ATV riding in Zakopane: Private mountain trails with guide

You operate the ATV yourself on muddy off-road terrain, not a passenger watching someone else ride.

ATV riding in Zakopane is a private or small-group activity where you operate your own quad through mountain forests, river crossings and off-road trails in the Tatra region, guided by a local who knows the terrain. The ride includes hotel pickup, safety gear, fuel and snacks. It runs about two hours and suits all fitness levels. You control the pace and the route stays off the main roads.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Tatra Mountains1h
2. Mount Gubalówka30m

ATV tour through Tatras and Gubałówka

• Ride ATV through mountain landscapes
• Explore forests and muddy off-road trails
• Enjoy panoramic views in Tatras Mountains
• Visit Gubałówka viewpoint
• Admire mountain valleys and Podhale region

The experience

What separates this from a guided hike or a bus tour is that you're in the driver's seat the whole time. You ride your own ATV through the Tatra Mountains, steering through forests, across rivers and over muddy trails that a car cannot reach. A local guide leads the way on their own quad, setting the pace and choosing the route through terrain that changes from packed dirt to water crossings to rocky climbs. The guide speaks English and stays with the group the entire time, so you're never navigating alone.

The ride takes in Mount Gubalówka, one of Zakopane's best-known viewpoints, where you stop to take in the panoramic views of the Tatras and the valleys below. The rest of the time you're moving through the landscape itself: forests, mountain scenery, and the kind of off-road sections that only an ATV can handle. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so you don't arrange transport to the starting point. Safety equipment, fuel and snacks come with the booking.

The two-hour window is tight enough that you're not spending half your day on logistics, but long enough to cover real distance and get into the terrain. No large groups means you're not waiting for slower riders or stopping constantly for a crowd to catch up. All fitness levels are welcome, though you need to be comfortable sitting on a moving vehicle and handling basic steering and throttle control.

What’s included

• Your own ATV and safety gear.
• a local English-speaking guide for the full two hours.
• hotel pickup and drop-off.
• fuel and snacks during the ride.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 19:00 and 21:00

Book up to8h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by X-ride Zakopane

Is this one for you?You operate the ATV yourself on every trail, so this suits anyone who wants to control their own ride rather than sit as a passenger. Private or small-group options are both available. Pick private if you want the guide's full attention, or small group if you're happy sharing the experience and the cost with others.

Top questions

Can I ride an ATV if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide will brief you on how to operate the ATV before you start, and the route is designed to be manageable for first-time riders. You control your own speed, so you can take it at whatever pace feels right to you.

What's the terrain actually like on these trails?

You'll ride through forests, cross rivers and navigate muddy off-road sections that regular vehicles can't access. The trails wind through the Tatra Mountains, so you're on packed dirt, rocky ground and water crossings, not paved roads.

Does the guide stay with us the whole time?

Yes. Your local guide rides their own ATV ahead of or alongside the group, leading the route and setting the pace throughout the two hours. They speak English and know the terrain well.

What happens if I'm not comfortable riding?

You can ride at your own pace and stop whenever you need to. The guide will adjust the route and speed to match the group. If you decide partway through that ATV riding isn't for you, let the guide know and they'll work with you to get back safely.

Is Mount Gubalówka a stop on the ride, or do we just pass by it?

You'll visit Gubalówka as a stop during the ride, where you can take in the panoramic views of the Tatras and surrounding valleys before continuing on the trails.

What's included in the price?

The booking includes the ATV itself, safety equipment, fuel, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off, and snacks during the ride. You just need to bring yourself and wear clothes suitable for getting muddy.