Krakow to Zakopane: Tatra Mountains Tour & Cable Car Ride

Summary

Zakopane day trip from Krakow with cheese tasting cable car ride and wooden villages

You’ll taste smoked oscypek cheese straight from a highlander’s hut in Chochołów, ride the Gubałówka cable car for sweeping Tatra Mountain views, stroll lively Krupówki Street in Zakopane, and watch ski jumpers train. With hotel pickup and an easygoing local guide, you’ll get more than just photos — you’ll feel why people love these mountains.

What’s the experience like?

"Try not to drop your cheese!" our guide Piotr grinned as he handed me a chunk of oscypek, still warm and smelling faintly smoky. We’d just rolled into Chochołów after leaving Krakow behind — two hours of watching the city fade into rolling fields and then those jagged Tatra peaks. The air here was sharper somehow, like someone left a window open after winter. I tried to repeat “oscypek” properly (Li laughed when I tried), but honestly, I was too busy savoring that salty bite and the weirdly perfect burn of Polish vodka they poured alongside it. Never thought cheese and vodka would make sense together, but here we are.

The wooden houses in Chochołów look almost unreal — lined up neat as teeth, scrubbed so clean you could see your reflection if you squinted. Piotr explained how families wash them twice a year with soapy water; I could smell pine and soap lingering as we wandered past. There was this old lady waving from her porch, her hands rough from years of work — she didn’t speak English but smiled like she knew exactly what we were thinking: these houses have stories older than any of us.

Zakopane itself felt busier, Krupówki Street buzzing with people ducking into shops for wool hats or lining up for grilled bread (I caved — warm, chewy, just right). The ski jumps looked impossibly steep; standing at the bottom made my knees ache just imagining it. We hopped on the funicular up Gubałówka hill — it’s quick but my ears popped halfway up. At the top, wind whipped around us and suddenly there were those mountains laid out in front of us, blue-grey and endless. I didn’t expect to feel so small or so awake all at once. We lingered over mulled wine at a little café while Piotr pointed out peaks by name; I forgot most of them already but not that view.

On the drive back to Krakow, everyone got quiet for a while — tired maybe, or just full from too much cheese and mountain air. There’s something about seeing those old wooden chapels and feeling the cold sting your cheeks that sticks with you longer than you’d think.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full-day Zakopane and Tatra Mountains tour

• Pickup from Krakow hotel
• Travel to Zakopane town
• Visit Chochołów wooden village
• Taste traditional Oscypek cheese
• Explore Krupówki street market
• Ride cable car up Gubałówka hill
• Enjoy views of Tatra Mountains
• Visit Jaszczurówka Chapel
• See Zakopane ski jumping hill
• Return to Krakow hotel

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Krakow to Zakopane?

The tour lasts around 9 to 10 hours including transport time.

Is hotel pickup included in the Zakopane tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Krakow.

Do I need to buy tickets for the Gubałówka cable car?

No, admission to the cable car is included in your booking.

Will I get to taste traditional Polish food on this tour?

Yes, you’ll try smoked sheep’s cheese (oscypek) with a shot of Polish vodka in Chochołów village.

Are there stops at wooden villages during this Zakopane day trip?

Yes, you’ll visit Chochołów village known for its historic wooden houses.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and infant seats are available if needed.

What are some highlights included on this Zakopane tour?

Cable car ride up Gubałówka hill, Krupówki Street walk, ski jump viewing, Chochołów village visit with cheese tasting.

How far is Zakopane from Krakow by car?

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

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow by comfortable vehicle; entry fees for all stops including the Gubałówka cable car; a guided stroll through Chochołów wooden village; tasting of traditional smoked oscypek cheese paired with Polish vodka; free time on Krupówki Street; plus an English-speaking local guide throughout before returning home in the evening.