Krakow: Zakopane Cable Car, Oscypek Cheese & Thermal Baths

Mountain Cheese & Hot Springs: A Day in Zakopane from Krakow

You leave Krakow in an air-conditioned minivan with a local guide who knows the region's history and culture. The day includes a cable car ride to Gubałówka's summit, a visit to a traditional shepherd's hut for Oscypek cheese tasting with regional spirits, free time on Krupówki Street, and entry to Chochołów thermal baths. Bring a swimsuit, towel and comfortable walking shoes; the whole experience runs from morning through late afternoon, returning you to your hotel or meeting point in Krakow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zakopane and Thermal Baths

• Drive from Krakow to Tatra Mountains
• Walk through traditional wooden village
• Visit shepherd's hut and taste Oscypek cheese
• Ride Gubałówka Cable Car round-trip
• Enjoy free time at Gubałówka summit
• Browse Highlander market at Gubałówka foot
• Explore Zakopane's Krupówki Street
• Relax at Chochołów Thermal Baths
• Return to Krakow by minivan

The Experience

"The Tatras don't get old," our guide said as we pulled out of Krakow, and he was right — the drive itself felt like the tour had already started. The road climbs steadily toward the highlands, and somewhere around the first bend you stop thinking about the city behind you. We passed through Chochołów, one of those villages where every house looks like it was built to be photographed, all steep wooden roofs and hand-carved details, the kind of place that makes you understand why the Górale people — the mountain highlanders — have kept their traditions so close for centuries.

The real moment came at the shepherd's hut, where an older man showed us how Oscypek cheese gets made, the smoked kind that tastes nothing like what you'd find in a supermarket. He handed around fresh pieces still warm, paired with a local spirit that hit different at altitude. That stop alone justified the whole trip, but then we rode the Gubałówka cable car up to the summit, and the Tatra range opened up in front of us — jagged peaks, snow patches even in warmer months, the kind of view that makes you stand there longer than you planned. Free time at the top meant you could wander, sit on a bench, or just stare. The market at the base sold regional cheeses and handmade crafts, the kind of stuff that actually means something because someone made it in a workshop nearby, not in a factory.

Krupówki Street in Zakopane is where the day gets loose. Wooden buildings line both sides, restaurants spill onto the pavement, and there's enough time to grab lunch or coffee without feeling rushed. Then comes the part that makes the whole day land differently — the Chochołów thermal pools. Warm mineral water, indoor and outdoor sections, mountains visible from the edge of the pool. You float there in the steam, muscles relaxed, and the day settles into your bones. Lockers and changing rooms are there, so you're not fumbling around wet. The drive back to Krakow gives you time to think, or sleep, or just watch the light change on the mountains one more time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or central meeting point in Krakow, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned minivan with a professional English-speaking guide, Gubałówka cable car ticket, entry to a traditional shepherd's hut with Oscypek cheese tasting and regional spirits, access to Chochołów thermal baths, and free time to explore Chochołów village, Zakopane's Krupówki Street, and the market at Gubałówka's base.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Krakow Tours by KrakowDirect

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the Tatra Mountains, local culture, and a full day of variety without arranging transport, entry fees, or timing yourself — the fixed itinerary and guide handle all three, leaving you to move between cheese, cable cars, and hot water without planning.

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Top questions

How long is the drive from Krakow to Zakopane?

The scenic drive takes roughly two hours each way, with your guide sharing information about the Podhale region and Górale culture during the journey.

What's included in the Oscypek cheese tasting?

You visit a traditional shepherd's hut where the smoked cheese is made, taste freshly prepared Oscypek, and sample regional spirits paired with the cheese.

Is the cable car ride included?

Yes, the round-trip Gubałówka cable car ticket is included. You get free time at the summit to explore, photograph, and take in the Tatra Mountain views.

Do I need to bring anything for the thermal baths?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops. Lockers and changing rooms are available at Chochołów thermal pools.

Is there time to explore Zakopane?

Yes, you have free time to walk Krupówki Street, where you'll find traditional restaurants, shops, and Highlander architecture at your own pace.

Are children allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available in the minivan.

What's the fitness level required?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the village walks and market browsing.

Is the thermal bath entry included?

Entry to Chochołów thermal baths is included in the tour package.