Zakopane and Thermal Baths from Krakow: 10-hour mountain escape

Ten hours in the mountains, ending in warm water

A 10-hour tour from Krakow that takes you to Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains and the thermal baths complex in Chocholow village. You'll ride the cable car up Gubalowka mountain, walk Krupowki street for local crafts and food, and spend 3 hours soaking in naturally heated mineral waters drawn from 3,600 metres below ground. The order is flexible: Zakopane first or thermal baths first, depending on the group. Hotel pickup and drop-off, cable car ticket, pool entry and a small gift of traditional cottage cheese are included.

The experience

The day starts with a drive from your Krakow accommodation into the Tatra Mountains. Zakopane sits at the foot of these peaks and is known for the life of the Podhale highlanders: a culture still visible in the wooden architecture and the goods sold on Krupowki, the main street. You'll have free time there to walk among the traditional bazaars, try smoked cheese called Oscypek, and browse for souvenirs. A cable car takes you up Gubalowka mountain for views across the range.

The thermal baths in Chocholow village are the other half of the day. The water comes from deep underground and is naturally warm. You'll have 3 hours to soak in the mineral pool, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and let the heat work on tired muscles. The wooden houses of the village itself, built by highlanders generations ago, surround the complex. Whether you visit Zakopane in the afternoon and bathe in the evening, or reverse the order, is decided by what suits the group that day.

A professional English-speaking driver handles the route and timing. Water and a small gift of traditional cottage cheese are provided. The tour runs 10 hours total, so plan for an early pickup and a late return.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow.
• cable car ticket to Gubalowka mountain.
• entry to the thermal baths pools, including the mineral water pool and indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
• water and a small traditional cottage cheese gift.
• professional English-speaking driver for the full 10 hours.

Options for this experience

2 options

Group tour, pick-up from hotel included09:00Shared trip with hotel pickup: Ride along and enjoy the experience with a group of fellow travellers. The journey begins at your hotel or other local accommodation in Krakow. Length: 11 hours. Shared drop-off: The trip finishes at a central drop-off point close to Krakow Old Town. Pickup is included.

Private Tour Experience09:00, 10:00 and 11:00Private vehicle with pickup and drop-off: Have a private experience with a dedicated vehicle and your own driver. Your trip starts and ends at a location of your choice. Length: 9 hours. Vehicle size: The vehicle may vary depending on the number of people in your booking party. Customizable service: You can tailor the trip to your preferences, choosing the activities, their sequence and how long each one lasts. Pickup is included.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00 and 11:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Child (4 to 17 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 30

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats available

Operated by Legendary Krakow

Is this one for you?Book the group tour to split costs with other travelers, or choose the private option if you need to start and finish on your own schedule rather than waiting for a set departure time.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 17 years); Infant (under 4).

What is Krupowki street and what can I do there?

Krupowki is the main street in Zakopane and the most famous in town. It's lined with traditional bazaars where you can buy local souvenirs and try regional food, including Oscypek: smoked cheese made by highlanders in the Podhale region.

How long do I spend in the thermal baths?

You'll have 3 hours at the Chocholow thermal baths complex. The time covers soaking in the naturally heated mineral water pool and the indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Can I choose the order of Zakopane and the thermal baths?

Yes. The tour can visit Zakopane first and then the thermal baths in the evening, or the other way around, depending on what works for your group.

What does the cable car ride show?

The cable car takes you up Gubalowka mountain, which overlooks Zakopane and the surrounding Tatra Mountains. You'll have views across the range from the top.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. The tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Krakow accommodation, so you don't need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

Where does the thermal water come from?

The water at Chocholow is naturally heated and drawn from approximately 3,600 metres below ground. It's mineral-rich and said to have beneficial effects on physical and mental relaxation.