Krakow–Zakopane: Cable Car, Chocholow Baths & Cheese Tasting

Summary

Zakopane day trip from Krakow with cable car, cheese and hot springs

You’ll ride from Krakow into the Tatra foothills with a local driver, taste traditional highlander cheese and vodka in Chochołów village, take in mountain views from Gubałówka cable car, then soak for hours in Chocholow Thermal Baths. Expect small moments—like laughter over strong vodka or steam rising against snowy peaks—to linger long after you’re back.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the wood smoke—somewhere in Chochołów, someone was already stoking their morning fire. Our driver Marek pulled up right on time outside my Krakow hotel (he texted the night before to confirm), and by the time we reached that village, the sun had started to catch on the carved eaves of those old wooden houses. I tried to say “Dzień dobry” to an older woman sweeping her porch; she smiled but I probably mangled it. There’s something about seeing laundry flapping in mountain air that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into someone else’s slow morning.

I’ll be honest—I didn’t expect to like oscypek (that highlander cheese) as much as I did. It’s smoky and salty, and when our guide handed it over with a shot of local vodka, I hesitated for half a second but went for it anyway. My friend Li laughed at my face after the vodka; apparently you’re not supposed to sip it like wine. The walk through Krupówki Street was busy but not rushed—kids chasing pigeons, vendors selling wool hats, the whole place humming in this low-key way. We took the Gubałówka funicular up (no lines thanks to pre-bought tickets), and suddenly there were those Tatras—sharp blue against a sky that looked almost fake.

Three hours at Chocholow Baths sounded long at first, but honestly? It wasn’t enough. The water smells faintly mineral, warm enough that even when a breeze picked up off the mountains you just sank deeper. Some people ordered drinks from the pool bar; I mostly floated and watched steam curl around everyone’s faces. There’s this moment when you close your eyes and all you hear is water moving—hard to explain but I still think about that quiet now and then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Krakow to Zakopane and Thermal Baths

• Pick up from Krakow hotel
• Travel from Krakow to Zakopane
• Visit Chochołów village
• Taste highlander cheese and vodka
• Ride Gubałówka funicular up and down
• Free time at Krupówki Street
• Relax at Chochołów Thermal Baths
• Return from Zakopane to Krakow

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Krakow to Zakopane?

The tour lasts a full day including transfers, with 3 hours at Chocholow Thermal Baths.

Is hotel pickup included for this Zakopane tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow are included.

Do I need to bring anything for Chocholow Baths?

You should bring a towel, swimsuit, and flip flops for the thermal pools.

Are entry tickets for Gubałówka funicular provided?

Yes, round-trip funicular tickets are included so you skip ticket lines.

What food or drink is included on this day trip?

You’ll taste highlander cheese (oscypek) and sample regional vodka during your visit.

Is there free time in Zakopane town?

Yes, there’s spare time to explore Krupówki Street at your own pace.

What language does the guide speak?

The guided tour is in English; booklets are available in several other languages.

Are children allowed at Chocholow Thermal Baths?

Yes, families with children are welcome; most zones are accessible except some extra-fee areas.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, round-trip transport to Zakopane with an English-speaking driver, all entry fees for Gubałówka funicular and Chocholow Thermal Baths (or Gorący Potok if under renovation), tasting of traditional highlander cheese and regional vodka in Chochołów village, plus spare time on Krupówki Street before heading back home in comfort.