From Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Cable Car + Tasting & Pickup

Exploring Zakopane from Krakow: A Practical and Enjoyable Day Trip

If you’re planning to visit Krakow and want to experience the stunning beauty of the Polish Tatra Mountains, this Zakopane tour with cable car and tastings is worth considering. It’s a popular option that combines scenic views, cultural insights, and local flavors—all in one day.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances the must-see sights with authentic local encounters. The Gubaówka cable car offers iconic views of the mountains, and the chance to taste regional Oscypek cheese and spirits adds a tasty layer to the trip. Plus, visiting Zakopane’s main street, Krupowki, gives a lively feel for Polish mountain town life.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that this tour can be quite packed—there are multiple stops, and the schedule moves quickly. If you prefer slow, unhurried visits or are traveling with small children, this might not be the best fit.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded, guided day out to see Zakopane without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. It’s ideal if you’re after scenic views, local food, and a taste of mountain culture in a manageable, organized day.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with scenic cable car rides, local markets, and architectural sights
• Knowledgeable guides consistently praised for their friendliness and insights
• Value for money: Includes transportation, tickets, tastings, and some free time
• Flexible options for guided tour or free time, catering to different traveler preferences
• Authentic experiences such as cheese and spirits tasting and visiting wooden architecture sites
• Small group size ensures a personal, less rushed experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Zakopane Day Trip

If you’ve read about Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains, you’ll know they’re famed for their breathtaking scenery, winter sports, and unique wooden architecture. This tour from Krakow encapsulates many of those highlights in a single day, making it a popular choice for visitors who don’t want to miss out but also don’t want to spend multiple days in the mountains.

The Journey Begins: Comfortable Transport & Organized Start

The tour kicks off at Wielopole 2 in Krakow, where you meet your guide. From there, it’s about an hour and a half in a modern Mercedes minivan or minibus—plenty of room for a small group of 15 or fewer people. This setup feels intimate and allows your guide to be attentive, as many reviews highlight.

The transportation aspect is straightforward, and the early start means you get a full day of sightseeing. As you settle in, you’re already getting a taste of the scenic drive through Lesser Poland, with anticipation building for what’s to come.

First Stop: Chochołów Village & Wooden Architecture

Your first significant stop is in Chochołów, a village renowned for its traditional wooden houses. This is where we loved the way the tour showcases the region’s craftsmanship and architectural style—something you’ll see in many villages around Zakopane.

The visit here isn’t just a quick photo opportunity; guides often share stories about the building techniques and regional history. One reviewer mentioned how their guide shared many interesting stories at the wooden house, making it more than just a visual experience. If you’re into architecture or rustic charm, this stop is definitely worth it.

Witów Village: Tasting Local Flavors

Next, you head to Witów, a spot famous for its local cheese (Oscypek) and regional spirits. Tasting these products is a real highlight, according to travelers’ reviews. The cheese, in particular, is a true regional specialty—smoky, salty, and delicious—and paired with local spirits, it offers a genuine taste of the mountains.

Spirits tasting isn’t just about the alcohol; it’s also about learning from knowledgeable guides who share stories about local customs and traditions. One guest mentioned how their guide took the time to explain everything thoroughly, which added depth to the experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Zakopane: The Heart of the Mountain Town

The journey continues into Zakopane itself, where you’re given about an hour of free time to explore Krupowki, the town’s lively main street. Here, you can browse handmade crafts, buy souvenirs, or sample regional snacks—perfect for those who want to soak in local atmosphere.

Many reviews highlight how friendly and helpful guides are during this part, often giving tips on the best shops or food spots. While the schedule is tight, this segment allows you to experience Zakopane’s charm without feeling rushed.

The Cable Car Adventure: Gubaówka Hill

One of the major highlights is the Gubałówka cable car ride. It’s a quick 10-minute trip that offers jaw-dropping views of the Tatra Mountains. Many visitors find this the most memorable part—standing in the cable car, overlooking the peaks, and taking countless photos.

The cable car tickets are included in the tour, which is a good value, especially considering the popularity of this attraction. After reaching Gubałówka Hill, you get about an hour to enjoy the scenery, perhaps grab a beer or coffee at the summit, or just soak in the panoramic vistas.

Wooden Architecture & Scenic Stops

Following the cable car experience, the tour includes visits to Chapel of Jaszczurówka and Peksowy Brzyzek, known for their beautiful wooden structures. These sites offer a glimpse into the region’s traditional building styles and spiritual life.

While some stops are optional, many travelers appreciate the chance to see these unique architectural features. One review mentions the guide sharing interesting stories during these visits, enhancing the experience.

Free Time & Optional Extras

The tour offers a generous amount of free time—about 5 hours if you choose the flexible option—so you can roam Zakopane at your own pace. Whether you want to relax at a cafe, shop for souvenirs, or explore more of the town, this is your chance.

It’s worth noting that lunch isn’t included, so you might want to plan ahead or indulge at one of the many local eateries. Many visitors recommend trying regional dishes or just enjoying a coffee and cake—one of the highest praised moments in reviews.

Wrapping Up & Return

The day wraps up with a scenic drive back to Krakow, with some stops along the way for photos or quick visits. The small group setting and attentive guide help make this a smooth, enjoyable experience from start to finish.

The Real Value: What Travelers Say

Readers who have taken this tour often mention their guides’ knowledge and friendliness as a standout feature. Several reviews praise how their guides shared stories and made efforts to personalize the experience, even suggesting it felt like a private tour given the small size.

The scenic cable car ride and stunning mountain views consistently get high marks. Many also appreciate how the tour combines sightseeing with tasting local food and spirits, giving a well-rounded taste of the region.

However, some point out that the tour can be quite busy, with a tight schedule that doesn’t leave much flexibility. Also, the cable car ticket isn’t included in the base price, which adds around 7 GBP, so plan for that extra expense.

Most agree that the tour offers good value for the price of around $34 per person, especially when you consider the transportation, tickets, and tastings included. It’s a solid choice for travelers who want an organized, comprehensive day trip with memorable highlights.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This trip works well for those who enjoy guided excursions, scenic views, and authentic local experiences. It’s especially suited to visitors looking for a manageable, all-in-one day trip without worrying about logistics. If you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and want to pack in a lot of highlights—including cable car rides, tastings, and architectural sights—this tour is a good fit.

It’s less ideal for travelers who prefer a leisurely pace or want to spend more time exploring specific sites. If you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility concerns, consider that there are several stops, some walking involved, and the schedule is quite structured.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 9 hours, with the option to include 5 hours of free time in Zakopane if you choose the flexible option.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, Gubałówka cable car tickets, local market visits, cheese and spirits tasting, and guided sightseeing. Lunch isn’t included.

Is this a guided tour or just transportation?
There are two options—either a guided tour with stops and explanations or a transfer with 5 hours of free time to explore on your own.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended as there will be some walking and sightseeing.

Can I visit the wooden architecture sites?
Yes, if you select the guided tour option, you’ll visit sites like the Chapel of Jaszczurówka and Peksowy Brzyzek.

How much extra will I pay for the cable car?
The cable car tickets are included in the tour price, but if you’re doing this independently, expect to pay around 7 GBP for the ride.

Is this tour family-friendly?
The tour is generally suitable for most travelers but is best for those comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking. No specific mention of children’s activities is made.

What about food and drinks?
You can sample regional cheese and spirits at Witów, and there are options to buy snacks and drinks during free time in Zakopane.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through providers like GetYourGuide, with options for flexible booking and full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance.

In the end, this Zakopane tour offers a practical way to experience a slice of the mountains, culture, and local flavors in just one day. Whether you’re a nature lover, a foodie, or someone who simply wants to see the iconic views and architecture, it’s a trip worth considering—especially if you like the idea of guided, well-organized outings.

You can check availability for your dates here: