Kraków: Zakopane Horse ride & Thermal Baths Day Trip

Key Points

• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience in Kraków.
• Visit Chochołów Village, famous for its traditional wooden houses and highlander craftsmanship.
• Enjoy a scenic horseback ride with no prior experience needed, offering stunning mountain views.
• Taste authentic oscypek cheese made at a shepherd’s hut, adding a true regional flavor.
• Relax at the Chochoowskie Thermal Baths, the largest thermal spa in the region, with indoor and outdoor pools.
• Small group experience limited to 8 participants ensures personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Chochołów Village and Its Wooden Houses

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Kraków, leading to the picturesque village of Chochołów. Known for its centuries-old wooden houses, the village feels like stepping back in time. Walking through Chochołów, visitors see a living open-air museum of mountain architecture, with traditional highlander style homes that have preserved their historical charm. This stop offers a glimpse into the region’s architectural heritage and highlander way of life.

Most structures feature intricate woodwork and are remarkably well-preserved. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the rustic charm of the village creating a perfect backdrop for photos and exploration. Visitors appreciate the chance to see a community that maintains its traditional look amidst modern tourism.

Meeting a Góral Sculptor and Learning Mountain Craftsmanship

Next, the tour leads visitors into the home of a local highlander sculptor. This artist specializes in hand-carved wooden sculptures, and the visit provides an insider look at traditional mountain craftsmanship. The guide explains the significance of the sculptures and the highlander culture, offering a personal story behind each piece.

This stop allows for questioning and close-up viewing of the artist’s work, establishing a meaningful connection to the local art scene. The experience emphasizes the skill and artistry that highlander artisans bring to their craft, adding depth to the overall trip.

Scenic Horseback Ride with Mountain Views

After the cultural stops, the tour offers a scenic horseback ride through mountain trails. No previous riding experience is necessary, making this activity accessible for most. The guides lead you along picturesque routes, with breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains in the background.

The horseback riding is designed to be comfortable and enjoyable, with a short riding lesson provided beforehand. The trails showcase the natural beauty of the region, and riders can expect to see lush landscapes and rugged peaks. This activity is a highlight for its combination of adventure and scenery.

Sampling Oscypek Cheese at a Shepherd’s Hut

A visit to a local bacówka (shepherd’s hut) offers a chance to taste authentic oscypek cheese. Made from smoked sheep’s milk, oscypek is a regional delicacy and a must-try for visitors. The tour includes a live demonstration of cheese-making, and the cheese is served fresh before your eyes.

This tasting provides a flavor of mountain traditions and local culinary craftsmanship. The shepherd’s hut setting adds rustic charm, and sampling oscypek enhances the culture of the trip.

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Free Time to Explore Zakopane’s Krupówki Street

Following the mountain and cultural visits, the tour allows free time at Zakopane’s famous Krupówki Street. Known for its lively atmosphere, this street is lined with shops, cafes, and market stalls. Visitors can browse local products, buy souvenirs, or enjoy regional delicacies.

Krupówki offers a lively mountain-town vibe, perfect for strolling and soaking in the local flavor. The guide recommends exploring at a relaxed pace, with options for shopping or simply enjoying the street performers and mountain views.

Relaxing at Chochoowskie Thermal Baths

The final stop is at the largest thermal spa in the region, the Chochoowskie Thermal Baths. The spa features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas. Many visitors find this a perfect way to unwind after a day of activity, especially with stunning mountain views from the pools.

Access to the thermal baths is included, and the experience is designed to be soothing and rejuvenating. The warm waters and scenic surroundings make for a memorable end to the day trip.

Practical Details and Optional Extras

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, saving the hassle of transportation planning. It also includes visits to Chochołów Village, the meeting with a highlander sculptor, oscypek cheese tasting, free time in Zakopane, and access to the thermal baths. A bottle of water is provided for staying hydrated.

Guests should be aware that horse rental is extra, with an additional fee of 250 Polish Zloty per person. The tour does not include personal expenses. It operates in a small group setting limited to 8 participants, ensuring more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

Important Considerations for Participants

No previous horseback riding experience is needed, but comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Guests should bring swimwear for the thermal baths and a camera to capture mountain vistas and local crafts.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems, due to the physical activity involved. It runs in English and requires moderate walking at stops.

Winter Variations and Seasonal Changes

In winter months, the snowy landscape transforms the scenery into a magical winter wonderland. Instead of horseback riding, the tour offers a sleigh ride with enchanting winter sounds and stunning views. This adaptation keeps the experience engaging regardless of the season.

Final Words on the Zakopane Day Trip

This 11-hour trip from Kraków offers a well-rounded experience, combining mountain scenery, cultural insights, active fun, and relaxation. The inclusion of horseback riding, cheese tasting, and thermal baths makes it a versatile option for those eager to explore the Tatra region in a single day.

While the horse rental incurs an extra fee, the overall experience provides excellent value at $161 per person, especially considering the small group size and comprehensive itinerary. It suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, cultural stops, and relaxing moments in scenic settings.

Kraków: Zakopane Horse Ride & Thermal Baths Day Trip FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, visits to Chochołów Village, meeting with a highlander sculptor, oscypek cheese tasting, free time in Zakopane, access to thermal baths, and a bottle of water.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 11 hours, with starting times available to check based on availability.

Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?
Yes, no previous experience is needed. A short riding lesson is provided before the scenic horseback ride along mountain trails.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a camera, long pants, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Can I rent a horse?
Horse rental is not included in the tour price; it costs 250 Polish Zloty per person.

Is there free time in Zakopane?
Yes, the tour provides plenty of free time to explore Krupówki Street, shop, or relax.

What are the thermal baths like?
The Chochoowskie Thermal Baths feature indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and mountain views, offering a relaxing conclusion to the day.

Is the tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
No, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems due to physical activities involved.

What happens in winter?
During winter, the horse ride is replaced by a sleigh ride, with snowy scenery and a magical winter atmosphere.

Who operates this tour?
The experience is provided by Tours4U Krakow, known for well-organized day trips in the region.

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