Krakow to Zakopane: Cable Car, Krupówki & Hot Springs Tour

Summary

Mountain views, local cheese tasting and thermal spa relaxation from Krakow

You’ll ride up Gubałówka by cable car for sweeping Tatra views, taste local oscypek cheese and vodka in a shepherd’s hut near Chochołów village, stroll lively Krupówki Street in Zakopane with free time to explore shops or cafes, then unwind for hours in soothing thermal pools overlooking mountain peaks — all with hotel pickup and a local guide who makes every stop feel personal.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the road from Krakow when our guide Marek pointed out a cluster of wooden houses — “That’s Chochołów,” he said, and honestly, I’d never seen homes quite like these before. The wood smelled faintly sweet in the chilly air, and there was this quiet hum from a nearby workshop. We ducked into a bacówka (shepherd’s hut), where I tried oscypek cheese for the first time — smoky, salty, firmer than I expected. Marek poured us a tiny glass of something sharp (local vodka), and Li laughed when I tried to say “dziękuję” without totally mangling it.

The cable car up Gubałówka was fast — just over three minutes but my ears popped halfway. At the top, clouds drifted low over the Tatra peaks. It wasn’t clear blue; more like silver light everywhere. There were families with dogs, older couples sharing tea from thermoses, and someone selling hot smoked cheese on sticks. I still think about that view — not dramatic exactly, but kind of peaceful in a way that stuck with me longer than I thought it would. Afterward we wandered down Krupówki Street; it was busy but not rushed, lots of shopfronts with wool sweaters and sweets I couldn’t pronounce.

I didn’t expect to love the Chochołów thermal baths as much as I did. You can smell pine needles outside if you step away from the pools for a second (which is harder than it sounds). The water’s warm enough that you forget how cold your toes were earlier in the day. There were kids splashing around and older folks just floating quietly by the window looking out at the Tatras — everyone kind of doing their own thing. By the time we headed back to Krakow, my hair still smelled faintly of minerals and wood smoke. Not sure why that detail stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane village, cable car, and baths

• Visit Chochołów wooden village
• Taste cheese and local alcohol
• Ride cable car to Gubałówka
• Explore Krupówki Street freely
• Relax at Chochołów Thermal Baths

Top questions

How long does the Zakopane & Hot Springs tour from Krakow take?

The full day trip lasts approximately 11-12 hours including travel time between Krakow and Zakopane.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow are included in your booking.

What food or drink is included on this tour?

You’ll get to taste traditional oscypek cheese and local vodka at a shepherd’s hut (bacówka) near Chochołów village.

How much free time do you have in Zakopane?

You have about 2.5 hours of free time to explore Krupówki Street or relax in town before heading to the thermal baths.

Are entry tickets to Chochołów Thermal Baths included?

Yes, your entry ticket for 2.5 hours at Chochołów Thermal Baths is included in the price.

Do I need to bring anything special for the thermal baths?

You should bring a towel, flip-flops, and a swimsuit for your visit to the thermal pools.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, specialized infant seats are available upon request and all fitness levels are welcome.

How high is Gubałówka Mountain reached by cable car?

The cable car takes you up to 1,126 meters above sea level for panoramic views over Zakopane and the Tatras.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, all entry fees including tickets for both the Gubałówka cable car and Chochołów Thermal Baths (with 2.5 hours inside), tasting of local cheese and vodka at an authentic shepherd’s hut near Chochołów village, plus plenty of free time on Krupówki Street before returning comfortably by air-conditioned vehicle in the evening.