If you’re traveling around Lesser Poland, Chocholowska Thermal Baths is a top spot for relaxation and fun—especially if you enjoy soaking in hot mineral waters surrounded by mountain scenery. Its close proximity to Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains makes it a fantastic base for a variety of tours. Whether you want a quick soak after sightseeing or a full day of outdoor activities, the options listed below showcase different ways to experience this thermal paradise. We’re especially fond of the evening adventures, like the Krakow: Thermal Baths Evening Experience, which lets visitors unwind as the sun sets over the mountains, and the full-day trips that combine sightseeing with relaxing dips.
Many tours also include convenient pickups from Krakow, making day trips straightforward for visitors with limited time. If you prefer a curated experience with guides sharing local insights, some options also include detailed commentary on the region’s natural beauty and history.
Below, you’ll find a list of our top six tours, ranging from shorter visits to full-day excursions, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, these tours offer memorable ways to enjoy the thermal waters and the stunning surroundings.
1. Krakow: Thermal Baths Evening Experience
At number one, the Krakow: Thermal Baths Evening Experience combines relaxation with the magic of sunset views. This tour lasts about 7 to 9 hours and begins with a comfortable bus ride from Krakow (or your accommodation) to Poland’s largest thermal baths near Zakopane. Once there, you can learn about eight different whirlpools, swim or relax in indoor and outdoor pools, and enjoy a terrace cooling pool while watching the day turn to dusk. The experience is designed for those who want an evening of pure relaxation, possibly after a busy day exploring Krakow or Zakopane.
The itinerary allows for about three hours at the baths, giving enough time to try many pools and chill out. With small groups and a friendly guide, the trip is rated 4.6/5 from hundreds of reviews. Visitors often mention the friendly staff and the beautiful mountain backdrop. The highlight is watching the sunset over the mountains while floating in warm water—hard to beat.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a relaxing, scenic evening soaking in warm waters after a day of sightseeing. It offers good value for its duration and is especially popular among travelers who enjoy gentle evenings by the pool.
2. Krakow: Thermal Baths Amazing Experience
Next up, the Krakow: Thermal Baths Amazing Experience offers a similar but slightly shorter and more flexible 7.5-hour adventure. This tour also includes a visit to Poland’s largest thermal baths with eight whirlpools, indoor and outdoor pools, and a terrace pool with sunset views. The key difference is that it emphasizes the luxury of skip-the-line access and includes transportation that lasts about two hours each way, making it very straightforward.
Guests consistently rate this tour 4.6/5, citing the ease of booking and the quality of the facilities. One reviewer mentions that the 3-hour ticket “allows extra time for changing and relaxing,” which is helpful if you want a leisurely visit. The tour guide speaks both English and Polish, and the option for pickup from your accommodation adds to the convenience. Please note that spa and massage zones are not included, so this is primarily about enjoying the pools.
Bottom line: This experience is suited for travelers looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy the thermal pools with flexible timing and excellent reviews. It’s an ideal choice if you want comfort and simplicity.
3. From Krakow: Chocholow Thermal Baths Ticket
At number three, the From Krakow: Chocholow Thermal Baths Ticket offers a straightforward visit with a focus on relaxation in mineral waters. It’s a self-guided trip that lasts about 7 to 8 hours and includes about 3 hours at the baths, with a bus ride of around 1.75 hours each way.
This tour stands out for its simplicity and focus on the thermal pools and mountain scenery. Visitors rave about the pools’ cleanliness, the variety of indoor and outdoor options, and the friendly driver. The pools are rich in beneficial minerals, making this not just fun but also good for your health. Many reviews mention the good organization and the relaxing atmosphere, with one noting that they enjoyed “quiet and noisy areas” for different moods.
The tour is priced at $70 per person, making it an affordable choice. It’s suited for travelers who want a dedicated day in the pools without too many extras, perfect for families or anyone wanting a straightforward thermal experience.
Bottom line: This option offers good value for those focused mainly on enjoying the pools and mountain views without additional sightseeing. It’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
4. From Krakow: Zakopane City Tour with Thermal Baths
Number four on our list combines the thermal baths with a full day of exploring Zakopane. This 12-hour tour includes time to relax in the thermal pools, plus a visit to Gubalowka Mountain, where panoramic views of the Tatra range are spectacular. The tour also features a walk along Krupowki Street, known for its local crafts and food stalls.
The experience is highly rated at 4.9/5, with travelers appreciating the guide’s local stories and the scenic drive through the mountains. Visitors highlight the convenience of combining sightseeing with relaxing in mineral pools, making it ideal for those who want a balanced day of culture and leisure. The thermal pools are a highlight for many, who find the water’s warmth a perfect way to unwind after a morning of sightseeing.
This tour is best suited for travelers eager to combine cultural exploration with relaxation, especially if they want to enjoy Zakopane’s lively town atmosphere along with the thermal pools.
Bottom line: A great choice if you want a comprehensive day, blending mountain views, local culture, and thermal relaxation in one trip.
5. From Krakow: Full-Day Chocholowska Thermal Bath Tour
For around $78, the Full-Day Chocholowska Thermal Bath Tour offers an immersive experience. It lasts about 8 hours, with a bus ride of around 2 hours each way, giving plenty of time at the baths and scenic views along the way. The highlight is the opportunity to soak in geothermal waters and enjoy outdoor pools amid mountain scenery.
This tour is particularly appealing because it includes activities like volleyball and access to an observation deck, making it more than just a soak. Reviewers praise the efficient transportation, noting the bus driver’s friendly service and the variety of pools. The large thermal complex in Podhale means plenty of space to relax without feeling crowded.
It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of leisure combined with light activity and stunning mountain vistas, perfect for families or active seniors.
Bottom line: This tour provides good value with a mix of relaxation and fun activities, making it suitable for those who want more than just soaking.
6. Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Shared Trip
Finally, the Krakow: Zakopane & Hot Springs Shared Trip offers a 12-hour journey combining Zakopane’s mountain town, scenic Gubalowka views, and a relaxing visit to Chocholow Thermal Baths. It’s rated 5/5 based on a couple of reviews, emphasizing the stunning scenery and the helpful guide. This tour includes a van transfer to Zakopane, sightseeing, shopping at Krupowki Street, and a scenic drive back with a stop at Gubalowka for photos.
The thermal experience features hot mineral pools and whirlpool pools, perfect for unwinding after exploring Zakopane’s charming streets. Reviewers mention the beautiful landscapes and the friendly driver who shares local insights. This tour is well-suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive day trip that combines mountain sightseeing with thermal relaxation.
Bottom line: For those who want an all-in-one experience of Zakopane, the mountains, and thermal pools, this is an excellent, highly-rated option.
How to Choose Your Ideal Tour
Picking the right trip depends on your interests and schedule. If you’re short on time and want a relaxing evening soak, the Krakow: Thermal Baths Evening Experience or the Amazing Experience are perfect. For a dedicated day of relaxation focused solely on pools, the From Krakow: Chocholow Thermal Baths Ticket offers simplicity and good value.
If you want to combine mountain scenery with thermal pools, the Zakopane City Tour with Thermal Baths or the Full-Day Chocholowska Thermal Bath Tour provide a more complete experience. For those looking for a more immersive full-day trip that includes sightseeing and local culture, the Zakopane & Hot Springs Shared Trip is ideal.
Book early, especially in peak summer months or winter holiday seasons, as these tours are popular. Consider your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer guided tours or independent visits.
Final Thoughts
Chocholowska Thermal Baths offers a variety of ways to indulge in Poland’s mineral waters, whether you prefer an evening escape, a full day of relaxation, or a combined cultural adventure. For those seeking a quick, scenic soak, the evening trip makes for a memorable experience. If you’re after a full immersion, the full-day tours provide a rich blend of sightseeing and relaxation.
Two standout options are the Krakow: Thermal Baths Evening Experience for a scenic, sunset soak, and the Full-Day Chocholowska Thermal Bath Tour for a full day of fun and relaxation amid mountain scenery. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you’ll secure your spot in these popular experiences. Enjoy your time soaking in Poland’s warm mineral waters—the mountains and serene pools await.
