Craving a soak with a view? Head to the cool and adventurous town of Zakopane. Sitting at the foot of the Tatra Mountains and blending alpine scenery with soothing thermal baths, Zakopane is the perfect place for a day filled with relaxation, outdoor adventure and highlander culture.
Most tours start from Krakow and base themselves in Zakopane, with guided transfers to nearby attractions such as Chochołów Thermal Baths. Guided round trips are the easiest option since they include well-timed schedules that help you avoid queues and enjoy the journey without stress.
Start your adventure in Kuźnice, just outside Zakopane, where the cable car whisks you up to Kasprowy Wierch. As you glide above pine forests, the Tatras unfold beneath you. You don’t even need hiking boots to enjoy the views!
Hop on the funicular near Krupówki Street and in minutes you’ll be standing on Gubałówka Hill. Grab a hot chocolate, browse handmade crafts, or simply breathe in the crisp mountain air while the Tatras sparkle in the distance.
About 25 km southeast of Zakopane lies an emerald lake that’s pure magic. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, Morskie Oko is one of Poland’s most photographed spots. Lace up your hiking shoes and follow the forest trail to reach this postcard-perfect destination.
Roughly 20 km west of Zakopane, this postcard-perfect wooden village feels frozen in time. Walk past tidy rows of timber houses, visit local workshops, and taste smoked cheese made using traditional recipes passed down through generations.
You can’t leave Zakopane without trying oscypek, the region’s signature smoked sheep’s cheese. Follow the smell of sizzling grills along Krupówki Street or in Chochołów, and taste it warm with cranberry jam for the ultimate local treat.
When winter arrives, Zakopane transforms into Poland’s snow capital. Zoom down the slopes for some thrilling mountain escapes while enjoying incredible views all around.
The trails around Zakopane are some of the most scenic in the Tatras. Wander through peaceful valleys like Kościeliska and Chochołowska or hike up Giewont for those cross-topped summit views.
End your day in the heart of Zakopane at Krupówki Street, a lively mix of shops, cafés, and restaurants. It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs, try mountain delicacies, and soak up the charm of the town.
Good food is part of the Zakopane experience, with many restaurants and cafés offering authentic dishes, local cheeses, and traditional Polish flavours.
If you have extra time, pop into these shopping spots for local crafts, souvenirs, and specialty finds.
It really depends on what you want to do. Love snow and skiing? Come between mid-December and April. Prefer sunny hikes and open trails? May to October is perfect. The shoulder months like May or September are the best time to visit because it’s quieter with lesser crowds.
Usually around 2-2.5 hours by car or bus. The road called Zakopianka can get busy, especially on weekends or holidays, so it’s smart to hit the road early.
If you don’t want to stress about transport, go with a day tour with transfers from Kraków. They handle everything for you, and most include stops at places like Chochołów Thermal Baths. If you prefer exploring on your own, you can take a bus or drive.
Definitely. One full day is enough to explore the main spots, walk along Krupówki Street, ride the funicular up Gubałówka Hill, and relax in the thermal baths before heading back.
Yes, especially for the cable cars and thermal baths. In busy months like July, August, or ski season, lines can get long and tickets may run out. Booking early saves you time and hassle.
Krupówki Street is full of delicious options. Try the grilled oscypek cheese with cranberry sauce, kwaśnica soup, or smoky Polish sausages. You’ll smell them before you see them!
Don’t miss Gubałówka Hill, Krupówki Street, and the Chochołów Thermal Baths. If you have time, head out to Morskie Oko Lake or take the cable car up Kasprowy Wierch for stunning mountain views.
Both seasons are amazing in their own way. Summer is all about hiking, greenery, and open-air fun, while winter turns Zakopane into a snowy fairytale. You really can’t go wrong!
If you visit only one spa near Zakopane, make it Chochołowskie. This complex feels like a mix between a mountain resort and a wellness playground, with salt pools, water bars, and a huge sauna zone.
Bukovina feels like a cozy alpine lodge come to life. Wooden interiors, perfectly warm mineral water, and views of pine-covered slopes make it the ideal place to slow down. The atmosphere is gentler and more intimate than Chochołów, perfect for a quiet soak after exploring the hills
At Terma Bania, mountain energy meets pure relaxation. In winter, skiers step straight off the slopes and into steaming pools. One area is lively with slides and play zones, while the other stays calm with herbal saunas, a snow grotto, and peaceful rest corners.
Right in town, Aqua Park Zakopane is the easiest way to enjoy the region’s thermal waters without leaving the city. Stop by after a stroll along Krupówki Street and melt into hot tubs overlooking Gubałówka Hill. On snowy nights, soaking here feels like a secret local luxury.
This rustic outdoor spa feels like a nature retreat carved from wood and steam. More than twenty wooden pools sit under open skies, filled with mineral-rich water that is as healing as it is beautiful. You can slather on mud baths, try the rope bridge over steaming ponds, or simply float under the stars.
If you are craving something quiet and authentic, head to Termy Szaflary. Locals love it for its strong mineral waters rich in sulfur and magnesium. The pace is slower here, the setting greener, and the air fresher. It is the perfect countryside escape.
No trip to Zakopane is complete without seeing Morskie Oko, the mountain lake that mirrors the Tatras like glass. Whether you hike through the forest or take a horse-drawn carriage partway, the view that greets you at the top is unforgettable.
The Tatra Mountains are not just a backdrop. They are part of the whole experience. From funicular rides up Gubałówka to poolside views at Chochołów, the peaks seem to follow you everywhere. Watching steam rise across the mountains makes every soak feel cinematic.
This is the easiest and most popular way to reach Zakopane from Krakow. Most full-day tours include hotel pickup, direct transfers in air-conditioned minibuses with Wi-Fi, and a guide who shares stories along the way.
Highly rated fine-dining spot known for creative Polish, French, and European cuisine.
Classic highlander inn offering hearty regional dishes in a rustic mountain setting.
Stylish highlander-style restaurant with warm regional décor and elegant traditional menus.
The main pedestrian street is lined with souvenir shops, local food stalls, and highlander crafts, perfect for browsing and buying.
A lively daily market known for its local produce, traditional snacks, and the popular salty oscypek cheese, a classic Zakopane souvenir.
Gallery shop showcasing authentic highlander wood carvings, ceramics, glass paintings, and regional art, along with fine folk handicrafts and sculptures.
A scenic and relaxed option for independent travelers. Trains from Kraków Główny to Zakopane take about 2 to 2.5 hours and offer countryside views along the way. You will need local transport to reach the thermal baths or hiking areas.
The most affordable and frequent way to reach Zakopane. Buses leave Krakow every 30 to 60 minutes and arrive near Krupówki Street in the town centre.
A flexible way to explore at your own pace. The drive from Krakow to Zakopane takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours through mountain valleys and charming wooden villages. Ideal if you plan to visit places like Chochołów or the thermal baths on your own.
Chocholow Thermal Baths Tickets with Transfer Option
From Kraków: Full-Day Trip to Zakopane with Chochołów Thermal Spa, Cable Car & Transfers
Zakopane: Quad Biking Adventure with Bonfire and Transfers
From Krakow: Zakopane Day Tour with Quad Biking, Chocholow Thermal Baths & Transfers