Kraków to Morskie Oko & Zakopane Tour with Cheese & Vodka

Walk forest paths to Morskie Oko then taste cheese in Zakopane

You’ll walk forested trails from Kraków to reach Morskie Oko’s glassy waters, taste fresh cottage cheese in Zakopane, ride Gubałówka’s cable car above town, and sample flavored vodka with locals before heading home — all with hotel pickup included. It’s an active day that lingers long after you’re back.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Kraków, entrance to Morskie Oko, a cottage cheese tasting in Zakopane, flavored vodka sampling, cable car tickets up Gubałówka, and a professional English-speaking driver guiding you through it all before heading back in the evening.

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Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Krakow to Morskie Oko and Zakopane

• Pick up from Krakow location
• Drive 2 hours to mountains
• Walk 2 hours to Morskie Oko lake
• Explore Morskie Oko surroundings
• Walk 2 hours back from lake
• Drive to Zakopane
• Take cable car up Gubalowka mountain
• Visit Krupowki street in Zakopane
• Return to Krakow

The Experience

I still remember the first breath stepping out in Zakopane — that sharp, piney air you only get in the Tatra mountains. Our driver, Piotr, picked us up from Kraków just after sunrise (I was barely awake, honestly), and two hours later we were winding through mountain roads with Polish radio humming quietly. I didn’t expect the walk to Morskie Oko to feel so… steady. It’s about two hours each way, mostly paved but always surrounded by trees thick enough to muffle your footsteps. There were moments I just stopped and listened — some birds, someone laughing ahead, a faint smell of woodsmoke from somewhere unseen. The lake itself is almost too still. Someone said “The Eye of the Sea” and it made sense; it just sits there reflecting everything back at you.

Piotr pointed out little things along the way — old stone huts, a shrine tucked into a tree. He told us about Podhale highlander traditions (I tried repeating “oscypek” and he grinned at my accent). After the hike back down we headed for Zakopane proper, which felt busy but not rushed. Krupówki street was alive with people selling wool hats and smoked cheese — I tried one still warm from the grill and honestly it was saltier than I expected but kind of perfect after all that walking. We took the cable car up Gubałówka; I’m not sure if it was the altitude or just relief but everything looked softer from up there.

There was a vodka tasting too — plum, cherry, something herbal I couldn’t quite place (Piotr said it’s best not to ask). The weather shifted every hour: sun on our faces one minute, then clouds rolling over the peaks like someone shaking out a blanket. By late afternoon my legs were tired in that good way and my head felt clear. On the drive back to Kraków I kept thinking about that silent moment by Morskie Oko — how sometimes you travel for a view but end up remembering how it felt just to stand still somewhere new.

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Kraków to Morskie Oko?

The drive takes about 2 hours each way depending on traffic.

How difficult is the walk to Morskie Oko?

The walk is about 2 hours each way on mostly paved paths; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Kraków.

What food or drink is included?

Cottage cheese tasting and flavored vodka tasting are both included during your visit in Zakopane.

Do I need special clothing for this tour?

It’s best to wear warm and comfortable clothing suitable for walking in mountain weather.

Are cable car tickets to Gubałówka included?

Yes, the cable car ride up Gubałówka mountain is included in the tour.

How much time do we spend walking in total?

Expect about 4 hours of walking: 2 hours each way to and from Morskie Oko.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available, but travelers should have moderate fitness for the walk.