From Krakow: Day Trip to Zakopane and Thermal Baths

Imagine leaving the bustling streets of Krakow behind for a day of breathtaking mountain vistas, traditional wooden architecture, and soothing thermal waters. For $133 per person, this 11-hour tour gives you a well-rounded taste of Zakopane, nestled at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, combined with visits to historic villages and Poland’s largest thermal baths. It’s a chance to experience authentic Highland folklore, indulge in local cheese, and unwind in natural thermal waters—all in one seamless package.

What we love most about this tour is how it balances spectacular scenery with cultural insights — like tasting cheese at a shepherd’s hut and exploring preserved wooden cottages. And the convenience of door-to-door transport means you can relax and enjoy the views without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads. On the flip side, if you’re someone who prefers a completely independent adventure, this guided trip might feel a bit structured.

This experience suits travelers who want a comprehensive day without the hassle of planning, those eager to see the Tatra Mountains up close, and anyone craving a relaxing soak in thermal waters after a day of sightseeing. If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and restorative day out, this tour checks all the boxes.

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Key Points

Convenient Door-to-Door Service: Pickup and drop-off from Krakow make it easy to relax from start to finish.
Authentic Highland Experience: Visit a shepherd’s hut for cheese tasting and see traditional wooden cottages.
Stunning Views: Ride the funicular to Gubaówka for panoramic Tatra Mountain vistas.
Relaxing Thermal Baths: Unwind at the largest thermal pool complex in Podhale, with mountain views.
Balanced Itinerary: Combines sightseeing, culture, and relaxation in one day.
Limited Flexibility: The schedule is tight, so expect a well-structured day with little free time.

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Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Pickup and Journey from Krakow

The adventure begins with a morning pickup, which is a huge plus for travelers wanting stress-free travel. The comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle transports you in about 2 hours through scenic Polish countryside, giving you a chance to relax and settle in. The driver, who speaks English, acts as your guide, sharing tidbits about the region along the way. This setup offers a hassle-free start, especially if you’re unfamiliar with local transport options.

Gubaówka: The Mountain Viewpoint

Your first stop is at Gubaówka, where a funicular railway whisks you to a vantage point offering some of the most striking views of the Tatra Mountains. We loved the fact that this ride is included, making it accessible and hassle-free, and the 45-minute stop allows plenty of time to soak in the scenery. From the top, you’ll see sprawling mountain peaks and the charming town of Zakopane below, perfect for photos and just appreciating nature’s grandeur.

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Zakopane’s Charm and Krupówki Promenade

Next, you’ll have a 1.5-hour window to explore Zakopane itself — a lively hub of Highland folklore, bustling markets, and distinctive architecture. Walking along Krupówki, the town’s main street, you’ll encounter shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s the ideal spot to get a sense of local culture, pick up souvenirs, or enjoy a coffee while watching street musicians.

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Cheese Tasting at a Highland Shepherd’s Hut

One of the tour’s highlights is a visit to a shepherd’s hut in Witów, where you’ll taste local cheese. This isn’t a tourist trap—it’s an authentic Highland tradition. The experience is relaxed, and as one traveler put it, “the cheese tasting at the shepherd’s hut was the highlight — it felt genuine and flavorful.” You’ll also get a glimpse of Highland architecture and learn a bit about traditional farming life.

The Village of Chochoów

Before heading to the thermal baths, the group stops in Chochoów — a village founded in the 16th century that’s remarkably well-preserved. Almost all of the original Highland wooden cottages have been maintained, creating a picture-perfect scene straight out of a postcard. The 20-minute stop here is brief but worthwhile for photos and appreciating traditional Polish mountain life.

The Thermal Baths Experience

The final major stop is at Termy Chochoowskie, the largest thermal baths in Podhale. Here, you can indulge in three hours of relaxation in thermal waters, with mountain views providing a stunning backdrop. Travelers describe the baths as “a perfect way to unwind after a busy day,” with many noting the warm waters help soothe tired legs from walking and sightseeing. The facilities include various pools, saunas, and wellness options, making it suitable for all ages and preferences.

The Return Journey

After soaking and relaxing, the journey back to Krakow takes roughly 2 hours, giving you time to reflect on the day’s highlights or share stories with fellow travelers. The entire experience wraps up with a convenient drop-off at your hotel, making it easy to continue your trip without fuss.

The Value of the Tour

While $133 may seem like a fair chunk of change for an 11-hour trip, the value lies in the all-inclusive access — transport, funicular tickets, cheese tasting, and thermal bath entry are all covered. The included transportation relieves the stress of planning and navigating, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Polish roads or public transit. Plus, the variety of experiences packed into a single day offers a well-rounded taste of Highland culture, mountain scenery, and relaxation, all of which might require multiple visits if you tried to piece together independently.

Some travelers have noted that the organized schedule is a bit tight, leaving limited free time, but most appreciate the efficient use of the day. The small group size ensures more personalized attention, which adds to the friendly, relaxed atmosphere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This day trip is perfect for first-time visitors to Krakow who want a rundown of Zakopane without the hassle of planning. If you love mountain scenery, cultural experiences, and thermal baths, you’ll find this tour hits all those marks. It’s especially ideal for those who prefer a guided experience to maximize sightseeing and minimize logistics.

However, if you’re someone who prefers to explore at your own pace or has mobility concerns, you might find the scheduled stops a bit rushed. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments, as some walking on uneven terrain is involved.

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The $133 covers transportation, English-speaking driver, pickup and drop-off, tickets for the Gubaówka funicular, cheese tasting, and entry to the thermal baths.

How long is the drive from Krakow to Zakopane?
It takes approximately 2 hours each way, traveling comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Is there free time in Zakopane?
Yes, you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore Krupówki, shop, or enjoy the scenery at your own pace.

Can I buy souvenirs during the trip?
Yes, there are shopping stops, including in Witów and Chochoów, where you can buy local cheese and Highland crafts.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must since there’s some walking involved, especially in villages and at scenic viewpoints. Bring swimwear for the thermal baths and weather-appropriate clothing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best for those who can walk and enjoy outdoor activities. It’s not recommended for people with mobility issues or wheelchair users.

How long do I spend at the thermal baths?
You’ll have about 3 hours for relaxing, swimming, and enjoying the thermal facilities.

Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in case plans change.

Final Thoughts

This tour from Krakow to Zakopane and the thermal baths offers a well-balanced day wrapped in natural beauty, cultural authenticity, and relaxation. The combination of mountain views, traditional Highland architecture, cheese tasting, and thermal waters makes it a compelling choice for travelers craving a varied and authentic Polish experience in a single day. Its guided, all-inclusive approach makes it especially appealing for those who prefer a hassle-free trip with a touch of local flavor.

Ultimately, if you’re eager for a scenic journey that combines sightseeing with wellness, this trip delivers. It’s a chance to see the Tatra Mountains, experience Highland traditions, and come away feeling refreshed—all in one memorable day.

Experience Provider

Cracow Tansfer&Tours

Feel free to explore similar trips if you’d like to compare options, such as full-day tours of Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, or experiences focusing solely on the hot springs, available through various providers.

You can check availability for your dates here: