Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride

Explore Zakopane’s Charm on a Day Trip from Krakow for $96

This day trip to Zakopane from Krakow costs $96 per person and lasts around 11 hours, making it a comfortable option for travelers looking to experience the Polish Tatra Mountains. Starting early from Kiss&Ride, the tour includes a scenic 2-hour train ride and guided exploration of Zakopane’s highlights. The trip offers a mix of culture, stunning mountain views, and free time to soak in the lively atmosphere of Krupówki Street.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of authentic highlander experiences—such as tasting traditional oscypek cheese—and the chance to enjoy a funicular ride to Gubaówka, which offers breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains. The tour is ideal for those wanting a well-organized, enriching day that balances guided visits with personal exploration, though it is not suitable for wheelchair users.

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Key Points

• Affordable full-day experience at $96, including transportation and activities
• Includes a scenic train ride and a funicular journey to Gubaówka for panoramic mountain views
• Taste traditional oscypek cheese and regional drinks at a mountain cottage
• Free time on Krupówki Street to shop, relax, and soak in Zakopane’s lively atmosphere
• Guided tour with Spanish and English-speaking guides ensures smooth logistics
• The tour ends back in Krakow after approximately 11 hours of exploring

Departure and Meeting Point Next to Mercure Hotel

The trip begins early in the morning at a meeting point next to the Mercure Hotel in Krakow, ensuring easy access for travelers. From here, a 2-hour train journey transports the group toward Zakopane, setting the stage for a day filled with mountain scenery and cultural sights.

Visiting Zakopane’s Traditional Mountain Hut

Upon arrival, the guide leads visitors to a charming mountain cottage where oscypek cheese, a smoked sheep’s milk cheese, is on offer. This spot also features local drinks, providing a taste of highlander flavors. The guide explains the significance of these regional specialties, giving insight into Zakopane’s rich Highlander traditions.

The Funicular Ride to Gubaówka for Stunning Mountain Views

One of the tour’s key highlights is the funicular ride up to Gubaówka, a mountain station that offers spectacular vistas of the Tatra Mountains. The cable car ride lasts about 2 hours, allowing ample time for photos, sightseeing, and browsing the small shops at the top. The views are frequently praised as unforgettable, making the ascent a favorite part of the day.

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Free Time at Krupówki Street for Shopping and Relaxation

After descending from Gubaówka, visitors have roughly three hours of free time on Krupówki Street, the heart of Zakopane. Here, the atmosphere buzzes with street performers, markets, and cafes. The street is perfect for shopping for souvenirs, trying regional snacks, or simply relaxing in one of the many charming cafes.

Enjoying Local Highlander Culture and Regional Specialties

Throughout the day, the tour emphasizes highlander traditions. From visiting the oldest traditional mountain hut to sampling regional alcohol, travelers gain a genuine sense of Zakopane’s cultural identity. The guide shares stories about Highlander customs, adding depth to the experience.

Return Journey and Afternoon Train Ride Back to Krakow

After a full day of exploring, the group boards a 3-hour train ride back to Krakow, arriving at the Kiss&Ride point. This relaxed return offers a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights. The tour’s logistics are designed to be smooth, removing the stress of planning transportation.

Tour Inclusions and Practical Details

Included in the $96 price are tour guide services, a ticket for the cable car to Gubałówka, and a visit to the oldest Highlander mountain hut. The tasting of highlander cheese and regional alcohol is also part of the package, enriching the cultural experience.

Not included are thermal pools tickets, dinner, train tickets, and cable car tickets, which travelers should arrange separately if desired. The tour is conducted in Spanish and English, with live guides leading the way.

Experience Level and Accessibility

This tour involves some walking and riding cable cars, but it is not suitable for wheelchair users. Travelers should wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera to capture the scenery, and pack weather-appropriate clothing as mountain weather can change quickly.

Why Choose This Zakopane Day Trip?

This tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining mountain views, cultural traditions, and free time to explore Zakopane at your own pace. The guided explanations and organized logistics make it especially appealing for those who prefer a hassle-free day out of Krakow.

The highlights like the funicular ride and cheese tasting stand out as memorable moments, while the vibrant Krupówki Street provides lively, authentic local color. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want an insightful, comfortable way to see Zakopane without the hassle of planning.

Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride: Final Thoughts

This 11-hour tour delivers a balanced mix of scenic beauty, culture, and leisure. The $96 price includes key experiences that make the trip worthwhile, especially the viewpoint from Gubałówka and the chance to sample regional Highlander cheese.

While the tour doesn’t include some optional extras like thermal pools or dinner, the guided visits and transportation are well-organized, offering good value for those wanting a comprehensive day trip from Krakow. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see Zakopane’s mountain charm and lively streets comfortably and efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to the meeting point?
The tour departs from a meeting point next to the Mercure Hotel in Krakow, which is easy to access.

What should I bring for the trip?
Prepare comfortable shoes, a camera for photos, cash for small purchases or tips, and weather-appropriate clothing as mountain weather can change.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
The tour involves some walking and riding cable cars, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.

What are the main highlights of the day?
The funicular ride to Gubałówka, tasting oscypek cheese and regional drinks, visiting a traditional mountain hut, and exploring Krupówki Street are the key attractions.

Can I buy souvenirs on Krupówki Street?
Yes, Krupówki Street is perfect for shopping for local souvenirs, snacks, and enjoying the lively street atmosphere.

How long is the train ride back to Krakow?
The train journey from Zakopane back to Krakow lasts about 3 hours.

Do I need to book the train or cable car tickets separately?
No, the cable car ticket to Gubałówka is included in the tour price, but train tickets are not included and should be arranged separately.

Is there a dress code or specific clothing recommended?
Wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing to handle mountain weather and walking throughout the day.

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