Krakow to Zakopane: Day Trip, Highlander Cheese & Hot Baths

Summary

From Krakow to Zakopane for cheese, old wood houses and steamy pools

You’ll start your day in Krakow and head into the Tatra foothills for smoky highlander cheese, shots of local alcohol, and time wandering Zakopane’s lively streets. If you choose the hot bath pools option, you’ll end up floating under mountain skies—just remember your swimsuit. It’s a day full of small surprises and real Polish hospitality.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed rolling into Zakopane from Krakow was the way the air changed—cooler, with this faint piney smell that stuck around all day. Our driver Marek picked us up right outside the apartment (he texted the night before to confirm), and by the time we reached Chochołów, I’d already lost track of how many wooden cottages I’d pointed out. He said some of these houses are older than his grandmother. The wood looked almost silver in the morning light—honestly, it made me want to touch it just to see if it felt as soft as it looked. There were two old women chatting on a bench, one knitting something bright red. It felt like a movie set, but with more chickens.

We tried oscypek cheese at this tiny hut—smoky, salty, squeaky between your teeth. Marek poured us a shot of something he called “goralska” (I probably spelled that wrong). It burned going down but in a good way, you know? He laughed when I coughed and said even locals need water after that stuff. The main street, Krupówki, was busier than I expected: families with strollers, teenagers eating waffles bigger than their heads. We had spare time there—enough for coffee and people-watching under those striped umbrellas while clouds drifted over the Tatra Mountains behind everything.

If you pick the thermal baths option (which I did because my legs were tired), bring flip-flops and just let yourself float for a while. The water’s got this mineral smell—not bad, just earthy—and it’s warm enough that you forget about whatever weather is happening outside. There were kids splashing in one pool and older folks quietly soaking in another; everyone seemed to have their own rhythm. I still think about that feeling—weightless in the water with mountains peeking through the glass windows.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Day trip from Krakow to Zakopane

• Meet driver at hotel entrance
• Travel from Krakow to Zakopane
• Visit Chochołów village
• Taste highlander cheese and alcohol
• Optional funicular ride up and down
• Explore Krupowki Street and free time
• Optional soak in thermal pools
• Enjoy views of Tatra Mountains
• Return from Zakopane to Krakow

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Zakopane tour?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup in Krakow is included with advance arrangement by your driver.

How long does it take to get from Krakow to Zakopane?

The drive from Krakow to Zakopane usually takes about 2 hours each way depending on traffic.

Are the Chocholow thermal baths entry tickets included?

The 3-hour ticket for Chocholow Hot Baths Pools is included if you select that option during booking.

What food or drinks are provided on this day trip?

You’ll get to taste traditional highlander cheese and regional alcohol during the tour.

Is there free time in Zakopane town center?

Yes, you’ll have spare time on Krupówki Street to explore or relax as you wish.

Do I need special clothing or equipment?

Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended; bring swimwear and flip-flops if using the hot baths.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

The guided tour is in English but guidebooks are available in several other languages upon request.

Is this day trip suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; families often enjoy both sightseeing and pools.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, all transport between stops, entry tickets for Mount Gubałówka funicular if selected, visits to traditional wooden homes in Chochołów village, tastings of highlander cheese and regional alcohol, spare time on Krupówki Street in Zakopane’s center, plus a 3-hour pass for Chocholow Hot Baths Pools if you go for that option—all led by a friendly English-speaking driver or guide.