Krakow to Zakopane: Tatras Day Trip & Thermal Baths

Summary

From Krakow to Zakopane for mountain views, street food, and warm pools

You’ll wander centuries-old wooden villages near Zakopane, snack on smoky oscypek cheese along Krupowki Street, ride a funicular for wild Tatra views, then soak in Chocholow’s steaming thermal baths. It’s a day for slowing down—even if only for an afternoon—and letting Poland’s mountain rhythm get under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the wooden houses in Chocholow almost seemed to lean into each other, their logs dark with age and cold morning mist. Our guide Marek had this habit of pausing mid-sentence to wave at locals—he grew up nearby, so every second person got a nod or a quick “Dzień dobry.” There was this faint smell of woodsmoke (or maybe it was just my scarf picking up everything), and honestly, it made me want to linger longer than we could. The drive from Krakow is a couple hours but didn’t feel long; I kept watching the mountains get closer through foggy glass.

Zakopane itself was louder than I expected—Krupowki Street full of voices and the clatter of boots on wet cobbles. Marek insisted we try oscypek cheese from a stall (“smoked sheep’s cheese—you have to”), so we did, and it was salty and chewy, nothing like what I’d imagined. He laughed when I tried to say “oscypek” right—definitely butchered it. We took the funicular up Gubalowka hill; at the top, clouds kept rolling in and out, hiding then revealing these sharp ridges of the Tatras. It’s hard to describe that kind of view—cold air on your face, bells from somewhere below.

By late afternoon my legs were tired (and honestly my brain too), so slipping into those thermal baths in Chocholow felt like a reward. The water was hotter than I thought it would be—almost too much at first—and there was this mineral scent that stuck to my skin after. People floated quietly or chatted in Polish; nobody seemed rushed. Three hours went by fast. On the drive back to Krakow, I watched steam drift off my hands through the window and thought about how sometimes you don’t realize you needed a day away until you’re already heading home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Zakopane and Chocholow village

• Visit traditional wooden houses in Chocholow
• Take cable car up and down Gubalowka hill
• Enjoy free time on Gubalowka hill
• Explore Krupowki Street bazaars and shops
• Relax in thermal baths pools

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Krakow to Zakopane?

The trip lasts most of the day including travel time from Krakow, visits in Zakopane and Chocholow village, plus three hours at the thermal baths.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transfers are included with both private or shared options depending on your booking.

What can I do on Krupowki Street in Zakopane?

You can shop for souvenirs at local bazaars or try traditional foods like smoked oscypek cheese.

Are entry tickets to Gubalowka funicular and thermal baths included?

Yes, tickets for both Gubalowka hill funicular and Chocholow thermal baths are included with select options.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A tasting of cottage cheese and flavored vodka is included on some options; otherwise meals are not specified as included.

Can children join this day trip?

Yes, infants and small children are welcome; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What is special about Chocholow village?

Chocholow is known for its traditional wooden houses built by highlanders centuries ago and its large thermal bath complex.

Is Snowlandia winter park visit part of this tour?

The Snowlandia snow maze and ice sculpture igloo are available only during winter season with specific booking options.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Krakow (shared or private), tickets for Gubalowka funicular ride if selected, time exploring Krupowki Street’s local bazaars in Zakopane, three hours at Chocholow’s thermal baths with all entry fees covered, plus cottage cheese and flavored vodka tasting on certain options before returning comfortably in the evening.