From Krakow: Zakopane Day Tour with Tasting & Funicular Ride

Exploring Zakopane: A Practical Review of the Day Tour from Krakow

If you’re eyeing a trip to Poland’s stunning Tatra Mountains, this Zakopane Day Tour with Tasting & Funicular Ride from Krakow might just be the experience you’re looking for. It promises a blend of scenic vistas, local flavors, and cultural insights—all wrapped into an 11-hour adventure. We haven’t done it ourselves, but with a solid 4.7 rating from over 200 reviews, it’s clearly a popular choice for travelers wanting an easy, well-organized day out.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines nature, culture, and tasting experiences in one smooth package. The chance to walk through Zakopane’s famous Krupówki street and sample authentic oscypek cheese or regional spirits is a real highlight. Plus, the scenic funicular ride up to Gubaówka Mountain offers some of the best views of the Polish and Slovak Tatras you’ll find close to Krakow.

One thing to consider is that it’s a long day—around 11 hours—so you’ll want to be prepared for a full schedule and a fair amount of walking. If you’re not a fan of bus tours or prefer more flexibility, this might feel a bit structured for your taste. But for those who enjoy guided excursions that cover a lot in a day, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This tour is best suited for travelers who love scenic mountain views, local food and drink, and want a hassle-free way to explore Zakopane without worrying about logistics. Families, couples, and solo travelers who appreciate a well-rounded experience will find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Full-Day Experience: From pickup to drop-off, the tour covers major sights and offers a good mix of activities.
• Excellent Guides and Value: Several reviews praise the guides’ knowledge, friendliness, and sense of humor, making the day both fun and informative.
• Scenic Highlights: The funicular ride and Gubaówka summit provide jaw-dropping views of the Tatras, perfect for photo ops.
• Authentic Tasting: Cheese, regional spirits, and local food tasting add a flavorful dimension to the trip.
• Flexible Free Time: You get plenty of opportunity to explore Zakopane at your own pace, from shopping to casual strolls.
• Comfortable Transportation: Roundtrip travel from Krakow is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off, easing logistical stress.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

Your day begins with a hotel pickup within Krakow, which is a nice touch as it takes away the hassle of finding a meeting point, especially in a city with pedestrian zones and limited parking. The journey to Zakopane takes about 1.5 hours, giving you a chance to settle in and enjoy the scenic drive. The bus or coach is described as comfortable, and you’ll share this ride with other travelers, making it a social yet relaxed start.

The driver and guide team are key here—they’re responsible for making the day flow smoothly, and reviews consistently commend their punctuality and helpfulness. The driver contacts you the night before (via WhatsApp) to confirm your pickup time, which is handy considering Krakow’s tricky city center parking.

First stops: Traditional Polish villages and cheese tastings

The first official stop is a quick visit to a traditional village with picturesque houses—some dating back to the early 19th century. This offers a glimpse into local highlander architecture and culture. It’s a good photo opportunity and a way to stretch your legs before heading to Chochów, a charming village notable for its wooden highlander houses.

In Chochów, you’ll experience a 30-minute visit that includes cheese and regional alcohol tastings. Many reviews highlight the quality of these tastings—“cheese and vodka tasting of two flavors was excellent,” as one traveler put it. The cheese, oscypek, is a smoked sheep’s milk cheese, and tasting it in a traditional setting adds authenticity to the experience. You might also find local spirits, which several reviewers really enjoyed.

Zakopane’s Main Streets and Local Atmosphere

After the initial cultural peek, you’ll have about three hours of free time in Zakopane’s town center. This is where Krupówki Street shines—it’s the town’s main thoroughfare, lined with shops, cafes, and food stalls. You might find some stalls that only accept cash, so it’s advisable to bring a small amount with you. During this time, many travelers explore independently, pick up souvenirs, or indulge in Polish cuisine.

According to reviews, guides often recommend a walk to the Butorowy Wierch Chair Lift for an extra scenic adventure—“a 20-minute round trip bonus” that offers additional mountain views and a lovely ridge walk overlooking the Tatras.

Gubaówka Funicular and Mountain Views

The highlight for many is the ride up Gubaówka Hill via the modern funicular. The round-trip ticket is included, offering about 10 minutes each way of gentle ascent. Once at the top, you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the Tatras—both Polish and Slovak sides.

You’ll have about three hours here, which travelers say is enough to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and relax. Some note that the sunset views are particularly stunning, making it an ideal spot for sunset photos. The guides often suggest wandering around the summit area to soak it all in or visiting local stalls for snacks and souvenirs.

Wrapping Up and Return Journey

After soaking in the mountain vistas, you’ll descend and board the bus for the roughly two-hour trip back to Krakow. The entire day wraps up comfortably, leaving you with lasting impressions of the mountains, the culture, and the food.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $83 per person, this tour offers a lot—transport, guide, tastings, and a scenic funicular ride. The value is quite good considering the included activities and the convenience of door-to-door service. Many reviews emphasize how well-organized and seamless the day is, which is a big plus for travelers looking to maximize their time without stressing over logistics.

What Travelers Say

• “Our guide Olaf was incredible. He was so knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. We had an invaluable insight into the history of Zakopane.”
• “Cheese and vodka tasting of two flavors was excellent.”
• “The views at Gubaówka were breathtaking, and the entire day felt well-paced.”
• “The free time in Zakopane was ample and relaxed, allowing us to explore at our own pace.”

Few negatives are mentioned, but some travelers note that traffic can be heavy during holidays, and the day can feel a bit rushed if you want a very leisurely experience. Also, it’s a full day that involves a fair amount of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal if you’re after a well-organized, informative day trip that balances scenic views with local flavor. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Zakopane’s charm without planning multiple transport links or lengthy research. It suits travelers who enjoy guided groups, scenic rides, and cultural snacks. If you’re traveling with family or friends who enjoy mountains and food, this will likely hit the right note.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the activities—like the funicular ride and walking around Zakopane—are generally suitable for children, especially those who enjoy outdoor scenery and light walking. Just keep in mind it’s a full 11-hour day, so younger kids might get tired.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is not included. However, there will be plenty of opportunities during the free time in Zakopane to grab something to eat and explore local restaurants or stalls.

How long is the drive from Krakow?
The bus ride to Zakopane takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, making it a manageable journey that allows plenty of time for sightseeing and activities upon arrival.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect to see Zakopane’s main street, Krupówki, enjoy a scenic funicular ride to Gubaówka summit, taste traditional oscypek cheese and regional alcohol, and explore the traditional wooden houses of Chochoów.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended since there’s walking involved. Also, carry some cash for local stalls, and perhaps a camera to capture the incredible mountain views.

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

Is it easy to book and pay?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay later, making it a flexible option for last-minute plans or uncertain schedules.

In summary, this Zakopane day tour is a solid choice if you’re looking for a mix of nature, culture, and local flavors in a well-organized package. Whether it’s the breathtaking mountain vistas, the tasting of traditional cheeses and spirits, or the convenience of hotel pickup, it’s designed for travelers who want a full, rewarding day without the stress of planning every detail themselves. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate guided experiences, scenic rides, and authentic local encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here: