Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Baths, Cable Car & Pickup

Intro

This comprehensive day trip from Krakow to Zakopane offers a taste of Poland’s mountain culture, stunning scenery, and relaxing thermal pools. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, the detailed reviews and itinerary paint a picture of a well-rounded excursion perfect for those wanting a mix of adventure, relaxation, and local flavor.

We love the way this tour balances sightseeing with leisure — from riding a cable car to panoramic Gubaówka Hill, to soaking in thermal baths surrounded by mountains. The guides seem knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience as smooth as it is scenic. Plus, the inclusion of authentic cheese and vodka tastings adds genuine local charm.

That said, a potential consideration is the tour’s duration — at around 11 hours, it’s quite a long day, so travelers should be prepared for an early start and a full schedule. This experience is ideal for those who want a curated taste of Zakopane without the hassle of planning every detail themselves.

If you’re after a day packed with striking views, cultural insights, and relaxation, this tour will hit most of the right notes. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate guided experiences, want great value for money, and love discovering off-the-beaten-path moments in stunning scenery.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Balanced itinerary combines sightseeing, local culture, and relaxation.
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with insights and local tips.
• Affordable price point offers excellent value, including transportation and activities.
• Authentic food and drink tastings add a memorable local flavor.
• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup simplifies logistics.
• Stunning mountain views from the cable car and Gubaówka Hill are highlights.

Exploring the Zakopane Tour in Detail

Convenient Pickup and Travel

Starting with hotel pickup in Krakow, this tour takes away the stress of navigating public transport or driving yourself. The tour provider collects guests from a choice of 7 pickup points, which helps accommodate various hotel locations. From there, it’s about an hour and a half on a comfortable bus, giving you time to relax or chat with fellow travelers. Reviewers mention that the transport is timely and well-organized, with some guides, like Maciek, going above and beyond with local tips.

First Stop: Traditional Chochoów Village

Your first taste of the highlander region comes with a quick stop at Chochoów, one of Poland’s oldest wooden villages still inhabited today. This stop isn’t just about snapping photos; it’s an opportunity to understand local architecture and culture. Reviewers note that the wooden houses are a highlight and that the visit offers a genuine glimpse into mountain life.

The visit includes a tasting at a bacówka — a shepherd’s hut — where you can sample oscypek, a smoked sheeps cheese, and local spirits. Reviewers have praised these tastings as authentic and delicious, with one reviewer mentioning they enjoyed the “smelly but good” cheese and a shot of local alcohol for a Highlander experience. It’s the perfect intro to regional flavors that will stay with you long after the trip.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Zakopane: The Town of Mountain Charm

Once in Zakopane, you’re given roughly two hours to explore the lively Krupówki Street — the town’s main promenade lined with shops, cafes, and street vendors. This is a great space to browse handmade crafts, sample local street food, or just soak in the bustling mountain town atmosphere. Reviewers often mention that Zakopane itself feels like a fairy tale, with many noting the charming wooden architecture and vibrant markets.

You might want to try regional delicacies or pick up souvenirs — just be aware that time is limited, so prioritizing your interests is wise. Many guides are happy to recommend food places or must-see spots, and some reviews mention helpful tips for where to find the best local treats.

Thermal Baths: The Highlight of Relaxation

The thermal complex in Chochołów is a major draw, especially for those looking to unwind. The complex features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, jacuzzis, and relaxation areas, all set against a mountain backdrop. Reviewers describe the baths as “amazing” and “so big you could get lost,” with some mentioning outdoor pools with DJs and pools with mountain views, making it a fun and rejuvenating experience.

Guests typically spend around two and a half hours here, which is enough to enjoy multiple pools and unwind. The thermal baths are praised for their size, variety, and the relaxing atmosphere — a perfect way to recharge after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Gubałówka Cable Car & Scenic Views

Next, the tour includes a scenic ride on the Gubałówka funicular, offering breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains. The 10-minute cable car journey is a favorite among reviewers, who describe the vistas as “stunning” and “photo-worthy.” At the top, you get some free time to take photos, soak in the panoramic scenery, and perhaps enjoy a snack or hot drink from local vendors.

Reviewers have shared that the views from Gubałówka Hill are among the most memorable parts of the trip, with clear skies highlighting the rugged peaks. The ride and the panoramic stop are considered well worth the brief time investment.

Return Journey and Reflection

After descending from Gubałówka, the tour bus whisks you back to Krakow, with plenty of time to reflect on an action-packed day. The entire experience lasts about 11 hours, making it a full-day commitment but one packed with diverse activities and scenic moments.

Many reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides — from Michael’s sense of humor to Marius’ local insights — which greatly enriches the trip. Guests also appreciate the smooth logistics, from pickup to drop-off, and the inclusion of all major activities in one affordable package.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

This tour packs in a lot for just $51 per person. Included are round-trip transportation from Krakow, hotel pickup and drop-off, the cable car ticket to Gubałówka, and admission to the thermal baths. Plus, you get cheese and spirit tastings — a lovely touch that makes the trip feel authentic and immersive.

You’ll need to bring your own towels, swimwear, and clothes suitable for outdoor and indoor pools. Lunch isn’t included, so packing a snack or planning a quick meal during free time is wise. The tour offers guidebooks in multiple languages, mostly in English and Polish, and a small group or private option is available for those who prefer a more intimate experience.

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

Based on numerous reviews, guests consistently praise the guides for their knowledge, friendliness, and helpfulness. For example, one reviewer said that guide Michael knew all the places they visited and explained everything very well, even dropping off a T-shirt left behind at their hotel.

The most common highlight is the thermal baths, often described as “amazing,” “big,” and “fun,” with several reviewers mentioning the outdoor pools with mountain views and vibe. Zakopane’s charm is also a big hit — with its fairy-tale wooden houses, lively markets, and mountain scenery.

The cable car ride to Gubałówka is another standout — offering a quick but unforgettable panorama of the Tatras, perfect for photos and just soaking in the scenery.

Authentic Local Experiences

Many travelers appreciate the small touches — like tasting regional cheese and spirits, which give the trip a flavor of local culture. Several reviews mention that the tastings felt genuine and added an extra layer of enjoyment.

Value for Money

Considering the transportation, activities, and tastings included, many guests find the price of $51 to be very reasonable. The full schedule, guided commentary, and scenic stops make this a cost-effective way to see Zakopane without the hassle of planning.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour for?

This experience is best for travelers who want a well-organized, full-day escape from Krakow that offers a mix of mountain scenery, local culture, and relaxation. It’s perfect for those who value guided insights and want to avoid the logistics of self-planning. The tour’s length and activity level suit most energetic visitors, but those with mobility issues should note that some stops involve walking and outdoor exposure.

If you’re looking for a laid-back way to experience Zakopane’s mountain charm — without wasting time or money figuring out transport — this tour ticks many boxes. The inclusion of authentic regional tastings and stunning views makes it feel like a true taste of Polish mountain life.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The entire trip takes about 11 hours, from pickup in Krakow to drop-off, including all activities and breaks.

What are the pickup points?
Pickup is available from 7 different locations around Krakow, including Wielopole 2, Radisson Blu Hotel, Plac Jana Matejki, and more.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You might want to bring a snack or plan to eat during free time in Zakopane.

Are towels provided?
Towels are not included, so bring your own swimwear and a towel for the thermal baths.

Can I bring children?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or wheelchair users. For others, children who can comfortably handle the full schedule should be fine.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
The tour is primarily provided in English and Polish, with informational booklets available in several languages.

How much free time do I get in Zakopane?
You’ll have about 2 hours in Zakopane to explore Krupówki Street, shop, or grab a quick bite.

Is this a private tour?
No, it’s a shared group experience, but private or small groups can be booked for a more personalized outing.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must, especially for walking. Bring swimwear, a towel, and outdoor clothing suitable for mountain weather.

What’s the main highlight?
Many say the thermal baths and the Gubałówka cable car offer the most memorable moments, thanks to their scenery and relaxing vibe.

Final Words

This Zakopane day tour offers a well-crafted blend of sightseeing, local flavors, and relaxation that appeals to a broad range of travelers. With knowledgeable guides, stunning vistas, and authentic experiences at a reasonable price, it’s a smart choice for those wanting a full day of mountain magic without the hassle. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture seeker, or simply after some R&R, this trip promises plenty to enjoy and remember.

You can check if your dates are available here: