Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Funicular Ride and Cheese Tasting

Explore Zakopane and Surroundings in a Full-Day Guided Tour

This 9-hour tour from Krakow offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural sights, and local flavors. Starting with convenient hotel pickup, the tour takes you to Zakopane, the charming mountain town, and includes a scenic funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill, a traditional cheese tasting of Oscypek, and visits to notable landmarks. The tour is ideal for those wanting a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural highlights, and delicious local cuisine in just one day.

The experience is led by knowledgeable guides in English or Polish, ensuring clear storytelling and helpful insights. The tour’s pace involves multiple stops with free time to explore, shop, or take photos, making it flexible for different interests. A standout feature is the Gubałówka funicular, which offers stunning views of the Tatra Mountains, making it a memorable highlight despite occasional cable car maintenance from April 1-4.

While the tour includes many attractions, note that lunch is not included, so guests may want to plan for their own meal. The overall structure balances sightseeing with relaxation, making it a well-rounded option for travelers eager to experience Zakopane without the hassle of independent travel.

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Key Points

• 9-hour guided tour departing from Krakow with hotel pickup and drop-off options
• Includes funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill for panoramic mountain views
• Features a cheese tasting of Oscypek at a mountain hut
• Visits iconic Zakopane sites such as Wielka Krokiew ski jump and Jaszczurówka wooden church
• Offers free time in Zakopane to explore, shop, or relax
• Tour guides speak English and Polish, with options for written guides in other languages

From Krakow to the Mountain Town of Zakopane

The tour begins with pickup from one of nine designated locations in Krakow, including places like Starowilna or Józefa Dietla streets. After about 1.5 hours in a comfortable air-conditioned van, the group arrives at Chochoów village, a picturesque stop known for its cultural charm and scenic views. Here, travelers get a brief 20-minute walk, perfect for photos or stretching legs before continuing.

The journey then takes a local break and sightseeing at Chochoów, giving a taste of the countryside before the highlight of the day: the cheese tasting of traditional Oscypek cheese. This 20-minute session introduces guests to Poland’s smoked sheep’s cheese, often paired with locally produced spirits, making for a flavorful experience.

Scenic Ride Up Gubałówka Hill on the Funicular

One of the most striking moments is the funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill, which lasts about 10 minutes. This scenic journey lifts visitors above Zakopane, offering sweeping views of the Tatras and the surrounding mountains. The ride is especially popular for the photo opportunities and the chance to appreciate the mountain landscape from a different perspective.

In case of cable car maintenance from April 1-4, the driver will transport guests to the top by car, ensuring the experience remains smooth and enjoyable. The scenic views during this ride are a highlight, often filling the camera with memorable images.

Exploring Zakopane’s Famous Sites

After descending from Gubałówka, the tour pauses for about 2.5 hours in Zakopane itself. This period provides ample time to walk around the town, visit shops, or simply soak in the mountain atmosphere. The Wielka Krokiew ski jump is a must-see, offering a quick 10-minute walk to take photos of the impressive ski jumping hill, which is a symbol of Zakopane’s winter sports heritage.

Next, the Jaszczurówka wooden church stands out as a remarkable example of wooden architecture with its intricate design and striking natural setting. The 15-minute walk allows for sightseeing and photographs of this architectural gem.

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Discovering Zakopane’s Mountain Charm

The tour includes a 2-hour stop in Zakopane, giving visitors free time to explore local stores or relax at cafes. This flexibility helps guests tailor their experience—whether they want to shop for souvenirs or enjoy a coffee with mountain views. The town’s lively atmosphere complements the scenic backdrop, making it an enjoyable part of the day.

The Return Journey and Additional Stops

After exploring Zakopane, the group boards the van for a 2-hour return trip to Krakow, with drop-offs at the original meeting points. Throughout the day, the itinerary includes photo stops, short walks, and opportunities to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

The tour offers optional hotel pickup or the chance to meet at designated locations, with precise times communicated the day before. This flexibility makes it easier to plan your day around the tour.

Practical Details and What’s Included

All participants receive hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow, along with transport by air-conditioned van. The funicular ticket to Gubałówka Hill and the cheese tasting are included in the price, offering great value for such a comprehensive experience.

However, note that lunch is not included, so bringing snacks or planning a meal in Zakopane is advisable. The tour operates with live guides in English and Polish, with written guides available in other languages if needed. The group size tends to be manageable, and the cancellation policy allows full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits those interested in outdoor scenery, cultural sights, and local foods. It’s ideal for travelers who want a coordinated day trip with minimal planning, and those eager to see Zakopane’s iconic sites and enjoy a funicular ride without the hassle of navigating public transport.

However, it is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the physical activity involves walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces. The informative guides and well-paced stops make it accessible for most visitors with moderate mobility.

Zakopane Day Trip with Scenic Views and Cultural Highlights

This full-day experience provides a good balance of adventure, culture, and relaxation. The scenic ride on the funicular and the cheese tasting are especially well-received, offering authentic tastes and memorable vistas. The stops at Wielka Krokiew and Jaszczurówka give insight into Zakopane’s unique architecture and sports traditions.

The flexibility in free time allows visitors to create their own experience, whether shopping, sightseeing, or simply enjoying mountain views. The guides’ friendly and professional service is a strong point, as reflected in positive reviews praising their knowledge and attentiveness.

Despite some limitations like cable car maintenance during early April, this tour remains a solid choice for anyone wanting a comprehensive, scenic, and culturally enriching day in Zakopane.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by air-conditioned van, visit to Chochoów village, cheese tasting of Oscypek, funicular ticket to Gubałówka Hill, and free time in Zakopane.

How long is the tour?
The entire tour lasts approximately 9 hours.

Are guides available in languages other than English and Polish?
Yes, written guides are available in other languages, which can be selected during booking.

Is the tour suitable for children or families?
The tour involves walking and some uneven surfaces, so it may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility challenges.

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

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as there are walking stops at sites like Wielka Krokiew and Jaszczurówka.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly.

What if the cable car is under maintenance?
The driver will transport guests to the top of Gubałówka Hill by car during maintenance from April 1-4, ensuring the scenic views are still accessible.

How do I know where to meet or be picked up?
You will receive specific pickup times and locations the day before the tour, with options for hotel pickup or meeting points, no more than a 5-minute walk if necessary.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking requirements.

What makes this tour stand out?
The scenic funicular ride, cheese tasting, and visits to Wielka Krokiew and Jaszczurówka make it a well-rounded day trip, providing a taste of Zakopane’s natural beauty and cultural charm.

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