Krakow: Zakopane and Thermal Pools Tour with Hotel Pickup

Traveling from Krakow to Zakopane offers a chance to experience Poland’s scenic mountains, charming villages, and soothing thermal pools—all in one day. We’ve looked into this popular tour to see if it lives up to its promises, especially for travelers seeking a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation.

What we love about this tour is how efficiently it packs in so many highlights—like the panoramic funicular ride and tasting authentic regional cheeses and vodkas—without feeling rushed. Plus, the thermal baths are genuinely a highlight, perfect for unwinding after a busy day.

That said, a quick heads-up: the itinerary is quite full, and while the experience is generally smooth, some may find the long day a little tiring or crowded, especially during peak seasons.

This tour is ideal for those who want a well-rounded taste of Zakopane’s mountain charm, but also value comfort, guided ease, and a good dose of local flavor. If you enjoy scenic views, cultural bites, and relaxing in thermal waters, this might be just the right fit.

Key Points

• Comfortable transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off makes logistics easier.
• A mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences — from Gubałówka funicular to cheese tastings.
• Relaxation in thermal pools offers real unwind-time after sightseeing.
• Value for money with included tickets, tastings, and guided commentary.
• Timing is carefully managed to balance all activities within an 11-hour window.
• Not suitable for wheelchairs, so plan accordingly if mobility is a concern.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Zakopane & Thermal Pools Tour

If you’re considering a day trip from Krakow, this tour offers a well-organized way to explore Zakopane’s stunning mountain scenery, lively streets, and thermal baths—all in one go. It’s designed to give you a taste of the best, without the hassle of planning transportation or tickets yourself.

The Journey Begins: Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

Most tours start with a pickup from your Krakow hotel, which is a huge plus—no need to worry about navigating busy city streets or finding meeting points. Once you’re on board, the 1.5-hour drive is comfortable and scenic, giving you a sneak peek of Poland’s picturesque countryside. We appreciate how this ride sets a relaxed tone for the day ahead.

First Stop: Chochołów Village and Cheese Tasting

Your first real taste of regional culture is in Chochołów, a charming wooden village famous for its traditional architecture and local crafts. The short 20-minute stop here is perfect for stretching your legs, snapping some photos, and browsing local shops.

The highlight is the cheese and vodka tasting at a shepherd’s hut—oscypek, the smoked cheese, is especially popular and adds a flavorful touch to the experience. The guide usually explains the significance of these foods, making the tasting more meaningful. Many travelers, including one review, mention how “the views were gorgeous and the thermal pools were good too,” signaling a balanced day of sights and flavors.

Exploring Zakopane: The Heart of the Tatra Mountains

Next, you arrive in Zakopane itself—a lively mountain town bursting with character. The walk along Krupówki Street is a highlight, blending vibrant street life with traditional wooden architecture. It’s a great spot for shopping, grabbing souvenirs, or simply soaking up the local atmosphere.

You’ll have about two hours here, which is enough time to explore, take photos, or enjoy a quick bite. Many appreciate the flexibility this provides, especially since Zakopane’s streets are lively and full of interesting small shops.

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Gubałówka Hill: Scenic Views from the Funicular

The funicular ride to Gubałówka Hill is often praised. The 10-minute trip offers sweeping vistas of the mountains and valley below—a real treat for anyone who loves a good photo opportunity. Once at the top, you can enjoy panoramic views, walk around, and capture that classic mountain scenery.

It’s worth noting that the cable car may be closed during maintenance periods, like from April 1-4, 2025. In those cases, the driver will take you by car instead, ensuring you still get a taste of the mountain views.

Tasting Authentic Mountain Flavors

Later in the afternoon, a visit to a traditional shepherd’s hut (bacówka) is both fun and tasty. This stop is often highlighted as a favorite, especially for food lovers. The cheese tasting of oscypek and a shot of local vodka provide a genuine slice of mountain life. Many reviews emphasize how “the delicious cheese and tapas” contributed to a memorable cultural experience.

Relaxing in Chochołowskie Termy Thermal Baths

As evening approaches, you’ll head to the thermal pools—arguably the crown jewel of this tour. Chochołowskie Termy is described as the largest and one of the best thermal baths in Poland, so you’re in for a treat. The soothing mineral-rich waters and scenic mountain backdrop make this an ideal spot for relaxation.

You’ll have roughly 2.5 hours here, enough time to swim, soak, and unwind. The tranquil atmosphere, coupled with the warm waters, helps you relax after a busy day of sightseeing. Several reviews mention how this part of the trip really balances out the early busy touring, giving you a chance to recharge.

Return to Krakow

The journey back takes around 1.5 hours, giving you some downtime before arriving at your Krakow hotel. The tour ends with a drop-off at one of ten convenient locations, making it easy to unwind or plan your evening.

How the Experience Comes Together

This tour provides a well-rounded day, blending scenic beauty, local culture, and relaxing downtime. The inclusion of tickets and tastings adds value, giving you a seamless experience without the fuss of booking everything separately.

Most travelers, like the one who gave it a 5-star review, appreciated how “Mido was very friendly and explained the history behind Zakopane,” making the day both educational and enjoyable. The views and thermal baths seem to be consistent favorites, giving this tour a good reputation for quality.

What’s the Value?

At $51 per person, the tour is competitive, especially considering all tickets, tastings, and transportation are included. It’s a good way to see a lot in one day without the stress of organizing multiple activities yourself. If you’re after a leisurely but comprehensive adventure that combines nature, culture, and relaxation, this tour hits many marks.

Considerations and Tips

Keep in mind that the tour lasts about 11 hours, so it’s a fairly long day, and the schedule can be tight—be prepared for some bus time and walking. The busy season might mean larger crowds, especially on popular spots like Krupówki Street and Gubałówka Hill.

Also, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs, so plan accordingly if mobility is an issue. Remember to bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, cash, and perhaps a snack or two for the road.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a balanced mix of sightseeing, cultural tasting, and relaxing thermal baths without the hassle of arranging transportation or tickets. It’s perfect for those with a full day to spare, seeking an overview of Zakopane’s mountain charm in a comfortable guided setting.

If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys scenic views, local food, and wellness activities, this tour offers a genuine taste of the Tatra region. It’s also a solid choice for first-timers in Krakow wanting a comprehensive day trip, though be prepared for a full schedule.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Krakow accommodation or nearby locations, making the day easier to manage.

How long is the total tour?
The full experience lasts about 11 hours, from around 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning until late afternoon or early evening.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, comfortable clothes, flip-flops, and cash are recommended. The tour is in all weather conditions, so dress accordingly.

Is this suitable for children or families?
The information doesn’t specify family-specific considerations, so it’s best for travelers who are comfortable with long days and some walking.

Can I change the pick-up point?
Yes, your pick-up point may vary due to pedestrian zones and limited parking, but the tour offers multiple options in Krakow.

What is included in the price?
Tickets for Gubałówka funicular, thermal baths, tastings of smoked cheese and vodka, transportation in an air-conditioned minibus, live guide, and a guidebook.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the cable car may be closed during maintenance periods, with an alternative arranged.

What is the quality of the thermal baths?
Most reviews describe Chochołowskie Termy as the largest and one of the best thermal pools in Poland, perfect for relaxing and recharging.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, so you might want to plan for a quick meal in Zakopane or bring snacks.

How does the guide enhance the experience?
Guides are generally friendly and informative, providing context about Zakopane’s history and culture, making the day more engaging.

If you’re looking for a scenic, cultural, and relaxing way to see Zakopane in one day, this tour offers a balanced and well-organized option. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate guided ease, scenic views, and thermal relaxation without a hefty price tag. Just pack your sense of adventure—and some comfy shoes—and get ready for a memorable trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: