Zakopane shines as Poland’s mountain town for outdoor lovers and culture seekers alike. Its wild Tatra scenery, hearty cuisine, and distinctive wooden architecture make it a natural playground for memorable tours. We particularly love trips that combine stunning vistas with local flavor — such as the Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour, which offers a full day of mountain panoramas, thermal baths, and cultural stops. Whether you prefer a relaxing thermal soak, a snowy snowmobile ride, or a scenic cable car trip, Zakopane provides options that suit all interests and energy levels.
Below, you’ll find a carefully curated list of the 13 best tours and experiences in Zakopane, spanning from full-day excursions to short adventures. Each one offers something unique, whether it’s tasting regional cheese, soaking in thermal waters, or taking in mountain views from a glass skywalk. Read on to find the perfect fit for your trip.
1. Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour, Cable Car, Hotel Pickup
At number 1, this top-rated full-day tour from Krakow scores an impressive 4.9/5 from nearly 3,000 reviews. It’s a comprehensive day out that combines mountain views, local culture, and relaxation in thermal baths. The trip includes a funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill for panoramic Tatra views, a walk down Zakopane’s lively Krupówki street, and a visit to Chocholowskie thermal baths, where you can unwind in thermal pools, steam rooms, and water slides. The itinerary is well-paced, with stops for cheese tasting, photo opportunities, and shopping.
What makes this tour special is its blend of cultural insights and leisure, plus hotel pickup, making logistics smooth. Guests love the knowledgeable guide, comfortable transport, and the chance to relax after sightseeing. As one reviewer states, “Zakopane is beautiful and the thermal baths are amazing.” This trip is ideal for travelers wanting a full, hassle-free experience with plenty of opportunities for enjoying local flavors and mountain scenery.
Bottom Line: Great for a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural highlights, and thermal relaxation, especially if you value convenience.
2. Krakow: Zakopane & Thermal Baths Experience
Coming in at number 2, this 8-hour experience offers flexibility to enjoy Poland’s largest thermal spa at your own pace. It includes indoor and outdoor pools, scenic views, and the chance to combine various activity passes. The trip features a stop at Chochołowskie Baths, where you can spend up to three hours swimming and relaxing. The afternoon includes a scenic drive, a cable car ride to Gubałówka, and free time on Krupówki street.
Our favorite part? The option to customize your thermal bath experience and soak in saltwater pools or unwind in jacuzzis. Travelers rave about the organization and the friendly guide, with one saying, “The entire excursion was excellent value for money.” It’s perfect if you want a flexible, wellness-focused day with some sightseeing thrown in.
Bottom Line: Ideal for thermal bath lovers and those wanting a relaxed pace, with the flexibility to pick activities.
3. From Zakopane: Tatra Mountains, Sky walk & Hot Springs Tour
Number 3 on our list is a 6-hour guided adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking natural sights in the Tatra region. This tour includes a visit to Jaszczurówka chapel, cheese tasting in Witów, and a stop at the Sky Walk panoramic platform for stunning mountain vistas. The high point is the Sky Walk itself, where you step out onto a glass terrace with incredible views of the Tatras.
What makes this tour unique is the combination of cultural highlights with spectacular scenic views. Guests mention the guide’s local knowledge and the unforgettable panorama from the Sky Walk. After the scenic exploration, you’ll relax in the hot springs of Terma Bania, a perfect way to end the day.
Bottom Line: For those who love combining cultural sites with jaw-dropping mountain views and a spa break, this is an excellent choice.
4. Zakopane: Snowmobiles Expedition and Optional Bonfire
Number 4 offers a fast-paced winter adventure with the Zakopane Snowmobiles Expedition. Over 1 to 3 hours, you’ll glide across snowy trails through the Tatra Mountains, experiencing terrain only accessible in winter. The tour is perfect for those craving an adrenaline rush and unique views of snow-covered peaks.
What stands out? The guided snowmobile ride is accessible even for beginners, and the optional bonfire combines regional snacks with a cozy gathering after your ride. The experience is highly rated for its fun factor and scenic access, with one review stating, “Me and my son had so much fun; it was a great day out.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers craving an off-road thrill in snowy surroundings.
5. Zakopane: Dunajec River Rafting, Cheese Tasting & Cable Car
Number 5 offers a full-day adventure packed with nature, history, and local flavors. Starting with a mountain chairlift to Palenica for sweeping views, the day includes a 1.5-hour Dunajec River rafting trip — a peaceful float amid scenic cliffs and forests. Visitors also explore Czorsztyn Castle ruins and sample smoked oscypek cheese in Szczawnica.
What makes this experience standout is its mix of adventure and relaxation, with scenic river views, historic ruins, and a charming spa town. One traveler notes, “The rafting was scenic and relaxing — a great way to enjoy the mountains without strenuous hikes.” It’s suited for those who want variety — outdoor activity, cultural sightseeing, and tasty local food.
Bottom Line: Excellent for a full-day, multi-activity experience with a balance of adventure and cultural exploration.
6. Zakopane: Buggy Ride Adventure with Bonfire and Transfers
Number 6 is a quick but exhilarating off-road buggy experience designed for thrill-seekers. Over about four hours, you’ll navigate rocky and forested trails, enjoying panoramic views of the Tatras from the largest viewpoint. Afterward, a hearty regional dinner around a bonfire completes the day.
What makes this tour stand out is the adrenaline rush of driving a powerful buggy through rugged terrain, plus the relaxing social scene around the fire. The only review so far says, “Me and my son had so much fun; it was a great day out.” It’s ideal for those wanting an active, outdoor adventure with a social element.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure lovers seeking a high-energy, off-road experience with a cozy ending.
7. Krakow: Zakopane Trip with Thermal Pools & Hotel Pick-up
Number 7 is a comprehensive day trip from Krakow filling your day with mountain scenery, thermal relaxation, and local culture. It features visits to the Chocholów village, with its traditional wooden houses, plus sightseeing in Zakopane — including Krupówki street and the funicular. Thermal pools at Chochołowskie Baths are included, making for a relaxing end.
Guests rave about how well-organized and informative this trip is, with one reviewer noting the “excellent guide and smooth logistics.” It’s suited for travelers wanting a full experience with local architecture, food, and relaxation all in one day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a full, guided experience that combines sightseeing with thermal baths.
8. Krakow: Zakopane, Cable Car & Treetop Skywalk
Number 8 offers a 10-hour scenic journey emphasizing mountain vistas and innovative views. The highlight is a cable car ride to Gubałówka, plus a walk along the Treetop Skywalk, Europe’s largest glass terrace. The tour includes hotel pickup and small group size for a personalized touch.
This experience is perfect for those who want a mix of easy outdoor activity and spectacular views. Reviewers praise the “spectacular skywalk” and the “seamless logistics,” making it suitable for families or couples seeking a comfortable, visually stunning day.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers interested in unique viewing platforms and scenic outdoor experiences.
9. Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride
Number 9 provides a straightforward, well-loved 11-hour day trip focusing on mountain scenery and local foods. It includes a funicular ride to Gubałówka, a walk through Zakopane’s vibrant Krupówki street, and plenty of time for shopping and photo stops.
The trip is especially praised for its ease of logistics and a good mix of sightseeing and leisure. One review states, “We enjoyed the trip and the funicular ride — a highlight of our trip to Poland.” It suits travelers who want a no-fuss, immersive day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time visitors wanting an easy, all-in-one Zakopane experience.
10. From Kraków: Witów Skiing and Zakopane Tour
Number 10 combines mountain sightseeing with active skiing. The tour includes a visit to Witów for three hours of skiing, plus the iconic funicular ride to Gubałówka. It’s best for snow lovers who want to combine sightseeing with some snow sport action.
Guests appreciate the chance to practice skills on the snow, with one saying, “Enjoyed the skiing in Witów; a perfect snow fun day.” It’s tailored for those comfortable with winter sports and looking for a mix of activity and scenic views.
Bottom Line: Suitable for winter sport enthusiasts who want to mix adventure with cultural sightseeing.
11. Zakopane Tour with Thermal Baths – Day Trip from Krakow
Number 11 offers a classic highland adventure with the addition of thermal bathing. Visit Chochołów’s oldest mountain huts, taste smoked Oscypek, take the Gubałówka funicular, and relax in Chochołowskie Thermal Pools — all in one day.
The trip is praised for its full itinerary and relaxing thermal bath option. One review notes, “Relaxing in the thermal pools after sightseeing was the perfect way to end the day.” It’s ideal for travelers who want a mix of culture, scenery, and wellness.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a full-day immersive trip with a relaxing thermal soak included.
12. From Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Full-Day Trip
Number 12 covers a full-day tour exploring the best scenic views of the Tatra Mountains, including Wielka Krokiew ski jump and a cable car ride. The tour introduces you to traditional highlander architecture and local culture, with ample time in Zakopane’s main streets.
Rated at 4.6/5, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a rundown of Zakopane’s highlights. One traveler says, “The mountains and the ski jump were breathtaking,” emphasizing its scenic value.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a thorough, scenic, and cultural overview of Zakopane in one day.
13. Krakow: Treetop Trail in Zakopane with Tatra Mountains
Finally, number 13 takes you on a walk among treetops on a specially designed trail. Visit Chochołów’s wooden museum, taste smoked cheese, and enjoy panoramic views from the treetop walkway. This experience is perfect for nature lovers and families.
Guests mention the spectacular views and the unique treetop walk as highlights. It’s a less intense, yet visually impressive way to enjoy the mountains, especially with its mix of cultural sites and scenic walks.
Bottom Line: Best for families and those seeking a scenic, less strenuous outdoor activity.
How to Choose Your Perfect Zakopane Tour
When picking the right experience, consider your interest in scenic views, active snow sports, thermal relaxation, or culture. For those wanting a full day with a mix of sightseeing and wellness, the Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour offers a balanced option. If you’re after an adrenaline rush, the Snowmobiles Expedition provides winter fun off-road.
For families or nature lovers, the Treetop Trail and scenic hikes on the Full-Day Tatra Mountain trips are excellent options. Budget travelers might prefer the shorter, self-guided explorations like the Zakopane: Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride.
Booking early, especially in peak seasons, guarantees availability and the best choices in tour times. Think about what excites you most—mountain vistas, local cuisine, thermal baths, or snowy adventures—and pick accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Zakopane offers an impressive variety of tours—from scenic cable car rides to lively snowmobiles and relaxing thermal baths. For a mix of culture and scenery, the Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Tour is hard to beat. If winter sports are your thing, the Snowmobiles Expedition delivers a fun-filled adrenaline rush.
Whether you seek a laid-back day exploring traditional Highlander architecture or an active mountain adventure, Zakopane has something for every traveler. Planning ahead and choosing the experience that fits your interests will ensure a memorable trip. Book early to secure your spot and enjoy the stunning beauty of the Polish Tatra Mountains at your own pace.