Krakow: Zakopane & Tatra Mountains E-Bike Tour & Spa

This full-day tour from Krakow offers an exciting combination of adventure, cultural insights, and relaxation in the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane. For approximately 12 hours, you’ll explore rugged mountain scenery on a premium electric mountain bike, visit a traditional Bacówka (shepherds’ hut), and hike to the stunning Czarny Staw Gsienicowy, a glacial lake surrounded by jagged peaks. The experience finishes with a well-deserved soak in the Termy Chochoowskie thermal spa, making it a comprehensive day designed for those who want active exploration combined with wellness.

This tour is suitable for riders who can manage a bike ride of about 4 hours and enjoy scenic outdoor activities. While the route includes some physical effort, the electric bikes help reduce fatigue, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking views and cultural stops. The only caveats are that it is not suitable for people with back problems, mobility issues, heart problems, or those unable to ride a bike. The small group size of up to 8 participants ensures personalized attention and a more intimate experience.

Key Points

• Electric mountain bike adventure through the Tatra Mountains with approximately 4 hours of riding.
• Visit a traditional Bacówka to sample Oscypek cheese and learn about highland cheese-making.
• Hike for 25 minutes to reach Czarny Staw Gsienicowy, a picturesque glacial lake.
• Includes transfer from Krakow to Zakopane and back, with expert guidance.
• Relax in the Termy Chochoowskie spa, the largest thermal spa in the Polish mountains.
• Total duration of about 12 hours, with a flexible starting time based on availability.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Scenic Transfer from Krakow to Zakopane

This tour begins with a comfortable transfer from Wielopole 2 in Krakow, taking you directly into the heart of the Tatra Mountains. The journey offers a chance to enjoy scenic views of Lesser Poland before arriving in Zakopane, the mountain resort town known for its charming atmosphere and surrounding peaks. The transfer itself sets the tone for a day packed with natural beauty and outdoor activities.

Once in Zakopane, the adventure kicks off with a top-of-the-line electric mountain bike rental, designed to make riding through steep or uneven terrain more accessible. The guided experience ensures you stay on the best routes while taking in the stunning mountain vistas.

Riding the Electric Mountain Bikes in the Tatras

The 4-hour mountain bike ride is the core activity of this tour. Riders ascend a 15 km alpine trail toward Hala Gsienicowa, a mountain meadow surrounded by jagged peaks and sweeping panoramas. The electric bikes mean you don’t need to be an expert cyclist—just comfortable riding and ready to enjoy the scenery.

The route is designed to be exhilarating but manageable, with the bike’s assistance making climbs easier and allowing you to focus on the spectacular views. The riding involves some rugged terrain typical of mountain trails, offering a taste of the Tatras’ wild landscape.

Visiting a Traditional Bacówka for Oscypek Cheese

Midway through the ride, you’ll stop at a Bacówka, a shepherds’ hut that preserves highland cheese-making traditions. The smoky aroma of Oscypek cheese fills the air, and sampling this regional specialty offers a delicious glimpse into local culture. The guide provides insights into the cheese-making process, handed down through generations, making this a meaningful cultural stop amid natural beauty.

Hike to Czarny Staw Gsienicowy Lake

At the end of the biking route, you leave your bikes behind and set off on a 25-minute hike through pine-scented forest trails. The hike leads to Czarny Staw Gsienicowy, a glacial lake perfectly framed by towering granite peaks. This spot is a favorite for photography and offers a peaceful setting to pause and soak in the mountain atmosphere.

The lake’s location in the shadows of impressive granite formations makes it a visual highlight of the tour, providing a perfect reward for your efforts on the mountain trail.

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Relaxing in Termy Chochoowskie Thermal Spa

After a day of adventure, the tour concludes with a visit to Termy Chochoowskie, the largest thermal spa in the Polish mountains. The spa features warm, mineral-rich waters, bubbling pools, and relaxing saunas. It’s an ideal way to unwind and soothe tired muscles after the physical activities of the day.

Guests enjoy the flexibility to relax at their own pace, whether soaking in the pools, indulging in a sauna, or simply enjoying the tranquil mountain surroundings.

The Logistics of the Tour

The meeting point is at the Kiss & Ride bus stop in Krakow’s Old Town, just a 4-minute walk from the Main Square. The tour includes transfers from Krakow to Zakopane and back, with small group sizes limited to 8 participants for a more intimate experience. This setup helps keep the journey smooth and the guide attentive to individual needs.

Throughout the day, you’ll be accompanied by an expert guide who provides insights into the scenery, cultural elements, and cycling tips. The duration of the tour spans 10 to 12 hours, with the bike ride lasting about 4 hours and the rest of the time allocated for transfers, hikes, and spa relaxation.

What’s Included and What to Bring

Included in the price are a premium electric mountain bike, a helmet, transfer from Krakow, visits to a Bacówka, Oscypek cheese sampling, and access to the Termy Chochoowskie spa. Personal expenses and meals are not included, so travelers should plan accordingly.

Participants are advised to bring warm clothing, swimwear, hiking shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera to capture the scenery. Comfortable clothes are recommended for both biking and hiking.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

This tour not suitable for people with back problems, mobility issues, heart problems, or those who cannot ride a bike. The bike ride involves some physical effort, but the electric assistance helps manage the more challenging sections. It’s designed to be accessible to those with a moderate level of fitness and outdoor enthusiasm.

The Sum Up: An Active Day with Cultural and Wellness Highlights

The Krakow: Zakopane & Tatra Mountains E-Bike Tour & Spa offers a balanced mix of mountain biking, cultural stops, scenic hikes, and spa relaxation. It’s particularly appealing for those who enjoy outdoor activities but prefer some assistance from electric bikes to tackle the terrain.

The visits to a shepherds’ hut and a glacial lake enrich the experience with authentic cultural and natural highlights. The thermal spa at the end provides a perfect way to unwind after a full day outdoors.

This tour provides excellent value for adventure lovers who want to explore the Tatras in a manageable format, with small groups ensuring a personalized experience. It’s an ideal choice for anyone eager to combine physical activity with cultural discovery and relaxation, as long as they meet the physical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the electric bikes make it accessible for riders with moderate experience, as the assist reduces the difficulty of climbs and rugged terrain.

How long is the bike ride?
The bike ride lasts about 4 hours, covering approximately 15 km on alpine trails.

What should I bring for the hike?
Participants should bring hiking shoes, warm clothing, water, and a camera for the hike to Czarny Staw Gsienicowy.

Can I relax in the spa if I don’t want to bike?
The spa visit is included in the tour for all participants, and you are free to relax there after the outdoor activities.

Are meals included in the tour?
No, meals are not included, so travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the day.

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