Zakopane Day Trip: Gubałówka Funicular, Cheese & Thermal Baths

Summary

Mountain views, cheese tasting and hot springs in Zakopane

You’ll taste fresh oscypek cheese in a wooden village near Zakopane, ride the Gubałówka funicular for sweeping Tatra views, wander lively Krupówki Street with its food smells and local color, then soak away hours in steaming thermal pools. All with pickup from Krakow and a guide who knows every shortcut — it’s more than just sightseeing; you’ll feel the place under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

Someone handed me a chunk of warm oscypek before I’d even figured out how to pronounce it (I tried — Li laughed and said “close enough”). The smell was smoky and earthy, not like anything I’d had before. We’d just watched the highlander woman press the cheese into its wooden mold, her hands quick and sure. The whole village of Chochołów looked like it was made from honeyed timber — all these nearly-matching houses, scrubbed so clean you could almost smell the soap on the breeze. Our guide Marek told us they wash them twice a year; he shrugged like that was just normal.

Zakopane itself felt busy but kind of cozy too. On Krupówki Street there were people everywhere — families with ice cream, teenagers taking selfies by a carved wooden goat (I still don’t know why). We ducked into a little shop for shots of local vodka (honestly, stronger than I expected) and then wandered past stalls selling wool socks and sheepskin slippers. The cable car up Gubałówka was packed but quick; at the top, the Tatra Mountains just sort of appeared all at once — snow lingering on the peaks even though it was almost summer. It was colder up there than I thought it would be.

I lost track of time in those thermal pools later on. Steam rising off the water, voices echoing from one pool to another. There were kids splashing somewhere behind me and this older couple floating quietly near the edge. My skin felt weirdly soft after an hour or so — maybe it’s true what they say about these springs being good for you. Anyway, getting back into regular clothes after that felt strange. The van ride back to Krakow was quiet; everyone seemed half-asleep or just thinking their own thoughts.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane tour with cheese and thermal baths

• Visit historic wooden village Chochołów
• See traditional smoked cheese preparation
• Taste local cheese and vodka
• Explore Zakopane town and culture
• Walk Krupówki street and shop
• Ride Gubałówka funicular cable car
• Enjoy views from Gubałówka mountain
• Relax at thermal springs pools

Top questions

How long is the Zakopane day trip from Krakow?

The tour lasts about 11 hours including travel time between Krakow and Zakopane.

Is hotel pickup included for this Zakopane tour?

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

Do you visit thermal baths on this Zakopane trip?

Yes, entry to thermal pools is included after exploring Zakopane and nearby villages.

Can I try local food on this day trip to Zakopane?

You’ll taste traditional smoked sheep cheese (oscypek) and have time for lunch on Krupówki Street.

Does this tour include a ride up Gubałówka Mountain?

Your ticket for the Gubałówka funicular railway is included as part of the experience.

Are there activities for children at the thermal springs?

The thermal pools have themed areas suitable for both children and adults.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The day trip is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Will there be a guide during the Zakopane day trip?

An English-speaking driver/guide will accompany you throughout the trip.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Krakow, entry tickets to both Gubałówka Mountain via funicular railway and to the thermal springs, guided visits through Chochołów village with cheese tasting (and maybe some local vodka if you’re brave), plus comfortable transport all day long with someone ready to answer your questions or point out where to find good pierogi at lunch.