Krakow: Zakopane, Tatra Mountains, Cable Car & Thermal Baths Tour
Description
Discover Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains on a flexible day trip from Krakow. Travel comfortably with a local guide who will introduce you to the history, traditions, and culture of southern Poland throughout the journey. Visit a traditional shepherd’s hut (bacówka), where you will taste authentic smoked oscypek cheese paired with regional Polish vodka while learning about local customs and centuries-old traditions of the Podhale region. Upon arrival in Zakopane, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Stroll along the lively Krupówki Street, browse local shops, sample regional cuisine, admire the mountain scenery, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere. For even more spectacular views, you can choose to take the Gubałówka Cable Car, which offers breathtaking panoramas of the Tatra Mountains and Zakopane from above. You may also decide to spend part of your day at the Chocholow Thermal Baths.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Begin your adventure with a comfortable pickup and scenic drive from Krakow toward the majestic Tatra Mountains. Along the way, admire charming villages, rolling hills, and traditional wooden houses that reveal the authentic spirit of southern Poland.
Experience local mountain traditions during a stop at a traditional shepherd’s hut (“bacówka”). Taste the famous smoked oscypek cheese — a true regional specialty — paired with a shot of traditional Polish vodka. It’s the perfect introduction to the unique culture of the Polish highlands.
Ride the iconic Gubałówka funicular and reach one of the most famous viewpoints in Zakopane. From the top, admire breathtaking panoramas of the Tatra Mountains and capture unforgettable photos surrounded by alpine scenery. Gubałówka is considered one of the easiest and most rewarding mountain experiences in Zakopane.
Enjoy free time in the vibrant heart of Zakopane. Walk along Krupówki Street filled with traditional restaurants, local shops, mountain-style cafés, and lively atmosphere. Try authentic Polish food, shop for handmade souvenirs, or simply soak in the unique energy of Poland’s winter capital.
End your day with pure relaxation at the famous Chochołów Thermal Baths. Immerse yourself in warm geothermal waters surrounded by mountain landscapes and enjoy pools, jacuzzis, saunas, hydro-massage zones, and water attractions. After a day of exploring, this is the ultimate way to recharge both body and mind. Thermal baths are considered one of the top experiences in the Zakopane region by travelers and locals alike.
Breathtaking peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and charming Zakopane at the foothills make this region a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers all year round.
Relax on the comfortable drive back to Krakow with unforgettable memories of mountain views, local traditions, and a truly magical day in Zakopane.
Drop-off - After the tour, our driver will take you back to the meeting point.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The tour start time may change depending on traffic conditions and weather (between 7:30 and 9:00). You will be informed of any changes the day before the tour.
- The travel time between Krakow and Zakopane is approximate and may vary depending on traffic conditions, weather, or unforeseen circumstances. During weekends, public holidays, and high season, travel times may be significantly longer.
- Zakopane is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland. During peak seasons, especially on weekends, holidays, and school breaks, large crowds are to be expected in the city center and at major attractions.
- Waiting times for cable cars and popular attractions (such as Gubałówka) may be long, particularly during high season. The tour operator has no control over queues or waiting times.
- Participants are advised to wear comfortable footwear and clothing suitable for changing weather conditions.
- Mountain views and panoramic scenery are dependent on weather conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
- If you plan to visit the Thermal Baths, bring a swimsuit, towel, and flip flops. Locker hire is available on site.
- Bring cash (Polish złoty) for any optional extras you wish to purchase on site. Some vendors may accept cards, but cash is recommended.
- This tour operates year-round in all weather conditions. In the event of extreme weather affecting safety, the itinerary may be adjusted. Waterproof clothing is recommended in autumn and winter.
- Optional attractions such as the Gubałówka Cable Car and Chocholow Thermal Baths can be purchased directly on-site on the day of the tour.
Reviews(1,891)
Antonio was our guide and GREAT. Always making sure that everything was okay, explaining during the trip, answering questions,... . Very good excursion.
the tour was great ANTONIO the guide was excellent!! A 10/10 job!!!
Antonio is the best guide in the world👍🙂
Civitatis. Guide Antonio. A great professional.
Nice tour with Discover Krakow. Our guide Antoni was great. Recommended.
Filip was amazing guide. Showed as part of Poland I didn’t know. The hot springs must the highlight of the holiday.
The experience was pleasant, the guide Pau was good
Dear Traveler, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your review! We are delighted to hear that you had a pleasant experience visiting the thermal baths in Zakopane and that you found them so interesting. Relaxation and scenic views are a wonderful combination! We will be sure to pass your kind words along to **Pau**. She will be thrilled to know that her guiding helped make your day enjoyable and memorable. Thank you for choosing to explore with us, and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon! Kind Regards, Discover Cracow Team #DiscoverCracow #Zakopane #ThermalBaths #GreatGuide #ExplorePoland #KrakowTours
The tour was great! We had enough time at each stop to really enjoy the sights and experiences. Our tour leader, Pau, was awesome and and knew so much about the area. She even showed us how to get tickets on-site if not already booked online in advance. I totally recommend this for families.
Dear Traveler, Thank you so much for the fantastic review and recommendation! We are delighted to hear that your family had such a wonderful time exploring with us! It’s great to know that the pace was just right, allowing everyone enough time to take in all the sights and really enjoy the experience together. A special thank you for highlighting **Pau**—she will be thrilled to hear your kind words! She always goes above and beyond to share her local knowledge and make logistics as seamless as possible for our guests. Thank you for choosing us for your family adventure, and we hope to welcome you all on another tour in Kraków soon! Kind Regards, Discover Cracow Team #DiscoverCracow #FamilyTour #KrakowTours #GreatGuide #ExploreKrakow #FamilyFriendly
Great day in Zakopane and its region. Mountainous area with charming towns. It reminded me of the Alps or the Pyrenees. The experience at the thermal baths is highly recommended. We liked it a lot. Pau is a perfect trilingual guide. Very kind and attentive to everyone.
Estimado viajero: ¡Muchas gracias por tu excelente reseña y por recomendar tan positivamente esta excursión al sur de Polonia! Nos alegra muchísimo saber que disfrutaste de un gran día en Zakopane y su región. Es una zona montañosa verdaderamente especial y nos encanta que te haya recordado a paisajes tan espectaculares como los Alpes o los Pirineos, con ese encanto único que tienen sus pueblos de madera. También nos complace saber que la experiencia de relax en los baños termales fue de tu agrado y que la disfrutasteis al máximo. Por otra parte, transmitiremos tus amables palabras a Pau. Nos enorgullece enormemente contar con guías tan profesionales, amables y atentas, capaces de comunicarse a la perfección en varios idiomas y de cuidar cada detalle para que todos los asistentes se sientan cómodos. Gracias por elegirnos para descubrir la belleza de nuestras montañas. ¡Esperamos tener el placer de recibirte de nuevo en el futuro! Atentamente, El equipo de Discover Cracow #DiscoverCracow #ZakopaneTour #BañosTermales #GuiaEnEspañol #KrakowTours #PirineosDelEste
Very happy with our guide Kuba, who speaks Spanish. His explanations were very good, and he was very attentive to what we needed. The cheese and vodka were delicious, and the sheep were very cute. Zakopane is too touristy in my opinion, but the views from the top of the funicular are very beautiful. I recommend visiting the small wooden church with its cemetery. The thermal baths were a very pleasant experience; it is worth enjoying the three hours of the excursion there. It is a very large facility, although it was a bit difficult for me to find my way around at first. I recommend watching a video on YouTube or TikTok to get an idea of what they are like before going.
Thank you so much for sharing your detailed review and for your excellent recommendations! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you were so happy with Kuba, your Spanish-speaking guide. We take great pride in having attentive and dedicated professionals who provide clear explanations and ensure our guests have everything they need throughout the trip. It is wonderful to know you enjoyed the local cheese and vodka tastings, and found the sheep so cute! Thank you for your candid feedback about Zakopane. As it is a very popular destination, it can indeed feel quite touristy, but as you rightly pointed out, the views from the top of the funicular and the visit to the historic wooden church and cemetery are beautiful, must-see highlights. Lastly, we love your practical tip about the thermal baths! It is a fantastic, large facility perfect for those three hours of pure relaxation, and your suggestion to watch a quick video on YouTube or TikTok beforehand to get oriented is a brilliant piece of advice for future travelers. Thank you for choosing us to explore this beautiful region. We hope to welcome you back again soon! Kind Regards, Discover Cracow Team
