Krakow: Zakopane Tour with Funicular Ride and Cheese Tasting

Discover Zakopane on a Full-Day Tour Combining Scenic Views, Cultural Stops, and Tasty Delights

If you’re thinking about experiencing the Polish mountains beyond Krakow, a guided tour to Zakopane might be just what you need. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but based on the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary, it looks like a fantastic way to see some of the best sights without the hassle of planning every detail.

What we particularly like is the combination of scenic rides—like the Gubaówka funicular—and the chance to indulge in authentic Polish cuisine at a mountain hut. Plus, visiting architectural gems like the Jaszczurówka wooden church adds a cultural layer that elevates the experience. The only thing to consider is that this tour is quite packed and lasts around 9 hours, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on the go. If you love outdoor views, local food, and a taste of mountain life, this trip could be a real highlight of your trip to Poland.

Key Points:

• Beautiful scenic views from Gubaówka Hill and Zakopane town
• Authentic cheese tasting of traditional Oscypek
• Cultural highlights including the wooden church of Jaszczurówka
• Outdoor adventure at Wielka Krokiew ski jump
• Convenient logistics with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Time-efficient way to see major attractions in one day

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Zakopane Tour Experience

For travelers visiting Krakow who want to add a mountain adventure without the fuss of arranging transportation or guides, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s designed for those who want a well-rounded day—combining nature, culture, and local flavors—without having to figure out the logistics themselves.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off with pickup from one of nine designated locations in Krakow. The early start around 8:50 to 9:20 am means you’ll be on your way while most folks are still waking up. Once on the comfortable air-conditioned van, you’re headed south towards Chochołów village, a place that offers a slice of traditional Polish mountain life. This is a good opportunity to grasp local architecture and take some photos of the scenic surroundings.

The first official stop is Chochołów, where you’ll get about twenty minutes for sightseeing, photos, or a quick walk. It’s a cozy, picturesque village known for its beautifully preserved wooden houses, so bring your camera. The next stop is a cheese tasting session, where you’ll sample Oscypek, the famous smoked sheep’s cheese, paired with local spirits. This is often a highlight for foodies and those curious about regional specialties. From the reviews, many guests appreciated the authenticity of this part of the tour, noting it as a lovely cultural experience.

Following that, you’ll hop back into the van for about 15 minutes of travel before reaching Zakopane itself, where you’ll have roughly 2.5 hours of free time. This is plenty of space to explore the town, do some shopping, or grab a quick bite. Zakopane is famous for its bustling market stalls and charming streets, so wandering around here gives a real sense of local life.

The Scenic Highlights

One of the tour’s star features is the Gubałówka funicular ride. While the cable car to Gubałówka Hill is included, it’s worth noting that between April 1 and April 4, the cable car is under maintenance, and your driver will instead take you up by car. Either way, the views from the top are breathtaking, and you’ll get a good sense of the Tatra mountains’ majesty. The funicular itself is a classic experience, giving you that feeling of ascending above the valley to see the landscape from a new perspective.

Once at the top, you’ll have about an hour to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and soak in the panoramic views. The pictures of Zakopane and the mountains are worth the trip alone. The tour continues with a short walk to the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, where you can appreciate this iconic sporting venue, and then to the Jaszczurówka wooden church, a piece of architectural art amid natural surroundings.

What the Reviews Say

Both reviews for this tour are five-star, emphasizing the quality of the guide and overall experience. One traveler mentioned, “Mido, our guide, was precious, making sure that we were comfortable at all times and giving us all the insider tips!” This suggests the tour is not just about the sights but also about personalized service and helpful insights.

Another reviewer appreciated the guide’s pleasant demeanor: “Mito is a very good tour guide and very pleasant. He tried his best to please us.” These comments highlight that a good guide can really make or break the day, and in this case, it seems they enhance the experience significantly.

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The Practicalities

The tour lasts around 9 hours, which is quite a length but feels justified considering the number of stops and the scenic beauty packed into the day. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport via air-conditioned van, the funicular ticket, and the cheese tasting. Keep in mind that lunch isn’t included, so plan to bring some snacks or buy something during your free time.

If you’re concerned about language, don’t worry—guides speak English and Polish, with written materials available in other languages if needed. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, mainly because of the nature of some stops and walking involved.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a well-organized, culturally enriching, and visually stunning way to experience Zakopane and its surroundings in one day. The combination of scenic rides, local cuisine, and cultural sights makes it a balanced choice for travelers who want the most out of their trip without extra planning hassle.

While the busy schedule may be a lot for some, the included highlights and the positive reviews suggest it’s a worthwhile experience. Whether you’re a lover of mountain views, traditional food, or simply want to see a different side of Poland, this tour delivers a good dose of all three.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a full day of sightseeing with a mix of outdoor beauty, cultural stops, and tasty bites, this tour suits you. It’s ideal for travelers who want convenience and guided insights, especially if you prefer not to rent a car or navigate public transport. It works well for those with a moderate level of fitness, as there’s some walking involved, but no strenuous hikes.

However, if you’re looking for an in-depth, slow-paced exploration of Zakopane or are traveling with mobility challenges, you might want to consider other options. This tour is perfect for first-timers or anyone eager to tick off the main attractions in a manageable, organized way.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
This tour is generally suited for travelers comfortable with a full day of sightseeing and walking, but it’s not specifically designed for children. The stops involve some walking and outdoor exposure, so younger kids should be prepared for that.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must, given the walking involved at several stops. Also, bringing some water and snacks is a good idea, especially since lunch isn’t included.

Can I buy souvenirs or local crafts during the tour?
Yes, Zakopane is known for its market stalls and local crafts, so you’ll have opportunities to browse during your free time.

Is the cable car ride included?
Yes, the ticket for the funicular to Gubałówka Hill is included. However, note that during April 1-4, the cable car is under maintenance, and the ascent will be by car instead.

How long is the free time in Zakopane?
You’ll have about 2.5 hours to explore, shop, or grab a bite in Zakopane itself.

What is the transportation like?
Transport is via air-conditioned van, which makes the trip comfortable even on warm days. The group size isn’t specified, but such tours typically keep things manageable.

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

Whether you’re after spectacular mountain views, a taste of local cheese, or a peek at traditional wooden architecture, this Zakopane tour seems like a balanced snapshot of southern Poland’s charm. It’s a good pick if you want a hassle-free, well-rounded day with plenty of memorable moments.

You can check availability for your dates here: