Plan Your Visit to Zakopane Thermal Baths

Zakopane Thermal Baths | Visitor information at a glance

Chocholow Thermal Baths with snow-covered landscape and water slides in Poland.

What are the opening hours?

Chocolow Thermal Baths is open from 9am to 1 pm from Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday.

Where is it located?

Chocholow Thermal Baths is at Chocholow 400, 34‑513 Witów, Poland, about 17 km from Zakopane.

Chocholow Thermal Baths

Mother and child enjoying Terma Bania Hot Springs pool in Zakopane.

What are the opening hours?

Bania Thermal Baths is open from 9am to 10pm throughout the week.

Where is it located?

Bania Thermal Baths is located at Środkowa 181, 34‑405 Białka Tatrzańska, about 22 km from Zakopane in southern Poland.

Bania Thermal Baths

Goracy Potok Thermal Bath with wooden lodge and water fountain in Krakow.

What are the opening hours?

Goracy Potok is open from 9am to 10pm throughout the week.

Where is it located?

Goracy Potok is at Osiedle Nowe 45, Szaflary, 34‑424 Szaflary, around 15–17 km north of Zakopane.

Goracy Potok Thermal Baths

Visitor relaxing in a geothermal spa surrounded by snowy landscape, Iceland.

What are the opening hours?

Szaflary Thermal Baths is open from 9am to 10pm throughout the week.

Where is it located?

Szaflary Thermal Baths is at Osiedle Nowe 20, 34‑424 Szaflary, Poland, roughly 17 km from Zakopane.

Szaflary Thermal Baths

Tourist woman relaxing in a bubbling thermal pool.

What are the opening hours?

Bukovian Thermal Baths is open from 9 am to 10 pm throughout the week. The ticket office closes at 9pm, while attractions shut down by 9:45pm.

Where is it located?

Termy Bukovina at Sportowa 22, 34‑530 Bukowina Tatrzańska, Poland, around 15 km from Zakopane.

Bukovina Thermal Baths

Zakopane’s thermal baths are open year-round, but when you go it makes a big difference. Crowd levels, weather, and overall vibe shift with the seasons. Whether you're after quiet relaxation or a lively atmosphere, here’s when to plan your visit for the best experience.

Weekday mornings are ideal if you want a quieter, more relaxed experience. Locals and tourists usually start arriving in the late afternoon, so getting in early means more space and less noise.
Winter (December to March) is the most popular time. Expect crowds, especially in the evenings after ski sessions. But it’s also the most scenic: soaking in warm pools surrounded by snow is a true bucket-list moment.
Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are shoulder seasons, meaning fewer people and better prices. The weather’s cooler, but the baths stay warm, making it a great time for a peaceful soak.
Summer (June–August) brings families, holidaymakers, and long lines. If you’re visiting during this time, try early mornings or late evenings to avoid the busiest hours and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Getting to Zakopane Thermal Baths

Snowmobiles on snowy terrain beneath Northern Lights, Rovaniemi, Finland.

By bus (from Zakopane)

Chocholow: Take a local minibus from Zakopane heading to Witow, Ciche, or Czarny Dunajec. Buses run frequently and stop right outside the baths, with a travel time of about 25 minutes.
Terma Bania: Hop on a bus to Bialka Tatrzanska from the Zakopane bus station. It drops you a short walk from the entrance with a travel time of about 30 to 40 minutes.
Goracy Potok & Szaflary: Buses heading to Nowy Targ or Krakow stop near both facilities in Szaflary. Ask the driver to let you off at Goracy Potok or Termy Szaflary. Both are about a 200m walk from the road.
Bukovina: Board a regional minibus to Bukowina Tatrzanska. Get off at the “Bukowina Tatrzanska – Dom Ludowy” stop. The spa is just a few minutes away on foot.

By taxi or car

Chocholow: 17 km west of Zakopane with a 20 to 25 min drive, with taxis or Uber costing around 40 to 50 PLN.
Terma Bania: Approximately 22 km northeast in Białka Tatrzańska. Driving takes approximately 30 minutes, and free parking is available.
Goracy Potok & Szaflary: Both are located about 14 to 15 km north of Zakopane, with a travel time of 20 minutes. Expect to pay 55–65 PLN by taxi.
Bukovina: Located about 10 km east of Zakopane. The drive takes around 20 minutes, with paid parking available on-site.

How to visit Zakopane Thermal Baths?

Zakopane’s thermal baths are ticketed attractions, and you’ll need a valid entry ticket to enjoy the pools, saunas, and spa zones. These spots, especially Chocholow, Terma Bania, and Bukovina, can get packed in winter and holiday seasons. Booking your tickets online in advance is the easiest way to skip the lines and lock in your visit. It saves time, guarantees your spot, and helps you plan your day without stress.

Know before you go

Tourists relaxing in a thermal spa with snowy Zakopane mountains in the background.

Zakopane’s thermal baths are some of the most popular attractions in the Tatra region, especially during ski season and holidays. Tickets can sell out fast, especially on weekends. Booking online saves time, helps you skip the ticket queues, and ensures you won’t miss out on your spa day.

Swimwear is mandatory at all Zakopane thermal baths. As most areas are co-ed, wear modest and comfortable swimsuits.

Swim caps are usually required in swimming pools, but not in the thermal zones.
Flip-flops are recommended; the floors can get slippery!
You’ll need to shower before entering any pool.

Changing rooms with lockers at a tourist attraction for secure storage.

While amenities vary slightly between bath complexes, here’s what you can expect at most places:

Lockers & changing rooms
Private cabins or family zones
Swimwear and towel rental
Saunas, steam rooms & salt caves
Cafés or bars
Children’s zones (with slides and play pools)
On-site spas for treatments and massages

Women in swimsuits relaxing in a traditional Hammam spa setting.

Arrive early to beat the crowds—especially on weekends or during holidays.
Bring your own swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops to avoid rental fees.
No nudity is allowed in public zones.
Food & drinks from outside are generally not allowed inside. Most baths have cafés or bars.
Smoking is only allowed in designated outdoor areas.
Long soaks can dehydrate you—keep a water bottle handy.

Restauracja Chocholowska: A polished dining spot offering daily-changing lunch sets and a mix of Podhale regional specialties and European dishes (lamb, duck, fish, pork). Pastries, desserts, and poolside cocktails round out the experience.

Terma Bania: The on‑site eateries include a pizza bar, casual café, and full‑service restaurant. They serve quick bites, coffee, and hearty Polish‑Italian fusion dishes ideal for fueling up between soaks.

Karczma Litworowy Staw: Under a mile away, this highlander inn serves generous traditional Polish meals like dumplings, trout, and grilled meats in a rustic atmosphere.

Karczma Giewont: This spot is famous for highlander-style pizza topped with oscypek cheese, bacon, and cranberry—a beloved local combo.

Modern hotel room with double bed, white linens, and brown pillows near a window.

Budget Stays: Top Hostel Zakopane, Willa Orla, Hostel Stara Polana

Mid-Range: Hotel Czarny Potok, Hotel Logos Zakopane, Bukowiański Dworek

Luxury: Aries Hotel & Spa Zakopane, Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski, Bukovina Hotel & Spa

Frequently asked questions about visiting Zakopane Thermal Baths

Are Zakopane Thermal Baths open year-round?

Yes, most baths are open daily, all year round and even in winter, so you can soak in hot mineral pools while surrounded by snow.

Can kids visit the thermal baths?

Absolutely! Most Zakopane baths welcome kids and have shallow pools, slides, and play zones. Just check age-specific rules for saunas and adult zones.

Are the baths accessible for visitors with disabilities?

Yes, many baths (like Chocholow and Terma Bania) offer wheelchair access, ramps, and adapted changing rooms. Call ahead to confirm specific facilities at each location.

What’s the best time of day to visit?

Early morning or late evening sees fewer crowds. Weekdays are quieter too, ideal for relaxed soaking without the hustle and bustle of peak hours.

Is there a dress code in the thermal baths?

Yes—swimwear is mandatory. Avoid loose clothing or cotton. Swim caps may be needed in swimming lanes but not in thermal pools or saunas.

How much do tickets cost, and where can I buy them?

Prices vary by bath, starting around 80–120 PLN. Book online to skip ticketing queues and guarantee entry.

Do I need to bring cash, or are cards accepted?

Most places accept credit/debit cards, but it’s smart to carry some cash for lockers, snacks, or local stalls nearby.

Information

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