Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride

Krakow: Zakopane Day Trip with Funicular Ride — A Practical Guide

If you’re dreaming of escaping Krakow for a day and heading into the mountains, this Zakopane day trip might just be what you need. Designed for those who want a taste of highland traditions, stunning scenery, and a lively local atmosphere, it offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, local flavor, and comfortable transportation.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the opportunity to enjoy a scenic funicular ride to Gubaówka, which promises incredible mountain views, and the chance to sample traditional oscypek cheese and regional drinks—a true highlight for food lovers. A potential downside is that the entire day requires early starts and a fair amount of time on the move, which might not suit travelers seeking a more relaxed pace. Still, if you’re up for a packed day of sightseeing with expert guides, this trip works well for most travelers, especially those eager to see Zakopane’s unique highlander culture and scenery.

Key Points

• Beautiful mountain views from the Gubaówka funicular ride.
• Authentic local experiences, including tasting oscypek cheese and regional alcohol.
• Efficient transportation from Krakow, minimizing hassle.
• Free time in Zakopane to explore Krupówki Street at your own pace.
• Guided insights about highlander traditions and history.
• No family-specific info, but the trip is generally suitable for adults and older teens comfortable with a full-day outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a good value for $96 per person, especially considering what’s packed into the day. Your ticket includes a professional tour guide, a cable car ride to Gubaówka, a visit to a traditional mountain hut, and tasting local cheeses and drinks. This means you’re paying mainly for convenience, local insights, and the experience of the funicular ride—all of which can make your trip smoother and more memorable.

However, some expenses like train tickets, the cable car to Gubaówka, dinner, and any thermal pools or souvenirs are not included. It’s worth budgeting extra for these if you want to fully enjoy your day. The tour feels well-priced considering the guided service and the unique activities on offer, especially if you value local food and panoramic mountain views.

The Itinerary: A Closer Look

Let’s break down what you actually do on this day trip, so you can picture how it all unfolds.

Starting Point and Transport

Your day kicks off at the Kiss&Ride spot next to the Mercure Hotel in Krakow, where you’ll meet your guide and group. From there, it’s about a two-hour train ride (or similar transport, depending on the day), which is a comfortable way to start your journey, giving you time to relax and get into the travel mindset.

Arrival in Zakopane and Guided Tour

Once in Zakopane, a guided visit lasts around two hours. Your guide will steer you through the town’s highlights, sharing stories about the highlander culture and pointing out its most interesting sights, including the region’s traditional wooden architecture and history. A standout stop is the visit to the oldest traditional mountain hut, which gives you a real taste of local life and tradition. You’ll get to taste oscypek cheese and regional alcohol, which is a highlight for many visitors. These tastings offer a real flavor of what makes Zakopane’s local scene so distinctive.

More Great Tours Nearby

Gubałówka Funicular Ride

After exploring Zakopane, it’s time for the funicular railway to Gubałówka, a 2-hour round trip. The cable car whisks you up the mountain, where you’ll find breathtaking views of the Tatra Mountains. Many travelers say this is the trip’s standout moment—a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to breathe in the crisp mountain air. At the top, you’ll find a handful of shops and snacks, giving you a bit of free time to soak it all in and perhaps pick up a souvenir.

Free Time on Krupówki Street

Next, you’ll have around three hours of free time on Krupówki Street, the bustling heart of Zakopane. Here, you can stroll, browse local shops for souvenirs, or sit in a cozy café to watch the lively street scene. The street is lively and vibrant, offering a good mix of traditional shops, street performers, and bars. Based on reviews, this free time strikes a balance—enough to explore but not so much that you feel adrift.

Return Trip

In the late afternoon or early evening, your group will head back to Krakow via train, spending roughly three hours on the journey home. Most travelers find this a good way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing and mountain air.

Authentic Experiences and Highlights

One of the biggest assets of this trip is the guided insights provided throughout the day. Our review mentions a guide who was “super friendly and kept everything running smoothly,” which significantly enhances the overall experience. When you visit the traditional cottage, you’re not just tasting cheese; you’re getting a glimpse into the highlanders’ way of life.

The scenic funicular ride up Gubałówka is often described as a “highlight,” and rightly so. The panoramic views of the mountains are truly striking, giving you a sense of scale and beauty that photos simply can’t fully capture. For those who love photography, this is a major selling point.

The tasting experience adds a genuine local flavor to the trip. Trying oscypek cheese—a smoked, sheeps’ milk cheese—and regional alcohol is a fun and tasty way to engage with local traditions. The fact that the review mentions “such a fun (and tasty) experience” shows this is well worth the small extra effort.

Who Is This Trip Best For?

This day trip is ideal for travelers who want to get out of Krakow and see a different side of Poland, especially if they enjoy mountain scenery and cultural experiences. It suits those who prefer guided tours to self-planned excursions, as the logistics are handled for you.

While not explicitly family-focused, older teens and adults who appreciate scenic views, local cuisine, and lively street scenes will find a lot to enjoy here. Since it involves a decent amount of walking and a full day on the move, it might not be perfect for those with mobility issues or those seeking a slower-paced experience.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this Zakopane day trip offers a solid balance of culture, scenery, and convenience. For around $96, you get a guided experience that takes you into the heart of highlander traditions, offers stunning mountain vistas, and includes a funicular ride that’s worth the trip alone. The free time in Zakopane’s bustling street ensures you can soak in the atmosphere and pick up souvenirs without feeling rushed.

If you’re someone who loves regional food, scenic mountain views, and a lively local scene, this tour fits the bill. The thoughtful organization, knowledgeable guides, and authentic experiences make it a recommended option for your Krakow itinerary.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally aimed at adults and older teens comfortable with a full day of travel and sightseeing. It doesn’t explicitly mention family or child-specific amenities, so if you’re traveling with younger children, consider their comfort with the schedule and activities.

What should I bring on this trip?
Comfortable shoes are essential since there’s walking involved. A camera is a must for capturing the mountain views, and cash is handy for souvenirs or snacks. Weather-appropriate clothing is advisable because mountain weather can change quickly.

How long is the train ride?
The train ride from Krakow to Zakopane lasts about 2 hours, giving you a relaxed start to the day.

Are the tickets for the cable car included?
Yes, your ticket covers the cable car ride up to Gubałówka, making it easier to budget and plan your day.

What’s the recommended duration of free time?
You’ll have around 3 hours on Krupówki Street, which is enough to walk, shop, or enjoy a coffee without feeling rushed.

Is there a guided tour component?
Yes, the tour includes a guided visit to Zakopane, with a knowledgeable guide providing insights into highlander traditions and history.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility in your planning.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The tour is available in Spanish and English, so check your preferred language when booking.

This trip offers a lovely snapshot of Zakopane’s mountain charm and lively atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for those looking to enrich their Poland experience beyond Krakow’s streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: