authentically, this trip strikes a good balance between guided convenience and personal discovery.

Overall Impression

This day trip from Kraków to Zakopane encapsulates the best of Polish mountain culture and natural beauty. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a blend of outdoor activity and culture without the hassle of planning every detail. The horseback ride, in particular, offers stunning views that leave lasting memories, and the thermal baths provide a soothing reward after a day of exploring.

While weather conditions can influence the experience—especially in winter—the tour’s flexibility (sleigh rides in snowy seasons) keeps the magic alive. The authentic cheese tasting, traditional wooden architecture, and friendly local artisans make this a genuine adventure.

If you’re after a day that combines scenic beauty, cultural authenticity, and relaxation, this trip is a worthy choice. It’s especially suited for curious travelers who want to experience Poland beyond the cities, embracing mountain life in a fun, manageable way.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it easy to start and end your day without logistical worries.

Do I need previous horseback riding experience?
No, the tour provides a short riding lesson, so all levels of experience are welcome. Just bring your sense of adventure.

How much does the horse rental cost?
Horse rental is an extra 250 Polish Zloty per person, payable at the stud farm if you decide to ride.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, swimwear for the thermal baths, a camera, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

What if the weather is snowy or icy?
In winter, the horseback ride becomes a sleigh ride, which many find equally enchanting, especially amid snowy landscapes.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
It is best suited for those who are physically able to walk and participate in outdoor activities; it’s not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems.

This Zakopane day trip from Kraków offers an authentic taste of mountain life, scenic vistas, and relaxing indulgence—all within a comfortable, well-organized package. It’s a memorable way to experience Poland’s natural beauty and cultural traditions in just one day.