Zakopane & Tatra Mountains Day Trip from Krakow with Cheese Tasting

Summary

Oscypek cheese, wooden cottages and Tatras on a Krakow day trip

You’ll ride from Krakow through rolling hills to Zakopane, taste fresh Oscypek cheese in a real shepherd’s hut, wander lively Krupówki Street with its mountain-town energy, and take the Gubałówka funicular for wild Tatra views. The mix of tradition, food, and scenery lingers long after you’re back in the city.

What’s the experience like?

“You have to try it warm,” our driver Marek said, handing me a piece of Oscypek at the bacówka outside Chochołów. I’d never tasted sheep’s cheese that smoky before—kind of salty, kind of sweet, and honestly, I couldn’t decide if I liked it or not at first. The smell in the cottage was all woodsmoke and something earthy. We’d left Krakow behind barely two hours earlier but it felt like another country already; Chochołów’s wooden houses looked almost too perfect, like someone had painted them just for us. I kept trying to pronounce the village name right—Marek laughed every time.

Zakopane itself buzzed even on a weekday. Krupówki Street was full of people bundled up (even though it wasn’t that cold), vendors selling little carved sheep and those weirdly addictive sweet breads. There were horse carriages jingling past and this low hum of voices everywhere—plus that sharp mountain air you only notice when you stop walking. We had free time so I wandered into a tiny café for tea and watched an old couple argue over which cake to order. Felt oddly comforting.

The funicular up Gubałówka was packed but worth it—the glass roof made the Tatras look even bigger than they do from town. At the top, I just stood there for a minute, not really talking to anyone, just taking in all that space and sky. Someone nearby was eating grilled sausage and the smell drifted over; suddenly I was starving again. On the way back down, Marek pointed out old ski jumps hidden between trees—I’d never have noticed them myself. It’s funny how much you miss without someone local showing you around.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Zakopane and Highland Experience

• Pickup from Krakow accommodation
• Visit traditional village Chochołów
• Taste Oscypek cheese at Bacówka
• Explore lively Krupówki street
• Ride funicular up Gubałówka Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic Tatras views
• Visit Chapel of the Sacred Heart
• Return to Krakow accommodation

Top questions

How long is the drive from Krakow to Zakopane?

About 110 kilometers—usually around two hours each way by comfortable transport.

Is hotel pickup included for this Zakopane tour?

Yes, pickup is provided directly from your accommodation in Krakow.

What food is included on this day trip?

You’ll try Oscypek cheese and regional specialties at a traditional bacówka (shepherd’s hut).

Do we have free time in Zakopane?

Yes, there’s free time to explore Krupówki Street or relax as you like.

Is the Gubałówka funicular ticket included?

Yes, your ticket for the Gubałówka cable car is included in the tour price.

Are small groups or private tours possible?

You can book either a small group or private option for this day trip.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants are welcome; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes direct pickup from your Krakow hotel, comfortable transport through scenic villages like Chochołów with its wooden houses, entry to a traditional shepherd’s cottage for Oscypek cheese tasting and local snacks, tickets for the Gubałówka funicular ride above Zakopane, plus plenty of free time to wander Krupówki Street before returning back where you started.