Zakopane and Hot Springs from Krakow Full-Day Tour

This full-day Zakopane and Hot Springs tour from Krakow offers a well-rounded experience of Poland’s southern mountains and local traditions. For $124 per person, travelers get a comprehensive itinerary that includes a scenic cable car ride, visits to iconic sites, and a relaxing soak in thermal waters. The tour lasts approximately 9 to 11 hours, making it an ideal choice for those wanting to explore Zakopane’s highlights without staying overnight.

From the moment of pickup from your hotel, the tour delivers a mix of culture, breathtaking views, and leisure. The shared transport ensures comfort and convenience, while the carefully curated stops provide insight into local craftsmanship, architecture, and natural beauty. The inclusion of admission tickets for the cable car and thermal baths adds value, and the 9 to 11-hour schedule offers a packed but manageable day. This tour suits travelers seeking a full taste of Zakopane’s mountain scenery and traditions, with a comfortable and guided experience.

Key Points

• All-inclusive price of $124 covers transport, cable car tickets, and thermal baths entry.
• Pickup from Krakow hotels makes logistics simple and stress-free.
• The itinerary includes stops at Chocholow, Krupowki Street, Gubałówka, Wielka Krokiew, and Jaszczurówka.
• Time at Chocholow allows visitors to see traditional highlander sheep cheese production, with the option to taste “Oscypek.”
• Krupowki Street offers a lively market experience with local food and souvenirs.
• The Gubałówka cable car provides sweeping views of the Tatra Mountains.
• The Wielka Krokiew ski jump showcases Poland’s ski jumping champions.
• The Jaszczurówka wooden church offers a glimpse into sacral architecture.
• The Chocholowskie Termy, Poland’s largest thermal baths, promise relaxation in thermal waters for up to 3 hours.

Zakopane: Poland’s Mountain Capital

The tour begins with a visit to Zakopane, known as the winter capital of Poland. This town is famous for its distinct highlander architecture, lively Krupowki Street, and vibrant cultural scene. Visitors get two hours to explore independently, sample local Polish mountain cuisine, or browse for souvenirs among the shops lining the street.

The town’s unique style, reflected in its architecture, music, and clothing, creates a lively atmosphere. The free time allows for personal discovery or a quick lunch before continuing to the scenic spots ahead.

Chocholow Village: Traditional Highland Crafts and Cheese

The first stop on the tour is Chocholow, a picturesque wooden village famous for traditional highlander houses and sheep cheese production. Here, visitors see how smoked sheep cheese “Oscypek” is made in typical wooden houses, with the opportunity to taste this regional delicacy.

The buildings in Chocholow look almost identical, thanks to a tradition of washing and maintaining the wooden walls twice a year. This tradition helps the ancient-looking structures appear fresh and well-preserved, offering a glimpse into local craftsmanship and lifestyle.

This stop lasts about 30 minutes, providing enough time to observe the cheese-making process and enjoy some local flavors.

Krupowki Street: The Heart of Zakopane

Krupowki Street serves as the central hub of Zakopane and is a lively market square packed with restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. This two-hour stop allows visitors to wander freely, soaking in the highlander culture through architecture, music, and local dishes.

Here, exploration options include tasting traditional Polish mountain cuisine or shopping for handcrafted souvenirs. The street’s vibrant atmosphere offers a perfect mix of culture and leisure.

Gubałówka Mountain: Scenic Cable Car Ride

The Gubałówka cable car is a highlight, offering a 55-minute ride to the top of Gubałówka Mountain. The tour provides an individual ticket for this ride, taking visitors to an altitude that reveals sweeping views of the Tatras and Zakopane below.

At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas, perfect for photos and appreciating the region’s natural beauty. The cable car runs smoothly, providing a comfortable ascent and descent, making it an accessible highlight of the day.

Wielka Krokiew: Poland’s Ski Jumping Icon

Next, the tour visits Wielka Krokiew, the famous ski jumping stadium in Zakopane. This site hosts Poland’s national ski jumping competitions and is where the Polish Ski Jumping Team celebrates its successes.

The visit lasts about 25 minutes, allowing visitors to admire the impressive ski jump and learn about Poland’s winter sports achievements. Watching the stadium’s structure and imagining the athletes’ jumps creates a memorable experience.

Jaszczurówka Wooden Church: Sacral Architecture in the Mountains

On the way to the thermal baths, the tour makes a 20-minute stop at the Jaszczurówka wooden church, an excellent example of sacral architecture. This ancient chapel showcases traditional wooden construction and design, providing insight into the region’s spiritual and architectural heritage.

The church’s picturesque setting and historical significance make it a peaceful, reflective stop and a great photo opportunity.

Chocholowskie Termy: Poland’s Largest Thermal Baths

The day concludes at the Chocholowskie Termy, the largest thermal bath complex in Poland. Covering nearly 3,000 m² of water surface with 30 pools, this thermal spa offers a variety of recreational and therapeutic options.

Visitors can enjoy thermal waters rich in micronutrients in pools, jacuzzis, or the treatment zone featuring sulphide and brine waters. The up to 3-hour stay here ensures plenty of time for relaxation and body regeneration. The inclusion of admission tickets makes this a relaxing finale to a busy day.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour starts at 8:00 am with door-to-door pickup service from hotels in Krakow. The journey uses air-conditioned vehicles, and the group size is limited to 32 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The helpful driver and guide assist throughout, making logistical transitions smooth and providing insight at each stop. The shared transport makes the experience accessible while maintaining a relaxed pace.

Value and Overall Experience

Priced at $124, this tour includes all major tickets—the cable car and thermal baths—making it good value for a full day of sightseeing and relaxation. The length of 9 to 11 hours offers a comprehensive taste of Zakopane’s highlights without feeling rushed.

The positive reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, especially praising Gosia and Carlito for their friendly and expert service. Travelers appreciate the stunning views, authentic cultural stops, and relaxing thermal pools as key strengths.

Zakopane and Hot Springs from Krakow: Who Will Enjoy It Most?

This tour appeals strongly to those interested in mountain scenery, highlander culture, and relaxation in thermal waters. It suits travelers who want a full-day guided experience with minimal planning, thanks to hotel pickup and included tickets.

Those who prefer active sightseeing combined with leisure will find this tour balanced and satisfying. However, it requires a full day, so travelers seeking a quick overview or with mobility constraints should consider their pace.

Zakopane and Hot Springs from Krakow: Final Thoughts

This tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Zakopane’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxation options. The inclusion of key sites like Gubałówka and Wielka Krokiew ensures memorable views and insights into Polish mountain life.

The thermal baths at Chocholowskie Termy** offer a perfect wind-down, making this an ideal option for those wanting both adventure and tranquility. With expert guides and all major tickets included, it delivers good value and a smooth experience—perfect for a day trip from Krakow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers door-to-door pickup service from hotels in Krakow.

What is the duration of the entire trip?
The full-day tour lasts approximately 9 to 11 hours.

Are tickets for the cable car and thermal baths included?
Yes, the admission tickets for the Gubałówka cable car and Chocholowskie Termy thermal baths are included in the price.

Can I explore Zakopane on my own during the stop at Krupowki Street?
Yes, you have two hours of free time to explore independently, dine, or shop.

What types of activities are included at Chocholowskie Termy?
You can enjoy thermal pools, jacuzzis, and treatment zones with sulphide and brine waters.

Is the tour suitable for those with mobility issues?
While the stops are generally accessible, some walking and stairs at sites like Gubałówka and the thermal baths may require consideration.

What is the group size limit?
The tour group is limited to 32 travelers for a comfortable experience.

How early should I book this tour?
Most bookings are made around 45 days in advance, but availability may vary.

What is the cost of the tour?
The current price is $124 per person.

Is there a cancellation policy?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, with full refunds.