Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour

Explore Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains in One Day

The Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour offers a full-day adventure at a cost of around €100 per person, lasting 8 hours. This tour, operated by Your Krakow Travel, is perfect for those eager to explore Zakopane, a charming town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, known for its stunning vistas and Highlander heritage.

It includes a scenic cable car ride to Gubalowka Hill, visits to wooden villages, a cheese tasting of Oscypek, and a leisurely stroll along Krupówki Street. This tour provides an excellent balance of natural beauty, cultural insights, and local flavor—all accessible in a manageable day trip. Its well-organized itinerary and inclusions make it especially suited for travelers seeking a comprehensive yet relaxed experience outside Krakow.

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Key Points

• Full-day tour in Zakopane with 8-hour duration
• Scenic cable car ride to Gubalowka Hill for panoramic mountain views
• Visits to Chochoów, a UNESCO-listed wooden village, and a shepherd’s Bacowka
• Cheese tasting featuring Oscypek, a regional specialty
• Stroll along Krupówki Street, filled with shops and eateries
• Live guides in English and Polish, with wheelchair access

Departure and Transport Logistics from Krakow

This tour departs from a designated pickup location in Krakow, with the option to choose your pickup point. The journey to Zakopane takes approximately 105 minutes by comfortable van, providing a smooth start to the day’s adventures.

Once in Zakopane, transportation between stops is arranged via van, making it easy to cover the stop in Chochoów, the traditional village, Krupówki Street, and other landmarks. The trip is paced to balance sightseeing with enough free time to explore.

The tour ends back in Krakow at either Kiss and Ride or another designated drop-off point, making it a practical option for travelers staying in the city. The transportation and timing are designed to maximize sightseeing while maintaining comfort.

Discovering Chochoów: The Wooden Village and UNESCO Heritage Site

The tour makes a stops in Chochoów, a beautifully preserved wooden village recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, visitors can see original wooden dwellings built by Polish highlanders, offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life.

A 20-minute visit allows for a photo stop and a brief walk inside one of the historic houses. The atmosphere of Chochoów remains authentic, with residents still living in these original structures, making it a highlight for those interested in traditional architecture and local history.

Visiting a Bacowka: The Highland Shepherd’s Cottage

Next, the tour takes visitors to a Bacowka, a traditional shepherd’s cottage. Here, you’ll sample Oscypek, a smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk, and witness how it’s artisanal crafted.

This 20-minute stop combines cheese tasting with a brief demonstration of the cheese-making process. Visitors appreciate this authentic taste of Highlander cuisine, making it a memorable experience of local craftsmanship and flavors.

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Strolling Along Krupówki Street: The Heart of Zakopane

A two-hour walk along Krupówki Street forms a major part of the tour. This bustling street is lined with eateries, boutique shops, and souvenir stalls, offering a lively atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to shop for regional products.

During this time, visitors can enjoy free exploration, grab a snack, or browse shops selling local crafts. The street’s vibrant scene captures Zakopane’s energetic spirit, making it a favorite stop for many visitors.

Gubalowka Hill and Its Stunning Views

The Gubałówka Hill funicular ride is a key highlight. The cable car takes travelers up to Gubalowka, where spectacular panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains stretch in all directions.

At the top, there’s free time to take photos, enjoy the scenery, or browse for souvenirs at the small shops. The vista of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys makes this a memorable moment of the trip.

Visiting Jaszczurowka Chapel: A Mountain Landmark

On the way back, the tour includes a brief visit to Jaszczurowka Chapel, a wooden church that adds a cultural touch to the itinerary.

This 20-minute stop offers an opportunity for photos and a look at traditional wooden ecclesiastical architecture. It enhances the understanding of regional religious life and adds a peaceful conclusion to the sightseeing.

Return Journey and Final Stop in Krakow

After a two-hour drive back to Krakow, the tour concludes at a convenient drop-off point. The smooth transportation and well-timed schedule ensure travelers depart Zakopane with plenty of time to relax or explore more of Krakow.

This organized end to the day helps maximize the experience without feeling rushed, offering a satisfying way to sum up a day filled with natural beauty, cultural insights, and local flavors.

Final Thoughts on the Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic mountain views, cultural heritage, and local cuisine, all packed into a manageable 8-hour day. The scenic cable car to Gubalowka, visits to Chochoów and Bacowka, plus a leisurely walk along Krupówki, make it an engaging experience.

The inclusion of cheese tasting and traditional architecture adds authentic regional touches. The live guides speak both English and Polish, ensuring clear and friendly narration, while wheelchair accessibility makes it inclusive for many travelers.

While the schedule is well-paced, visitors should be prepared for comfortable shoes and warm clothing, especially in cooler months. Some may find the long driving hours between stops, but the scenic stops compensate for the transit time.

This tour stands out for its variety of highlights and value for money, appealing to those seeking a comprehensive look at Zakopane’s natural beauty and Highlander traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours from pickup to return in Krakow.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes transportation, guide services in English and Polish, cable car ride, cheese tasting, and entry to key sights.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, though some stops may require maneuvering over uneven surfaces.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and warm clothing are recommended due to outdoor stops and mountain weather.

Are meals or drinks included?
Lunch is not included, but visitors can explore local eateries along Krupówki Street during free time.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the route of the tour?
The itinerary covers stops in Chochoów, traditional shepherd’s village, Krupówki Street, Gubalowka Hill, and Jaszczurowka Chapel, with transportation via van between each.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of scenic mountain views, cultural visits, and authentic cheese tasting offers a well-rounded experience suited for those wanting a taste of Zakopane’s charm.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically geared toward children, the easy pace and outdoor activities can be enjoyed by families with children, provided they are comfortable with walking and outdoor weather.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour follows a fixed itinerary, but the free time at Krupówki Street allows for personal exploration and shopping.

This detailed review captures what makes the Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Tour a popular choice for travelers seeking scenic beauty, cultural depth, and local flavors, all wrapped into a well-organized day trip.

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