Krakow: Zakopane Cable Car, Vodka, Cheese & Hot Springs Tour

Ever wondered what it’s like to combine mountain scenery, traditional culture, and a bit of indulgence into one memorable day? For just $51 per person, this 11-hour guided tour offers an authentic taste of the Polish Tatras, visiting Zakopane and the charming wooden village of Chocholow. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll experience breathtaking cable car rides, sample local highlander cheese and vodka, and relax in natural sulfur hot springs.

Two aspects we particularly love are the spectacular views of the Tatra Mountains from Gubałówka Hill—a highlight that stays with you long after—and the chance to enjoy traditional highlander food and drinks, which make the trip feel real and flavorful. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to the wooden village of Chocholow gives a wonderful peek into rural Polish life.

A potential consideration is that this tour involves quite a bit of travel time—around 1.5 to 2 hours each way from Krakow—so if you’re looking for a very relaxed pace, it might feel a bit rushed. Also, it’s a full day out, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with long guided days and varying weather conditions.

This experience is ideal for travelers who love stunning mountain landscapes, culture, and unique local experiences. If you appreciate authentic traditions, scenic views, and a good mix of activity and relaxation, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Stunning Views: The cable car ride offers panoramic vistas of the Tatra Mountains, one of Poland’s most iconic sights.
• Authentic Culture: Visiting the traditional wooden village of Chocholow provides insight into rural highland life and architecture.
• Local Tastes: Cheese and vodka tastings highlight regional flavors, adding a culinary dimension to the trip.
• Relaxation: Soaking in natural, sulfur-rich hot springs offers a rejuvenating end to your day.
• Value for Money: At $51, the tour combines transport, guides, entry tickets, tastings, and experiences in one affordable package.
• Guided Experience: The guides are often praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making the day more engaging.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

Starting from Krakow, the tour typically kicks off early in the morning, with pickup options from your hotel or designated meeting points like the Mercure Hotel on Pawia Street. The journey to Zakopane takes approximately 1.5 hours by a comfortable, air-conditioned bus. This drive is smooth and scenic, giving you a preview of the mountainous landscape ahead.

Chocholow: A Peek into Rural Life

Your first stop is the small village of Chocholow, often called an open-air museum of highland wooden architecture. Here, you’ll stroll through streets lined with traditional buildings—each one a piece of living history. The village is also a great spot for photos and soaking in local charm. The guide will explain the ethnographic heritage, making this more than just a pretty picture stop.

Reviewers frequently mention how special this village feels—like stepping into a fairy tale. One traveler raved about the “beautiful open-air museum” and “insight into local heritage,” emphasizing how this stop offers a genuine cultural experience.

Cheese & Vodka Tasting

Next, you’ll head to a place to sample Oscypek, the smoked sheep cheese that’s a regional delicacy. You can expect to taste this traditional product, often eaten with local bread or jam, and enjoy a vodka tasting featuring several kinds of local spirits. The guides are praised for their explanations, making the tasting both fun and educational.

One reviewer exclaimed, “The vodka and cheese tasting was excellent,” highlighting how these moments add a genuine flavor of the region. Many mention that the mountain homemade vodka is surprisingly smooth and complements the cheeses well.

Zakopane: The Mountain Capital

The trip continues to Zakopane, known as the “winter capital” of Poland. You’ll have about 2.25 hours of free time here—plenty of opportunity to explore the main street of Krupówki, full of souvenir shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s a lively, bustling place full of folk music, colorful clothing, and traditional architecture.

The Gubałówka cable car ride is a high point, offering a 10-minute ascent to Gubańowka Hill. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Tatra Mountains. Many travelers comment on how breathtaking the panorama is—truly one of those “you have to see it to believe it” moments. The return cable car makes it easy to enjoy the scenery without the hassle of hiking, and the tickets are included.

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Free Time & Food

Back in town, you’re encouraged to walk around, visit local shops, or sit down for a meal. Some guides recommend trying traditional regional dishes—certainly worth seeking out during your free time. The tour involves a good balance of structured activities and leisure, giving you space to soak in the mountain atmosphere.

Górcy Potok Hot Springs

The final highlight is the hot springs at Terma Bania, where you’ll spend about 3 hours. This is a real treat—the natural, sulfur-rich waters are said to have healing properties, and soaking here is a perfect way to unwind after a busy day. The thermal baths are described as authentic and highlander-style, with untreated waters adding to the genuine experience.

Reviews are glowing about this stop, with many noting it’s “the best way to relax” after a long day of sightseeing.

Return Journey

After a soothing soak, the bus makes its way back to Krakow, taking about 1.5 hours, with the tour wrapping up at pre-arranged drop-off points close to your accommodation.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transport & Comfort: The tour uses a modern, air-conditioned bus—crucial for comfort during the 3-hour round-trip drive. The group size is usually manageable, and the guides are praised for their professionalism and knowledge.

Cost & Value: For $51, you get a lot—transport, guided commentary, cable car tickets, tastings, and entry to thermal baths. Reviews repeatedly emphasize that the experience offers excellent value, especially considering the diverse activities packed into one day.

Timing & Pacing: The itinerary is well-structured, but keep in mind long travel times. If you’re looking for a very relaxed pace, this might feel a bit busy, but most appreciate the variety and richness of the experience.

Weather & Clothing: Prepare for changing weather—bring comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, swimwear, and towels for the hot springs. The tours operate in all seasons, so gear accordingly.

Accessibility: The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, mainly due to walking and uneven surfaces in the villages.

Authenticity & Local Flavor

What really makes this tour stand out is the authentic culture. Guides are often described as friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their region. The cheese and vodka tasting, the traditional architecture in Chocholow, and the folk atmosphere in Zakopane keep the experience rooted in real highlander culture.

Many travelers highlight how these moments make the trip memorable. One reviewer mentioned, “Margaret was fun and very informative,” underscoring the importance of a good guide in making the day special.

The Sum Up

If you’re looking for a value-packed day that combines scenic mountain views, cultural insights, delicious regional food, and relaxing thermal baths, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for those eager to get a true taste of Poland’s mountainous regions without the hassle of arranging transport and activities independently.

This experience offers a balanced mix of adventure, learning, and relaxation, making it perfect for active travelers, food lovers, and anyone craving an authentic local experience. While it involves some long drives, most travelers agree the sights and flavors are worth every minute. It’s a chance to see Poland’s natural beauty and cultural richness in one well-organized day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel or designated meeting points in Krakow, using a comfortable, air-conditioned bus.

How long is the drive from Krakow to Zakopane? The journey lasts approximately 1.5 hours each way, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Can I buy the tickets for the cable car and hot springs separately? No, these are included in the tour price, allowing you to skip the lines and enjoy everything seamlessly.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, swimwear, towels, and flip-flops are recommended, especially for the hot springs.

Is this tour suitable for children or seniors? It’s best for those able to handle a full day of walking, some uneven terrain, and long travel times. It’s not recommended for mobility-impaired or wheelchair users.

What is the food included? The tour features tasting of smoked highlander cheese and local vodka. Lunch and additional meals are at your own expense during free time.

How much free time do I get in Zakopane? About 2.25 hours to explore Krupówki, visit shops, or relax in cafes before the cable car ride.

Are the guides fluent in English? Yes, the guides speak English and Polish, and reviews praise their knowledge and friendly attitude.

Is there a chance to customize or skip some activities? The itinerary is fixed, but generally, you have free time in Zakopane and at the hot springs to relax or explore at your own pace.

This tour offers a genuine slice of Polish mountain life, perfect for travelers seeking a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation—all in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: