Zakopane from Krakow: Hot Springs, Cable Car & Cheese Tasting

Summary

Mountain air, local cheese, funicular rides and thermal pools in Zakopane

You’ll ride through southern Poland’s changing landscapes to Zakopane with a local guide, taste fresh oscypek cheese and vodka in a highlander hut, take in sweeping views from Gubałówka by cable car, stroll lively Krupówki Street, then soak for hours in steamy hot springs surrounded by mountains. There’s something grounding about all of it—you might find yourself thinking back on that quiet mountain air long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the Tatra Mountains just sort of appear—one minute you’re dozing on the bus out of Krakow, next you’re staring at these jagged peaks through a foggy window. Our guide, Marek, had this habit of humming old Polish songs under his breath. It was early but he seemed wide awake, pointing out little villages as we wound up towards Zakopane. I could smell wood smoke somewhere as we got closer; it clung to the cold air.

We stopped at a bacówka—a wooden hut where they make oscypek cheese—and honestly, I thought it’d be touristy but it wasn’t. The woman behind the counter handed me a piece still warm from the fire. Smoky, salty, chewy—hard to describe but I kept wanting more. Marek poured us tiny shots of vodka (I made a face; he laughed) and told us how his grandfather used to herd sheep here before tourists ever came for day trips to Zakopane from Krakow. There’s something about sharing food like that with someone who grew up nearby—it sticks with you.

The funicular up Gubałówka was packed with families and couples holding hands. At the top, wind whipped my scarf around and I almost lost my hat—everyone was grinning at the view or taking photos but honestly it’s one of those places that doesn’t really fit in a picture. You just stand there for a second and let it hit you: mountains stretching forever, little wooden houses below. We wandered Krupówki Street after that—lots of carved wood signs, smells of grilled meat and sweet pastries drifting out of stalls. I bought a carved sheep (don’t judge me) because it reminded me of the cheese lady.

The last part—three hours at Chocholow thermal baths—felt like sinking into another world. Steam rising off blue water while snow piled up outside; everyone just floating quietly or laughing softly in Polish. My skin felt kind of tingly from all the minerals (or maybe just from finally relaxing). On the way back to Krakow I watched frost creep across the window and tried to remember every detail—I still think about that mountain air sometimes when city life gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane day trip from Krakow

• Depart early from Krakow
• Visit traditional bacówka for cheese and vodka
• Ride Gubałówka funicular for mountain views
• Explore Zakopane’s Krupówki Street
• Relax in hot springs with mountain views
• Return to Krakow

Top questions

How long does the Zakopane tour from Krakow take?

This is a full-day trip including transport from Krakow and several stops in Zakopane before returning in the evening.

Is pickup included for this day trip to Zakopane?

Yes, pickup is included from a central meeting point in Krakow (Pawia 18b).

What activities are included on this Zakopane tour?

You’ll visit a traditional bacówka for cheese and vodka tasting, ride the Gubałówka cable car, stroll Krupówki Street, and relax at Chocholow thermal baths.

Are meals or snacks provided during the tour?

You’ll have tastings of regional oscypek cheese and vodka; other meals are not included but there’s time to buy food on Krupówki Street.

How much time do we get at the hot springs?

You’ll have three hours to enjoy Chocholow thermal baths during this day trip.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels and family-friendly.

Do I need to bring swimwear for the hot springs?

Yes, bring your own swimwear for use at Chocholow thermal pools.

What language does the guide speak?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from central Krakow, round-trip transfers between Krakow and Zakopane, entry tickets for the Gubałówka cable car ride plus three hours at Chocholow thermal baths, tastings of highlander oscypek cheese with regional vodka at a local bacówka hut, free time on Krupówki Street for shopping or snacks, and guidance throughout by an English-speaking tour leader before returning to Krakow in the evening.