Krakow to Zakopane: Thermal Springs, Cable Car & Highland Cheese

Summary

Zakopane’s wooden houses, mountain views and warm springs—slow moments from Krakow

You’ll wander through Chochołów village’s wooden houses, taste real Oscypek cheese with a local twist, ride up Gubałówka Mountain for wild Tatra views, then unwind in Chocholow Thermal Springs before heading back to Krakow—all with pickup included. Expect small surprises and slow moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

You know when you step off the minivan and the air just smells different? That’s how it started for us—leaving Krakow behind, rolling into Chochołów where every house looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. Our guide Marek grinned at my surprise (“it’s all spruce, always spruce!”), and I kept running my hand along the wood railings just to feel that rough polish. There was this faint scent of smoke in the air—maybe from someone’s breakfast fire—and I caught myself wishing we could linger longer. But then someone pointed out a stork’s nest perched on a chimney and we all stopped to stare for a minute.

The next bit was honestly my favorite: we ducked into a shepherd’s hut for Oscypek (that’s the smoked sheep’s cheese—try saying it right, I dare you). It was salty and chewy, nothing like what I expected, and washed down with a tiny glass of vodka that made me cough so hard Marek laughed out loud. He told us how his grandfather used to make cheese by hand up in the hills. There was something about standing there with strangers, all of us grinning with cold fingers wrapped around little glasses—it felt oddly intimate. The main keyword here is day trip Krakow Zakopane, but honestly it felt more like dropping into someone else’s rhythm for a while.

Zakopane itself is busy but not in an annoying way—Krupówki Street has this jumble of voices and bright wool hats everywhere you look. We took the funicular up Gubałówka Mountain (the cable car rattles more than you’d think) and suddenly the Tatras just opened up below us—snow still clinging to the peaks even though it was spring. I bought a carved spoon from an old woman who barely looked up from her knitting; she nodded once when I said “dziękuję” (probably butchered it). After wandering back down, we squeezed into a café for pierogi before heading out again.

The last stop: Chocholow Thermal Springs. Honestly, I didn’t expect much—I’m not really a spa person—but sinking into that hot water after hours outside? My legs practically sighed. You could hear kids splashing somewhere nearby but mostly it was quiet except for our own laughter echoing off the tiles. The drive back to Krakow felt slower somehow; everyone half asleep or just watching fields blur past in the dusk light. I still think about that first bite of cheese and how warm my hands finally felt at the end.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane tour with thermal springs

• Pickup from Krakow hotel
• Travel to Zakopane (1.5-2 hours)
• Visit Chochołów Village and walk
• Taste smoked sheep's cheese and vodka
• Take funicular to Gubałówka mountain
• Enjoy panoramic Tatra Mountains view
• Descend and walk Krupówki street
• Relax at Chocholow Thermal Springs (2.5 hours)
• Return to Krakow hotel

Top questions

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

It usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or minivan, depending on road and weather conditions.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel or apartment pickup from Krakow is included unless your location isn’t accessible by vehicle.

What food is included on this tour?

You’ll get to taste traditional smoked sheep's cheese (Oscypek) and have a shot of Polish vodka during the visit to the shepherd's hut.

How much free time do you get in Zakopane?

You have about 2.5 hours of free time in Zakopane town center to explore or eat lunch on your own.

Are entry tickets for Gubałówka Mountain cable car included?

Yes, your funicular ticket up Gubałówka Mountain is included in the tour price.

How long can you stay at Chocholow Thermal Springs?

The entry ticket gives you 2.5 hours at Chocholow Thermal Baths.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No traditional lunch is included; only cheese tasting and vodka are provided. You can buy lunch during your free time in Zakopane.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour includes family-friendly activities like thermal pools with themed areas for kids as well as adults.

Can I join if I don’t speak English?

The main guide speaks English but written brochures are available in French, German, Spanish or Italian if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Krakow, round-trip transport by minivan or car, entry tickets for both Chocholow Thermal Springs (with access to pools and slides) and Gubałówka Mountain funicular railway, plus a tasting of traditional Oscypek cheese paired with Polish vodka at a local shepherd's hut before returning home relaxed in the evening.