From Krakow: Zakopane, Funicular and Local Tasting Day Trip

If you’re looking to escape Krakow’s bustling streets for a day and soak in the natural beauty and local flavor of the Polish Tatra Mountains, this tour to Zakopane might just be what you need. It’s a well-rounded experience that combines scenic views, cultural stops, and some tasty regional treats, all wrapped into an 11-hour journey. While we haven’t done this exact trip ourselves, the reviews and itinerary paint a pretty appealing picture.

What we really like about it is how it balances active sightseeing with moments to relax and indulge—think riding a funicular for sweeping mountain vistas or sampling oscypek cheese in a cozy highlander cottage. Plus, the tour provides a chance to wander around Zakopane’s famous Krupówki Street, soaking in the lively atmosphere and hunting for souvenirs.

However, it’s worth noting that this isn’t a tour for everyone. The full day involves some travel time—roughly 3.5 hours on the bus each way—and lots of walking and standing, which can be tiring if you’re not prepared. Also, if you’re sensitive to mountain weather, it’s wise to check the forecast beforehand as temperatures can be cooler up at Gubaówka.

All in all, this trip is best suited for those who want a taste of the Tatra Mountains’ natural beauty and local culture without the hassle of planning multiple activities themselves. It’s a solid choice for travelers who enjoy scenic views, cultural bites, and a lively local scene in Zakopane.

Key Points

• Scenic views: The funicular up Gubaówka offers breathtaking mountain vistas.
• Cultural immersion: Sampling oscypek cheese and local drinks in a highlander cottage enriches the experience.
• Vibrant atmosphere: Krupówki Street in Zakopane is lively and full of shops, cafes, and local charm.
• Full-day adventure: The itinerary packs sightseeing, tasting, and exploration into roughly 11 hours.
• Group size and guides: The tour includes a live guide in English or Spanish, making it easy to follow along.
• Value for money: With transportation, tasting, and sightseeing included, it’s a good way to maximize your day without extra planning.

This tour begins early in the morning, usually around 7:30 to 9:00 AM, depending on your pick-up point and the day’s schedule. The first leg of the journey takes about an hour and a half by coach from Krakow’s designated starting spot, Kiss&Ride. It’s a comfortable transfer that gives you a chance to catch some early morning scenery or a quick nap before your day of adventures.

You can check availability for your dates here:

First Stop: Traditional Village and Cheese Tasting

Your first notable stop is a charming mountain village, where you’ll get a chance to take a quick photo and enjoy some sightseeing. This is more than just a picturesque break; it also sets the tone for the day by immersing you in the rustic highlander culture.

Next, you’ll visit a cozy cottage—here, the real highlight is the tasting. You’ll savor oscypek cheese, a smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk, which is a regional specialty. This opportunity to taste local food paired with regional drinks is a real treat. As one reviewer put it, “The cheese was really good—smoky and perfect with a local drink.” It’s an authentic experience that offers a taste of the local hospitality and craftsmanship.

The tasting session lasts around 30 minutes, giving you time to relax and chat with your guide or fellow travelers. It’s a genuine peek into highlander culinary traditions without feeling rushed.

Gubaówka Hill and the Funicular Ride

After the cottage visit, you’ll hop back on the coach for a short 15-minute drive to Gubaówka Hill. Here, you’re in for one of the tour’s highlights: the funicular railway ride. It’s a quick 10-minute cable car that takes you up to the Gubaówka viewpoint.

Once at the top, you get about 30 minutes to enjoy the sweeping views of the Tatra Mountains. The panoramic sights are truly impressive and make for some fantastic photo opportunities. Several reviews mention that these views are worth the trip alone: “The scenery from Gubaówka is just stunning, and it’s a great spot for photos.”

You’ll also have some free time here, so you can take a leisurely walk around or simply soak in the scenery. The cool mountain air and the majestic peaks create a calming atmosphere, perfect for an hour of sightseeing and unwinding.

Exploring Zakopane and Krupówki Street

The bulk of your day is spent in Zakopane itself. After the funicular, you’ll have around four hours to explore. The town is lively, with Krupówki Street being its bustling heart—lined with shops, cafes, and street performers. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs, enjoy a coffee, or just people-watch.

Many travelers appreciate how the street maintains an authentic feel despite the tourist crowds. It’s vibrant, colorful, and full of local energy. You might find street vendors selling handcrafted goods or local eateries offering traditional dishes.

If you’re up for some shopping, this is the perfect spot for it. And if you prefer relaxing, many cafes offer cozy spots to enjoy a warm drink after wandering around. Several reviews mention that the scenic drives and the lively street scene combined make for a memorable experience.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After your time in Zakopane, the bus departs for Krakow, with roughly two more hours of travel. The return journey allows you to unwind, review your photos, or simply relax after the busy day.

Finally, you arrive back at Kiss&Ride in Krakow, typically late afternoon or early evening. The overall flow of the day is smooth, and the guide’s commentary helps make sense of everything, whether you’re interested in local history, culture, or just enjoying the scenery.

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Practical Details and Tips

Transport and Timing: The coach provides comfortable transportation, and the schedule is flexible enough to accommodate varying pick-up times. Remember to check your reservation for the exact start time, usually between 7:30 and 9:00 AM.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes—there’s a fair amount of walking—along with weather-appropriate clothing since mountain weather can be unpredictable. A bit of cash is handy for souvenirs or extra snacks.

Weather Considerations: Since the temperature at Gubaówka can be cooler than Krakow, bring layers. Checking the weather forecast before the trip is wise.

Language: The tour is guided in English or Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

Suitability: Not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the stops and terrain.

Cost and Value: While exact pricing isn’t specified here, the inclusion of transportation, a funicular ride, cheese tasting, and guided sightseeing suggests good value for a curated day trip.

If you’re craving a day that combines stunning mountain views with local cultural experiences, this trip hits the mark. The scenic funicular ride and spectacular vistas of the Tatra Mountains will likely be the highlight, especially for nature lovers. The chance to taste traditional oscypek cheese and meet the highlander community adds an authentic flavor that makes this more than just a sightseeing tour.

It’s best suited for travelers who are comfortable with a full day of travel and don’t mind some walking and waiting in busy spots. If you’re traveling with children, consider the walking involved and the cool mountain weather.

All in all, this trip offers a balanced look at Zakopane’s natural beauty and lively town atmosphere, making it a memorable addition to your Polish adventure.

FAQ

How long is the bus journey from Krakow to Zakopane?
The bus takes about 1.5 hours to reach Zakopane from Krakow, making the trip comfortable and manageable.

What’s included in the tour?
Transport, a cheese tasting in a highlander cottage, a funicular ride to Gubaówka, sightseeing stops, and free time in Zakopane are included.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for families, older children who can handle a full day of walking and some mountain weather may enjoy it. Always check your child’s comfort with outdoor activities.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, it’s recommended to carry some cash for souvenirs, extra snacks, or personal expenses.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for mountain weather are advisable. Layers help manage temperature changes.

How much free time do I get in Zakopane?
You’ll have about four hours in Zakopane, which is enough to explore Krupówki Street, do some shopping, or relax in a café.

Is there any free time at Gubaówka?
Yes, about 30 minutes at the top for photos and sightseeing.

What’s the highlight of the tour?
Most travelers rave about the scenic views from Gubaówka and the chance to taste regional cheese in a cozy mountain cottage.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are guides available in languages other than English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, accommodating a variety of travelers.

Whether you’re after stunning mountain views, authentic local flavors, or just a break from city life, this Zakopane day trip offers a well-rounded experience. Just remember to wear comfy shoes, bring your camera, and prepare for a fun, scenic day in the Polish mountains.

You can check availability for your dates here: