Zakopane & Tatra Mountains: Day Trip from Krakow with Cheese Tasting

Summary

Snow-capped Tatras, wooden villages and smoky cheese from Krakow

You’ll ride up Gubałówka Mountain for sweeping views of the Tatras, stroll lively Krupówki Street, taste fresh oscypek cheese in Chochołów village, and spot traditional wooden homes — all with pickup from your Krakow hotel and a local guide who brings every stop to life.

What’s the experience like?

Stepping out of the van in Zakopane, I could smell wood smoke and something faintly sweet — maybe pine? Our guide, Piotr, handed out little info leaflets (mine was in English, but he had German too), then grinned and said we’d start with the funicular up Gubałówka. The ride was quick but my ears popped a bit near the top. Suddenly there’s this wide sweep of mountains — snow still clinging to the peaks even though it was late spring. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do it justice. There’s just something about the air up there that makes you want to breathe deeper.

We wandered Krupówki Street next. It’s busy — stalls selling wool socks and carved wooden spoons, people laughing over steaming mugs outside cafés. Piotr pointed at a bakery window and told us about oscypek, that smoked sheep’s cheese they make around here. Later in Chochołów village (about 20 minutes away), we actually got to try some fresh from a little hut where an older woman showed us how it’s made. She didn’t speak much English but her hands did all the talking — twisting the cheese into these funny shapes. I probably ate more than my share.

The houses in Chochołów are almost identical — all scrubbed wood and tiny lace curtains. Piotr explained they wash them twice a year with soapy water before Christmas and Easter; I touched one wall and it felt smooth as driftwood. We stopped for a minute by a sheep pasture where you could hear bells clinking softly — that sound stuck with me more than any photo. On the way back through Zakopane we glimpsed the ski jumps where they hold championships; looked terrifyingly steep from below.

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in a place I’d never been before. Maybe it was all the laughter or just that mountain air, but by the time we rolled back toward Krakow, I kept thinking about those quiet wooden houses glowing under the afternoon sun. Still do sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Zakopane and Tatra Mountains

• Visit wooden village of Chochołów
• Taste traditional sheep's cheese
• Ride cable car to Gubałówka Mountain
• Enjoy views of Polish Tatras
• Relax at mountain restaurants and cafes
• Visit ski jump site
• Walk and shop on Krupówki Street

Top questions

How long is the Zakopane & Tatra Mountains day trip from Krakow?

The tour lasts approximately 8-11 hours including travel time.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, door-to-door service is provided from your hotel in Krakow.

Do you visit Chochołów village on this tour?

Yes, there is a stop in Chochołów to see traditional wooden houses and taste local cheese.

What food is included on this Zakopane tour?

You’ll get to taste traditional smoked sheep’s cheese called oscypek during your visit.

Is there free time on Krupówki Street?

Yes, you have some free time to explore Krupówki Street at your own pace.

Are entry tickets for Gubałówka funicular included?

Yes, tickets for the cable car ride up Gubałówka Mountain are included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels and specialized infant seats are available.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow by air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking driver-guide throughout, entry ticket for the Gubałówka cable car ride, tasting of traditional smoked oscypek cheese in Chochołów village, plus an information brochure in your chosen language before returning comfortably to your hotel.