Zakopane is a natural playground that makes for fantastic walking tours. Its unique combination of dramatic mountain scenery, charming wooden architecture, and vibrant local culture means there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re keen to see the breathtaking views from the Sky Walk, learn about the town’s Jewish past, or wander through traditional highland neighborhoods, Zakopane delivers. We especially love the Tatra Mountains, Sky Walk & Hot Springs Tour for its blend of scenic vistas, local flavors, and relaxing thermal baths — perfect for a full day of varied experiences. For a more active adventure, the Zakopane: Treetop Walk & Cable Car with Pickup offers a thrilling walk among treetops combined with striking mountain views. If you’re interested in culture and history, the Zakopane Jewish History Private Walking Tour provides an intimate look at the town’s Jewish community past. And for those wanting a taste of folklore and local stories, the Zakopane Old Town Exclusive Walking Tour with Private Guide is a charming, personalized way to discover Zakopane’s traditions.
Below, you’ll find a selection of the five best walking tours in Zakopane, each with its own focus and character. Whether your interest is mountain scenery, cultural history, or local cuisine, this list helps match you to the perfect experience.
1. From Zakopane: Tatra Mountains, Sky walk & Hot Springs Tour
This guided full-day tour offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, local flavor, and relaxation. Starting from Zakopane, you’ll visit the charming Jaszczurówka chapel, a classic example of wooden Zakopane style, before heading to Witów for cheese tasting and vodka sampling. The highlight is the Sky Walk at Poronin, where panoramic views of the Tatras stretch out in all directions—impressive enough to make your neck ache from looking up. Afterward, the tour winds down with a relaxing soak in the Chocholowska Thermal Baths, which include jacuzzis, saline pools, and thermal baths perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of activities that balance scenery, taste, and relaxation. The hot springs are a real treat, offering relief after hikes or exploring Zakopane’s streets. The guide’s local insights make the experience more meaningful, especially during the cheese and vodka tasting in Witów. The round-trip transportation ensures you don’t need to stress about driving, and the 6-hour length makes it ideal for a full but manageable day.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for travelers who want a comprehensive experience—spectacular mountain views, cultural tasting, and a chance to relax. It’s a well-rounded option that offers excellent value at $222 per person.
2. Zakopane: Treetop Walk & Cable Car with Pickup
If you’re craving a dose of adrenaline and awe-inspiring scenery, this tour is the one for you. It begins with a convenient pickup from Zakopane and takes you to the Bachledova Valley in Slovakia, just across the border. The main event is the Treetop Walk Bachledka, a winding pathway that takes you among the treetops, offering a completely different perspective of the forest and mountains. The walk is about 2.5 hours long and includes stops at local cafés for coffee, tea, or even a quick lunch.
What makes this tour unique is the elevated perspective and the stunning panoramic views of the Belianske Tatras, Pieniny, and Spiš Magura mountain ranges. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, scenery, and a bit of physical activity—plus, the educational path along the walk explains the region’s flora and fauna. After the treetop adventure, a scenic drive through the Bachledova Valley offers even more mountain vistas.
With a duration of around 6 hours, including transport and the walk, this tour provides a great balance of adventure and relaxation. It’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind some walking and want to experience Slovakia’s mountains from a fresh angle.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a thrill and stunning views at a reasonable price, this tour is a memorable choice, especially for nature lovers and families.
3. From Krakow: Slovakia Treetop Walk and Zakopane Tour
This full-day adventure combines the best of Slovakia’s treetop walk with a scenic visit to Zakopane. Starting from Krakow, the tour takes about 2.5 hours by van to the Bachledova Valley, where you’ll walk among the treetops and learn about the region’s natural environment. After about two hours exploring the treetop trail, you’ll head to Zakopane for a few hours of free time, shopping, and sightseeing, including a quick cable car ride to Gubałówka for sweeping mountain views.
What makes this tour appealing is its seamless combination of nature and culture, allowing you to experience both Slovakia’s outdoor beauty and Zakopane’s lively town atmosphere. It’s perfect for travelers who want a full day of variety without feeling rushed. The tour’s total duration of around 10 hours makes it suitable for those willing to dedicate a day to sightseeing.
The guide’s insights make the natural part especially educational, and the free time in Zakopane allows you to explore the local markets or relax in cafés. It’s best for active travelers comfortable with bus travel and walking.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a comprehensive day that mixes scenic treetop adventures with cultural exploration, ideal for travelers with a curiosity about the region’s natural and social landscape.
4. Zakopane: Jewish History Private Walking Tour
For a quieter, more contemplative experience, this private walking tour explores Zakopane’s Jewish past. Over four hours, you’ll visit key landmarks and neighborhoods that once housed a vibrant Jewish community. The guide shares stories of resilience, community life, and the Nazi “treasure hunt” that disrupted this once-thriving part of Zakopane’s history.
What sets this tour apart is its intimate, personalized nature. With a private guide, you gain deeper insights into the local Jewish culture and the tragic events of WWII. It’s suited for travelers interested in history, culture, or those wanting a meaningful, reflective walk. The tour’s reviews highlight its high-quality storytelling and the guide’s respectful approach.
While it’s shorter than some other options, the focus on storytelling and community history provides a rich, emotional understanding of Zakopane’s past. This tour is excellent for history buffs, cultural explorers, or travelers seeking a more meaningful experience beyond scenic views.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a focused, in-depth look at Zakopane’s Jewish heritage, with a private guide for a personalized, respectful exploration.
5. Zakopane Old Town Exclusive Walking Tour with Private Guide
If you prefer a tailored experience, this private tour of Zakopane’s Old Town is perfect. Lasting around 2 to 3 hours, it covers the town’s most iconic sights, including the Church of Our Lady of Czestochowa and local highlander architecture. Your private guide spins stories about folklore, legends of Janosik, and traditional mountain life.
What makes this tour stand out is the flexibility and depth of storytelling. It’s especially suitable for travelers who want to explore at a relaxed pace, dig into local legends, and see the architecture that makes Zakopane special. The guide’s personal touch ensures you get a full picture of local traditions and history.
The tour’s relatively short duration makes it a good choice for those with limited time or as a complementary activity after a day of outdoor adventures. It offers excellent value for a personalized experience, especially if you’re interested in folklore and architecture.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers who want a customized, narrative-rich walk through Zakopane’s historic center.
How to Choose
When selecting your walking tour in Zakopane, consider your interests, fitness level, and time constraints. For example, if mountain views and thermal baths are your priority, the Sky Walk & Hot Springs Tour provides a full, relaxing day. If exploring Slovakia’s natural scenery excites you, the Treetop Walk & Cable Car offers both adventure and splendid vistas. Those interested in local culture and history should consider the Jewish Heritage Tour, especially if you prefer a more personal, reflective experience.
Budget-wise, the tours vary from full-day excursions to shorter, more intimate walks, so plan accordingly. Booking early is advisable, especially during high season, to secure your preferred time and guide. Also, check the weather—some tours are best enjoyed on clear days, especially those with mountain or treetop views.
Final Thoughts
Zakopane offers a wealth of walking experiences that showcase its stunning natural scenery, colorful history, and rich traditions. From panoramic mountain vistas and scenic treetop walks to cultural insights and relaxing thermal baths, there’s an option tailored for every traveler. For those seeking a well-rounded day with mountain views, the Sky Walk & Hot Springs Tour is highly recommended. If you want a more active, scenic adventure, the Treetop Walk & Cable Car hits the mark. Culture lovers will find the Jewish History Tour truly rewarding, while those wanting a personalized storybook walk will enjoy the Old Town Tour.
No matter which experience calls to you, booking early ensures you’ll get the best guides and times. Zakopane’s walking tours are more than just sightseeing—they’re an opportunity to connect with the authentic spirit of the Tatra Mountains and its people.