Krakow: Zakopane Horseback Ride & Cheese Tasting & Cable Car

Explore Zakopane with a Private Guide and Personalized Comfort

This tour offers an engaging day in the Polish mountains, priced at $333 per person, with a 9-hour itinerary designed for those eager to experience Zakopane’s natural beauty and local traditions. It includes private transportation from Kraków, ensuring a relaxed and flexible pace. The tour is perfect for travelers who want a personalized experience with a dedicated driver leading the way.

What makes this trip stand out is its mix of outdoor adventure—horseback riding through rivers, forests, and mountain trails—and cultural highlights like cheese tasting in a traditional shepherd’s hut. The tour also features a scenic Gubaówka cable car ride, offering sweeping views of the Tatra Mountains. An added benefit is free time in Zakopane’s Krupówki Street, where visitors can browse shops, enjoy local cafés, and absorb the mountain town’s charm.

While the tour is suitable for beginners thanks to included pre-ride training and an instructor, it requires comfortable outdoor clothing and shoes. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary, making it accessible for most. The tour’s flexibility allows extending to up to 10 hours for those wanting more time in Zakopane, and it’s designed for private groups seeking an intimate, personalized adventure.

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Key Points

• Private day trip departing from Kraków with a personal driver
• Includes horseback riding through rivers, forests, and trails suitable for beginners
• Visit a traditional Highlander shepherd’s hut for cheese grilling and tasting
• Enjoy a Gubaówka cable car ride with panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains
• Free time in Zakopane’s bustling Krupówki Street for shopping and exploring
• Option to extend the tour from 8 to 10 hours for more sightseeing

From Kraków to Zakopane: Comfortable Private Transport

The tour begins with a private pick-up from your hotel in Kraków, where your personal driver takes you on a scenic transfer to Zakopane. The route is designed to offer picturesque views of Lesser Poland, setting the tone for a day immersed in mountain scenery. The journey lasts roughly 2.25 hours, giving ample time to relax and enjoy the landscape before arriving at your first stop.

Having private transport means no worries about navigating or sticking to group schedules. The driver is knowledgeable and can accommodate your preferences, making the day flow smoothly from start to finish. Snacks and drinks are available in the car, enhancing the comfort during the transfer.

Highlander Cheese Tasting in a Traditional Shepherd’s Hut

Your first activity involves visiting a bacówka, a shepherd’s hut where Highlander cheese (oscypek) is grilled and tasted. The cheese is served with cranberry sauce, providing a true taste of local traditions. This stop gives insight into the region’s dairy craftsmanship and Highlander culinary culture.

The cheese tasting is a highlight for lovers of authentic flavors, and the setting offers a rustic, cozy atmosphere. The experience is more than just tasting—it’s about understanding the importance of cheese in Highlander life and culture. Guests have the chance to enjoy fresh, locally-made cheese in a simple, traditional environment.

Horseback Riding Through Rivers, Forests, and Mountain Trails

Next, the adventure continues with a horseback ride lasting approximately 1.5 hours. The route is designed to include rivers, meadows, and forest paths, providing a varied and scenic outdoor experience. The tour is beginner-friendly, with pre-ride training and an instructor on hand to ensure comfort and safety.

Even those new to horseback riding will find it accessible and enjoyable. The guides are skilled at helping first-timers get comfortable on the horse. The ride offers the chance to experience the mountains from a different perspective, with plenty of opportunities for photos along the way.

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Gubaówka Cable Car Ride with Mountain Panoramas

Following the horseback ride, you’ll hop on the Gubaówka cable car, which takes you to a vantage point offering breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains. The cable car ride lasts around 2 hours including sightseeing and self-guided exploration.

In summer, the area around the cable car boasts shops, local eateries, and a large slide, making it an engaging stop for all ages. During winter, the mountain landscape sparkles under festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere. This ride is a highlight for its sweeping vistas and the unique perspective it provides of Zakopane’s rugged peaks.

Free Time to Explore Zakopane’s Krupówki Street

After descending from the cable car, the tour provides free time in Zakopane’s Krupówki Street, a lively pedestrian zone filled with wooden houses, souvenir stands, and mountain cafés. This area captures the essence of Zakopane’s mountain culture and offers ample opportunities for shopping, relaxing, and people-watching.

Guests can stroll at leisure, sample local snacks, or pick up handcrafted souvenirs. The relaxed pace here complements the outdoor activities and allows for spontaneous discoveries. This stop typically lasts around 1 hour, making it an ideal moment to soak in the charming atmosphere of the town.

Optional Extension for More Time in the Mountains

For travelers wanting more in Zakopane, there is an option to extend the tour from 8 to 10 hours. This flexibility allows additional sightseeing, shopping, or a more leisurely experience. The extension is available for an extra fee and is ideal for those who wish to maximize their time in the mountains.

Return to Kraków in Comfort and Style

At the end of the day, your private driver will take you back to Kraków comfortably. The return journey is filled with the option to enjoy snacks and drinks from the minibar in the vehicle, ensuring a relaxing end to the day. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel, leaving you refreshed with a full day of mountain adventures.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This tour is suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, thanks to the included pre-ride training. It’s recommended to wear comfortable outdoor clothes and shoes. The activities are designed to be flexible, but pregnant women and wheelchair users are not suitable due to the outdoor nature and physical activities involved.

The tour operates in multiple languages, including English, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian, and is available as a private group experience. Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Zakopane Mountain Day Trip?

This private tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor adventure and culture. The horseback riding through diverse terrains introduces visitors to the natural beauty of the Tatra Mountains in a gentle, beginner-friendly way. The cheese tasting in a traditional setting provides cultural depth, while the Gubaówka cable car offers some of the best panoramic views in the region.

The personalized service with a dedicated driver ensures a relaxed, unrushed experience, and the free time in Zakopane allows genuine exploration of the town’s lively atmosphere. For those seeking a comprehensive, comfortable, and engaging day in the mountains, this trip combines all these elements well.

Zakopane Horseback Ride & Cheese Tasting: Best for Active Sightseers

This tour appeals most to adventurous travelers who want a mix of outdoor activities and cultural experiences. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy scenic views and local flavors without the need for strenuous hiking or complex logistics.

While the itinerary is flexible, it’s important to be prepared for outdoor conditions and to wear suitable clothing. The tour’s private nature means it can be tailored to your pace, making it a memorable and personalized day in the mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 9 hours, with an option to extend to 10 hours.

What is included in the price?
Included are private transportation, horseback riding with instructor, cheese tasting at a shepherd’s hut, Gubaówka cable car tickets, and free time in Zakopane’s Krupówki Street.

Is horseback riding suitable for beginners?
Yes, pre-ride training and guidance are provided, making it accessible for beginners and experienced riders.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothes and shoes suitable for riding and walking are recommended.

Can the tour be extended?
Yes, the tour can be extended from 8 to 10 hours for an additional fee.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women?
No, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

Are there any language options?
Yes, guides speak English, Polish, Russian, and Ukrainian.

What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation is free if made at least 24 hours in advance.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Yes, the free time in Zakopane’s Krupówki Street offers shopping opportunities for souvenirs and local products.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of outdoor horseback riding, cultural cheese tasting, and panoramic cable car views makes this a well-rounded and memorable mountain experience.

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