tour to zakopane

20 Best Things To Do In Zakopane, Poland in 2024 (Summer & Winter)!

Not sure what to do in Zakopane, Poland? Worry not. Today, we’ll be revealing some of the best things to do in Zakopane, both in winter and summer.

Known as the winter capital of Poland, Zakopane is a winter wonderland that is also filled with things to do year-round. We were blessed with the chance to visit Zakopane in both seasons and enjoy everything it has to offer.

From the breathtaking hikes in Tatra National Park to the relaxing thermal baths in Zakopane , visitors won’t have a single dull moment here.

That is why we have written this guide on the 20 best things to do in Zakopane so you don’t miss anything and can enjoy this lovely Polish mountain town like we did!

Planning A Trip To Zakopane Last Minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Our recommended transfer from Krakow to Zakopane:

• Bus From Krakow To Zakopane (SUPER cheap!)

Our recommended tours to Zakopane :

• From Krakow: Zakopane and Thermal Springs Tour with Hotel Pickup (SUPER Unique Experience!)
• From Krakow: Zakopane and Dunajec River Rafting Tour
• From Krakow: Morskie Oko and Zakopane Day Trip (Incredible hike!)

Our recommended places to stay in Zakopane:

• Domki Javorina (Gorgeous traditional chalet!!!)
• Villa Nova (Amazing value-for-money!)
• Top Hostel Pokoje Gościnne (Ideal for backpackers)

Zakopane Attractions Map

The map above highlights most of the attractions in Zakopane we will be discussing below. Because some of these activities will require a tour company (such as sleighing or river rafting), we were not able to include them in the map above.

Don’t worry though, we will give you the essential information below to guarantee you have a perfect visit to Zakopane!

Don’t forget to click on the star name to the name of the map so you can save it to your own mobile device!

What To Do In Zakopane, Poland (All Year Round)?

1. go hiking in zakopane & explore the tatras.

It doesn’t matter if you are visiting Zakopane in the summer, in the winter, or in the middle of a global disaster, the best thing to do in Zakopane is to go hiking .

Surrounding the southern edges of Zakopane is the Tatra Mountain Range, or simply the Tatras. The Tatras act as a natural boundary, separating the country of Poland and Slovakia . In Zakopane, visitors have easy access to the  Tatra National Park of Poland, a UNESCO recognized site .

As the most-visited national park in Poland , the Tatra National Park is stunning in every way. Gorgeous alpine peaks, some covered in crystal-white snow in the winter, dot the expansive park. The park is home to many incredible rock formations and jagged edges , offering hikers picturesque landscapes.

Here travelers will also find caves, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and diverse fauna and flora . Whichever hiking trail you decide to do in Zakopane, you will be rewarded well!

2. Discover Morskie Oko, Zakopane’s Most Beautiful Hike

If there is one hike in Zakopane you must do, it is the  hike to the Morskie Oko Lake . Known as the “Eye of the Sea” in English, Morskie Oko is the fourth-biggest lake in the Tatra Mountains and one of the best things to see in Zakopane.

Though its size is incredible, the real beauty of Morskie Oko lies in the crystal-clear lake water and the lush scenery around it.

Bless your eyes with the views of the serene lake and the gorgeous Swiss Pines . Breathe the refreshing mountain air, so fresh that it leaves you with a hint of sweetness. This is what visiting Zakopane is about!

To get from Zakopane to Morskie Oko, you must first get to  Palenica Białczańska , the furthest point a motorized vehicle can go. From Palenica Białczańska, it is a 2-hour hike to Morskie Oko Lake. Its moderate incline and well-paved road allow travelers with kids and elders to enjoy this hike too!

If you find the hiking trail to be too tough for you, there are horse-drawn carts operated by the local  Gorals . It is an excellent way to give back to the local communities!

Morskie Oko in the winter is still a popular tourist attraction in Zakopane. That is because the Morskie Oko Lake tends to freeze in the winter, so visitors can walk or on the frozen lake ! Whether you are visiting in the winter or the summer, Morskie Oko is a must-see in Zakopane.

3. Check Out The Caves In Tatra National Park

When we visited Zakopane, we only had one mission in mind: go hiking. So when we found out that there are around 650 intricate caves in Tatra National Park , we were pleasantly surprised. Though most of them are closed off to the public (for good reasons), several are available for the public to visit.

The ones we highly recommend are  Jaskinia Mylna and Jaskinia Mroźna .

Jaskinia Mylna  is considered the most interesting cave in the Tatra National Park of Poland. Crawling on rocks and dodging puddles of water, this cave in Zakopane will test you, but it will also leave you with an everlasting impression!

Because of the nature of the cave, the temperature inside is often the same as the temperature on the outside, making it an excellent winter attraction in Zakopane. It is also open all year round.

However, there is completely no light inside the cave, so visitors must bring their own light source. It is also recommended to travel in pairs or groups in case something unfortunate occurs.

There is no one guarding or working at the Jaskinia Mylna. Additionally, you can get a guided tour of Jaskinia Mylna in Zakopane.

It takes about 45 minutes to go through Jasinia Mylna.

On the contrary,  Jaskinia Mroźna  is a cave that can only be visited from the beginning of May to the end of October. It is the only cave that requires an admission fee (5 PLN) and takes about 30 minutes to get through. Here visitors will find stalactites, stalagmites, dripstones, and even lime milk.

📢 Update: Jaskinia Mroźna is now officially permanently closed. It is believed to be structural instability that has caused this attraction in Zakopane to close.

To get to the caves, you must get to the  Kościeliska Valley Entrance . From that, it is a short hike to the caves. 

4. Explore The Five Polish Lakes Valley

The Five (Polish) Lakes Valley hike in the Tatra National Park in Poland is one of the tougher hikes in Zakopane. However, hikers are well rewarded with some of the most breathtaking geological features, such as the Wielki Staw, the biggest post-glacial natural lake in the region.

From the Wielki Staw flows the Roztoka which eventually flows off the dramatic cliffs, forming the ~70-meter-tall Wielka Siklawa Waterfall . 

There are many ways to get to the Five Lakes Valley in Zakopane. Most of these hiking routes will be open in the warmer seasons, but you must check with local advisories if you are visiting in winter.

The most popular route is starting at Palenica Białczańska (the same starting point as the Morskie Oko hike), and then taking the green trail when you reach the  Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza waterfall . You can return the same way you came or take a small detour and visit the Morskie Oko Lake if you haven’t seen it already. 

The duration of the hike is around 5 to 6 hours out-and-back without a stop at Morskie Oko. 

5. Admire the Stunning Views At Giewont Mountain

Located at 1,895 meters above sea level, Giewont is one of the highest mountain peaks in the Western Tatras.

Starting at  Strążyska Valley Parking No.1 , hikers can embark on an out-and-back journey to the top of Giewont, which will take approximately 5.5 hours . Alternatively, if you are looking for a change of scenery, you can descend towards Kuznice where you can catch a bus back to Zakopane. 

The views at Giewont are considered some of the best in Zakopane , especially after you have struggled for a few hours to get there! The last 100 meters or so of the hike involves a narrow pathway with chains . In the peak summer season, it could cause serious traffic jams! 

In the winter, proper precautions must be taken if you want to attempt this hike. Crampons, hiking poles, proper insulation, and more. We recommend you to hire one of the local guides in Zakopane if you wish to do the Giewont hike in the winter. 

6. Hike Or Take The Cable Car to Kasprowy Wierch

One of the best things to do in Zakopane (for non-hikers) is to take the cable car to Kasprowy Wierch peak. Built in 1935 to 1936, the Kasprowy Wierch is one of the oldest cable cars in Europe .

Located on the border between Slovakia and Poland , visitors can have one foot in Poland and one foot in Slovakia at the same time at Kasprowy Wierch. If you wish, you could cross the border legally this way as both countries are in the Schengen area!

At 1,987 meters high, Kasprowy Wierch offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding area during the warmer months. In winter, Kasprowy Wierch is one of the main winter ski areas.

To take the Kasprowy Wierch cable car, visitors must first arrive at Kuznice, where the lower station of the cable car is located. Here you can purchase a ticket for the cable car directly from the ticketing counter.

Alternatively, you can purchase your tickets in advance at one of the ticket machines throughout Zakopane or  online here ! However, that means you have to go on that date, even if the weather isn’t optimal.

During peak season, there is usually a long queue to purchase your ticket at the cable car station in Kuznice. 

7. Soothe Your Aching Limbs In the Thermal Baths Of Zakopane

After some exhausting hikes in Zakopane, it is time to soothe your aching limbs. Luckily, there are several thermal baths in Zakopane (or near it). Our favorite is the  Chochołowskie Thermal Baths  in Chochołowskie.

As one of the biggest thermal baths in Poland, Chochołowskie Thermal Baths’ 3000 square meters space offers a total of 30 thermal pools with varying characteristics.

Here guests will find geysers, a man-made river, artificial waves, a sandy beach, tube slides, an outdoor water playground (only in the summer), and many other incredible amenities. Visitors can easily spend an entire day here, jumping from pool to pool, jacuzzi to jacuzzi.

However, the Chochołowskie Thermal Baths are located 20 to 30 minutes away from Zakopane (driving or public transport). If you wish to spend a day at the Chochołowskie Thermal Spas, you might want to consider spending a night there.

If you don’t want to travel far, you can visit the  Aqua Park  in Zakopane instead. Not as extravagant as the Chochołowskie Thermal Baths (in our opinion), it has everything you need to rejuvenate your body!

Jacuzzis, pools, salt cave, sauna rooms, gym, there are enough amenities for you to spend an entire day here as well!

8. Sample Some Local Oscypek (Polish Smoked Cheese)

Cheese in weird shapes? Count me in!

Oscypek, or commonly known as smoked Polish cheese , is a type of cheese made of salted sheep milk exclusively in the Tatra Mountains region of Poland.

Made by someone called a “baca” , or a sheep shepherd in the nearby mountains, the Oscypek is a high-quality cheese that should not be missed on your Zakopane visit. Oscypek is usually served with cranberry jam on the side or eaten alone.

As you stroll down the charming streets of Zakopane, you will inevitably stumble upon many Oscypek street vendors. They might not look like your typical cheese but don’t hesitate to try them. Its smoky flavors and top-notch ingredients offer a unique taste!

9. Visit Gubalowka Hill For Stunning Panoramic Views

Want a vantage point that doesn’t require little effort and no cable car? Check out Gubalowka Hill!

At only 1,126 meters tall, Gubalowka is an easily accessible location with great views of Zakopane and the surrounding areas.

There are two easy ways to get to Gubalowka, either through a 1-hour hiking trail or the convenient funicular . The trail for Gubalowka starts in Zakopane, allowing you to get to the top and come back down in around 1.5 hours! Alternatively, visitors can take the Gubalowka Funicular  here !

During the summer, visitors can stroll around the hill of Gubalowka, admire the views, and soak in the sun. During winter, Gubalowka is one of the most popular skiing areas in Zakopane.

10. Stroll Down Krupowki Street (Zakopane’s Main Street)

Like many other big cities in Poland such as  Krakow  and  Warsaw , Zakopane also has its own historic center . This time around, Zakopane’s historic center is concentrated on Krupówki Street, otherwise known as Zakopane’s Main Street.

If you want to find action, there is no better place to do so than at Krupowki Street. Lined with the town’s top restaurants, bars, clubs, and shopping options , Krupowki Street is one of the best places to visit in Zakopane.

Visitors looking for modern amenities will find restaurants such as McDonald’s and shops like H&M. But please don’t eat at McDonald’s and give Polish food a try! Bigos and Zurek are two of our favorite Polish dishes.

Visitors will also find several tour agencies around that area, perfect for anyone that might want to do a treacherous winter hike or book a tour!

11. Visit The Muzeum Oscypka Zakopane

If you fall in love with Oscypek (Polish smoked cheese) the first time you try it, why not learn more about it at the Muzeum Oscypka Zakopane?

At Muzeum Oscypka Zakopane, visitors will get a presentation by a traditional “baca”, or sheep shepherd from the mountains. With this presentation, guests will have a better understanding of the history of the traditional Oscypek .

The presentation lasts for about 1.5 hours. During that time, you will also have the opportunity to make your own small Oscypek and take it home with you! If you are looking for a family activity in Zakopane for kids , then don’t skip this museum!

📖 Note:  The presentation from the “baca” is in Polish, but there is a host that will translate it for any English-speaking visitors.

12. Enjoy Aqua Park Zakopane With Kids!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Termy Zakopiańskie 💦 (@termyzakopianskie)

One of our favorite activities in Zakopane is to go to Aqua Park Zakopane, sometimes known as Termy Zakopiańskie. It is one of the biggest waterparks in Poland, and features a wide variety of attractions that cater to all ages.

For kids, they can enjoy any of the five water slides in the park, two of which are notably long at 166 and 106 meters respectively. The most popular feature of the park is the “Wild River”, a 40-meter-long and 1.3-meter-deep river that mimics a natural mountain stream. It is lots of fun for both kids and adults.

Talking about adults, they’ll certainly love the outdoor pool and outdoor thermal pools that offer stunning views of the Tatra Mountains.

Whether you want to relax or have fun with the kids, there is no better place to do so than at Aqua Park!

Things To Do In Zakopane In Summer

13. go dunajec river rafting.

There is no better summer activity in Zakopane than to go rafting in the Dunajec River . As a  UNESCO recognized site , the Dunajec River offers some of the best landscapes you can possibly have in Poland.

There are two types of rafting in Dunajec River:

• white water rafting
• rafting in a traditional Polish wooden boat

For active travelers, you might prefer to do white water rafting in the Dunajec River. Its low level allows travelers to enjoy the scenery and get a nice workout. If you are traveling to Zakopane with kids, they can also participate in white water rafting down the Dunajec River!

Though white water rafting is an option in the Dunajec River, the most popular way to visit it is to board a traditional wooden boat . These traditional boats were used to transport goods and passengers back in the days but nowadays have become rather obsolete.

On these wooden boats, there are raftsmen that will do all the rafting for you. Your job is to simply sit back, relax, listen to their tales, and let the dramatic landscapes take your breath away!

For rafting in the Dunajec River, you must go on a tour.

14. Go Camping In Zakopane

Camping is a popular thing to do in Zakopane in the summer. The perfect weather allows visitors to enjoy the beautiful nature of Zakopane comfortably. At night, the lack of light pollution allows the stars to shine brightly.

However, visitors must be aware that camping inside the Tatra National Park is strictly prohibited . Anyone looking to stay inside the park must stay at one of the eight mountain shelters . These shelters are open all year round and create the perfect mountain getaway!

As a result, you must stay in Zakopane or near Zakopane if you want to do camping. Though we didn’t camp ourselves when we visited Zakopane, we did quite a bit of research to see what the experience is like.

There are several campsites in Zakopane or within close proximity to it. If you want something simple and clean, we suggest  Camping Ustup , located right outside Zakopane on the way to Krakow. The campground is relatively small but guests will find a supermarket, gas station, and plenty of restaurants nearby!

Another popular campsite in Zakopane is  Camping Zakopane Willa Skoczek . Here guests will find little more than the basic amenities such as hot showers, toilets, a shared kitchenette, a charging station for electronic devices, and tents for rent. This campsite is considered one of the most picturesque campsites in Zakopane.

15. Try One Of The Harder Hikes In Zakopane

Summer in Zakopane is the perfect time to attempt one of the tougher hikes in the region. During winter, many of these hikes are treacherous and pass by potentially dangerous avalanche zones.

However, in the summertime, instead of overwhelming snowfall, ice, and inclement weather, hikers will find incredible alpine peaks offering the best views of the Tatra Mountains .

One of the most challenging (and rewarding) hikes in Zakopane for the summer is the hike to Rysy . At 2,503 meters high, Rysy is the highest peak in all of Poland.

Though high, getting to Rysy is quite easy. From the Morskie Oko Lake, hikers can partake in an additional 2 to 2.5-hour trek to get to the peak of Rysy.

The whole out-and-back trail starting from Morskie Oko takes about an additional 3.5 hours. Near the peak of Rysy, hikers have to scramble and pull themselves up with chains! Keep in mind that with the Morskie Oko hike itself, the total combined duration with summiting Rysy is about 7 to 8 hours!

Another difficult hiking trail in Zakopane is the  Orla Perć . Known as the most difficult and dangerous trial in Poland , Orla Perć offers an adrenaline-pumping experience as hikers climb up jagged ridges, battle with metal chains, and avoid slick surfaces !

Things To Do In Zakopane In Winter

16. enjoy one of zakopane’s best winter activities and sports.

Winter in Poland is usually bleak and boring, but that is not the case in Zakopane. Winter in Zakopane brings an influx of international and national tourists, all looking to enjoy the best of what Zakopane has to offer.

With incredible mountains and slopes in the region, it shouldn’t surprise you that there are plenty of winter sports in Zakopane. 

17. Go Skiing Or Snowboarding On Zakopane’s Slopes!

Anyone looking for things to do in Zakopane in winter should consider taking advantage of the nearby slopes and go skiing or snowboarding . Zakopane is considered one of the cheapest and best places to go skiing and snowboarding in Europe!

From absolute beginners to professionals , Zakopane has a perfect piste for you. Most of the pistes are green (the easiest), but visitors will also find blue, red, and black pistes.

If you would like to learn skiing or snowboarding, you will likely find skiing and snowboarding instructors at the bottom of some of the lifts. However, they do tend to get booked out during the holiday seasons, so we recommend you to reserve a spot with your instructor if you intend on coming during those times!

The most popular skiing and snowboarding hotspots in Zakopane are  Kasprowy Wierch, Nosal and Gubałówka Hill . The ski resort of Zakopane features more than 20 pistes (on a good day) and over 50 lifts !

Generally, the best months to go skiing and snowboarding in Zakopane are from January to late March .

18. Go Ice Skating In The Town’s Center

Don’t like skiing or snowboarding? Traveling to Zakopane with kids? Take them to ice skating! Zakopane has several ice skating rinks , and  Lodowisko “TAFLA”  is the best among them.

It is a great place for everyone in the family to spend an afternoon. Every ice skating rink in Zakopane offers skate rentals for cheap, so you can have some fun without spending too much money!

All ice skating rinks in Zakopane are outdoors.

When you are done, go relax with a glass of Polish mulled wine, or Grzaniec Galicyjski (pronounce this at your own risk). They are the perfect treat to warm you up when the temperature drops, especially when below freezing!

19. Hop On A Snowmobile

Want an exciting adventure through the Tatra Mountains? Visit places that aren’t reachable by foot in the winter? Then hop on a snowmobile tour !

Snowmobiles are a great way to explore the frozen landscapes in Zakopane . Admire the wonderful winter scenery as you speed your way through the thick snow. Breathe in the crispy mountain air that will wake you up like a shot of espresso!

We recommend going with  Snowdoo Adventure  tour company if you are interested in a snowmobile tour. They are the most experienced and oldest snowmobile company in Zakopane.

20. Enjoy A Sleigh Ride

Another popular winter activity in Zakopane is to enjoy a sleigh ride . Similar to the snowmobile, it is an excellent way to traverse through the wintry landscapes and admire the stunning views.

In fact, it might be a better option for those that don’t prefer the extra adrenaline, as you have a driver that will ensure your safety.

There are two types of sleigh rides in Zakopane:

• husky sleigh rides
• horse sleigh rides

Where To Stay In Zakopane, Poland

If you are visiting Zakopane, you’ll most likely want to stay inside the town. The town has a wide variety of accommodations, from mountain lodges to historic chalet and hostels to apartments.

There are also plenty of places to stay on the perimeter or just outside Zakopane. Unless you are coming to Zakopane with a car, we don’t recommend you to stay in those areas.

Here are some of the accommodations we recommend:

Best Hostel In Zakopane –  Hostel 1902

Traveling to Zakopane on a budget? Worry not.

Hostel 1902 is one of the most affordable hostels in Zakopane. Unlike most budget accommodations that can be unclean and badly equipped, Hostel 1902 is clean, has nice bathrooms, and is located in the center of Zakopane !

Guests are free to use the kitchen and are provided with their own individual locker , so safety is not a concern here. The balcony also offers some incredible views of the city!

If you don’t fancy shared dormitory rooms, Hostel 1902 also offers private rooms for a lower cost than most traditional hotels in Zakopane!

Best Hotel In Zakopane-  Aries Hotel & SPA Zakopane

Though there are many hotels in Zakopane, none of them are as luxurious and charming as Aries Hotel & SPA Zakopane.

A 5-minute away from Zakopane Main Street, this 5-star hotel in Zakopane is within walking distance from the best attractions in Zakopane. Though if you are staying at the Aries Hotel & SPA Zakopane, you might not want to step out of your hotel!

Featuring traditional elements of a Polish mountain house , each room oozes rustic charm. Staying in Aries Hotel & SPA Zakopane is like stepping into a machine where guests can admire the unique architecture.

When you are not lounging in your cozy room, come enjoy the hotel’s incredible amenities. Relax your body in the jacuzzi or sauna . Go for a swim in their spacious indoor swimming pool . Or work up a sweat at the fitness center !

But don’t forget to replenish yourself with the buffet-style breakfast in the morning!

Can You Take A Day Trip To Zakopane From Krakow?

It is definitely possible to take a day trip from Krakow to Zakopane, and in fact, many people do. From Krakow, it is only about a 2-hour drive to Zakopane.

For travelers that do not have their own vehicle, there are many Zakopane day tours from Krakow. Many will include a visit to one of the mountains where you can get sweeping views of the region, a visit to the geothermal bath, and some solo time around time.

If you are short on time, a day tour from Krakow to Zakopane is highly recommended.

However, if you can spend a few days in Zakopane, we would totally recommend that. That way, you can allocate days specifically for hiking, exploring the town, and enjoying the thermal baths.

Visiting Zakopane FAQs

How to get to zakopane, when is the best time to visit zakopane, how many days to spend in zakopane, is zakopane worth visiting, what is zakopane known for.

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If you weren’t sure what to do in Zakopane, we hope you are now! We hope our guide has helped you plan your trip to Zakopane! Have a question? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links. That means if you book or make a purchase through the links, we will earn a small commission at  no extra cost to you ! The money will help run this site! Thank you !

World Traveler, Travel Blogger, Photographer

LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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ZAKOPANE THINGS TO DO:

• snowmobile tour is an unforgettable attraction for everyone

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• sleigh rides in the Chocholowska Valley in the Tatra National Park

SLEIGH RIDE

• the largest and most important sport event in Zakopane

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ZAKOPANE POLAND - WORTH TO KNOW before arrival

• The wooden sign ZAKOPANE is a popular place for the souvenir photo - it is located in the park Równia Krupowa, near the intersection of Kościuszki and 3go Maja streets.

Church Holidays

Most of the shops, some restaurants and activities like sleigh rides and rafting are closed on the Christmas Day, Easter Day and Corpus Christi

Dzien dobry!

Local people (especially older ones) like to be greeted with Dzien Dobry (jayn DOH-bry = Good Morning)

Zacopane? Zakopan?

The correct name of our town is ZAKOPANE ( zakopane in Polish means buried..) not Zacopane, Zakopan, etc.

What does Podhale mean?

Podhale is a historical and geographical region located at the northern foot of the Tatra Mountains.

What is Giewont?

Giewont (1894 m above sea level) is a Tatra peak - one of the symbols of Zakopane.

Oscypek? Oszczypek?

Oscypek is a smoked sheep's milk cheese with a small amount of cow's milk (both names are correct).

My favorite hotels in Zakopane and vicinity:

Zakopane - aries hotel & spa.

Beautiful hotel, fantastic SPA, extraordinary breakfast. The location is quiet but very close to walk to Krupowki Promenade and main attractions of Zakopane.

GRAND HOTEL STAMARY

Very convenient location between the bus and train station, and Krupowki promenade. Most rooms have balconies with a view of the Tatra Mountains, two-level Wellness & SPA (600 m2) with physiotherapy treatments, restaurant serving old Polish dishes, a playroom for children.

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Visit zakopane with krakowdirect.

Zakopane is located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains . Situated only 100 km (60 miles) from Krakow, it is a very popular holiday destination. Zakopane attracts with its original folklore as well as close proximity to beautiful mountain trails . In summer, Zakopane amazes with its many valleys, peaks and ponds and in winter, with superb beautiful winter scenery . Our private Zakopane tour from Krakow takes about 8 – 9 hours .You can choose between Round Transfer, Thermal Baths visit and our exclusive Full Zakopane Tour options or a combined tour to experience both. The journey lasts for about 1,5 hours each way, giving you lots of time for your mountain adventure. The tour can also be extended for an additional charge. Our English-speaking tour leader, familiar with the area, will be your host. The main points of interest in Zakopane are:

The local market

It is located below Gubalowka Hill and just at the beginning of the Krupówki Promenade. You will find local souvenirs and handcraft: woodware, leatherware, woollen clothes and shoes. You can get Oscypek local smoked sheep cheese.

Gubalowka Hill by a funicular railway

Ride to the top of the most famous peak located in the capital of the Polish Tatra Mountains. You will experience a fantastic panorama of the Tatra Mountains from 1122 m above sea level.

Krupowki Promenade

The heart of Zakopane and the oldest street in town. It’s a great place for a walk and dinner afterwards, in a traditional Polish tavern.

Pęksowy Brzyzek

Old wooden cemetery, richly decorated with unique works of art made by local artists from wood, stone and metal. It is the resting place of artists, Tatra rescuers and guides, politicians, and athletes.

Jaszczurówka

The best example of old wooden style architecture and essential sacral building in Zakopane with beautiful stained-glass windows.

Thermal Baths Chochołów

Almost 3,000 m2 of water surface and 30 pool troughs, rich in many micronutrients.

Choose from other options worth visiting:

You can modify the tour sights with the driver on your way

The sculptor’s house in Chocholow village

Located on the way to Zakopane, an old wooden village is a house to many local sculptures. From time to time, they open their sculpture studios for visitors. You can admire their work or maybe even buy one of them.

Ski Jumping Hill

Poland has one of the best ski jumpers in the world. Take a chairlift to the top, take a look and admit if You would dare.

The facility is well known for its thermal pools, saunas, and wellness facilities. The thermal waters used in the pools are sourced from a local spring, and the Baths offer a range of indoor and outdoor pools with different temperatures and features.

Kasprowy Wierch 1987m

A cable car lift to the top with skip-the-line entry passes. The panorama from the top is definitely a lifetime experience.

Our special bonus for this Tour

If You decide to book our  Tour, we have got something extra for you. Each day at 19:00, we organise an Evening Walking Tour , which you can join completely for free. It starts at the Jan Matejko Square under the “Grunwald Monument”. You will meet our professional city guide there, who will show you the best of Krakow Old Town. You will walk down the Royal Route and finish under Wawel Castle near the Dragon Monument. It takes about 1 hour. You can participate in this tour on any day of your visit in Krakow.

Zakopane is located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains . Situated only 100 km (60 miles) from Krakow, it is a very popular holiday destination. Zakopane attracts with its original folklore as well as close proximity to beautiful mountain trails . In summer, Zakopane amazes with its many valleys, peaks and ponds and in winter, with superb beautiful winter scenery . Our shared Zakopane tour from Krakow takes about 8 – 9 hours . You can choose between Round Transfer, Thermal Baths visit and our exclusive Full Zakopane Tour options. The journey lasts for about 1.5 hours each way, giving you lots of time for your mountain adventure. Our English-speaking tour leader, familiar with the area, will be your host. After the tour, we will drop you off in Krakow city centre. The main points of interest in Zakopane are:

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Zakopane Tours from Krakow

Zakopane, located in the heart of the Tatra Mountains, is the so-called winter capital of Poland. It has gained a reputation as an excellent winter resort with vibrant cultural life. Zakopane tours are popular among Poles and foreigners alike. The welcoming atmosphere of Krupowki – the main street in Zakopane and the proximity of beautiful mountain trails is what makes Zakopane the number one holiday destination in the Polish mountains. During the Zakopane tour, you have to taste local food and buy some specific souvenirs. Moreover, Zakopane is located only 100 km from Krakow. Our company can provide you private transport from Krakow to Zakopane or from the airport . This is a nice distance for one day tour. Not only in winter or summer but in every time of the year, the trip to Zakopane is the best match. One day tour is enough for sightseeing the main places.

Zakopane private tour from Krakow- more details

Krakow Direct offers private Zakopane tours from Krakow. For individual clients or organised groups, there are a lot of different attractions and beautiful views of the Tatra Mountains. With us, you can spend a day in the beautiful Tatra Mountains in the most convenient way possible. Our Zakopane tours include private, modern, comfortable cars and friendly English speaking drivers. We provide direct pick up and drop off at your hotel. The price includes a transfer service and a driver is familiar with area.

Zakopane private tour and activities

Zakopane, the Winter wonderland in Poland, is a sporting paradise located at foot of the Tatras. Attractions include the Gubalowka Mountain Resort, the popular thermal baths as well as the skiing resort of Wielka Krokiew. Zakopane is well known for its rich Goral heritage and traditional architectural styles as well as striking summer views. Goral city is also home to the ski jumping and thermal pools at the town’s thermal bath that is open to the public for up to 24 hours a day. Wielkiew Ski Jump is a popular ski jump in Poland. On this tour, our driver will also be tour guide. Only drivers who are very well familiar with the area are assigned for our Zakopane private tours from Krakow . It is therefore a unique opportunity to learn about local traditions and customs from someone who had spent their lives there. Our driver is at your disposal throughout the day. Our Zakopane tours from Krakow take approximately 8-9 hours. The one-way drive should not take more than three hours, however, in the event of traffic, it can be longer. While a journey to Zakopane might sometimes take a little longer, we guarantee 5 hours to visit Zakopane.

How looks tour from Krakow with Krakow Direct?

You always have 5 hours in Zakopane, no matter how much time you spend on the road. You decide on your own what to do with this time. If you wish, your trip to Zakopane can be extended for an additional cost. Our local driver is your best source of information. Already on your way to Zakopane, you can ask for suggestions. It is up to you to decide how to visit Zakopane. We make every effort to meet our clients’ expectations. While our drivers are friendly, well informed and English speaking, we can arrange a licensed guide for you. If you wish to visit Zakopane with a private guide, please let us know. We always try to do our best for our Zakopane private tour. If you need airport transport, private transfer to your hotel or more information about sightseeing during the Zakopane tour from Krakow, just call us! Also, it is possible to book a guide in any language, other than English.

Zakopane tour from Krakow- more activities near the Tatra Mountains

For those, who would like to visit the South of Poland, but are not willing to walk we have an alternative. Our Dunajec River Rafting tour in Zakopane is an opportunity to admire the beauty of the Tatra Mountains from the wooden raft. During these few hours, you can discover nature and take some beautiful pictures of mountains.

Tours in Zakopane- things to do

We prepared a standard itinerary that you can follow. It covers a stop at the sculptor’s house in Chocholow village on the way, a visit at the famous market in Zakopane and funicular, as well as Krupowki Street and Ski Jumping Hill. You can however modify this itinerary to fit it to your needs. There are many things to do in Zakopane. Within a walking distance from the town centre, you can reach almost any mountain trail. The most popular hiking spot is Gubalowka, a mountain famous for its beautiful panorama from its top. Tourists also often choose Kasprowy Wierch, accessible by aerial tramway. Also popular is Giewont – a massif in the shape of asleep soldier who accordingly to the legend will wake up to protect his homeland in time of danger. There are also numerous mountain ponds and valleys near Zakopane. The town of Zakopane is worth visiting also for its original architecture and local folklore. Krupowki, a one-kilometre long main street is crowded with little stalls offering traditional food such as smoked sheep cheese ‘oscypek’. You can also buy their typical souvenirs, like shepherd’s axe called ‘ciupaga’ or leather shoes called ‘kierpce’. During your trip to Zakopane you will undoubtedly discover beautiful fauna and flora, interesting architecture and original culture. Especially for children, it is a lot of attractions as for one day tour. Please bear in mind, that our Zakopane private tour from Krakow includes the cost of additional activities or entry fees in Zakopane. All prices per person are available on our website. You can check it, before you book tours in Zakopane.

Discover the charm of Zakopane in winter

For those who want to experience more attractions and stay longer in this dream place, we recommend taking advantage of the wide range of catering and accommodation. The hotels located there provide their guests with high standards and plenty of attractions. In winter, Zakopane is visited by travellers from all over the world or from northern Poland who want to skiing, relax, in the snow and enjoy traditional food and drink. Especially during the holidays, Krupówki dressed in colourful lights give this place a magical atmosphere. There is no more amazing place to visit in winter than Zakopane in Poland. Mountains are much more beautiful in real than on postcards. Krakow Direct can provide you with a professional, private transfer from the airport in Krakow to your hotel. There is no problem for us to take your language, ski or bicycles. Our English-speaking driver will help you in every way and take you to your resort. Private tour is individually tailored to each customer.

Summer vibes in Zakopane Tatra Mountains

Summer is the perfect time for a day tour from Krakow to Zakopane. Sunshine, closeness to the mountains and nature – all this is guaranteed when visiting Zakopane. What more from our side we offer comfortable transport and of our professional driver who is familiar with the area. At this time of year, it is highly recommended to take advantage of the attractions like a cable car to Kasprowy Wierch or Dunajec rafting. A Dunajec River rafting tour offers the opportunity to use the traditional wooden rail and swim amongst majestic mountains. Tatra Mountain is one of the most beautiful destinations to swim in Tatra Mountains. Prices which are available on our website do not include extra activities. The tickets for more attractions you can buy there.

Famous Tatra Mountains situated in Zakopane

The Tatra Mountains are insanely beautiful mountains, which sit on the border between Poland and Slovakia. The Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Carpathian chain. Moreover, it is the highest range between the Alps and the Ural Mountains and the Caucasus Mountains in the east. They are the only ones in Poland that have an Alpine character. The beautiful nature of the Tatra Mountains has been protected within the Tatra National Park and the Slovak or Tatranský Národný Park. This incredible view you can see from Zakopane during our tour from Krakow. There is many well-prepared trails in Zakopane for travellers to hiking, trekking, as well as safe and quiet trips with children both for one day tour or a longer adventure. One of the most popular attractions is a cable car from where you can see all Tatras.

Reservation and payment for a private tour from Krakow to Zakopane

Zakopane Tour with Krakow Direct is a guarantee of hustle-free service, comfort and affordable prices. Our offer includes a transfer from Krakow to Zakopane in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly, English-speaking driver. We will pick you up from your hotel in Krakow, take you directly to the place of your choosing in Zakopane and back. For your tour, you can pay online or in cash to the driver. We prefer payments in Polish zlotys. We also accept Euros, Pounds and U. S. Dollars. Our driver will calculate the amount in foreign currency accordingly to theverage rate. The change is given Polish zlotys. Please bear in mind, that our drivers do not carry credit card terminals. So it is safe and comfortable to make all payments while booking the private tour. KrakowDirect is a guarantee of individual approach and a hundred percent satisfaction. We take extra care of our clients. Please let us know if you are travelling with children. Thus, we will provide a booster seat or child seat. Also, inform us in advance if you or any of your fellow travellers has mobility problems or use wheelchair. Please, remember that the wheelchair should be foldable. It will allow us to send a larger car to accommodate you as comfortably as possible. The journey to Zakopane does not take a long time, but every five minutes is important for us.

Visit Zakopane private with Krakow Direct

Should you have any questions regarding Zakopane tours from Krakow with KrakowDirect, do no hesitate to ask! On our website, you can find any information you may need and our recommendations about private tour, transfers , sightseeing or other one day tours. We have special offers for all travellers to have a good time at an affordable price per person. We remind you that you can take advantage of the free cancellation of Tatra Mountains private tour to 24 hours earlier. Do you dream about one day tour to Zakopane? Do you want to try hiking in Zakopane Tatra Mountains, Dunajec rafting or a cable car trip? After all attractions go to a local restaurant to try traditional polish food and have a new contact with other travellers from Slovakia? We know, that this is the best way to get to know the culture and main monuments in Zakopane. Of course, your experience and memories from this tour from Krakow you receive for free! Do not hesitate to contact us and book your private tour from Krakow to Zakopane! We are waiting for you! Our office is situated in Krakow city. We operate stationary and also online. A private tour or other trips to Zakopane you can be purchased at any time 7 days a week.

Another day tour from Krakow

Not only Zakopane Tatra Mountains tour! If you enjoy sightseeing , discover old historical places and trying local polish food, our company can offer you a lot of other trips from Krakow with comfortable transport and a private licensed guide. For more information about trips in Krakow and the price list, check our website or call us! Day tour from Krakow to Zakopane or to other places are very popular so it is better to book it earlier.

All the very best things to do in Zakopane

Zakopane is one of the premier tourist destinations in Poland. There are many things to do in Zakopane in both summer and winter. Zakopane in the Tatra National Park is best known for its white powder ski runs, tall trees and amazing wooden architecture.

Facts about Zakopane:

Festival of highland folklore, escape rooms in zakopane.

While Zakopane is at its busiest in winter, summer is also a great time to visit. In summer in Zakopane, there are various things to do, including hiking in the Tatra Mountains, exploring the charming town’s traditional architecture, and enjoying outdoor activities such as cycling and horseback riding.

The sun will be out, the skies will be blue, and the weather will be warm. This allows you to explore the town of Zakopane far and wide.

Where is Zakopane Poland?

Zakopane Poland was first mentioned in the records in 1676. Zakopane is located in Southern Poland in the Tatra Mountains, close to the border with Slovakia.

The nearest major city in Poland to Zakopane is Krakow, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Zakopane is a 2-hour drive from Krakow through rolling hills and green countryside.

It’s a very scenic trip as you get closer to the mountains, and Zakopane looms large. Zakopane has a healthy population of 27,000 people.

This population fluctuates depending on the time of year. This amazing mountain getaway is a beautiful place to visit, from the traditional houses to the picturesque mountains to the friendly Polish people.

• Zakopane has an elevation of between 800 and 1000 meters
• Zakopane Poland points of interest are visited by over 2.5 Million tourists a year
• Zakopane bid unsuccessfully for the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Zakopane elevation is up to 1000 feet above sea level

Things to do in Zakopane, Poland

The resort town of Zakopane, Poland, was once considered only a winter destination in Poland. It is now emerging as a year-round destination. Also, once only a place where local Polish tourism flourished, it has gained widespread recognition on the international travel scene. Plenty of international tourists are making their way to Zakopane.

With so many activities in Zakopane, Poland, you will love this tranquil Polish town and return to see what to do in Zakopane in any season.

Skiing in Zakopane in Winter

Let us get this straight out of the way. Winter sports, including skiing in Zakopane, are what this town is famous for. It’s the winter capital of Poland. In the winter peak season, people flock to Zakopane from nearby cities such as Krakow and beyond. They come to stay at ski resorts, buy their ski passes and hit the mountain peak in Zakopane in winter.

In the winter, you can enjoy Polish mulled wine, ice skating, thermal spas and winter activities. There are some great ski runs and places in Zakopane to ski for all levels of skiers. Let’s look at some of the best places to get on a cable car and ski in Zakopane.

Zakopane ski locations

• Nosal Ski Station – Great for beginners and first-time skiers. This location has three green/blue ( the easiest rated ) ski slopes. Onsite, you will find a ski school, ski and clothing rentals, a ski kindergarten, two restaurants and a sled riding hill. The Nosal ski station is the perfect Zakopane ski resort for honing your skills on the mountain.
• Szymoszkowa Ski Station – Ski slope for beginners with green/blue runs of 400m. Ski slope for intermediates with a red run of 1.500m. There is also a ski school with kindergarten, ski rentals (one with clothing rental), and a restaurant
• Kasprowy Wierch – is the highest ski resort in Poland. The Gasienicowa and Goryczkowa ski runs are the only alpine-style slopes in Poland. This Zakopane ski resort and ski runs are for advanced skiers only. It is not for beginners.

When packing for a winter trip to Zakopane and all regions in southern Poland, include warm clothes that let you dress in layers and  waterproof boots  as you will be walking around in the snow.

Pack plenty of jumpers, pullovers, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and maybe even some long  thermal underwear  for an extra layer of warmth. A waterproof  snow jacket   is essential in this winter wonderland. The wind can be chilling to the bone.

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Things to do in Zakopane – Krupówki Street

Krupowki Street is the main pedestrian thoroughfare in the town centre of Zakopane, Poland. The street is over a kilometre long and begins at the base of the Gubalowka cable car station. Krupowki is lined with restaurants, bars, shops, and hotels.

When the sun comes out, you will find thousands strolling the street, window shopping and people-watching. Zakopane restaurants and bars are packed with people enjoying good food and drinks. Grilled meats seem to be the specialty of Krupowki.

The atmosphere is alive on Zakopane’s main street, especially in the height of the summer and winter seasons. You will find horse-drawn carriages and street performers all along the street. Walking Krupowki is one of the most popular things to do in Zakopane, Poland.

An afternoon spent strolling, eating at amazing restaurants, drinking and enjoying life on Krupowki Street is a must. Visiting Zakopane in summer, you will find a market selling traditional Tatra crafts and products from the region, such as handcrafted wooden souvenirs and local produce.

Family travel to Zakopane tip:

You will find people dressed as characters, such as Paddington Bear, who approach the kids. These guys are going to want money. All along Krupowki, you find amusement centres with games like air hockey and pinball machines. Zakopane with kids is a great option.

What to see in Zakopane – Traditional cheese-making

We tasted the Zakopane cheese, a creamy and smooth cheese with a rubbery texture. This Zakopane cheese is sometimes eaten with jam, which is a little strange for foreigners. It is one of the top things to see in Zakopane.

Oscypek, Oszczypek is a  smoked cheese  made of salted sheep milk found exclusively in the Tatra Mountains region of Poland. No other cheese can be called Oscypek.

This regional speciality is a protected trade name under the EU‘s Protected Designation of Origin geographical indication.

Just outside Zakopane, on the open fields at the base of the surrounding Tatra mountains, you will find wooden mountain shelters dotted all over. You can go to these huts, watch the traditional making of cheese, and buy it freshly made.

The Zakopane cheese is pressed into wooden moulds and comes in all shapes and sizes. Cheese production in the Tatra was first mentioned in the 15th century.

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Aqua Park – Zakopane tourist attractions

Is there anything better to do on hot Zakopane summer days than go to the water park? AQUAPARK Zakopane is a world of fun for the whole family. It is hard to call this Zakopane attraction just a water park. At Zakopane Aquapark, you will find the following:

• 2 water slides
• A wild river
• Thermal baths
• Water fitness classes
• A Gym for working out
• Salt Cave – for natural healing elements

The Aqua Park Zakopane is one of the region’s largest and most modern facilities. It truly is a great way to spend a day in Zakopane. Mix fun with health and healing for your body. There is a restaurant on-site to grab drinks and food.

Address: Jagiellońska street 3134-500 Adamierz Zaskopane Email: www.aquapark.zakopane.pl

Mountain biking Tatra National Park Zakopane

Mountain biking in Zakopane is only allowed on established tracks in the surrounding mountains. Some of the best tracks to follow are:

• Pod Reglami road  runs from the ski jump to the Siwa Polana meadow in Chocholowska Valley. It’s best done in the morning to avoid walkers who use the trail also.
• Chocholowska Valley Road  is where the previous ride ends. Siwa Polana meadow to Polana Chcocholowska refuge. You can rent a mountain bike in the Chcocholowska Valley.

Quick checklist for your trip to Zakopane

Accommodation in zakopane.

• Traditional homestays in Zakopane
• Ski Chalets in Zakopane
• Hostels in Zakopane

Must have tickets for Zakopane activities

• Zakopane City highlights walking tour
• Ski Lift Pass
• Transfer to Zakopane from Krakow

Never leave home without

• Get your travel insurance here
• Do you need a visa to holiday in Zakopane?
• Wifi so you can stay in touch

Zakopane in summer – Wielka krokiew ski jump

Heading up the Zakopane ski lift can be an exciting family travel adventure. Wielka Krokiew ski jump is the official Polish name of the Zakopane ski jump. It is a regular venue for the FIS World Ski Jumping Championships.

The stadium has a capacity of 40,000 people, and the ski jump is open even in the offseason. It is available for tourists and summer practice sessions for the local ski jumpers.

The ride to the top of the mountain is not for the faint-hearted. The Wielka Krokiew ski jump lift takes you vertically to the top of the ramp, where you get a real indication of the height and slope of this venue.

The views from the top of Wielka Krokiew ski jump are fantastic and well worth the journey. The views provide an amazing panoramic over the town and the mountains behind. Just don’t look down when you are going up. The Ski lift may not be a likely thing to do in Zakopane in summer, but it’s still a thrill.

Family travel in Zakopane tip:

At the bottom of the ski jump, a small photo booth sells pictures captured of you on the way up to the top of the ski jump. Makes for a great souvenir when you are visiting Zakopane Poland.

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Thermal Pools in the Zakopane Area

Thermal pools are perfect when the weather is rainy and horrible. The waters are warm and welcoming, coming at you from over 300 meters below the ground. Many thermal spas have waters that are rich in minerals.

The Sulphur smell will have everyone giggling. Many of these places have indoor and outdoor pools and thermal spas for use in this Zakopane winter wonderland. You will find thermal pools at the following locations.

• Terma Bania , Białka Tatrzańska, 181 Środkowa Street, open every day 9:00 am-10:00 pm
• Terma Bukovina , Bukowina Tatrzańska, 22 Sportowa Street, open every day 9:00 am-10:00 pm
• Chochołowskie Termy , Chochołów 400, open everyday 9:00 am-10:00 pm
• Termy Szaflary , Szaflary, 20 Nowe Area, open every day 8:00 am-10:00 pm
• Gorący Potok , Szaflary, 45 Nowe Area, open every day 11:00 am-10:00 pm

We hope this gives you some ideas for winter and summer bad weather days in Zakopane. The thing about holidays in the mountains is the weather can change quickly. These Zakopane places to visit will keep everyone entertained. Book a Thermal Springs experience in Zakopane .

Tatra Mountains Zakopane Poland – Gubalowka

Gubalowka sits at 1123 meters, looking down on Zakopane directly above the town in the Tatra National Park. The trip to Gubalowka begins with a Zakopane cable car ride up the hill, one of Zakopane’s best things to do.

The Zakopane cable car takes 4 minutes and costs over a euro. The ride up the hill is amazing as you ascend upwards through pine trees, and the town slowly disappears beneath you.

You will find restaurants, bars and spectacular views at the top of Gubalowka Hill in the Polish Tatra Mountains. The sun deck terrace is one of Europe’s most magnificent spots for a drink, food or ice cream.

A soft-serve ice cream is called Lodi. You will encounter machines everywhere selling Lodi in summer in Zakopane. The view from the top is amazing as it sweeps over the Tatra mountains .

Snow covers the tops of the highest peaks, even in summer. There is a smaller market for the top-selling Polish handicrafts and souvenirs. The market seems to stretch forever on either side of the road at the top of the hill.

You will be bombarded with the smell of grilled meats, hamburgers, and hot dogs while trying to avoid market stall holders trying to sell you anything and everything. Hiking trails lead off from the top of Gubalowka, providing incredible views and access to surrounding villages. In winter, ski runs lead down the hill.

Family travel tip:

At the top of the mountain is a toboggan run for kids and adults, a rope course, horse rides and numerous other activities to amuse the kids in Zakopane.

Zakopane things to do – Unique Architecture and Design

Many houses and buildings in Zakopane are built out of wood according to the traditional style of the area. The design of the buildings is inspired by the regional art of Poland’s highland region known as  Podhale .

This unique architectural style of the building is now known as the Zakopane style. All new buildings up to 1914 had to be built in this way.

It is still very popular today, and a walk around town will tell you that many new buildings are still being built in this traditional style. Finding them in the streets is one of the best free things to do in Zakopane.

Everywhere you look, there are amazing wooden buildings, both single and double-story. The house is truly unique. You won’t find this sort of design anywhere else in the world.

I found myself wandering different streets, admiring how people had stuck to the traditional building designs but had added small touches of their own.

The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima

This church was built in honour of Pope John Paul II. It was built as an offering to God for saving the Pope after an assassination attempt in 1981. The church is only one of 4 churches in Poland that the Pope himself consecrated. The church is visited by over 300,000 pilgrims a year and is one of the most interesting things to do in Zakopane.

Every summer since 1965, the Festival of Highland Folklore has been held in Zakopane, Poland. Like all great cultural events, this one was born from a small beginning with strong ties to the area’s regional history.

What began with four local folk singing groups has since expanded to encompass performers and traditions from other countries, making the Festival of Highland Folklore an international event in Zakopane. Zakopane comes alive during the festival with music, dance and singing.

This festival makes learning about other cultures and traditions possible while still having amazing entertainment for the whole family.

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What to do in Zakopane with kids

Kids can be difficult to keep occupied when it’s raining. We often find ourselves asking what can we do. Below are some great ideas for visiting places in Zakopane with kids when it is raining.

Ten pin bowling

It is a great activity for kids when it is raining. It’s good for kids to keep active in Zakopane. There are several bowling alleys in Zakopane for families to visit. You can find bowling alleys at the following locations.

• Aqua Park Zakopane,  31 Jagiellońska Street
• Tatra Hotel , Zakopane, 34 Cyrhla Street
• Hotel Belvedere,  Zakopane 3 Droga do Białego
• Zadyma Inn,  Szaflary, 1e Zakopiańska Street
• Borowy Dwór,  Szaflary, 1a Cieplice Street
• Burkaty Pension , Białka Tatrzańska, 252a Środkowa Street

Cinemas in Zakopane

There are two cinemas in Zakopane, some showing the latest movies in English and Polish. The Cinema is a great thing to do in Zakopane with kids. You can find Zakopane Cinemas below.

• Kino Giewont

Kids Park Janosika

Over 700 square meters of indoor space for kids in Zakopane. You will find amazing fun with indoor sports such as football and basketball. You can do puzzles and games, indoor sleighs, and play in the ball pits. There is a cafe and food available onsite for all.

KIDS Park Janosika – Sala Zabaw is located at Zakopane, ul. Krupówki 14a – II piętro

An escape room, also known as an escape game, is a physical adventure game in which players solve puzzles and riddles using clues, hints, and strategies to complete the objectives.

Currently, Zakopane has only one escape room business. The escape rooms are great for days when the weather may not be so good, or you are just looking for something different. You will find the Zakopane escape room at

Escape Room Zakopane  – ESC House, Tadeusza Kościuszki 3, 34-500 Zakopane, Poland

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Zakopane attractions – nearby villages to visit

There are so many wonderful things to do in Zakopane, but you may want to venture out of the town to see more of what Zakopane, Poland, offers.

Below are some of the villages that surround Zakopane and are worth a visit on your trip to Poland.

• Zab  – From this small mountain village, tourists can take in the breathtaking panorama of the Tatra Mountains, the Babia Gora Range and the Gorce Mountains. Make sure you have a meal at one of the amazing traditional restaurants.
• Bialka Tatrzanska  – This village offers some great mountain walking and biking paths. In the winter, you can use over 20 ski lifts and numerous traditional beads and breakfasts to stay in. This village is only 20 kilometres from Zakopane
• Male Ciche  – Is known as the prettiest village in the vicinity of Zakopane, Poland. Amazing food, challenging skiing and a picture-perfect location surrounded by the forest of the Tatra mountains. 14 km from Zakopane
• Niedzica – This village is situated on the banks of the River Dunajec. This town has some amazing historic buildings and a 14th-century church and castle.

It’s worth a day trip from Zakopane to see some of these other amazing locations. The area around Zakopane, Poland, is stunning.

Day trip from Zakopane – Wieża widokowa Krynica Zdrój

At Wieża Widokowa Krynica Zdrój you will find the first wooden observation tower in Poland. This amazing wooden Tower stands at a height of 49.5 meters and is located at the top of the Słotwiny Arena ski station (896 m above sea level). The tower is nestled amongst the forests of the Jaworzyna Krynicka Mountain range.

The treetop walk allows you to take in all the sights as you move along the 1.3km length of the structure. There is some added fun for kids with a 60-meter slide taking them back to the bottom. Do you fancy walking through the treetops at the height of a 17-story building? This amazing attraction is a little over 100 kilometres away from Zakopane.

How to get to Zakopane

The nearest International airports to Zakopane are Krakow and Katowice.

There is one direct train weekly from Warsaw to Zakopane and 2-3 per day from Krakow.

The Krakow Zakopane bus runs daily. It takes a little over 2 hours. The bus to Zakopane leaves Krakow every hour during the day. Polski Bus prices and timetables are  HERE.

Driving to Zakopane is a great option. Be aware that the Polish roads are not the best and lots of people like to visit Zakopane, which can cause traffic jams on the way.

Where to stay in Zakopane

Zakopane has a huge range of accommodation options. Zakopane accommodation comes in the form of hostels, ski resorts, chalets, hotels and apartments. Accommodation in Zakopane is generally cheaper in the summer months.

A visit to Zakopane is a great option. Zakopane with kids or family, Zakopane as a single or couple. There are plenty of Zakopane attractions for you to do.

Search for Hotels in Zakopane

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FAQs about visiting Poland

Poland is an emerging holiday destination in Europe, and there are so many questions to ask for first-time visitors. Even for some people who regularly visit, you can always learn something new about Poland.

Traditional foods to try when visiting Zakopane, Poland

The cuisine of the Tatra region is very tasty but also uses much fat and has more calories than is usually needed. This is traditional because, in the older days, the people working in the cold and mountains needed more energy to get through the work day.

• Zurek Soup –   traditional Polish food. A distinctive feature of this exclusive food is its sour taste.  Compulsory additions to zurek soup are hard-boiled eggs and a peculiar Polish sausage.
• Kwaśnica Soup –  Is made of pickled cabbage and meat (one or two kinds): mutton or pork, often with a smoked rib. Original kwaśnica is eaten with potatoes (that should be boiled separately, not in the soup!) or with bread
• Hałuski –  is noodles made of grated potatoes, salt and flour
• Moskole is a traditional cake baked on a griddle. They’re made of boiled potatoes, flour, water and salt. When cooked, they should be a little bit of crispy crust and a soft centre
• kluski śląskie –  Kluski slaskie are kind of potato dumplings. Kluski slaskie are eaten with meat sauces such as Goulash.

Weather in Zakopane Poland

July is the hottest month in Zakopane with an average temperature of 15°C (58°F), and the coldest is January at-4°C (26°F), with the most daily sunshine hours at 7 in July. The wettest month is June, with an average of 120mm of rain. This type of weather means Zakopane is great in winter and amazing in summer.

Money in Poland

What currency do I need for my trip to Zakopane Poland? The official currency you need to use in Poland is the Polish Zloty. We recommend that you get a  Revolut travel money card  that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save money on your family trip to Poland.

Overall In the summer, visitors to Zakopane can enjoy various outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and swimming in the majestic Tatra Mountains. They can also explore the vibrant local culture by attending folk music concerts and traditional dance performances.

For those seeking relaxation, there are numerous spas and thermal baths to unwind in. There is no shortage of things to do in Zakopane during summer.

In Zakopane, winter brings heavy snowfall, transforming the town into a popular ski destination.

Zakopane is one of the most popular Polish tourist attractions. We at Poland Travel Expert think it is worth a visit and should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit southern Poland.

We hope this post has encouraged you to visit Zakopane Poland in any season and enjoy all the area offers. There are so many wonderful things to do in Zakopane Poland.

Poland Travel Expert   is your ultimate guide to all things Poland. Your next trip to Poland will not be complete without our detailed Poland guides, Poland itineraries and Poland travel tips.

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Author Bio: Mark Wyld

Mark Wyld is a Father, husband, traveller, and writer at Poland Travel Expert and other blogs. I have accumulated a wealth of experience over multiple visits to Poland. Thanks to our friends in Poland, we stay connected to the nation’s pulse, ensuring that our content is up to date with our first-hand experience. The information on this website is backed by genuine expertise.

Best Things To Do In Zakopane Poland On And Off The Beaten Path

While it’s quite obvious that Poland has beautiful towns and cities (such as Krakow or Wroclaw ), hiking in Poland may not be that popular. Too bad! There are many amazing mountain trails in the country, the most popular (and arguably the prettiest) are the ones in the Tatra Mountains. Keep on reading to get to know more about this mountain range including things to do in Zakopane, where to stay, and tips for visiting.

Zakopane is called the winter capital of Poland . Located less than 2h drive from Krakow, it’s a place definitely worth visiting!

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to take a trip to Zakopane. In fact, you don’t need to be fit at all. There are many tourists attractions in the town and around that are perfect for people traveling with kids, with disabilities, or simply for those who don’t want to get tired during their holidays.

Before we will go to the best things to do in Zakopane, let us give you a quick introduction to the town.

Table of Contents

Basic Info About Zakopane Poland

Zakopane literally means buried in Polish. Why? Because this town is literally buried in snow during the winter ! When it’s raining in other parts of Poland, you can be sure there is snow in Zakopane.

The first snowflakes are visible in October/November, the last in April. Up high in the mountains, the snow never melts down, so you basically can see it all year round.

How To Get To Zakopane Poland?

From warsaw to zakopane.

Zakopane is located only 6-hour drive from the capital of Poland,  Warsaw .

You can either take a bus or train from Warsaw to Zakopane. Check out this website to see the current schedule and plan your trip.

From Krakow To Zakopane

Zakopane is located only 1,5 hour driving from Krakow. You can either get there by car, bus, train or book a tour with a private driver .

Check out this website to plan your trip to Zakopane by public transport.

From Other Parts Of Poland

There are many buses and trains from almost every city in Poland to Zakopane. Check out our post with tips for getting around Poland to plan your journey.

Whatever transportation you choose, it’s easy to get to Zakopane because it’s a very popular tourist destination.

Best Things To Do In Zakopane Poland

Everyone will find something for themselves in the Tatra Mountains. Below, you’ll find a list of the top things to do in Zakopane.

The weather in Zakopane is mostly cold, so bring a jacket no matter what you do! If you love winter sports, we especially recommend that when you come to Zakopane, ski your heart out!

Go Trekking in Zakopane

Here are the most popular mountains and valleys for hiking in Zakopane. Depending on how long you will be in a town, you can choose one, two, or even all the routes.

Gubałówka  (1,126 metres AMSL)

Gubałówka is a very easy mountain to climb. You can get a hike up to the top or buy a ticket for a gondola lift. You’ll get to Gubalowka directly from Krupowki (the main street) in Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland.

Skip the lines and book your tour to Gubalowka online .

Morskie Oko  (1,395 metres AMSL)

Morskie Oko has been recognized as one of the most beautiful lakes in the world by The Wall Street Journal . It’s very easy to get to the top. There’s an asphalt road leading directly to the lake. You can either hike up or take a ride by a horse-drawn carriage. Click here to read more.

Dolina Pięciu Stawów, Czarny Staw, Wodogrzmoty Mickiewicza, Rysy  (1,583- 2,499 metres AMSL)

All of these peaks in the mountain range are located above Morskie Oko. Rysy is the highest peak in Poland. Don’t go there if you are not fit enough! The ascent is really difficult and dangerous.

Remember that there’s snow in the Tatra Mountains even in the summer . Dress properly. Nevertheless, a visit there is worth it. Views from the top are absolutely breathtaking!

Kasprowy Wierch  (1,987 metres AMSL)

Kasprowy Wierch is a great mountain for hiking. If you don’t like to get tired, you can use a cable car to reach the top. In the winter, this is definitely the best place for snowboarding and skiing in Zakopane !

Skip the lines and book your day trip to Zakopane & Kasprowy Wierch online.

Giewont (1,895 metres AMSL)

Giewont is located above Kasprowy Wierch. It’s not easy to hike there, but the views are really great! From Kasprowy Wierch to Giewont, you’ll reach the summit in 2 hours.

Afterwards, you’ll miss the comfort of the Zakopane hotels and want to curl up with hot chocolate , which we wholeheartedly recommend.

Nosal Ski Center

If you want to ski in Zakopane go to Nosal Ski Center.

Its gentle slope ensures that a novice will succeed and have fun. Even though this is a milder mountain, the weather Zakopane means that it will still be cold!

Go Hiking In Zakopane

Dolina chochołowska.

Dolina Chocholowska is the biggest and longest valley in the Tatra mountains. It’s 6 miles long and very easy to walk.

In order to get there, take a bus from Zakopane to Siwa Polana. You’ll find there the beginning of the hiking trail.

Skip the lines and book your day trip to Zakopane & Dolina Chocholowska online .

Dolina Strążyska

This is the shortest valley in Zakopane. Go to Strążyska street to find the beginning of the hiking trail. Dolina Strazyska is only 2 miles long.

Dolina Gąsienicowa

This is the most popular valley in the Tatra Mountains. It’s about 4 miles long. The beginning of the hiking trail is in Kuźnice. Take a bus from Zakopane to get there.

Dolina Kościeliska

This is the most beautiful valley in the Tatra Mountains. It’s 6 miles long. Take a bus from Zakopane to Kira to find the beginning of the hiking trail.

Zakopane travel tip: Remember that all mountains and valleys in the Tatra Mountains are connected. You can mix hiking trails and achieve several goals at once.

Check out best tours to Zakopane:

Take a stroll down the krupówki street.

What are the best things to do Zakopane besides being in nature? Let us introduce you to Krupowki, the most famous street in Zakopane Poland.

On this street alone , you will find there many shops, pubs, and tourist attractions. Celebrate one of our holidays here , or just find yourself cruising around the street.

Try Oscypek And Polish Highlander Cuisine

Your trip to Zakopane won’t be complete without trying oscypek! It’s a traditional salty cheese made of sheep milk. You can either have it cold, or grilled with a bit of cranberry jam. Yummy!

When it’s cold outside, drink Grzaniec Galicyjski, Polish mulled wine . It is just delicious!

There are many other dishes worth trying in Zakopane. Follow the link and read about the best food to try in Poland .

Where To Eat In Zakopane?

After you go hiking in Zakopane, you deserve an amazing meal! Zakopane restaurants don’t disappoint. Have an amazing meal in this city and ponder over all the things that make Poles so unique !

There are so many great places to eat in Zakopane. If you are traveling on a budget, go to Bistro Grota . You can have a meal there for as cheap as 5-15 zloty. To try the best local food (with live music in the evening) go to Siuchajsko on Krzeptowki. This restaurant is really awesome!

Our favorite patisserie is Cocktail Bar Jagoda. It has amazing desserts, ice creams, cafes, cakes, fruits, pancakes, and more. Yummy!

Relax In The Thermal Pools

Tatra Mountains has the highest density of thermal pools in Poland . If you don’t feel like hiking or trekking, you can simply spend your time relaxing in the healing waters, watching the majestic mountains around you.

Here is the list of the most popular thermal baths and water parks in Zakopane and around:

• Bania Thermal Baths
• Bukovina Thermal Baths
• Gorący Potok Thermal Baths
• Chocholowskie Termy Baths
• Zakopane Aquapark

If you want to know the difference between these thermal pools and choose the best one for you read this post .

Here’s also my post about the best thermal pools in Zakopane (follow the link).

Have Fun At Tatralandia Aquapark

Even though it’s not located in Zakopane, it’s a place definitely worth visiting, especially for families traveling to Zakopane with kids. Tatralandia is just 1,5h drive from the town.

The Aquapark is situated in Liptowski Mikulasz at the Poland-Slovakia border. It has many water slides, spouts, and other attractions.

Go Crazy In The Upside Down House

There is a house in Zakopane that was built… upside down. It’s literally standing on its roof!

You can not only see it from the outside but also get inside to see the upside-down world. How awesome is that?

See 1,000+ Mice in Myszogród Zakopane

Visiting the Mousaland is one of the best things to do in Zakopane with kids!

Located right on Krupowki street, it’s easy to get to.  

Slide Down The Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump

If you are looking for fun things to do in Zakopane, head to Wielka Krokiew Ski Jump.

You can slide down this large slop on an inflatable boat! There are 3 levels available. The lowest is for kids (aged 7 years old or more). The highest is for adults. You can go down as fast as 100 km/h (62 m/h)!

Walk Around Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetry 

Considered one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Poland, visiting Pęksowy Brzyzek is one of the best things to do in Zakopane for history and art lovers.

Read more about the cemetery here .

Cheer Yourself Up In The Happiness Museum

Pink, positive, and energetic- visiting The Museum of Happiness is one of the best things to do in Zakopane on a rainy day.

Located right on Krupowki street, the museum is a place where you can take some Insta-worthy photos.

Take A Day Trip To Slovakia

Slovakia is only 13 miles from Zakopane. This makes it a great gateway to exploring another country and hiking on the Slovakian side of the Tatra Mountains.

Zakopane in Poland provides access to one side of the mountains, but there is another world to discover on the other side!

Depending on how fit you are, you can try different hikes in the Slovakian Tatra Mountains.

The route perfect for everyone, including those traveling with kids, would be Bachledka Treetop Walk . It will take less than an hour drive to get to the beginning of the trail from Zakopane.

Book the best tour from Krakow to Slovakia and Zakopane .

Relax At Kąpielisko Szymoszkowa [Summer Only]

One of the best things to do in Zakopane in the summertime is visit Kąpielisko Szymoszkowa.

It’s a seasonal attraction. The pools with geothermal water are definitely worth jumping in!

Get Lost In The Snow Maze [Winter Only]

Did you know that world’s largest snow maze is located in Zakopane Poland?

Of course, it’s a seasonal attraction. If you happen to visit the Tatra Mountains in the wintertime, be sure to visit this amazing labyrinth!

Where To Stay In Zakopane?

The weather in Zakopane can be freezing, so after a day of hiking or skiing, sometimes it’s just nice to curl up in bed! You will find plenty of hotels, hostels, and villas in Zakopane.

For Groups And Luxury Travelers

We stayed at the luxurious Villa Gorsky . It was absolutely gorgeous! The house is huge and it was perfect for us and our family. Even though we were a group of 15 people, we had plenty of space. The villa is situated in Poronin. We really like its location – it’s close enough to Zakopane and still far from the hustle and bustle of Krupowki.

Accommodation Zakopane is easy to find. Whether you’re looking to settle in a luxurious suite or are searching for an Airbnb Zakopane, this is the winter capital of Poland, so there are plenty of options to choose from. A hotel Zakopane can make for a more comfortable stay, but a hostel can make your trip affordable if you’re on a budget.

Whatever type of accommodation in Zakopane you prefer, we recommend that you at least choose someplace cozy and relaxing – it will make your stay unforgettable.

For Everyone

If you are traveling in a smaller group, check out Maki Dome Regionalne . They are located in the neighborhood of Zakopane, so it’s the best option for those of you who travel by car. We spent our 1st wedding anniversary there and it was great!

If you don’t have a car and prefer to stay closer to Krupowki, check out Alpini Apartamenty. We stayed there once and absolutely loved it! The prices are reasonable and they are located within the walking distance to the town center.

For Budget Travelers

If you are traveling on a budget, check out Hostel 1902 and Apartamenty Krupowki 35 .

Check out Airbnb to book the best apartments in Zakopane.

Have a question? Join our Poland Travel Support Facebook group , we will be happy to help you!

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19 Responses

Nice post. I hope to get there next year!

You will definitely love it!

Oh! you must have had a wonderful experience there. May be I’ll visit there this Christmas. Hope so 🙂

Looks like an interesting Hill-station to give a visit. Any food specialties there?

Oscypki with cranberries are a must try!

Zakopane sounds like the real deal. Nice article, easy to read does not hit one in the face with blocks of text. Honestly, blogs like this one are the only way some of us get to travel, anyway. Keep up the nice job.

Great Post! Zakopane is a beautiful town in Poland. It’s a popular departure point for winter sports and summertime mountain climbing and hiking. May be I’ll visit there soon.

Move over Krakow! Zacopane looks like the next must see in Poland – Awesome article guys, and thanks for sharing your adventure!

Wow the photos are breath taking and i think this is probably the perfect place to go if you want to get lost in your thoughts or just be inspired.

Lovely just what I was searching for.

Glad that we could help 🙂

We are visiting Zakopane by car from Krakow, with it being a couple of hours away, what is the best time to leave krakow? As I know how busy it can get in Zakopane. We are visiting early March.

Great info on Zakopane.

Thanks for your comment, Louise. March is not as crowded as January and February, as the school holidays are over. So if it’s a weekday, it probably won’t be crowded at all. Depending on the weather, you may encounter some traffic during the weekend. What day are you planning to travel to Zakopane? – during the weekdays, you can leave anytime you want – on Saturday, there may be some traffic in the morning but it should be fine afterward – going back from Zakopane to Krakow on Sunday afternoon/evening may not be a good idea; it’s the time where the traffic is the highest

Hope it helps!

Good evening! Can you tell me please which hiking trails I can mix to see more in a such beautiful place and not to waste time on coming back to hotel and next day go back in the same destination)?

Hi Liliia! Sure, I will be happy to help. Do you want stay overnight in the mountains, is that your question? 🙂

Karolina, hello!yes it would be nice to stay overnight in the mountains! We’re going to zakopane with my husband in April (19-23 ). Thank you in advance

I see! Here is one route where you can spend a night in the mountains: Kuźnice – Schronisko Murowaniec (overnight) – Kasprowy Wierch – Przełęcz pod Kopą Kondracką – Hala Kondratowa – Kuźnice

If you want, you can also take a full 4-day mountainous trip: DAY 1 Chocholowska Valley to Ornak, overnight at PTTK Ornak. DAY 2 Hala Ornak to Murowaniec, overnight at PTTK Murowaniec. DAY 3 Murowaniec to Dolina Pieciu Stawow, overnight at PTTK Dolina Pięciu Stawów (the highest mountain hostel in Polish Tatra Mountains) DAY 4 Dolina Pieciu Stawow to Morskie Oko and Palenica Bialczanska

4 days in the mountains, one day in Zakopane. Perfect for your April trip to the Tatra Mountains. Be sure to check the weather and prepare for the changing conditions, always adjust your plan to the current circumstances.

Oh Karolina!!!!Brilliant!thanks a lot))

You’re welcome! Have fun in Poland 🙂

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My name is Karolina, I was born and raised in Poland. I love my homeland. Even though I’ve been to 50+ countries in the world I’ve never hesitated to make Poland my base!

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20 Things to do in Zakopane Poland For a Fantastic Holiday

Looking for the best things to do in Zakopane in summer and winter? You are in the right place.

I have visited Zakopane during both seasons, and I cannot pick a favourite. Hence I decided to share a combined guide to help you if you are wondering what to do in Zakopane.

While Krakow may be the most popular destination in Poland, close to this city lies the winter capital, Zakopane.

Nestling at the foot of the majestic Tatra Mountain Range, this enchanting city is one of the best places that should be on your itinerary.

From hiking to funicular rides to museums to delicious Polish food, there are plenty of Zakopane things to do, something for every kind of traveler.

Without much ado, keep scrolling further to know everything in this ultimate list of things to do in Zakopane.

ZAKOPANE ATTRACTS MAP

Top things to do in zakopane in summer and winter, taste local cheese oscypeck.

One of the unmissable things to do in Zakopane is to try the local special delicacy, Oscypek .

This delicious salted cheese, made of smoked sheep’s and goat’s milk from the highlands of the mountains around, is the proud invention of this gorgeous town. 

Although you can find Oscypek is various cities in Poland, you should try it here, in its city of origin!

The history of Oscypek dates back to the 14th century.

It is a part of the staple food of the locals, and you can try them with cranberries, bacon, sausages and or just the cheese itself, as a snack or breakfast too.

If you love cheese like me, you will fall in love with Oscypek, which tastes smoky with a tinge of salt, and is carved into various designs and sold in small shops and carts on the streets of Zakopane.

LEARN HOW THE CHEESE IS MADE

If you want to know how Oscypek is prepared, then even better than just getting to taste, right? 

All you have to do is get a bit outside the town where you will find many wooden houses amidst the fields where you can visit to watch how the cheese is traditionally prepared and designed on moulds.

I’d highly recommend joining a guided local cheese-making tour because learning about the cheese culture is one of the best things to do in Zakopane.

Also, try this guided food tour in Zakopane to taste other local delicacies with the experts.

STROLL ON ZAKOPANE’S MOST FAMOUS STREET

One of the top things to do in Zakopane is strolling on its main street Krupowki, which is the heart of the town.

This pedestrians-only street stretches for over a kilometre, beginning at the starting point of the Gubalowka funicular ride station.

Whether you are here in Zakopane in winter or in Zakopane in summer, you will find this street bustling with locals and tourists shopping, dining at many amazing restaurants and bars or unwinding in those adorable cafes. 

Local band performances and musical events will entertain you at night in the bars and restaurants.

Krupowki is the best place for people-watching and soaking in the charm of this town.

Try some of the best sausages, soups and bread on this street. You can witness musical performances by the local artists.

If you are in Poland for Christmas, you will find an additional Christmas market with decorated wooden chalets, Christmas trees, carols, food shops, rides, and more.

The street will be transformed into an enchanting Yuletide paradise. 

Among the local souvenirs you should buy are Tatra handicrafts, wooden toys, glass products decorated with hand-made paintings, and winter/summer clothes.

As mentioned earlier, Krupówki street is where you should also try Oscypek, which comes in all shapes and sizes.

Recommended: Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Hot Springs and Hotel Pickup

CHECK OUT THE UNIQUE ARCHITECTURE

Zakopane is famous for its wooden houses and buildings that have tiered architecture.

One of the unique things to do in Zakopane is to notice these cute houses with patios decorated with flower pots. 

As you wander through the town, you will notice that many homes, restaurants, and even churches are built in this unique style of Zakopane wooden architecture.

The history of these wooden buildings date back to the early 19th-century, as Stanislaw Witkiewicz, a renowned Polish architect is credited with the creation of this style and is the trademark style in the Podhale region. 

Zakopane style houses and villas are especially sought throughout Poland and also in Europe, and I’s recommend you to stay in one such wooden chalet.

TAKE A CABLE CAR RIDE

One of the most beautiful things to do in Zakopane is to admire the panoramic bird views of the town surrounded by the magnificent Tatra. 

You shouldn’t miss any chance to enjoy these splendid views, and one of them involves taking a cable car ride to the top of Mount Kasprowy Wierch.

Recommended: Zakopane Full-Day Trip from Krakow with Cable Car Ride

Did you know? Kasprowy Wierch is home to the highest ski resort in Poland.

Whether you are visiting Zakopane during the peak winter season or you are in Zakopane in summer, you should take a ride to Mount Kasprowy and spend some time as both seasons are ideal and offer different experiences.

If you are wondering what to do in Zakopane with kids, this trip will best for them.

In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on Mount Kasprowy.

The Gasienicowa and Goryczkowa, the two popular ski runs, are the only alpine-style slopes in the country, ideal for an advanced skier.

Since the funicular ride to Gubalowka is among the top Zakopane attractions, you can alternatively head to Kasprowy if you prefer fewer crowds. However, I’d recommend giving both a try if you have time!

GET TO THE TOP OF GUBALOWKA MOUNTAINS

Just a five-minute funicular ride from the centre will take you to one of the top things to do in Zakopane – visiting Gubalowka Mountain.

As much as the place, this super short ride to the top is a beautiful ascend as you see the dense forests below and the mountain peaks around on your way up to the top.

Located at over 1100 meters, Gubałówka offers dramatic views of the town and the surrounding Tatra mountains. It is a part of the Tatra National Park. 

You can check out the decked terrace, where you will find many cafes and restaurants to buy some food and drink for the company as you sit to soak in the blissful views.

Since it is a popular attraction, expect to encounter a lot of street food, from sausages to soups. Take a walk amidst the market to check out handicrafts and souvenirs.

Many trails for hikers start from Gubalowka, ideal to enjoy the outdoors in summer. In winter, you can ski or rent a snowboard.

If you plan to visit Zakopane from Krakow as a day trip, I’d recommend you book this epic guided tour that involves a cable car ride to the top of Gubalowka Mountain . 

This excellent private tour is worth every penny, as you can also visit Chocholow village and relax in the thermal pools on your way back. 

Recommended: Kraków: Zakopane Tour with Thermal Pool

TRY TASTY POLISH DELICACIES AND DRINKS

Unlike the other regions of Poland, the cuisine of the Tatra region is known for its copious amounts of calories, especially large fat content. 

This is one of the reasons why Oscypek cheese is a staple food.

Consuming high-calorie foods is a tradition dating to the 14th century when farmers around the mountains had to endure the harsh weather and work long hours outdoors.

Some of the delicious food of Tatra has been passed on to many generations in Zakopane, so you can throw your diet out of the window (it’s a holiday, after all!) and indulge in the tasty delicacies.

Poland is known for its ultimate soups, and Zakopane is no exception. Try two specialities, Zurek – the traditional Polish soup and Kwaśnica, made of meat, served with mashed potatoes or bread.

Also, try the different types of cakes and special potato dumplings served with sour cream.

The restaurants on Krupówki street are awesome, but they are catered towards tourists. For a more authentic experience, try these Polish delicacies in one of the milk bars.

Join this beer tasting tour in Zakopane for an absolute fun experience.

LEARN ZAKOPANE’S HERITAGE ON A WALKING TOUR

The best way to experience and explore the city’s culture, traditions and history is by signing up for a walking tour. What better than a local to get you through the heart of Zakopane? 

Whether it is the rich ancient history of Zakopane or the culture and traditions of people in the Tatra mountains or learning about cheese, skiing, or pretty wooden huts, one of the best things to do in Zakopane is joining a guided walking tour.

RELAX IN THE THERMAL SPAS

One of the perks of traveling in the mountains is the many beautiful natural hot springs rich in minerals that you can enjoy.

Imagine being surrounded by surreal views in pretty villages and unwinding in one of the thermal baths – your idea of holiday bliss? 

If you are nodding with me, then one of the items on the list of must things to do in Zakopane should be thermal baths hopping .

Among the most famous thermal spas in Zakopane is Terma Bukowina, located in Bukowina Tatrzańska village, which is around 25 minutes from Zakopane 

Other lovely thermal spas are in Chocholow, Szaflary, and Białka Tatrzańska – one of the enchanting villages in the Tatra mountains.

How about combining a day of skiing and thermal baths? Book this tour which gives you access to both at reasonable prices.

Recommended: From Krakow: Zakopane Tour and Hot Springs with Hotel Pickup

PLAN A TRIP TO THE NEARBY POST-CARD PERFECT VILLAGES

One of the best things about the gorgeous mountains is the valleys that are home to secluded enchanting villages, away from the crowds of travelers.

If you want to get glimpses of the rugged life in the mountains and the Polish villages, you should plan a drive or a trip to nearby villages in the Tatra mountains. 

The rolling hills, greenery everywhere, streams, forests and winding roads – these landscapes will enchant you with their ethereal beauty.

Among the most beautiful villages, check out Zab, which is known for its excellent location overlooking the majestic Gorce, Tatra and the Babia Gora Mountain Ranges.

The views from Male Ciche, a quaint village surrounded by astoundingly beautiful landscapes, will make you fall in love with Poland again.

Less than 15 minutes from Zakopane, this village is also home to an advanced ski jump if you are visiting in winter.

CHECK OUT A HILLTOP FAIRY TALE CASTLE

Just an hour drive away from Zakopane lies the tiny hamlet of Niedzica, one of the villages on the mountains of Tatra.

It is home to a 14th-century medieval castle sitting atop a hill on the banks of the River Dunajec, one of the beautiful Poland castles.

While the town itself is a perfect getaway to enjoy a stroll in the town, one of the best things to do in Zakopane is visit this stone castle.

ATTEND THE HIGHLAND FOLKLORE FESTIVAL

Zakopane is known in Europe for the Highland Folklore Festival, which is held before the spring every year, usually in February. 

Initially, a casual, local tradition of gathering the main folk groups from the highland mountains of Tatra to conserve the culture eventually made it into an incredible folklore festival, one of the unique kinds in Poland and Europe. 

Now, not only Polish but folk artists from all over the world gather every year to appreciate and celebrate the rich culture of Tatra Highlanders.

You can participate in competitions like singing folk songs or in costume contests.

The event is one of the best things to do in Zakopane for fantastic fun involving singing and dancing.

Plan a trip to witness this international festival, where you can also explore art exhibitions and galleries.

Recommended: From Krakow: Zakopane and Tatra Mountains Full-Day Tour

HEAD TO AQUA PARK

If you are wondering about the fun things to do in Zakopane with your kids, then you should head to Aqua Park Zakopane.

Located in the city centre, you will have ultimate fun in this park, equipped with many rides, thermal pools, bowling and other games for an activity-filled day. 

One of the many lovely things about Aqua Park is its awesome location overlooking the mountains and valleys.

For the best use of your time and to involve more exciting activities, I’d highly recommend this epic day tour from Krakow to Zakopane. 

Along with free pickup and exploring Zakopane town, it also combines a walk to Bachledka Treetop after spending some time in the Aqua Park.

VISIT THE MUSEUMS

One of the things to do in Zakopane in Poland is to check out the few museums, the townhouses. 

The Tatra Museum, right on Krupówki street, is a must-visit if you are a museum lover – it is the best museum showcasing the history, culture and traditions of the Polish Tatra region.

Visit Villa Koliba, the first building built in the traditional wooden Zakopane style of architecture, which is a monument as well as a museum housing the artefacts related to this unique architecture. 

Recommended: From Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Gubalowka Funicular & Museum

ADMIRE THE WOODEN CHURCHES

While you are in Zakopane, check out the unique churches in the city.

Unlike anywhere in Poland or Europe, where the churches are made of sandstone or bricks, Zakopane has medieval wooden churches in line with the town’s architectural style.

The Fatima Sanctuary in Krzeptówki is the main church and also stop by Jaszczurówka Church.

Recommended: From Krakow: Zakopane & Tatra Mountains Tour

THINGS TO DO IN ZAKOPANE IN NATURE

If you are a nature lover or enjoy mountains , hiking and cycling Zakopane is one of the best places in Poland to be. These are the best things to do in Zakopane Poland for outdoor activities.

ENJOY SKIING IN THE MOUNTAINS

One of the best things to do in Zakopane winter is to go skiing. Many people looking for skiing in Europe lean towards the Alps of Switzerland or France or other countries which are more expensive and commercialized. 

But one of the best things about Skiing in Poland is that the day passes come at a fraction of the price that you would pay anywhere in the Alps.

Not just the cost, the crowds are fewer, and you get to enjoy winter activities in stunning locations, topped with awesome food and drinks.

Zakopane is the top destination when it comes to skiing. You will find many locals on holidays and weekends on these slopes. 

There are many slopes for ski activities, and whether you are a beginner with no experience or a seasoned skier, there are slopes and practices for every experience level. 

The main Zakopane ski jump is Wielka Krokiew , which is a popular stadium too, and travelers can use the ski as well.

The ride to the top of Wielka is adventurous and as you ascend in the chair lift, you will witness the gorgeous snow-capped landscapes and valleys below.

If you are an experienced ski person and love to challenge yourself, one of the top things to do in Zakopane for you will be to try skiing at Krasprowy Wierch, which has some of the longest descents that you can have an adventure on.

For a ski trip with a post-card perfect village experience, head to Bialka Tatrzanska village, which has over 15 ski lifts, many amazing hotels overlooking the valleys.

Recommended: Zakopane & Tatra Mountains Private Full-Day Tour from Krakow

TRY MOUNTAIN BIKING IN TATRA NATIONAL PARK

One of the top places to visit in Zakopane is Tatra National Park, a UNESCO Heritage site, a Biosphere spanning across Slovakia and Poland.

Located in the Tatra mountains, this renowned national park is home to many glacial lakes, plenty of well-marked hiking trails, and mountain biking paths.

You will be many nature lovers and trekkers during summer and winter. 

Rent a mountain bike and enjoy the stunning vistas in the national park, one of the best things to do in the Tatra mountains.

There are many designated biking trails(you can only bike on these), including the famous one leading to the Siwa Polana meadow, gorgeous Chcocholowska Valley.

For trails outside the park, I’d recommend going to the village of Bialka Tatrzanska , especially if you are here in summer for sweeping views of the valley with majestic Tatra in the backdrop.

Recommended: Tatra Mountains and Zakopane Full-Day Trip from Krakow

HIKE TO THE BEAUTIFUL LAKES

Tatra National Park is home to many beautiful lakes.

One of the fantastic things to do in Zakopane in summer if you want to experience the wild is to plan these hikes.

If you are keen on a relatively easier day hike, choose the gorgeous Lake Morskie Oko . Nicknamed the ‘Eye of the Sea’, this spectacular mountain lake is the largest in the Tatras.

You will need 2 to 3 hours to reach the lake, and to get to the starting point, and you should take the shuttle. This blue-green alpine lake is very popular among hikers and nature lovers. 

Start the Morskie Oko hike as early as possible in the morning to get ahead of the crowds that increase in the afternoon.

The other popular lake and an easy hike are Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy Lake, famously known as Emerald Lake.

Most hikers stop here for a picnic thanks to its amazing location for panoramic views. You can follow the trail to hike further up.

The hike starts from Kuźnice and ends in the same town. It takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. You can reach the starting point by shuttle in Kuźnice.

Recommended: From Krakow: Morskie Oko and Zakopane Day Trip

GO ON HIKING TRIPS

Apart from the hikes to the lakes, there are many other trails along the Tatra National Park valleys. 

One of the beautiful things to do in Zakopane is to go on these multi-day hikes or day hikes by basing yourself in the town.

If you are a seasoned hiker, you can plan a climb to the Rysy Mountain , the tallest peak in Poland, on the border of Slovakia.

For others looking for easy, moderate trails, I’d suggest Strążyska Valley, easily accessible from Zakopane. 

You can go all the way up to Mount Giewont following the trail to end in Kuźnice town, which will take 8 to 9 hours in total.

GO QUAD-BIKING IN THE TATRAS

If you are looking for one of the quirky things to do in Zakopane, try a Quad-biking adventure in the Tatra mountains to get your adrenaline up and running.

This epic quad bike tour will take you through Gubałówka passing through forests, rolling hills, and valleys.

This is one of the best trails to enjoy the view of the Tatra and the surrounding fantastic landscapes. Book this tour here.

FAQs ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN ZAKOPANE

When to visit zakopane.

One of the top things that you need to know about Zakopane is it is a popular winter destination, receiving thousands during the months of October to March. 

Whether you want to travel to Zakopane during summer or winter is a tough choice to make, because both seasons offer unique experiences that cannot be compared. If possible, you should visit Zakopane during both seasons. 

I was here at the onset of winter, and I loved everything about Zakopane in winter.

Poland in winter is one of the awesome places to be.

If you are looking for a ski holiday in a winter wonderland, wanting to experience snow and snow sports, you should visit Zakopane in winter. 

January and the start of February are usually the coldest days with layers of snow blanketing the town and the mountains and temperatures in the negative.

If you want to hike, enjoy the trails, blooms, and the sunny outdoors, summer may be the best time for you.

Zakopane weather is consistent. July is usually the hottest month in this town, with temperatures hovering around 15°C to 18°C and 7 to 7.5 hours of sunshine.

HOW TO REACH ZAKOPANE?

Zakopane is close to Krakow, Poland’s most visited city and one of the best cities in Europe.

The nearest International airports to Zakopane are Krakow and Katowice. And there are regular flights to Zakopane from most of the cities.

If you want the cheapest option, take the buses from Krakow to Zakopane that leaves from Krakow’s main bus station Dworzec Autobusowy. You can directly buy the tickets at the station. 

However, if you are traveling during the peak season, I’d recommend buying a day or two in advance.

The journey takes you through the amazing countryside of Polland and takes about 2 hours to reach Zakopane from Krakow.

If you want a more comfortable option, you can choose the trains. About 2 to 3 trains from Krakow to Zakopane are available, which takes around 3 hours.

FROM WARSAW – There are a few weekly trains from Warsaw to Zakopane, as well as buses every day, which takes about 3 to 4 hours.

WHERE TO STAY?

The area close to the city centre and many ski resorts and cottages secluded in the mountains are some of the best places to stay in Zakopane.

You have plenty of types of hotels in Zakopane – villas, apartments, hotels, and home stays in all budget ranges.

But I’d highly recommend you to stay in one of the Zakopane style wooden houses , which has excellent amenities, spectacular views of the Polish Tatra, and more.

This is the signature style element of this ski resort town, so don’t miss a chance to indulge in this experience.

Here are the wooden chalets you should check out:

Tatra Wood House – Perfect views and secluded; Wooden chalets with excellent locations are BIAŁY PUCH , Domek Góralski – Górski Hyr , and Arcychata Zakopane

If you are looking for a budget stay, check either of these apartments – Willa Cztery Strony Świata , and Villa Słonecznego Wzgórza

The best hotels in medium-range are – Villa Adamo&SPA , and Willa Jarosta

That’s it about all the fantastic things to do in Zakopane. Have a fabulous trip. Check out more posts on Poland for your trip, below.

MORE POLAND POSTS FOR YOUR TRAVEL PLAN

• 30 Free Things To Do in Krakow, Poland
• How to Spend 3 Days in Warsaw
• 45 Things About Poland No One Tells You
• 20 Day Trips From Warsaw You can Plan
• 15 Pretty Day Trips You can Plan From Wroclaw
• 25 Best Things to do in Gdansk

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Zakopane: Morskie Oko Lake Tour

While staying in Zakopane, a must-see attraction is the biggest lake in the Tatra Mountains – the Morskie Oko Lake . This postglacial, emerald-green lake lays 1395 meters above the sea level and its name means “The Eye of the Sea”. It is considered to be one of the most famous and gorgeous mountain lakes in Europe. Situated at the Rybi Potok Valley surrounded by rock peaks of Tatra Mountains reaching up to 1000 metres above the surface of the lake. The unique crystal clear water and often snowy mountains around it create the truly breathtaking view. Here is also located one of the oldest wooden shelters in the Tatras where you can have a delicious traditional Polish meal and refresh. This is a place you definitely cannot miss while being in this region!

We organize private tours to the Morskie Oko Lake from Zakopane on request.

Tour itinerary:

• pick up from your hotel in Zakopane
• up to 30 min. drive to the parking in Palenica Bialczanska
• entrance to the Tatra National Park
• approx 2,5 hours walk to the Morskie Oko Lake along the red route/trail which is 8 km long one way – this route is one of the most popular ones in the Tatra Mountains, it is easy and pleasant for walkers in every age; on the way, you will have the chance to admire and cherish the nature around you; in the middle of the walk you will see:
• the White Water Valley – among the peaks visible high in the sky you can see Gerlach lying on the Slovak side (2655 m) – the highest peak not only of the Tatra Mountains, but also of the whole Carpathians when there are good weather conditions
• Waterfalls of Mickiewicz – picturesque waterfalls formed by three major and several smaller cascades; known as the “Gravity falls” because the sound of falling water, especially after heavy rainfall, reminds the sound of thunder

5. once you reach Morskie Oko, you will have approx 1 hour to have lunch in the shelter, take pictures, walk around the lake and rest 6. approx 2 hours walk back to the parking in Palenica Bialczanska along the red trail 7. up to 30 min. drive back to Zakopane 8. drop off at your hotel

Whole tour lasts approximately 7 hours.

• 1150 PLN per person (1 person)
• 590 PLN per person (2 persons)
• 450 PLN per person (3 persons)
• 410 PLN per person (4 persons)
• 340 PLN per person (5 persons)
• 310 PLN per person (6 persons)
• 290 PLN per person (7 persons)
• Contact us (8 persons or more)

What is included?:

• hotel pick up at chosen time and hotel drop off,
• comfortable, air-conditioned, private transportation
• assistance of private guide in chosen language during the whole tour
• entrance tickets to the Tatra National Park

BUDGET VERSION:

If you prefer to discover Morskie Oko Lake on your own  we can give you this opportunity. We will provide you with service of private car and private English speaking driver. In Tatra Mountains you will have up to 6 hours of free time  to get to Morskie Oko and back. When you get back to the parking spot our driver will be waiting for you there.

Whole tour lasts approximately 7 hours

• 450 PLN per person (1 person)
• 260 PLN per person (2 persons)
• 190 PLN per person (3 persons)
• 170 PLN per person (4 persons)
• 150 PLN per person (5 persons)
• 130 PLN per person (6 persons)
• 110 PLN per person (7 persons)

What is included:

• assistance of english speaking driver

Basic Hiking Information :

• difficulty level: easy
• starting point: Palenica Bialczanska – 990 metres above the sea level
• destination point: Morskie Oko Lake – 1395 metres above the sea level
• total length of the trail both ways – approx. 17 km
• it is recommended to take a raincoat, comfortable shoes and clothes in case the weather changes unexpectedly

This private tour is available in following languages: English, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian

*some languages may be subject of availability and prices can vary

*If you have any health issues or problems to walk such distance, it is possible to get to the Morskie Oko lake by a horse-drawn carriage both ways (most of the way). The additional price will be 100 PLN per person one way.

Choose number of participants

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Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow: Tour Review & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 16, 2023

Are you considering a Zakopane day trip from Krakow and wondering what to expect or which tour to choose? In this guide, you can find a Zakopane tour review and our experience-based tips to help you plan a perfect day. Find out!

Zakopane is a charming mountain town located in southern Poland, close to the Slovakian border. It’s known for its natural beauty and stunning mountain landscapes of the Tatras Mountains. In addition, you’ll find traditional architecture, lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes. The area is also famous for its thermal waters and no visit to Zakopane would be complete without a soak in its hot baths.

Attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the town has a lively atmosphere any time of the year. In the summer, you will find plenty of hiking possibilities and in the winter, it’s a popular ski resort. The winter scenes of the town covered in the snow make it look just like a Christmas card. No wonder Zakopane is referred to as the winter capital of Poland

But Zakopane is well worth a visit in any season, even if you don’t have the time for summer hiking or winter activities. And because it’s located just 110 km south of Krakow and the drive takes less than 2 hours, Zakopane makes a perfect day trip destination from Krakow.

Please note that in this guide we use pictures from different seasons. That way, you get a better idea of what you can expect when visiting Zakopane at any time of the year.

Good to know: You can visit Zakopane on your own or you can book an organized day tour from Krakow. If you are going for just a day, it’s simpler to just book a tour. There are tons of tours to choose from and the prices, as well as itineraries, are quite similar. Most Zakopane day tours include a funicular ticket, a visit to the geothermal baths, and some food options, plus some free time in town.

Our writer Christine recently visited Zakopane from Krakow on this highly-rated day tour . In this guide, you can read about her first-hand experience and an honest tour review giving you a good idea of what to expect. Take a look!

When we first visited Krakow a few years ago, our guide at that time suggested we took a day trip to the mountain town of Zakopane. As we were only in Krakow for 3 days and had already booked lots of activities, we had to give it a miss at that time.

But after looking up photos of this resort town when we got home, we knew we would have to make another trip to Poland just to visit Zakopane. So recently, we booked the flights back and finally got to see Zakopane in all its glory as part of this tour .

It was an unforgettable day – and in this article, you’ll find out just what we did in Zakopane.

TIP: When you book this Zakopane day tour, you have several options to choose from. For the best experience, we recommend that you go ‘all-in’ with the funicular ticket and thermal baths entry included!

Why Visit Zakopane with a Tour from Krakow

While you could easily plan your own day trip to Zakopane from Krakow, that would require renting a car and doing a lot more research. Quite likely, you would also just focus on ‘the musts’ and skip some of the more local experiences such as traditional food/drinks tasting which is included with most tours.

We also found that it wasn’t worth the hassle to rent a car for just a day. And definitely in the winter when the roads can be icy.

Going with a tour, you don’t have to worry about transportation, traffic, where exactly to go (or park), or what to pre-book. Everything is taken care of and you can relax and enjoy the day. Furthermore, tour itineraries are really well thought-off and the prices are very reasonable.

Further below, you can read about our experience on the Zakopane tour from Krakow.

TIP: If you are visiting Krakow in the warm season and have at least 5 days in the area, you could consider renting a car and visiting Zakopane on your own. In that case, you could also visit Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz Concentration Camp . We visited all these places with tours and always had the best experience and nothing to worry about.

Our Tour Review

As already mentioned, we chose this tour for a day trip to Zakopane from Krakow. It includes a door-to-door service. So you are collected from – and returned to – your accommodation in Krakow.

The description said that our tour guides would contact us the evening before the trip in order to arrange the pickup. And true to their word, we received a message at 8 pm confirming that we would be collected from our apartment at 8.30 am the next morning.

The driver – and our guide Magda – arrived right on time, although we had to take a short walk to the minibus. This is because many areas within the city are pedestrian-only zones and there are strict parking restrictions.

Nevertheless, every subsequent guest was either picked up right outside – or just around the corner – from their accommodation. So the start of the day couldn’t have been easier!

Comfortably seated on the minibus (an airconditioned Mercedes Sprinter), we drove around the main city collecting all the tour members. Even this part of the day was enjoyable, as we got to see a few parts of Krakow we hadn’t yet visited.

Then we were on our way!

Driving from Krakow to Zakopane

The trip to Zakopane from Krakow is advertised as taking around 2 hours. However, it soon became obvious that the route was extraordinarily busy. We later found out that the time we were visiting was the time of the winter school break for Polish children (early February).

Zakopane is as popular with Polish tourists as it is with international visitors, so the traffic was heavy in places and slowed us down quite a bit.

On the bright side, this gave us more time to soak up the views as Krakow’s urban landscape gave way to peaceful villages and – eventually – forests covered in deep, powdery snow. So beautiful was the journey that the time simply flew by!

One of our favorite parts of the drive was through the village of Chochołów .

Over 200 years old, this village is almost exclusively filled with wooden houses called góralskie chaty (highlanders’ huts). These charming structures – resembling fairy-tale-like log cabins – were built by the Polish Góral highlanders, an indigenous ethnic group mainly found in southern Poland.

As we meandered past these almost identical dwellings, our guide told us more about their history and the traditional ways in which they are cleaned each year to keep them in such excellent condition.

Traditional Cheese Tasting

Around 10 minutes after leaving Chochołów we stopped at a traditional mountain hut in Kościelisko . Here we had the opportunity to try a specialty of the region – traditional Polish cheese called Oscypek .

Made from salted sheep milk and then smoked, this cheese is exclusive to Poland’s Tatra Mountains. Inside the hut, we watched as it was smoked over an open fire, then we all assembled outside the hut to try it, served with the traditional cranberry jam.

I had tried Oscypek on my last visit to Krakow, on a food tour of the local markets. But that experience didn’t quite compare to enjoying it warm from the fire, with nothing but the remote snowy landscape all around us.

It will probably go down as one of my favorite foodie experiences ever!

Indeed, our guide told us that if we wanted to buy any to take home, we should purchase it right there at the hut. She confirmed that Oscypek produced elsewhere isn’t quite as good!

To complete this little meal we were each given a shot of Soplica – one of Poland’s older brands of pure, flavored vodka. The version we tried was flavored with quince, which I must admit we didn’t particularly care for. Nevertheless, the boost of warmth was welcome!

Back on the bus, we traveled for a further 30 minutes before reaching Zakopane town itself.

Our preconceived notions of a sleepy and remote mountain town were quickly dispelled. The resort was very crowded and it took our driver at least 20 minutes to find somewhere to park!

This point in the tour marks the beginning of your free time in Zakopane – usually around 2.5 hours. Because of the traffic on the way up the mountain, we had a little less.

Our guide explained that we could use this time to explore Krupówki Street – the main thoroughfare in the town – or head straight to the cable car that would take us up to Gubałówka .

She also pointed out that the restaurants on Krupówki Street were more authentic – and reasonably priced – than the eateries at the top of Gubałówka.

In town, you will also find an incredibly busy market selling everything from souvenirs to fur-trimmed clothing. If you have some more time, you may find it interesting to browse the stalls; we spotted some unique items here that we hadn’t seen elsewhere.

But we decided that our priority with this tour was to take in the mountain views, so we joined the group heading for the funicular. As said before, we recommend booking the tour with all the additional options (the funicular ticket was one of them).

Gubałówka Funicular & Lunch

The tickets for the funicular (aka Gubałówka cable car) were included with the tour and our guide quickly ushered us through the barrier. Although it was busy, the wait to ascend the mountain was not particularly long. But the car is very wide and open, a design clearly meant to accommodate a lot of people in one go.

Whilst this cut down on the waiting time, it meant we had no view at all during the actual ascent. That being said, the journey only took a matter of minutes, and as we spilled out of the car at the top of Gubałówka we realized it was more than worth it !

The views of the Tatra Mountains from this vantage point are – quite simply – breathtaking!

Just as you exit the cable car you come to a Górale -style tavern called Restauracja Tarasy Gubałówka. We were lucky enough to find a place outside that gave us a ‘ringside seat’ to enjoy the scenery and have some lunch.

Just as we were warned, the food here was expensive and – compared to everything else we’d eaten in Poland – not that spectacular. You could choose to sit inside the restaurant where there are many more dining options, but as we all wanted to stay outside we were limited to little more than hot dogs, burgers, and kebabs.

Nevertheless, gazing at the snowy mountaintops as we ate and listening to the traditional music piped from the restaurant made this another of our favorite culinary experiences!

Good to know: If you need the bathroom when at the top of Gubalowka, be prepared to pay for the privilege! We were charged 5 zloty (+- 1 euro) per person, with someone waiting at the door with a card machine to ensure we didn’t forget!

After lunch, we took a walk to the Gubałówka lookout point for a better view of the mountains.

You’ll need the right footwear for this. In the summer, sneakers will be sufficient for just this short walk. But in winter, ideally, you wear warm winter boots with good grip, as the walking surface is compacted ice and VERY slippery. One member of our group was wearing trainers and really struggled to get around.

Krupówki Street & Market

We decided to head back down to town at this point so we’d have a little time to explore Zakopane town and the famous Krupówki Street .

Unfortunately, we hadn’t anticipated the size of the queue for the cable car! It took almost an hour to descend the hill again, which meant that we had very little time to check out the market before returning to our minibus.

TIP: If it’s important to you to see the views from Gubalowka and visit some of the town too, I’d recommend skipping lunch at the top. Visiting when the resort is less crowded will definitely help too. In general, try to avoid weekends, popular public holidays, and Polish school breaks.

As we boarded the minibus we were given our second shot of the day. This time it was cherry-flavored Soplica , which we all agreed was much nicer than the quince version. Be sure to give it a try!

We were now on the way to the final stop for the day – the famous thermal pools of Zakopane.

Bukovina Thermal Baths

Bukovina Thermal Baths is a large complex consisting of several swimming pools, saunas, SPA, and wellness. We found the description for the baths a little misleading and were under the impression that these would be natural thermal pools. Whilst the water in a couple of the pools is thermally heated via hot underground springs, the baths are more like a community pool in appearance.

As long as you know what to expect, however, you’ll have a great time. This is also a great place for families traveling with children.

This complex has many different pools, a raging river, a slide, hydro massages, and more. The experience of sitting submerged in very warm water, surrounded by the snowy landscape and with steam rising all around us – was unforgettable! What’s more, we had 2.5 hours to enjoy the experience, which really allowed us to relax.

Good to know: If you opt to visit the baths as part of your tour, you’ll need to bring along a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops. The flip-flops are important as you are asked to remove your shoes even before entering the changing rooms.

The wristband you are given on entry includes the use of a locker – you simply hold the wristband to a sensor. If you’re having trouble understanding the signage, there are lots of helpful staff members on hand to assist.

You can also use your wristband to pay for items in the pools’ restaurant and bar. When you leave the pool, your wristband is scanned and you can then pay whatever you owe at the exit.

We had already planned an evening meal in Krakow, but if we visited the baths again we would eat in the restaurant. The traditional Polish food looked amazing and was very reasonably priced.

TIP: If you don’t mind waiting a bit longer to eat, you could also skip lunch on the mountain and have a meal here. This would give you quite a lot more time for sightseeing in Zakopane.

Back to Krakow

As we boarded the bus for the journey back to Krakow, we were given our final treat of the day – a chocolate croissant and a bottle of water. This was perfectly timed and very much appreciated, as most of us were a little thirsty and hungry after all that swimming.

The journey back to Krakow took 2 hours and was a little less entertaining than the journey up the mountain since it was now totally dark. In the summer, when the days are much longer, you would enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way back as well.

But it was a nice, quiet time to reflect on a fun-packed day – one that we all agreed was excellent value for money and the highlight of our trip to Poland!

Tips for Planning a Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow

Based on our experience, here are a few tips and things to consider when planning to visit Zakopane from Krakow:

• Avoid visiting on a weekend and during public holidays and school breaks. If you can, try to avoid the peak times when planning your visit to Zakopane. It’s an extremely popular destination, so coming on a quieter day will give you a much more relaxing and authentic experience.
• Do some research and book your tour in advance. As already mentioned, there are quite a few day tours from Krakow to Zakopane (see the selection of tours here ). While most itineraries are quite similar, some tours include a hotel pick-up as well as specific activities and/or meals in the price, while others add the additional cost per each additional option that you choose. So keep this in mind when comparing the prices.
• If it’s important to you, double-check which thermal pools are included with the tour that you book. Our tour included a visit to Bukovina Thermal Baths which is not too big or too crowded. Many other tours (see here ) go to Chocholow Thermal Baths, which has 30 pools and is the largest thermal bath complex in Poland.
• Dress for the mountain weather. In summer, you’ll likely need a sweater or even a light jacket in the mountains, and in the winter, you should wear a warm winter jacket, scarf, gloves, hat, and sturdy winter shoes with good grip.
• Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel . Unless you want to borrow a towel from your hotel or accommodation (which is likely quite big and heavy), we recommend packing quick-drying travel towels .
• Save time by skipping lunch . You can bring a few snacks with you or even get something quick to eat in Zakopane without sitting down for a meal. This will give you more time for sightseeing.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Krakow (first-timer’s guide)

So, this is our guide for the Zakopane day trip from Krakow. We hope that this gives you a good idea of what to expect.

While not everything on our tour was perfect (mostly due to the fact that we visited during the busiest week during the Polish winter school holidays), we found the tour more than worth it.

The mountain scenery in the Zakopane area is amazing. Plus, we got to see some beautiful countryside and get a taste of the traditional lifestyle (and food/drinks). In addition, we really enjoyed the relaxing soak in a warm geothermal pool at the end of the day.

All in all, we highly recommend a visit to Zakopane. It’s truly one of our favorite experiences of two different visits to Krakow.

Have a great time!

More tips and inspiration for visiting Krakow:

• Best Things to Do in Krakow
• 3 Days Krakow Itinerary
• How to Visit Auschwitz
• How to Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: Patryk_Kosmider/Depositphotos.com and igorpasz/Depositphotos.com

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Monday 6th of March 2023

Couldn't agree more with your review! My husband and I have visited Zakopane twice and we did everything on your list. We absolutely loved it - wonderful food (and deliciously smooth Zubrowka vodka), picturesque buildings and scenery, and unique features from other cities we visited in Poland. We also visited the Salt Mines and Auschwitz on that trip, both very powerful experiences.

Tuesday 7th of March 2023

Thanks for sharing your experience, Kimber. Happy travels!

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Zakopane travel guide for hikers and travelers

By Bartosz (Contact Me)

Places to visit in Europe Dec. 4, 2023 Poland Zakopane 2023 Places to visit in Europe

Zakopane city is one of the most popular travel destinations in Poland. Mainly because of the marvellous Tatra Mountains and their excellent hiking trails.

Tatras are the most breathtaking mountains in this part of Europe. But other attractions in Zakopane are also not to be missed.

In this post, we will include all the essential information you need to know about this mountain resort, including how-tos for hiking in the Tatra National Park.

Also, we'll list the best things to do in Zakopane beyond hiking. This guide contains our recommendations which we are excited to share. You'll also discover some dark secrets of Zakopane :o

The shopping street of Zakopane a central attraction © alexmu / Adobe Stock

Zakopane travel guide

Don't miss other valuable tatra mountains articles.

Make sure you read all helpful articles. You find them grouped them into three categories, Basic, Routes & Maps and Advanced.

• Basics of Tatras
• Slovakia vs. Poland
• You Need a Map
• Hiking Video Clips
• Slovakia Hiking Routes
• Poland Hiking Routes
• Magnificent Lakes!
• Rysy mountain
• All About Zakopane
• Before You Go Hiking
• How to Avoid Mistakes
• Find Accommodation
• About Hiking in Tatras
• About Tatra National Park
• 5 day-hikes in Tatras
• Most Popular Mountain
• City & Mountains
• About Western Tatras
• Tatras Forum

Before we start, if you're not 100% sure you want to stay in Zakopane and thinking about other possibilities, have a look at this list of the most beautiful Tatra Mountains resorts .

A few words about Zakopane

Roads in Tatra mountains © zbg2 / Adobe Stock

The city is located in southern Poland. It belongs to the Malopolskie (lesser Poland) voivodeship. The closest major city near Zakopane is  Kraków .

Check out the best day trips from Kraków !

Zakopane is very close to Slovakia. You can pass the border on foot or by car - there is no physical border between Poland and Slovakia as they both belong to the Schengen Zone.

The best Zakopane attractions are scenic mountains, unique folklore, wooden huts and handcraft, well preserved local traditions and culture.

Zakopane city is one of the biggest Tatra Mountains resorts. It has neighbouring settlements also perfect for visiting and staying, but smaller and quieter:

• Kościelisko - is 3 miles from Zakopane, close to Western Tatras. 
• Murzasichle - a village bordering Zakopane - is one of the highest-located villages in Poland. Located close to the High Tatra side.
• Małe Ciche - a small village counting 850 people located 5 miles from Zakopane and on the East side of the Tatras (High Tatras). Google Maps link to Małe Ciche village .

Places to stay in Zakopane

Stay here to be near ~3mi(kuźnice) or ~10mi(palenica białczańska) at starting location for routes:.

Zakopane city is one of the most popular touristic destinations in Poland. Mainly because of nearby marvel High Tatra Mountains. Tatras are the most breathtaking mountains in this part of the continent. But Zakopane also has a couple of own attractions that we shouldn't miss. It's a good place for people that want to stay close to shopping streets, restaurants and museums.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences - check availability and prices

Hotel Crocus - check availability and prices

Willa Rajka - check availability and prices

Tatra national park.

Hiking trail in Tatras © Grigory Bruev / Adobe Stock

Zakopane is an attractive resort, but one of the best things to do in Zakopane is hiking.

The Tatra Mountains, also known as the Polish Alps , are the highest mountains in the central-eastern part of Europe but their total length is only 57 km.

Tatras are divided into three major groups: 

• Western Tatras (highest peak Bystra 2248 m)
• High Tatras (highest peak Gerlach 2655 m)
• Bielskie Tatras (highest peak Hawrań 2152 m)

The mission of Tatra National Park: protect and help to understand the nature and culture of the Tatras, enabling to experience it by current and future generations.

The most significant advantage of the Tatras is that governors of the National Park protect nature but also maintain all the trails.

Advantages of hiking in Tatra Mountains:

• Many paradise-like spots and viewpoints.
• Excellent hiking paths, visible and colourful route marks and signposts.
• Well-preserved unique nature.
• Magnificent mountains.
• World-class rescue service and online weather alerts.

View of Tatras from Swinica mountain near Zakopane © TTstudio / Adobe Stock

Camping or hiking in Tatra National Park after down is against the rules and may result in a fine. For more info check out  this article .

Beds in mountain huts are limited and require booking well in advance. Therefore it is often necessary to spend the night in Zakopane city. But on the bright side, the most spectacular viewpoints in Tatra Mountains are accessible within a day hike (including return time).

There are two national parks in Tatras:

🇵🇱 Tatra National Park of Poland (TPN).

🇸🇰 Tatra National Park of Slovakia (TANAP).

Check the differences between Polish and Slovak Tatra Mountains .

Zakopane popularity

Hikers walking from Poroniec mountain to Rusionowa Polana © Piotr Szpakowski / Adobe Stock

Each year two million tourists visit Tatra National Park of Poland which is half the visits number of very popular Yosemite Park in the USA. One million travelers visit Tatra Mountains only in July and August !

In the past Zakopane was known for goat cheese production and wisest shepherds in the country. In 1899 the first rail track from Kraków to Zakopane was opened. Tourism has grown significantly since then.

In the near past access to Zakopane (and Poland) was restricted for most of the nations. The communist government at that time wasn't appealing to anyone, and international tourism almost didn't exist. Fortunately,  communism ended for good in 1989 .

In the 90s Poland still lacked the infrastructure, hotels and popularity to attract international tourism.

Luckily Poland has been in NATO and the European Union since 2004 and now has first-class infrastructure . Zakopane is finally ready for global tourism but still remains one of the hidden gems in Poland.

If you would like to visit the most interesting places in Zakopane with a guide, check out the below tour:

Zakopane travel essentials

Tatra highlanders say that there are 10 months of winter in the mountains, and the rest of the year is summer.

This is a bit exaggerated but it's important to remember that the weather in Zakopane is unpredictable and it's good to come prepared.

I've divided the below Zakopane packing lists into summer and winter.

What to pack if you travel to Zakopane in the summer?

Here's a suggested packing list if you'd like to explore Zakopane attractions and hike to Morskie Oko:

• Lightweight and breathable tops.
• Shorts and comfortable pants for hiking or walking.
• A swimsuit if you plan to visit thermal pools or lakes.
• Light rain jacket or windbreaker for unexpected weather changes.
• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
• Casual clothing for strolling through the town or enjoying outdoor cafes.

Outdoor gear:

• Daypack for hiking and exploring.
• Sunhat and sunglasses for sun protection.
• Sunscreen with a high SPF.
• Insect repellent.

Hiking essentials:

• Comfortable sports shoes.
• Hiking socks to prevent blisters.
• Water bottle for staying hydrated.
• Trail mix or energy bars for quick snacks.
• Tatra Mountains hiking map .

Electronics:

• Camera or smartphone for capturing beautiful moments.
• Power bank to keep your devices charged.
• Travel adapter if you're coming from a country with a different plug type.

Health and safety:

• Basic first aid kit with bandages, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
• Personal identification and health insurance information.
• Any prescription medications you may need.
• Passport or ID.
• Travel insurance details.

Toiletries:

• Travel-sized toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, and shampoo.
• Towel or quick-dry travel towel.
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer.

Clothing accessories:

• Hat or cap for sun protection.
• Lightweight scarf or shawl for cooler evenings.
• Waterproof jacket.

Cash  - while credit cards are widely accepted, having some cash on hand can be useful for small purchases or places that may not accept cards, e.x. bus drivers. If you plan to get to the trailhead by a private bus, have cash with you.

Take these with you if you visit Zakopane in winter

Insulated clothing:

• Thermal underwear to keep your body warm.
• Insulated, waterproof jacket for protection against snow and wind.
• Insulated pants or snow pants for outdoor activities.
• Multiple layers, including sweaters and fleece jackets.

Winter accessories:

• Warm gloves or mittens to protect your hands from the cold.
• Scarf or neck gaiter to keep your neck warm.
• Hat or beanie to cover your head and ears.
• Thermal socks and/or waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and warm.
• Sunglasses (snow reflects almost 80% of UV radiation).

Winter gear:

• Snow boots with good traction for walking in snow and ice.
• If you plan on hiking and/or skiing in Zakopane, you can easily rent all the necessary equipment on-site. If you will be hiking in the higher parts of Tatra Mountains, remember about  crampons and pickax  (available in rental shops in Zakopane and mountain huts as well).

Indoor clothing:

• Casual and comfortable clothing for indoor activities and evenings.
• Slippers or indoor shoes for added warmth in accommodations.
• Backpack for day trips and carrying essentials.
• Hand warmers for additional warmth on extremely cold days.
• Winter trekking poles for stability in snowy conditions.
• Camera or smartphone for capturing winter landscapes.
• Power bank to keep your devices charged in the cold.
• First aid kit with cold and flu remedies.
• Lip balm and moisturizer to combat dry winter air.
• Any necessary prescription medications.

Places to stay in Zakopane - suburbs

Find perfect accommodation between city center and mountains.

It's kind of best of both worlds. On the one hand, you might be closer to the mountains and on the other hand still have nearby aqua parks, museums, bars and restaurants. Plenty to do in case of bad weather.

Best time to visit Zakopane

If you want to mainly explore attractions in Zakopane, it's best to come in May . The days are long, there's quite a lot of sun and there are not that many travellers and hikers yet. Prices are also a bit lower than in the high season.

But hiking in Tatra Mountains in May isn't very easy. There's still snow and ice on the trails in higher parts of the Tatras. Some trails are closed until June 15th. The weather may be harsh and windy.

If you'd like to explore Tatra Mountains (especially hike in High Tatras ), come in September or October . Autumn in the mountains is stunning, there are fewer hikers and the trails are still open. There might be snowfall but the snow melts quickly. There's no thunderstorm or avalanche risk in Tatra Mountains in September or October.

Best places to stay in Zakopane

Here are my recommendations for places to stay in Zakopane. I've checked the ratings, reviews, and location on booking.com and read about the amenities each hotel offers.

Have a look at the below:

Aries Hotel & SPA Zakopane  - lovely 5-star hotel located in Zakopane center., just a 5-minute walk from Krupówki Street. There is an indoor pool and wellness center. Guests appreciate the location, tasty breakfast and beautiful interior.

Willa Leluja   - great option if you're looking for an apartment with a kitchen. It's located close to Krupówki Street (1 km). Besides location, guests appraise amazing mountain views from balconies and the cleanliness and spaciousness of the apartments.

Hostel 1902   - nice budget-friendly accommodation. The hostel is located on Krupówki Street - it's ideal for those who want to stay close to the main tourist attractions in Zakopane. Guests are happy with the professional and helpful staff, comfortable beds and cleanliness of the hostel.

Shepherds - the Highland Folklore in Zakopane 

Shepherds in Zakopane © Adam Olszowski / Adobe Stock

They are considered the wisest men in south Poland. Tatra Highlanders are able to predict the weather and are always eager to share truths about life.

They say that native citizens of Zakopane have rooted the desire to live as shepherds driven by generations of tradition. Many valleys in Tatra National Park are available for shepherds to sustain local traditions and culture. They are famous for producing the tasty and one of the cleanest cheeses called oscypek .

Working in Tatra Mountains is difficult and the weather doesn't spoil Tatra Highlanders. Fortunately,  they are rewarded with excellent cheese and breathtaking mountains to admire.

The shepherding tradition in Zakopane is very old . Farming wasn't possible due to bad grounds and lack of proper space.

Zakopane Highlanders have very characteristic and colourful outfits. They play, dance and sing during their festivals. I highly recommend checking if there are any traditional Tatra Highlanders festivals  during your visit - it's one of the most unique things to do in Zakopane. 

Traditional outfit of Zakopane citzens © Tomasz Zajda / Adobe Stock

Interestingly, Zakopane folklore is very present and vivid. Many locals wear their colourful outfits every day for their own pride or rich traditions and to promote their unique cultural identity.

Before you go for hikes in Zakopane

There are many hikes in Zakopane to choose from.

For the start, consider simple walks in the beautiful valleys like:

• Chocholowska Valley
• Kościeliska Valley
• Gąsienicowa Valley
• slightly more challenging  Valley of Five Lakes

If you want to hike the tops of the mountains, the most famous peaks are:

• Kasprowy Wierch
• Red Peaks (Czerwone Wierchy)
• Kościelec (also known as the Polish Matterhorn)

You may also visit scenic Tatra Mountains lakes:

• Morskie Oko lake
• Black Gąsienicowe lake
• Strbske Pleso and Popradske Pleso if you climb down from Rysy to Slovakia

What I like about all these places in Tatra Mountains is that they're fairly easily available - all these are day hikes from Zakopane.

I recommend planning loop hikes which is also quite easy as there are lots of trails to choose from. If that can't be done you may return the same way or hike from the North to the South (Slovakia), and return to Poland by taxi or bus.

✅ Before heading into the mountains,  you need to have a hiking map .

During all our trips to the Tatra mountains, we always had a map, and it was a big help every single time. We don't rely only on electronic devices - they can't be 100% trusted in the mountains.

✅  Tatra Mountains weather guide  - "proper preparation prevents poor performance".

✅  Practical information on hiking in Poland  - good to know before you hit the trail.

✅ Tatra Mountains huts - if you wish to sleep in the mountains.

Hikes from Zakopane - trailheads

Here are the most popular trailheads in Zakopane:

⛰️ Chochołowska Valley parking - also is known as Witów Siwa Polana

The entrance is located in Western Tatras. It is the best starting point for easy hiking to the Chochołowska Polana and mountain shelter. This trailhead is a bit less popular than Kościeliska Valley entry.

Chocholowska Valley trailhead - Google Maps .

⛰️  Kiry - also known as Kościeliska Valley Parking

Located in Western Tatras, it's one of the most popular entries on this side of the mountains. Great for hiking the Kościeliska Valley and Czerwone Wierchy (Red Peaks). Kiry is a small settlement right next to Zakopane.

Kiry trailhead - Google Maps .

⛰️  Dolina Strążyska (Strążyska Valley)

An interesting starting point for exploring Western Tatras. It's slightly less popular than the other trailheads.

Strążyska Valley trailhead - Google Maps .

⛰️  Kuźnice

Kuźnice is a Zakopane district surrounded by National Park forests. There's a cable car to the famous Kasprowy Wierch mountain in Western Tatras. It's the preferred trailhead for Kasprowy Wierch, Giewont, Czarny Staw Gąsienicowy and Kościelec Mountain.

You cannot drive into Kuźnice . You can get there by bus from Zakopane center or leave the car at the parking on Bronisława Czecha Street ( Google Maps link ) or Karłowicza Street ( Google Maps link ) and walk to the trailhead/cable car.

Kasprowy Wierch cable car - Google Maps .

⛰️  Zakopane Cyrhla

In Toporowa Cyrhla you can hike through beautiful forests into the astonishing Hala Gąsienicowa, Murowaniec mountain shelter or Nosal mountain. The advantage of these trails is that there are fewer hikers.

Zakopane Cyrhla - Google Maps .

⛰️  Palenica Białczańska - also known as Morskie Oko parking

It's the most famous and main entry to the High Tatras - it's the best starting point for the Morskie Oko and Rysy hikes. It has the biggest parking with 450 parking places. Also, Łysa Polana and Wierch Poroniec parking are backup parking in case Palenica Białczańska is full.

If you will be traveling by car, you need to buy a Morskie Oko parking ticket in advance . You may purchase it here .

Palenica Białczańska - Google Maps .

Most popular hikes from Zakopane

Kasprowy wierch in western tatras.

The Cable car of Kasprowy Wierch mountain © kosmos111 / Adobe Stock

Kasprowy Wierch (6519ft / 1987m) is the most visited mountain in Polish Tatra National Park because it is accessible via cable car. The lift's lower station is in Kuźnice. It is a thrilling experience and the views are breathtaking .

If for some reason you can't hike in the mountains I highly recommend using the cable car to get to the top of Kasprowy. You can check the prices and buy the ticket here .

Bear in mind that it's not allowed to drive to Kuźnice . You can get there by bus from Zakopane center or leave the car at the parking on Bronisława Czecha Street ( Google Maps link ) or Karłowicza Street ( Google Maps link ) and walk to the trailhead/cable car.

Read more about Kasprowy Wierch mountain in this article .

Morskie Oko lake in High Tatras

Morskie Oko lake one of the most beautiful places in Tatra © shaiith / Adobe Stock

Morskie Oko lake is the most famous place in Tatra Mountains. Many travellers consider it also one of the most unique places in Poland. This beautiful postglacial lake is surrounded by the High Tatras - the landscape is amazing!

Morskie Oko hike is easy and suitable for all kinds of hikers, including families traveling with baby in a pram.

If you travel by car, remember to purchase a ticket to Morskie Oko parking in advance (you may do it here ).

Read the full hiking guide to Morskie Oko .

Rysy - the highest mountain in Poland

Rysy peak © kabat / Adobe Stock

Rysy mountain is the highest peak and one of the more popular hikes in Poland. The route is considered difficult and steep and includes a few exposure points.  It is still doable for inexperienced people in the summertime but it is challenging. I recommend getting prepared before such a hike in High Tatras.

The route to the Rysy from Zakopane goes via Morskie Oko - one of the most beautiful places in Tatra Mountains. If you don't feel ready to hike the very steep slope of Rysy you can just stay at Morskie Oko or Czarny Staw Pod Rysami (Black Pond Under Rysy - 1583 m) and enjoy the surrounding mountains and nature.

Read the full hiking guide to Rysy .

Five Lakes Valley - moon-like scenery in High Tatras

On the picture Joanna with her sister in the view of Five Lakes Valley near Zawrat

I love Joanna's (co-founder) description of this place: "It's like a moon surface but on earth". So you don't have to wait for Elon Musk's space travel agency - you can do a 1-day hike from Zakopane in the High Tatras to the Valley of Five Ponds 😉

For me, hiking there is one of the best things to do in Zakopane. Absolutely go there!

Read the full hiking guide to Five Lakes Valley .

Red Peaks (Czerwone Wierchy) - the most beautiful hike in Western Tatras

Hiking Red Peaks at the end of September

Red Peaks hike is quite long but the amazing views of Western Tatras reward all the efforts. The route includes 4 mountains , each one above 2000 metres. You'll hike on a breathtaking ridge and admire the Tatra Mountains in their full glory. 

If you would like to make the hike easier, you may get to Kasprowy Wierch by cable car and start off from there.

Read the full hiking guide to Red Peaks .

Tatra Mountains in Slovakia

Krivan Mountain in High Tatras

To be honest, we like the Slovak Tatra Mountains even more than the Polish. We even travel to Slovak Tatras more often.  In this article, we explain why .

If you have more time and would like to go hiking in Slovakia's Tatra Mountains, check out the below articles:

→  Bystra Lavka - exciting hike in Štrbské Pleso

→  Krivan - demanding but scenic hike in High Tatras

→  Strbske Pleso and Popradske Pleso - the most beautiful lakes in Tatra Mountains

→  8 most spectacular hikes in High Tatras

→  Tatranská Lomnica - great base for High Tatras hiking

→  6 easy hikes in High Tatras - suitable also for beginners and families with kids

→ Beautiful hikes in Western Tatras

Non-hiking things to do in Zakopane

Bad weather in Tatras © Kazick / Adobe Stock

Some people say your vacations can be as good or random as the weather you will get.

In Tatras, the weather tends to be very unpredictable. If you are interested, check out our article about the weather in the Tatra mountains .

It is essential to prepare for rainy weather, no matter if you're planning to enjoy Zakopane attractions and only try the Morskie Oko hike or you're going to spend a whole week hiking in Tatra Mountains.

Krupówki street

Krupowki street in Zakopane © Andrey Shevchenko / Adobe Stock

Busiest and prettiest place in Zakopane. A vibrant street in the center, it is the best place for buying souvenirs and for shopping in general. There are also lots of restaurants and pubs where you may sample traditional Highlander food (or sushi or Mexican cuisine, everything really) and try Polish vodka.

Also, many historic and tourist attractions are located on Krupówki Street, e.x.:

• Church st. Family built from Tatra rocks in 1876
• Tatra Museum functioning since 1888
• Art Gallery of Zamoysky
• Lovely pond with a wooden bridge

Google Maps Link to Krupówki

If you would like to explore Krupówki Street along with other interesting things to do in Zakopane with a guide, check out the below tour:

Visit Krupówki Street, Gubałówka Mountain, The Great Krokiew ski jump, Na Peksowym Brzysku historic necropolis and Chochołów open air museum - all in just a single tour

The Tatra Museum in Zakopane

The museum opened in 1888 and functions until today. You will find there exhibitions presenting the history, culture, nature and ethnography of Tatra Mountains. 

The address: Krupówki 10 Street

Google Maps Redirect link.

• Cheap entry
• Perfect in case of rain
• No english descriptions

The Gallery of 20th Century Art at Oksza Villa

Located in a beautiful villa built in the traditional Tatra Highlander style, it's a perfect place for art enthusiasts (Joanna loved it!).

You will find there pieces of art created by Polish artists fascinated with Tatra Mountains and Highlander Folklore. Eye-catching photos, paintings, sculptures, handicrafts - a visit to this art gallery is one of the most interesting things to do in Zakopane. 

Address: Zamoyskiego 25 Street

Google Maps link .

Klub Vavavoom

Located close to Krupówki Street. Klub Vavavoom is one of the main places to visit in Zakopane if you're looking for nightlife attractions.

Guests praise the ambience, music and friendly bartenders who prepare a wide selection of drinks and cocktails.

Google Maps link to Klub Vavavoom .

Zakopane water parks

If you would like to relax and try some relaxing things to do in Zakopane, you might be interested in the below options:

CHOCHOLOW THERMAL BATHS

The biggest waterpark in southern Poland. It offers numerous indoor and outdoor pools with hot thermal water (there are about 30 pools!), many different kinds of saunas, slides, a kid's zone, SPA facilities, a sports centre, restaurants and a pool bar.

We especially liked the spacious infrared sauna with big windows from which we admired the panoramic view of the Tatra mountains.

If you would like to visit this modern water park and not waste time in lines, you can get a full-access ticket in advance here .

BIAŁKA TATRZANSKA THERMAL BATHS

It's a smaller waterpark than Chocholow Thermal Baths but also a fun place to visit. It offers a few thermal pools with a beautiful mountain view and several saunas, outdoor and indoor.

Bialka Tatrzanska Thermal Baths are divided into the quiet and loud zone. The latter offers water attractions: waterslides, a kid's fun zone, outdoor pools, waterfalls, etc.

You can get a skip-the-line ticket along with hotel pick-up here .

Alpinarium is a mountain botanical garden. This outstanding place is home to about 600 types of mountain plants. There are also endangered species and plants which grow nowhere else.

It’s a very nice place to let our hair down after the hustle and bustle of Krupówki street. Visiting the Alpinarium will also be one of the best things to do in Zakopane for nature admirers.

Link to the location in Google maps .

Zakopane city park

The playground in the park is excellent for children. Also on the terrain of the park, there is a beautiful traditional wooden Jutrzenka Villa. I like this park and go for a stroll there whenever I don't hike in the mountains.

Link to the location in Google maps.

Gubałówka (3674ft / 1120m) is a popular mountain situated in the north part of Zakopane. There are a few different ways to get to Gubałówka mountain:

• hike from Krupówki Street (nice and easy hike, takes about 1 hour to walk to Gubałówka. Link to the hike .)
• take a funicular - the lower station is close to Krupówki Street. You may buy a Gubałówka funicular ticket here .
• drive there by car.

The views from Gubałówka Mountain are stunning - you get to admire a panorama of the Tatra mountains and the entire Zakopane.

On Gubałówka there are souvenir shops, restaurants, a gravity slide, a toboggan run, a rope park, an amusement arcade - you name it! Visiting Gubałówka is one of the most fun things to do in Zakopane.

The Great Krokiew ski jump

The biggest ski jump in Poland. You may walk up or ride up in a chair lift. Great view from the top and observatory. You can slide down in the pontoon if you're up for a bit of adrenaline 🙂

The entry is paid and once you're inside you can buy a ticket to the slide. They only accept cash (there's a cash machine nearby). There are lots of small shops and food stands at the foot of the ski jump. Paid parking is also available.

Google Maps link to Wielka Krokiew ski jump .

Chochołów open-air museum

Wooden huts © bnorbert3 / Adobe Stock

Chochołów is a living and functioning village that is also an open-air museum of settlements and folklore.

It is located 12 miles from Zakopane but definitely worth a visit. The huts were built in the XIX century in the traditional Tatra Highlander style and are well-preserved and used up to date.

You can visit this unique open-air museum together with Chochołów thermal baths.

Link Chochołów in Google Maps .

Parrot house in Zakopane

© Alinsa / Adobe Stock

Zakopane has its own "parrotarium" (Papugarnia Egoztyczne Zakopane). It's one of the most interesting family things to do in Zakopane - kids love this place! And it is a unique occasion to take a selfie with a parrot on your arm - the parrots are used to the presence of people and are very curious, especially if you have food 😉 (you can buy parrot food on site).

Parrot House Zakopane features over 100 birds and it's the biggest attraction of this type in southern Poland.

Address:  Droga do Olczy 11, Zakopane

Opening hours: every day 10:00 am. to 7:00 pm.

• Free parking
• Ability to make a selfie with parrots
• Great for families
• Parrots can sit on your arm
• Maybe too many visitors during high season

Traditional Tatra Mountains buildings

Modern wooden huts © shaiith / Adobe Stock

Traditional Tatra Mountains buildings are wooden and beautifully ornamented - they reflect the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Tatra region. These buildings are designed to withstand the harsh mountain environment

Typical characteristics of these houses are:

• Gable roofs - steeply pitched gable roofs are a common feature, designed to shed heavy snowfall during the winter months.
• Decorative woodwork - Tatra Highlander artisans are skilful - they create unique wood carvings and decorative elements. These carvings often present traditional folk motifs, geometric patterns, or scenes from nature.
• Balconies and verandas - to make Tatra buildings even more beautiful 🙂
• Colorful facades - the most popular colors are red, green, and blue.
• High windows
• Stone foundations - to provide stability in the mountainous terrain, many buildings have stone foundations. I like this element - it adds an authentic touch to the architecture.

Houses of Zakopane © Milan / Adobe Stock

How to get to Zakopane?

If you're planning to travel by plane, the closest airport in Poland will be Kraków Airport (full name: John Paul II International Airport Kraków-Balice). It's located 110 km from Zakopane.

Booking.com offers cheap flight booking services - you may compare flights from 500+ airlines to destinations around the world.

You can check deals on flights here:

If you'd like to travel a lot and visit multiple places, the most convenient and fast way to travel is to rent a car. When we need to rent a car we always use  Rentalcars.com  and are happy with them, never had any issues with this company.

You may check deals on car rentals in Poland here:

If you prefer public transportation you may take a bus from Kraków Airport, e.x. Flixbus. They offer direct shuttles to Zakopane. You can check the prices and timetable here .

If you have more time, it would be a good idea to visit Krakow city , spend there a few days and then head into the mountains.

Here's a 5-day itinerary including Krakow and Zakopane .

BUSES FROM KRAKÓW TO ZAKOPANE

If you prefer to travel to Zakopane from Krakow by bus you have a few carriers to choose from: Flixbus, Szwagropol, Majer Bus or Maxbus Zakopane . 

You can get a direct shuttle from Kraków Central Bus Station.  Here  you will check the timetable and prices.

Central Bus Station in Kraków is located on Bosacka 18 Street, right next to the main train station. Here's a   Google Maps link .

TRAINS FROM KRAKÓW TO ZAKOPANE

Kraków Main Station is on Pawia Street (here's a  Google Maps link ). Direct trains go to Zakopane from Kraków. You will check the timetable and book your train tickets  here .

Trains in Poland are good for traveling between the cities. If you want to discover  beautiful nature in Poland , villages and National Parks, it's best to  travel by car .

Buses in Zakopane

To get to the trailheads it's best to travel by private buses which shuttle from the central station in Zakopane center on Kościuszki 23 Street ( Google Maps link ).

In 2023 central bus station is undergoing a renovation and buses temporarily shuttle from Aleja 3 Maja Street ( Google Maps link ).

To find a bus which will take you to your preferred trailhead simply look at the tables at the front window.

In the summer, buses start to shuttle at 6 AM and are very frequent. It's worth mentioning that drivers usually don't depart strictly according to the timetable - they wait until the bus is full and then depart (buses fill up very quickly).

There are lots of shuttles to the trailheads so you just come to the bus station, choose the right bus and shortly you'll be on your way.

You may buy the ticket at bus driver's - cash only .

If you're planning on travelling in Zakopane with public transportation , check the timetable here .

There are a few ways to purchase public bus tickets in Zakopane:

• at the bus vending machine (cash only)
• mPay mobile app
• Tourist Information Center on  Chramcówki 35 Street
• ticket vending machines

The vending machines are located in several places:

• Zakopane central bus station
• Aleje 3 Maja Górne
• Aleje 3 Maja Dolne
• Jana Pawła II roundabout near Kuźnice, right next to the Tatra National Park information office.

Zakopane dark secrets

Smog in autumn and winter

Winter smog in Zakopane © Irina84 / Adobe Stock

Lots of Zakopane citizens use coal and wood for central heating. Additionally, the location of Zakopane makes it difficult to naturally ventilate the city, which results in high air pollution during the cold months.

The level of dust in the wintertime sometimes is record-high and can reach PM10 over 400 µg multiple times - where 200 µg is considered very high.

The problem doesn't exist in warm months .

If you happen to visit Zakopane in winter, it's best to keep checking the air quality with one of the online air monitors (e.x. this one ). Zakopane has multiple measuring devices installed.

Halny wind (Foehn wind)

Halny wind in Tatra mountains - © burasek79 / Adobe Stock

It is a very strong wind blowing into the valleys dry and warm air. It can be very sudden and cause a lot of infrastructure damage.

"Halny" is also influencing the people's mood. Because of rapid atmospheric pressure changes people with cardiovascular and heart issues may experience difficulties.

This strong wind also influences the mood, people become nervous and grumpy. Suicide rate rises! Also, it's reported that animals act strangely during that time.

Halny wind occurs most often in autumn and early spring.

Traffic jams

© Henryk Sadura / Adobe Stock

A lot of travelers come to Zakopane by car as it's the most convenient way to travel in Poland. This may result in 1 - 2 hours delays when travelling out of or to Kraków.

Be sure to check Traffic intensity on Google Maps in Zakopane  before hitting the road.

Insider travel tip: to avoid traffic jams, consider renting an electric scooter. There are scooter rental shops in Zakopane center.

Is Zakopane worth visiting?

Zakopane city might not be your best travel destination if:

📌 You're vegan or on a diet. Traditional Tatra Highlander food tends to be meaty and high in calories . Pork knuckle, roasted sausages, bigos (a hearty dish made with a variety of meats and sauerkraut), sauerkraut soup (it always contains a greasy type of meat) - these are examples of typical food served in the majority of restaurants in Zakopane. However, there are a few restaurants in Zakopane which offer vegan and/or vegetarian food - see below.

📌 Crowds  make you angry. Zakopane is popular among Poles and international travellers alike.

📌 You're bothered by  unpredictable weather and packing additional clothing. Traveling to Zakopane is a bit demanding when it comes to windproof jackets, waterproof boots, gaiters, etc.

📌 You'd like to eat out a lot but travel on a budget. Zakopane restaurants and pubs (especially in the center) are pricey.

Vegan restaurants in Zakopane?

Here's a list of our favourite restaurants in Zakopane which offer vegan and vegetarian meals. We haven't found a 100% vegan restaurant in Zakopane.

🌮 Las - vegetarian & vegan bistro in Zakopane. The food is very good and moderately priced. Here's a link to Google Maps .

🌮 STRH Bistro Art Cafe - located on Krupowki street. They have a terrace with a beautiful view of the mountains. Here's a link to Google Maps .

🌮 Bar Górski - budget-friendly eatery with vegan options. Good value for money. Here's a link to Google Maps .

🌮 Eco-Cafe Zieleń - a cafe which offers cakes made from organic ingredients. Gluten-free, sugar-free or vegan options available. Here's a link to Google Maps .

Traditional Polish food tour

If you're not on a diet and would like to enjoy Zakopane attractions to the fullest, consider going on a food tour.

It's a fantastic option for foodies . You will discover traditional Polish food and beverages and learn about Polish traditions.

This tour includes also sightseeing - check it out:

Other fantastic hikes in Poland

Polish mountains are very diversified and cover large areas in southern parts of the country.

There are 3 mountain chains in Poland:

• Świętokrzyskie Mountains
• Carpathian Mountains
• Sudety Mountains

Each of them is divided into mountain ranges. Have a look at the best hikes in Poland, outside Tatra Mountains:

⛰️  13 easy hikes in Poland (great also for hiking with kids)

⛰️  Gorce Mountains - perfect for hiking near Krakow

⛰️  Beskid Wyspowy - mountain getaway, also an ideal option for hiking near Krakow

⛰️ Żywiec Beskidy Mountains - another fine destination for hiking near Krakow

⛰️  Silesian Beskidy Mountains - a splendid option for hiking near Katowice

⛰️ Bieszczady - the wildest mountains in Poland

⛰️ Babia Góra National Park

⛰️  Nature in Poland - the best places to visit

How this blog is organized?

Subscribe for free tatra cheatsheet pdf.

12 attractions of Poland you need to see

10 best day trips from Kraków

17 most beautiful lakes in Europe

12 best nature places to visit in Poland

The most spectacular High Tatras hiking trails

The most beautiful trails in Anaga mountains - hiking Tenerife

Interesting

One of the best hiking trails in High Tatras near Strbske Pleso

Stay safe and sound while winter hiking

Gorce National Park and nearby attractions

When you just want a backpack but you've already seen about 100 of them and still not sure which one to choose

Monte Piana - multifunctional mountain for everyone

Hiking near Kraków - Babia Góra National Park

Tatra waterparks - best places to visit in Slovakia

The QUECHUA men's hiking boots - TREK 600

Hiking essentials for a mountain trip

Hiking in Pieniny National Park

Ultimate guide to making reservations at Booking.com

14 reasons why travelling with others is better than solo travel

Places to visit in Poland: Szczyrk mountain resort

Weather in Tatra Mountains - how to stay safe?

6 European mountain tops which offer the best views ever

11 immensely important reasons why you need to visit Poland

Hiking map of Tatras

How to visit Zakopane from Krakow, Incredible Day Trip

Zakopane is one of the best day trips from Krakow and an absolute must when visiting southern Poland! On our most recent trip, we were wondering how to visit Zakopane from Krakow and what is the best way on a budget. So we did all the research, so you don’t have to!

Krakow is one of the most popular places to visit in Poland and we’ve visited a couple of times now! However, people usually miss out on the wonderful Zakopane (only 2 hours away) and it’s actually really easy to get to by public transport.

Transport in Poland is affordable and you don’t have to book too far in advance. So it’s a great option if you want to visit the impressive Tatra Mountains on a Zakopane day trip. Alternatively, you can rent a car.

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Visiting Zakopane from Krakow

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

Hot Tip – How to pronounce Zakopane? Zakopane = (za·ko·p`a·nuh)

Zakopane is a resort town in the South of Poland, surrounded by the beautiful Tatra mountains. It’s known for its wooden chalets, impressive mountains and nearby ski resorts.

Zakopane is the ultimate day trip in the winter season! We’ve visited Zakopane twice now and went skiing on our second time. We highly recommend it!

Spending one day in Zakopane is perfect to add to your Kraków itinerary , if you love lakes, forests and wildlife it’s a brilliant break away from the busier city. Dust off your hiking boots, it’s time to hit the mountains!

We’ve written a full guide on the best things to do in Zakopane if you have more than a day’s spare. If you decide to spend the night here, we recommend Hostel & Apartments u Florka 2 if you have a rental car.

Should I visit Zakopane in the winter or summer?

So you may already have a rough time frame of when you want to visit Zakopane and maybe your trip is already booked. Continue scrolling if you just want to know how to get to Zakopane from Krakow in a day.

Truthly there is no right or wrong answer to visiting Zakopane in the summer or winter. Zakopane thrives in all seasons! Here’s our rundown on the seasons in Zakopane.

Zakopane in the summer

During the summertime in Zakopane, you can experience unlimited hiking without the worry of snow. The days will be hot but you can take dips in the lake after a sweaty hike.

Although Zakopane isn’t widely popular worldwide, it’s definitely a hotspot for the locals in Poland and summer can get busy!

In the summer season, Zakopane is one of the best places to go hiking in Poland and you’ll experience some great weather! It’s also easy to get from Krakow to Zakopane to go hiking for a couple of days if you’re in Poland for a week!

Zakopane in the winter

Zakopane in winter is our favourite time of year and we can’t wait to visit again!! It’s so magical.

If you didn’t already know Zakopane is the winter capital of Poland and one of the best ski resorts in the country. The Tatra Mountains are great for hiking in the summer which means they turn into amazing ski slopes in the winter for everyone to enjoy.

The village of Zakopane is so beautiful in the winter months and we swear it makes perogies and soup taste even better!

Can I visit Zakopane from Krakow in one day?

Yes! As you can expect from the title of this guide, Zakopane is definitely manageable in one day and is the perfect day trip from Krakow. We’re going to show you everything we did on our Zakopane day trio.

However, if you have a longer time in Poland we would definitely recommend staying for a couple of nights or more to join the many activities Zakopane offers.

If you’re coming to Zakopane for a skiing trip you will definitely want to spend a few days in this beautiful resort.

Check out our 3 day Krakow guide for the best things to do in the city!

How to visit Zakopane from Krakow (Zakopane Day Trip)

Zakopane is located approximately 65 miles / 100km south of Kraków.

You can expect to catch a bus from Kraków Bus Station to Zakopane in around 2.5 to 3 hours. If you want to rent a car, you can drive the journey in 2 to 2.5 hours. For the early risers, this is easily achievable in a Zakopane day trip (which is exactly what we did)!

The bus is the more sustainable way to travel to Zakopane! Here’s a list of our sustainable travel products to switch to before your trip. We’ll give you a better breakdown of the options.

Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow by Bus

The quickest way to find times and prices for buses from Krakow to Zakopane is by looking at Busbud . We’ve used this site various times when travelling Europe and it makes it easier to plan.

Head to Kraków MDA (Bus Station) near Kraków Glowny Train Station. There are usually a few buses an hour.

• Kraków MDA to Zakopane
• Duration: 2 hours 30 mins
• Cost Per Person: 30PLN (prices may change)

Tickets can be purchased directly at the counter from the bus station, however, we purchased our tickets online the day before to guarantee a seat before we arrived at the station.

A bus ticket should cost you somewhere between 30 PLN (around £6) depending on the company and time you choose to travel. 

The bus that we took had no toilet onboard so be prepared before you hit the road and bring a few snacks, there’s a Carrefour in the mall nearby.

➤ Book your bus tickets from Krakow to Zakopane in advance .

Krakow to Zakopane by Train

• Kraków Glowny (Main Station) to Zakopane

An alternative to buses and another public transport option for travelling to Zakopane from Kraków is the PKP Intercity Train. 

These do not run so frequently, approximately 3-4 times a day, every few hours. Be sure to check if there is a return train that suits your plans to get you back into Kraków on the same day before booking your outbound trip. 

You can either purchase tickets from a machine or ticket office in Kraków Glowny station or book online using the IC PKP website .

Zakopane Daytrip by Car

• Rent a car via DiscoverCars
• Duration: 2 hours 
• Cost: 150PLN + Fuel (prices will vary)

If you are travelling with a small group where you can split the cost, a car may work out as a cheaper option for you.Find prices and availability for rental cars on Discover Cars !

Zakopane Daytrip by Tour

Another way to get to Zakopane from Krakow without worrying about transport is to join a tour! There’s quite a few to choose from so here’s our recommendations.

• Zakopane and Thermal Springs Tour
• Zakopane Day Trip with Cable Car and Tastings

1 Day Zakopane Itinerary: Zakopane Day Trip from Krakow

We opted to use the buses for our trip from Kraków to Zakopane as it’s a cheap way to get around and we love using public transport in other countries.

If you have one day in Zakopane you can go hiking, skiing, to thermal spas or spend a few hours in the village. We chose to do a hike to see the Tatra Mountains and lakes up close!

This is our 1 day Zakopane itinerary with time stamps!

➤ Book your bus tickets to Zakopane in advance .

8:00 am – A 15-minute walk from our accommodation to Kraków MDA station

We were staying at an apartment in central Krakow, so it was a short walk to Kraków MDA station . If you’re staying further away, there are many local buses or you can take a taxi or e-scooter.

8:30am – Maxibus bus to Zakopane (it was meant to be 2 hours but took 2 hours 30 minutes)

The journey from Krakow to Zakopane felt quite long, especially because we knew we were returning later the same day. Our tip is to watch a movie or listen to music to pass time, just like any other long travel journey!

11:00 am – Arrive at Zakopane Bus Station

So our day in Zakopane started at 11 am! Not too bad considering Krakow is a 2-hour drive.

11:20 am – Morskie Oko shuttle bus to the National Park

The shuttle buses to Morskie Oko were super easy to find, as they’re located right outside of the bus station in Zakopane. We paid the driver on the minibus and they took us to the trailhead!

11:55 am – Arrive at the Morskie Oko trailhead

The journey took just over 30 minutes to reach the National Park. The drive through the trees once you get outside of central Zakopane is amazing. You’ll love it!

12:00pm – 17:00pm – A 5-hour return hike to the beautiful Morskie Oko lake!

We took around 5 hours to complete the trail to Morskie Oko and back. We also relaxed next to the lake for a while and took a lot of photos! You can definitely do this hike faster, but why rush?!

17:10pm – Hop on a shuttle bus back to Zakopane village

Once we were back at the main car park outside of the National Park, we didn’t wait too long for a minibus to appear.

17:45pm – Zakopane village – Get off the bus when you’re near Centrum Miasta (on Google Maps)

After a beautiful half-day hike we headed to Zakopane Centre to admire the streets, restaurants and local shops.

18:30pm – Pierogi time! We ate at Bar Górski – amazing Polish cuisine with vegan options!

We fell in love with Bar Górski whilst in Zakopane and have eaten there at least four times! They serve amazing Polish cuisine like pierogi and soup. Honestly, it’s one of our favourites. There’s lots of restaurants to choose from though, have a look around when you’re there!

19:35pm – Szwagropol Bus back to Krakow

I’m pretty sure we fell asleep during the journey back to Krakow from Zakopane. We were exhausted!

22:15pm – Arrive back in Krakow and head back to accommodation!

So as you can see, it’s a pretty long day but 100% worth it to visit Zakopane on a day trip. From experience, it is completely possible to hike the Morskie Oko trail on a one-day trip to Zakopane.

There’s also lots of things to do in Zakopane that don’t take longer than 7 hours. The trains and buses run very late from Zakopane to Krakow so it’s possible to stay longer than we did.

Best Tours from Krakow to Zakopane:

• Zakopane and Thermal Springs Tour (with Hotel Pickup) – visit the Chocholowskie Termy (thermal baths in Zakopane)
• Zakopane Day Trip with Cable Car and Tastings – head to the top of mountains in Zakopane!

Zakopane Day Trip – Conclusion of our itinerary

This itinerary was exactly what we had planned to do on our one day in Zakopane and it all worked out great! So we’re confident you can plan the same type of trip and escape from Krakow to Zakopane in one day.

We visited in October and the snow on the mountains had already started. It kind of surprised us!

It was a lovely time to visit before it got even colder in Zakopane and the hike was still accessible without ice crampons. We had all our hope that the public transport would be in our favour and luckily it was.

Apart from a small delay at the beginning, everything else was running very smoothly and we booked our bus tickets online even though we could have just purchased them at the time of travel.

The Morskie Oko hike is a 16km trail so in order to achieve the hike in a day you don’t have a lot of rest time. It’s not a very hard hike with a very slow incline up to the lake.

We stopped for around 20 minutes at the top of the lake to eat some snacks and admire the views. Then we tried to walk down to the trailhead as fast as we could.

At first, we were worried we wouldn’t have time to visit Zakopane village and eat some food, but we were SO hungry that it became a priority before heading back to Krakow.

This is why we arrived back in Krakow quite late, but we were happy with our decision. We purchased our bus ticket back to Krakow online while we were in the restaurant.

Overall it was a great Zakopane day trip from Krakow and we would love to go back to Zakopane and explore more of the beautiful Tatra Mountains!

If you do decide to spend the night in Zakopane, we recommend staying at Hostel & Apartments u Florka 2 . We stayed here for three days for a ski trip and it was perfect!

Check out our other Poland Travel Guides :

• Things to do in Zakopane – During Winter & Summer
• 3 Day Krakow Itinerary -Best Places to Visit in Krakow
• 12+ Best Vegan Restaurants in Krakow – Vegan Guide

Have a great day in Zakopane and whichever way you decide to get there, it will be an amazing day trip from Krakow. Thanks for reading our How to visit Zakopane from Krakow, Incredible One Day Trip !

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Looks like fun! I love how accessible it is to be able to do a daytrip from Krakow. And that food looks like a great reason to take a break!

Zakopane looks like such a fun place to visit! I love that its beautiful in both the summer and the winter – I love a great year round destination. This is such a great one day itinerary!

Thank you! It’s an awesome place to be all year round! It’s still not majorly popular yet either 🙂

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Explore the winter capital of Poland

Zakopane is the highest situated town in Poland with around 27,200 citizens. Its beautiful and breathtaking views attract tourists from all over the world. Not without reason, it is called the winter capital of Poland. Just see those cosy wooden huts, taste the local cheese and stroll along the popular Krupówki Street. You will admit it yourself.

Zakopane owes this characteristic atmosphere to the partial location of the Tatra Mountains within its administrative borders. It became a popular resort town with main attractions in the central point of Zakopane. The intersection of Krupowki Street and Kosciuszki Street.

In the north, there is the Gubałówka Mountain Range and in the south, a mountain massif dominating the landscape Giewont. Being around the mountains, the traditional folk costumes and music will put you in a different mood and give you an unforgettable experience. Another great adventure is watching the national ski jumping. It is great entertainment, giving you incredible emotions. Already delighted with Zakopane? Find a way to discover it with Mr.Shuttle!

Zakopane tour

Pay a visit to this beautiful winter wonderland and take some time to explore it. During your tour in the town of Zakopane you definitely want to see this unique and charming architecture, spend some time trying traditional cuisine and marvel at the Tatra Mountains. Sites that are especially recommended by travellers are Gubałówka - the highest village in Poland, Wielka Krokiew - the biggest ski jumping hill, and Krupowki - the main street of Zakopane .

The tours prepared by or company include all the places. We pay attention to every detail for the best experience! It is so easy to visit Zakopane with a private English speaking driver who willingly answers all questions and will take you through the way with the most astonishing views.

The magnificent Tatra Mountains

The Tatra Mountains is a natural border between Poland and Slovakia. In the Carpathian Mountains, the Tatra Mountains are the highest mountain range. The summit on the Polish side is Rysy and it reaches 2499 m. The mountains combine both nature and beauty which makes it an attraction that cannot be missed. That is why we chose the best place to admire the Tatras. One of our stops during the tour is Gubalowka Mountain, which offers an amazing view of this beautiful mountain range. Zakopane Tours created by our company include the most stunning sites and a convenient hotel pickup included in the price!

Tour from Krakow

Trips from Krakow to Zakopane are particularly popular, thanks to the close distance between the two sites. The town is only 110 km away from the former capital of Poland. Visit Zakopane with us, relax, and forget about the formalities. Our English speaking driver will accompany your group and tell you the best stories about the nature, culture, and characteristic style of Zakopane. In other words, he will make your sightseeing interesting and informative.

In our offer, you will find a day trip from Krakow which includes an 8 hours trip to Zakopane, an English speaking driver, hotel pickup and a drop-off. Tours prepared by our knowledgeable and qualified team provide attractions such as a ride on the funicular railway, trying local food, and sightseeing the most important spots in the town. Although tours to Zakopane are particularly popular in winter, you can enjoy it at any time of the year. We highly recommend also the combine the Zakopane Tour and Mountain Thermal Baths Tour - this option you can choose during this booking! 

Combined the Zakopane Tour and Mountain SPA Tour in one day! 

Right now you can combine the Zakopane Tour and Mountain SPA Tour . It's possible to enjoy the most popular spots in Zakopane and next relax by 3-4 hours in Thermal Baths. Check also this option.

Plan your own trip to Zakopane with MrShuttle!

Want to see other places or more attractions? Are you dreaming about a trip to the largest lake in the Tatra Mountains - Morskie Oko? Or maybe admiring the panorama from Kasprowy Wierch? With Mr.Shuttle is not a problem. Plan your unforgettable private trip to Zakopane with us. Contact us using the contact form . We can't wait to explore this beautiful destination with you!

Trip Itnerary

8:30-9:00 hotel pickup.

Our English speaking driver will pick you up directly from your hotel and take you through the most beautiful scenic route to Zakopane.

Sacred Heart chapel in Zakopane Jaszczurówka

The first point of our group trip includes visiting The Chapel of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Jaszczurówka. This site is special for its characteristic Zakopane style - a representative and famous architecture and furniture style of the Podhale region. Visiting this charming place is the beginning of Zakopane adventure.

Wielka Krokiew

Wielka Krokiew is the biggest ski jumping hill. You will have a chance to see one of the most famous and important ski jumps in the World! Next, you will be taken by chairlift up to the hill! Great views guaranteed!

During the tour, our English speaking driver will tell you bout about Polish mountains and their characteristics. You will learn about the place while exploring it at the same time! Then you will take a cable car all the way to the top. In Gubałówka you will have around 1.5 hours of free time. During that time you can relax while looking at the amazing view and trying original Polish drinks.

Krupowki & Traditional Market

The next stop is Krupowki street where you will be able to buy original handcrafts and stroll along charming wooden huts and restaurants with traditional cuisine.

End your trip by relishing the real taste of cheese! We will take you to the traditional Shepherd's hut where you will try Oscypek - the most characteristic food from the region!

Transfer and hotel drop off

We will drive you back safely directly to your hotel.

Please note that all times are approximate and depend on traffic conditions and guides availability.

Travellers recommend this tour:

Check opinions about this trip

My two sisters and I took the Zakopane tour on 3rd December. What a fantastic day! We were picked up at 08.30 on the dot by our tour guide Martin. The vehicle was comfortable and spotlessly clean. Martin was most informative throughout our day - providing information and answering our questions. My two elder sisters are both in the 70s. My middle sister is currently recovering from a broken leg and Martin was always on hand to help her in/out of the vehicle and to help her cross icy pathways. We enjoyed our packed lunch (provided), sitting at the top of the Gubałówka Mountain Range, enjoying the cold yet beautiful sunshine. We would certainly recommend Mr Shuttle - and would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Martin.

Stayed end of November 21 in Krakow and booked all our trips with Mr.Shuttle - The trip to Zakopane was great, our driver was very informative and nothing was a problem. Would definitely recommend Zakopane - the ride on the chairlift was cold but the views were amazing ! The funicular train was an experience and again the views from the mountain were breathtaking - Booked another short break for December 2022 and looking to visit Zakopane again.

Used for Zakopane. Great company, highly recommend.

We had been travelling through a number of cities and we were looking for something a little different. The Tatra mountains are stunning and Zakopane is a mountain tourist village nestled in the valley. We went by cable car to Gubalowka for a spectacular view over the valley. You could imagine what it would look like buried in a metre of snow. We ate a roll for lunch provided by KS overlooking the valley and then had a coffee and icecream from one of the many cafes. It was a sunny day and there were lots of people just sitting and enjoying the view. Our driver Jacob stopped at a number of places for photos on the way and the day also included a ticket to the top of the ski jump in Zakopane. There are little tourist pop ups behind the Cafes and at the bottom of the mountain there is a market as well. We were up the top for 1.5 hours but you could come down earlier and shop a bit. We fell asleep on the way back as it is along drive but the views were spectacular and we have some amazing photos and memories. We were well looked after by Jacob who got us there and back safely

From start to finish our day was great. Bart was a fab guide doing a great job of something that must be repetitive for him. Very friendly and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend this trip.

Check more or add your opinion

More details about this tour, zakopane culture, transport from krakow to zakopane, availability.

Zakopane tours are perfectly prepared for everybody who wants to fully discover what Zakopane has to offer. The tour includes a pickup from Krakow, transport through the most beautiful route to Zakopane, visiting must-see sites such as Wielka Krowiew, Gubalowka Mountain, Krupowki Street, and at the end Bacowka. After the trip, you will be transported directly to your hotel. Visit one of the best destinations with professionals. We are waiting for you!

Southern Poland is a very characteristic region. Over there we will feel the real spirit of well-preserved tradition and customs. It’s the place where you can ski, see the original architecture, hear a specific dialect, and try the best Polish cuisine. Zakopane tours leave an unforgettable experience and make you want to come back there once again!

Zakopane is located at a close distance from Krakow. It takes only around 1.5 hours to get to this beautiful winter wonderland. You will travel in a private Mercedes-Benz Vans and Minibuses. Our drivers are well trained and fully licensed for travel ground transportation. We provide a door-to-door service, which means that you will be picked up directly from your hotel and delivered to the same spot after the tour, for free.

Available on: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.Please note that this tour is not available on 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary, Easter Saturday afternoon, Easter Sunday and March of the Living Day. The minimum is 2 pax.

More reasons why you should use our services:

English speaking driver.

Our English speaking driver will be happy to advise you the best spots in town.

Regular tour

Available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In low season between January and March, the tour can be available every day.

Free Hotel Pickup

Our door-to-door service provides free pick-up and drop-off in comfortable AC Mercedes minivans and English speaking driver. It means that you can save your time and don't have to worry about travelling on your own.

On the way you will receive a delicious freshly prepared lunch set!

Cancellation policy

Cancellation 24 hours before the tour is completely free of charge!

We would also recommend:

Available and excluded days

Available on: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.Please note that this tour is not available on: 25th of December, 1st of January, Liberation Anniversary, Easter Saturday afternoon, Easter Sunday and March of the Living Day.

Important information

Please note that a minimum for the Zakopane Tour is 2 pax.

How many days do you need in Zakopane?

It depends on the travellers' preferences. One day is enough to see the most important sites in Zakopane. However, if you like hiking, there's a perfect chance to hike up to Morskie Oko for the incredible views.

How long does it take from Krakow to Zakopane?

It takes only 1.5 hours by car to travel do Zakopane from Krakow. The distance is around 110 km. If you decide to travel by bus the time extends to 2.5 hours. If you don't have a transfer and are looking for a convenient way to visit Zakopane, check out MrShuttle.com services. We encourage you to get to know our interesting trip programme and contact us through the form.

What is Zakopane famous for?

Zakopane is definitely famous for its mountain region with breathtaking views and traditional architecture. The most famous places are for example Kasprowy Wierch - a peak with characteristic and long ridgeline. Another amazing place is Tatra National Park with wildlife and nice hiking places. The place definitely with paying a visit is Morskie Oko - a huge mountain lake with remarkable views.

How far is Zakopane from Auschwitz?

It takes around 2,5 hours by to Zakopane from Auschwitz. The best way is to travel there by car. Take advantage of Mr. Shuttle's convenient transfers and don't worry about any formalities. We kindly encourage you to check the availability of the trip you are interested in and contact us using the form.

2649 reviews

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Honest Review: Best Zakopane Tour From Krakow + All to Know (2023)

Staying in Krakow and Want to Tour Zakopane?

You have come to the right place as I have done a Zakopane tour from Krakow, and it was one of the best experiences!

In this article, I will provide you with everything you need to know about Zakopane, what you can expect while touring, and important information to ensure your day trip to Zakopane is as amazing as mine was!

🏔 Short on Time? Here’s the Best Zakopane Tour from Krakow

I went with Hello Cracow , and it was perfect! The tour included everything – comfortable transport, fun activities, lots of flexibility, and a great guide!

Table of Contents

Where is zakopane located.

• Is It Worth It to Take a Tour to Zakopane From Krakow? (2023)

Best Zakopane Tour From Krakow

Honest review of zakopane day trip, why choose this zakopane tour from krakow, what to bring on zakopane tour.

• Best Time to Visit Zakopane

Where to Stay in Krakow

• Zakopane Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
• Wrap-Up: Best Zakopane Tour from Krakow (2023)

For those who aren’t familiar with Zakopane or are perhaps just recently heard of the quaint town, Zakopane is located in the southern part of Poland near the border of Slovakia. More specifically, Zakopane is about 68 miles or 109km from Krakow and situated at the base of the Tatra Mountains, making it one of the most beautiful places in Poland!

🚨 Disclaimer: I was not paid, sponsored, or asked to write this article! These are my complete and honest opinions about the Zakopane tour from Krakow that I took!

Is It Worth It to Take a Tour to Zakopane From Krakow (2023)

Zakopane is famous for being a mountain resort town that provides visitors with a wonderful retreat from the bustling city center that is Krakow. The region also offers guests an opportunity to explore stunning nature, ski (or hike) down picturesque mountains, and discover a truly unique culture! Thus, it’s without a doubt worth visiting at least once.

However, you may be wondering if you can see Zakopane without a tour. The answer is yes. It is entirely possible to visit Zakopane without going on a tour. That said, it’s really only worth it if you already have a car or plan on getting a rental car to thoroughly explore the Polish region.

Otherwise, I would strongly advise against day-tripping to Zakopane on your own. It simply isn’t worth the trouble and time of going through the rental process for a quick and easy excursion.

Plus, doing a Zakopane tour from Krakow has so many benefits. For example, removes all the stress of navigating, allows you to enjoy the incredible scenery as you ascend into the mountains, and gives you the space to fully enjoy your limited time in the area!

Now, here is the tour to Zakopane from Krakow by Hello Cracow that I opted to take, absolutely loved, and highly recommend.

⭐️  RATING : 4.8 out of 5 | ⏳  LENGTH OF TOUR:  11 hours

The From Krakow: Zakopane, Tatra Mountains & Thermal Baths Tour includes:

• Round-trip transportation directly from your hotel
• Personable English-speaking guide
• Seeing the magnificent Tatra Mountains
• Trying two types of traditional sheep cheese called oscypek
• Touring the inside of a small wooden chalet
• Admiring local art at a folk sculpture studio
• Exploring the main street in downtown Zakopane, Krupowki Street
• Admission ticket to ride the cable car up Gubałówka mountain
• 3-hours of pure relaxation at the Chochołów thermal baths

“ The most amazing trip. Our guide Patryk messaged the day before to confirm the pick-up time. He tailored the trip to suit us and was very friendly and knowledgeable answering my numerous questions. Enjoyed our free time in Zakopane and had the most amazing time in the thermal baths. Would highly recommend this trip. Thank you Patryk for making our day so memorable “ – Ashley ( See More Reviews )

✅ Check rates & availability for this ultimate Zakopane Tour !

At this point, you likely have a solid sense of what the tour includes and may be convinced to book this tour. If that’s you, heck yah — you won’t regret it! 🤠 But, if you’re someone like me who is always looking for more than just 100-word reviews and wants a full debrief of a tour to know whether or not it’s worth my time and money…then keep reading! I’ll be discussing every aspect of the trip so that you can decide whether or not this sounds like a good fit for you!

🏔 NOTE: And just so you know what to expect if and when you take this tour, I reviewed each part of the trip in chronological order!

Krakow to Zakopane

Initially, my friend and I were staying in Krakow for a week and wanted a change in scenery since we were running out of things to do in the city center. Thus, we decided to day trip to Auschwitz and the Wieliczka Salt Mine as well as book a day trip to Zakopane. Since it was a last-minute decision, we booked the Zakopane tour from Krakow only two days before the tour would take place. Within 24 hours of booking, we received a WhatsApp text confirming our pick-up time, location, and some reminders of things to bring. On the day of the tour, we waited in front of our hotel. Our driver ended up being about 15 minutes late but communicated that he was running a few minutes behind schedule, so all was good. We were picked up in a sleek Mercedes mini-van that could comfortably fit 8 people along with the driver. And in my specific tour group, we had my friend and me, a couple from Scotland, and another couple from the UK.

From Krakow, we made the hour and 20-ish minute journey to Zakopane. It was a very comfortable and chill ride. Most of us fell asleep since it was early in the morning. In terms of weather, it was pretty cloudy in the beginning, and even started pouring rain. Regardless, we were all still excited for what was to come, and the surrounding landscape of the Tatra Mountains was absolutely gorgeous. The leaves were changing colors and everything looked so peaceful!

The Shepard’s Hut or Bacówka

The first stop we made was the Shepard’s Hut or Bacówka. This is where you’ll get to sample two types of oscypek cheese – one cold and one hot off the coals! For those who don’t know, oscypek is smoked cheese made from salted sheep’s milk. It’s exclusive to the Tatra Mountain region and you’ll see LOTS of fun cheese stalls throughout the tour. One bit I really enjoyed was that the guide roasted the cheese in front of us while we were gathered around this fire in the back room of the little shepherd’s hut. He also told us how this type of cheese is produced locally.

When the cheese was done smoking, our guide added some cranberry sauce and gave each of us a little serving plate. I’ll be honest. I don’t remember exactly what it tasted like, but it had a completely different texture from what I was used to. You could also tell it was very fresh. And as a lactose-intolerant person, there were no adverse side effects, so it was a definite win in my books! Oh! And you also get to drink a shot (or two or three) of Polish Vodka! No better way to start the morning than with some vodka! Am I right!? But in all seriousness, it was way more palatable than American Vodka 😅

Krupowki Street

For the second stop of the Zakopane Tour, we drove to a wooden chalet and folk sculpture studio. However, the sculptor who owns the home wasn’t there yet. Thus, Jakob (our guide) improvised, and we visited the main street in Zakopane, Krupowki Street, in the meantime. The main street is 1km long and filled with hundreds of local stalls! People were selling homemade cheeses with unique designs, small souvenirs, clothes, and everything in between!

Gubałówka Mountain

As we looked around the main street area, Jakob slowly walked us over to the base of Gubałówka Mountain for our third stop. This is where he gave us our tickets to ride the funicular (cable car) to the top and left us to explore both the mountain and downtown area on our own. The cable car ride was quite pleasant, surprisingly fast, and lasted about 3 minutes. And upon reaching the top, we were greeted with sweeping panoramic views of the stunning landscape. You can see the tiny houses and buildings dotting the opposing mountainside as well as smoke billowing toward the clouds. It just looked so picturesque and there were hardly any crowds. Although, this was likely due to the less-than-ideal weather and the fact it was a weekday. Also on top of Gubałówka Mountain is a giant restaurant that’s great for trying traditional Polish food if you get hungry. But if you venture behind the restaurant, you’ll find a long street that’s very reminiscent of a carnival. Both sides of the street have hundreds of stalls with games, souvenirs, and even high ropes courses!

And if you walk far enough, you’ll find more lookout points as well as trailheads for some hikes. Personally, I spent a good amount of time on the huge observation deck admiring the views. I can only imagine how beautiful everything would’ve been if we had gone on a day with clear blue skies.

Review of Krupowki Street & Gubałówka Mountain

Originally, we were supposed to spend 3 hours exploring the downtown area and Gubałówka Mountain. However, since it was still raining outside, Jakob let us decide if we wanted to spend less time here and more time at the Zakopane thermal pools. Ultimately, we decided to spend 2 hours wandering around on our own and have an extra hour at the Zakopane thermal pools. That said, with 20/20 hindsight… I wish we had more time in the downtown area. There’s so much to see and some fun museums I would’ve liked to go inside. Then again, I was also the only one with an umbrella…

Wooden Chalet and Folk Sculpture Studio

After leaving Krupowki Street and Gubałówka Mountain, we made our way to the wooden chalet and folk sculpture studio. There, we walked around this small wooden chalet that was akin to a time capsule from the 16th century. The house wasn’t insulated and almost everything was handmade out of wood. I will say that the house has electricity, but aside from that, everything else is likely hundreds of years old! It was truly fascinating to walk around and imagine the life of people living here centuries ago.

Within the house, there’s also another room that contains the owner’s sculpture studio. Inside, you’ll find hundreds, if not thousands, of different wood carvings, figurines, and sculptures. The owner is one of the very last people practicing this particular style of carving that I, unfortunately, don’t remember the name of. However, I will say that everyone can appreciate his masterful skill and great craftsmanship. You can even purchase some of his work if you feel inclined. I didn’t because I literally had no space and was traveling through Europe for 7 weeks out of only my carry-on suitcase. But if you have the space and means, I would highly recommend supporting his work!

Review of Wooden Chalet and Folk Sculpture Studio

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this part of the tour because it gave us an authentic look into Zakopane’s history and how locals used to live. The house is definitely on the smaller side, but it’s still very cool to see everything nicely preserved, and especially admire the owner’s sculpting skills. Also, it’s worth noting that this portion of the tour is not found on most, if not all, of the other Zakopane tours from Krakow.

Thermal Pools Zakopane

For the final stop of the tour , we went to the thermal pools in Zakopane, which are actually called the Chochołowska Baths. This was the part of the tour that everyone was most excited about, especially with the cold weather. Even the outside of the building looked so warm and inviting!

There’s so much to say, and I cover it all in my full review of just the Chocholow Thermal Baths …but to sum it up — the thermal pools in Zakopane are nothing short of heaven. There are 30 pools, many of which are kept at different temperatures so you can find one that best suits you. My personal favorite area was the massive panoramic pool outside that faces the Tatra Mountains and surrounding forest area. At the thermal pools, you’ll also find lots of bars. That’s right, you can relax in the revitalizing thermal waters AND enjoy a drink (or 6) like one of the other tour guests! And if you get hungry as I did, they have tons of food options: a full-scale restaurant, a dessert shop, and a serving buffet. The best part is that it’s also very affordable!

Oh! And instead of carrying your phone or credit card around to pay, you simply use a wristband that you’re initially given. This wristband is the key to everything. As soon as you pass through the turnstiles, the watch begins a countdown — you can’t see the countdown though, it’s all internal software. It’s also like an Apple watch in that you’re charged for any purchase you make through the wristband. And upon leaving, you’ll turn in your wristband and use cash, your phone, or a card to settle your account.

Mini Review of Thermal Pools Zakopane

Without a doubt, the thermal pools were the best part of the tour for me. They were so rejuvenating and just removed all the stress and tension of solo traveling through Europe. Everything was very clean, organized, and efficient. There are even free hot showers and blowdryers available after your swim. The main downside to thermal pools is that they can be extremely crowded. But considering this is one of the town’s main attractions, it’s understandable. And quite honestly, even with the crowds, there are so many pools that you’re sure to find a spot that works for you. I’ll also say that we spent 4 hours at the thermal pools in Zakopane, which isn’t a problem…it just felt a bit long. As mentioned earlier, I would’ve preferred to spend more time downtown. But in the normal Zakopane tour package, only 3 hours at the thermal pools are included, so that’s something to be aware of.

Ultimately, this tour is fantastic and compared to a lot of the other tour options, it gives quite a comprehensive tour of Zakopane… not just the thermal pools. Communication with the tour guide was great prior to the tour and he was super friendly during the tour. I asked a bunch of questions that he was happy to answer. The van is safe and makes for a comfortable ride, and the entire day is just well put together. I genuinely enjoyed getting to explore Zakopane, learn about the local history and lifestyle, and of course, relax in the soothing thermal baths. Thus, if you’re looking to get a great holistic overview of Zakopane AND spend time at the thermal pools, then I cannot recommend this tour enough. The value of the Zakopane day trip was well worth the price, and I even hope to do it again…but during the summer! 😉☀️

✅ Check rates & availability for this Ultimate Zakopane Tour !

But…if you still aren’t convinced or want to explore other Zakopane tours from Krakow… I completely understand. Click below to see what other tours are available.

✅ See other Zakopane Tour Options

To make your tour as smooth as possible, here are a few extra items you’ll want to make sure you have in tow.

• 🌬 Light Jacket : I highly recommend bringing at least a light jacket if you’re visiting during the summer and a thick heavy jacket if you go between October and May. For reference, I visited in early October and brought both my Patagonia Nano puff jacket as well as a waterproof jacket. This ended up being the perfect combination to keep me toasty.
• ☔️ Umbrella: As mentioned earlier, the weather in Zakopane can be a bit fickle, and even during the summertime, it’s very prone to rain. Therefore, to avoid having your parade quite literally rained on, I recommend packing a small umbrella …unless frolicking in the rain is your kind of thing!

• 👙 Swimsuit: Just as a friendly reminder, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit or swim trunks. Truly, you don’t want to miss out on relaxing in the fabulous Zakopane thermal pools because it’s such a delightful experience.
• 🧖‍♀️ Towel: To avoid paying added fees not included in the tour price, bring your own towel. I personally brought my Rainleaf microfiber towel that I always travel with and it was perfect since it doesn’t take up a lot of space and is extremely efficient at drying me off.
• 🩴 Flip Flops: Try your best to bring sandals or shower flip-flops. Guests are asked and expected to wear flip-flops in the locker room/changing area to keep everything clean!
• 🍎 Snacks & Water: Aside from the traditional cheese tasting and Polish Vodka, no food is provided on the tour. Thus, you may want to bring your own small snacks. Alternatively, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase food authentic Polish food at several stops along the tour!

Best Time To Visit Zakopane

Like most places, the best time to visit Zakopane depends entirely on what you want to see and do. For example, if you want the best chances of seeing bright clear skies or having warm weather that’s ideal for hiking, I recommend going anytime between June and early September. Meanwhile, if you love reveling in snow-capped mountains and can bear the cold, Zakopane is quite the winter wonderland from mid-October until late April.

What is Zakopane Like During the Summer?

In the summertime, Zakopane experiences average highs of around 65-70°F and average lows of about 50°F. These obviously aren’t hot temperatures, but they make for a perfect day wandering through the gorgeous mountainside! That said, just know that the weather can turn on a dime…The area experiences about 10 days of rain during the summer months. So while you have the greatest chance of experiencing warmer temperatures and clear skies during summer, there’s also a decent chance of rain!

What Is Zakopane Like During the Winter?

During the winter months, the highlander villages experience an average high and low of 35°F and 20°F, respectively. There are about 5 days of rain per month and a good amount of snowfall. Specifically, January is when Zakopane receives the most amount of snow — approximately 8.5 inches. All of this said, Zakopane is relatively sunny during the winter compared to the rest of Poland, which I think is pretty neat!

If you’re looking for housing options in Krakow, here are a few recommendations. They are based on where I stayed and the research I did when visiting Krakow 🙂 Also, they’re centrally located in and near Krakow’s Old Town and have excellent ratings!

P.S. Krakow is much cheaper to visit than other places in Western Europe, such as Monaco , Nice , or Stockholm … so if you’ve been dreaming of that luxury stay for much more affordable prices, now’s the time to spend a little extra! 😉

Low-Cost Stay

• Greg & Tom Beer House Hostel — fun nightly pub crawls! | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10
• Leonardo Boutique Hotel Krakow Old Town — 3-star hotel | ⭐️ 9 / 10

Mid-Range Stay

• Sky Hotel Kraków — 4-star hotel with airport shuttle | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10
• Metropolitan Boutique Hotel — 4 star hotel with restaurant | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10

Fancy Stays

• Hotel Stary — 5-star hotel with spa service & pool | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
• Hotel Unicus Palace — 5- star hotel under $200 per night! | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10

Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.

Alternatively, you can use the interactive map below to explore all the different hotels! Prices are up-to-date and you can get even more accurate information by inputting your travel dates if you know them 🙂

Zakopane Tour from Krakow: Frequently Asked Questions

By now, you probably have more information than you originally wanted…But to ensure you have all the information, here are my answers to some commonly asked questions!

Zakopane is known as an exceptionally popular ski resort destination from December to March. So much so that the town is referred to as the “ Winter capital of Poland .” Thus, if you want to avoid the large winter crowds, I suggest going during the spring or fall instead! Just be prepared for the cold temperatures!

Zakopane is pronouced, “Zak-o-pahn-nay”. There are four distinct syllables in the word!

Zakopane has an elevation of about 800m – 1000m or 2625 ft – 3281ft. It’s more than 600m higher in altitude than Krakow, which is why the climate in Zakopane is about 5.4°F colder in comparison.

The ski resort mountain town is about 32.53 mi². For comparison, Krakow is 126.3mi².

Obviously, this all depends on your budget and background but compared to places like Paris , Stockholm , and Barcelona … Zakopane is very affordable. You can easily purchase a hefty meal that will fill you up for at least half the day for about $10 USD.

Wrap-Up: Zakopane Day Trip: Best Zakopane Tour From Krakow (2023)

Zakopane is a hidden gem destination that should not be missed. With its stunning views, cozy thermal pools, and delicious food and drinks, it’s such a wonderful place to escape the chaotic city life, explore, and indulge in a little self-care.

And by far the easiest way to do a Zakopane day trip is by doing a tour. With an expert guide, you’ll see Zakopane’s most noteworthy attractions, gain insight into the local culture and history, and be able to make the most of your precious time.

Thus, for anyone looking for a relaxing day of exploration and indulgence, I highly recommend this Zakopane tour from Krakow !

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How to Easily Day Trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse

If you’re in Toulouse for a few days and have run out of things to do in the city or are looking for a change of pace, consider day-tripping to Carcassonne. And if you have never heard of Carcassonne, let alone how to get there… don’t worry!  In this post, I’ll be providing you with all the information that you need to easily day trip to Carcassonne from Toulouse, France!

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Kristin is the founder of Global Travel Escapades, a blog dedicated to helping travelers explore beautiful destinations and planning their wildest travel dreams. She has explored 30 countries and is on a mission to visit 50 by age 30. Along the way, she has lived in places like sunny San Diego and the vibrant French capital! Ultimately, Kristin hopes her passion for adventure, delicious food, and all things F1 & tennis inspires others to plan their next travel escapade!