Zakopane & Chocholow: Snowmobiles, Thermal Baths & Cheese

Summary

Ride snowmobiles near Zakopane then soak in Chochołów’s thermal pools

You’ll ride snowmobiles near Zakopane with a local guide, taste grilled oscypek cheese straight from a fire pit, explore Chochołów’s wooden houses, then unwind at Chochołowskie Thermal Baths before heading back to Krakow. It’s one of those days where you feel both frozen and warmed up inside — hard to explain until you’re there.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it — just listen for the engine,” our guide Marek grinned as he handed me a helmet outside Zakopane. I was still half-awake from the drive out from Krakow, watching morning frost curl on the windows. The first stop was Chochołów, this wooden village that looks like it’s been frozen in time. We ducked into a sculptor’s hut (his hands were stained with wood dust, he nodded hello but kept carving), and Marek explained how these houses have stood through storms and winters longer than most of us have been alive. I tried to imagine living here — smoke curling from every chimney, the quiet creak of old timber floors.

The real reason we came? That snowmobile tour through the Tatra mountains. After a quick training (honestly, not as intimidating as I thought), we set off — engines buzzing, cold air biting my cheeks. Sometimes all I could hear was the crunch of snow under us and someone laughing behind me (maybe me). The views kept shifting: pine trees heavy with snow, sudden bursts of sun on white fields, that weird silence you only get in winter when everyone just… stops talking for a second. Somewhere along the way Marek pointed out where his grandmother used to herd sheep — “right there by that crooked fence.”

Afterwards we crowded into a little shepherd’s hut for oscypek — grilled cheese that smells smoky and sharp, especially when you roast it yourself over an open fire. My gloves still smelled like wood smoke hours later. There was mulled wine too; sweet and spicy enough to warm your nose. Someone tried to say “oscypek” properly and failed spectacularly (Marek laughed so hard he nearly spilled his wine). I didn’t expect to care about cheese this much but here we are.

The last stop was Chochołowskie Thermal Baths — honestly, I almost skipped it because I thought I’d be too tired or cold. But sinking into those hot pools while steam curled up around us? That felt like some kind of reward after all the noise and cold outside. My skin tingled for hours after. On the drive back to Krakow, everything felt quieter somehow; maybe it was just me thinking about all those little moments strung together in one day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane snowmobile tour and thermal baths

• Drive 1.5h from Krakow to Chocholow
• Visit Chocholow wooden village and sculptor's house
• Drive to Zakopane area for snowmobile training
• Ride snowmobiles around Tatra mountains
• Taste traditional smoked cheese and mulled wine
• Relax at Chochołowskie Thermal Baths

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included from Krakow?

No, but pickup is available from a central meeting point in Krakow.

Do I need a driving license for the snowmobile tour?

No driving license is required for the snowmobile ride.

What happens if there isn’t enough snow for snowmobiles?

If weather conditions aren’t good enough for snowmobiles, the tour operates on quads instead.

Are thermal bath entry tickets included?

Yes, your entry ticket to Chochołowskie Thermal Baths is included in the tour price.

Is food or drink provided during the tour?

You’ll taste traditional grilled oscypek cheese and enjoy a glass of mulled wine during the tour.

Can I pay for my snowmobile rental by card?

No, snowmobile rental does not accept card payments; bring cash.

Is this day trip suitable for children or infants?

Specialized infant seats are available; check suitability based on your child’s age and needs.

How long does it take to reach Chocholow from Krakow?

The drive from Krakow to Chocholow takes about 1.5 hours each way.

Is the sculptor's house open every day?

No, it is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle, guided visit through Chochołów village (with sculptor’s hut when open), time on two-seater snowmobiles or quads with all training provided, grilled oscypek cheese tasting with mulled wine at a shepherd’s hut, bottled water throughout the day, and 2.5 hours entry to Chochołowskie Thermal Baths before returning in comfort that evening.