From Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Day Tour

Key Points

• Price and Duration: The tour costs $111 per person and lasts 11 hours.
• Highlights: Enjoy cable car rides with stunning mountain views, visit Chocholow’s wooden village, and relax in hot springs.
• Cultural Experience: Explore highlander architecture, taste Oscypek cheese, and hear regional music.
• Convenience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow and skip-the-line tickets for the Gubaowka funicular.
• Relaxation: Spend 3 hours at Chocholow Thermal Baths with indoor pools, water slides, and jacuzzis.
• Best for: Those seeking a blend of scenic views, cultural sights, and relaxing thermal pools.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover Zakopane: A Day of Mountain Views, Culture, and Relaxation

This full-day tour from Krakow offers a comprehensive look at the Tatra Mountains, Zakopane’s highlander traditions, and the soothing thermal springs. At $111 per person, it balances sightseeing, cultural exploration, and relaxation into an 11-hour adventure. The tour is ideal for travelers wanting a taste of mountain scenery, authentic regional culture, and luxurious thermal baths without the hassle of planning each stop.

What sets this tour apart is its thoughtful mix of scenic rides, local flavor, and rejuvenating pools. It begins with a hotel pickup in Krakow, followed by visits to Chocholow’s wooden village, a ride up Gubaowka Hill via cable car, and a relaxing soak in the Chocholow Thermal Baths. With skip-the-line tickets and guided commentary, the day flows smoothly, leaving plenty of time to enjoy each highlight.

While the tour offers a well-rounded experience, be aware that Zakopane can feel crowded during peak times, and weather conditions in the mountains might be cooler than in Krakow. Still, this trip provides a fantastic opportunity to see classic mountain views and taste local delicacies like Oscypek cheese. It especially appeals to those who appreciate cultural insights combined with natural beauty and healthful relaxation.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $111 covers transport, guides, and entry tickets.
• The 11-hour schedule features scenic cable car rides and thermal baths.
• Cultural stops include Chocholow’s wooden houses and local cheese tasting.
• Gubaowka Hill provides panoramic Tatra Mountain views.
• Relaxation time at Chocholow Thermal Baths is 3 hours.
• The tour suits adventurers, culture lovers, and relaxation seekers.

From Krakow to the High Highlander Village of Chocholow

The day kicks off with a comfortable hotel pickup in Krakow, as the bus heads toward the wooden village of Chocholow. Known for its preserved highlander architecture, this village offers a charming glimpse into regional building styles and cultural heritage. The 15-minute photo stop allows for capturing the scenic traditional houses and rural landscapes.

In Chocholow, you are encouraged to take a leisurely walk for about 30 minutes, exploring the authentic wooden houses and learning about local traditions. This stop provides a chance to appreciate regional craftsmanship and take memorable photos. The stop also includes a cheese tasting featuring Oscypek, the iconic smoked cheese, along with regional alcohol samples, offering a taste of local flavors.

The visit to Chocholow balances cultural insight with photo opportunities, making it a highlight for travelers interested in regional authenticity. The village’s preserved wooden architecture is particularly appealing for those who enjoy traditional rural settings.

Ascending Gubaowka Hill for Breathtaking Mountain Views

After leaving Chocholow, the tour proceeds to Zakopane, where a ticket for the Gubaowka funicular is provided, allowing guests to ride to the summit. The 10-minute cable car journey offers spectacular panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains that are a true visual highlight.

At the top of Gubaowka Hill, visitors find charming cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, creating a lively atmosphere amidst the stunning scenery. The 30-minute stop here is perfect for photo opportunities and soaking in the mountain vistas. The breathtaking views make this a must-do activity, especially for those eager to see the Tatra peaks from above.

The ride back down sets the stage for exploring Krupowki Street in Zakopane, the city’s main pedestrian thoroughfare. This lively street features a variety of shops, restaurants, and boutiques, where visitors can enjoy local cuisine or browse for handmade crafts and souvenirs.

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Exploring Zakopane’s Vibrant Krupowki Street

Spending about 2 hours in Zakopane’s city center, visitors can enjoy free time to explore Krupowki Street at their own pace. The street is filled with authentic eateries offering regional dishes, and shops selling highlander clothing and crafts. The bustling atmosphere reflects Zakopane’s charm as a mountain resort town.

This free time allows for lunch, shopping for souvenirs, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere. Many travelers appreciate how this portion of the tour balances sightseeing with personal exploration, providing flexibility to tailor the experience to individual interests.

Riding the Gubaowka Cable Car for Mountain Panoramas

The 10-minute cable car ride to Gubaowka is one of the tour’s top highlights, offering stunning views of the Tatra Mountains. The ascent provides an ideal perspective of the Alpine scenery, with photo opportunities at the top of the hill.

This scenic ride is included in the roundtrip ticket, easing the hassle of ticket lines and ensuring guests can focus on enjoying the spectacular landscape. The scenic views here are especially popular for capturing memorable photos and appreciating the mountain majesty.

Relaxing in the Chocholow Thermal Baths

The highlight of the day is the 3-hour visit to the Chocholow Thermal Baths. This rejuvenating experience features indoor pools, outdoor pools, water slides, and jacuzzis, providing plenty of options for relaxation and fun.

The thermal pools are filled with healing mineral waters, offering a therapeutic experience. Families enjoy the specially themed areas for children, while adults often unwind in the pool bar (food and drinks not included). The baths are often crowded, but the large space ensures everyone has room to relax comfortably.

This time at the thermal baths offers a perfect break from sightseeing, giving visitors a chance to soothe sore muscles and enjoy leisure in a scenic setting.

Returning to Krakow After an Exciting Day

Following the relaxation, the bus departs from Chocholow to head back to Krakow. The return journey lasts about 1.5 hours, giving travelers a moment to relax or reflect on the day’s sights.

The hotel drop-off options include several central locations, making it easy to continue exploring Krakow or head to your accommodation. The full-day schedule ensures a balanced itinerary with enough free time to enjoy the tour without feeling rushed.

Overall Experience and Suitability

This Zakopane day tour offers a well-rounded experience combining mountain scenery, cultural stops, shopping, and thermal relaxation. The inclusion of skip-the-line tickets for the Gubaowka cable car and hotel pickup adds convenience, especially for visitors staying in Krakow’s Old Town or Kazimierz districts.

The guides are described as helpful and attentive, making the day pleasant and easy to follow. The scenic views and authentic highlander culture stand out as major highlights, while the thermal baths provide a memorable finish to the adventure.

However, travelers should be aware that Zakopane can be crowded, especially during peak seasons, and the mountain weather may be cooler than Krakow, so packing weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes is recommended.

This tour is best suited for those interested in scenic mountain vistas, cultural exploration, and relaxing thermal pools. It offers a comprehensive, hassle-free day with many memorable moments, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to experience Zakopane without the hassle of planning or longer stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow.

How long is the transfer back to Krakow?
The return journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

What is included in the ticket to the thermal baths?
The ticket grants access to indoor and outdoor pools, water slides, and jacuzzis for 3 hours.

Can I explore Zakopane at my own pace?
Yes, after visiting Gubaowka and Krupowki Street, you have free time to explore Zakopane independently.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, but specific age restrictions are not detailed.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing for mountain conditions.

Is food included in the tour?
No, food and drinks are not included, but there are opportunities to purchase meals during free time.

What language is the tour guide speaking?
The tour is conducted in English, with Polish also available.

How do I know my pickup time?
The local partner will contact you via WhatsApp, email, or phone the day before your tour to confirm details.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Children can enjoy the thermal baths’ themed areas, but the tour does not specify if it’s ideal for small children or infants.

This From Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Day Tour offers a balanced itinerary for travelers eager to see the mountain landscape, learn about highlander culture, and unwind in thermal waters. With its affordable price, carefully curated stops, and convenient logistics, it promises a rewarding day in Lesser Poland.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby