Zakopane – Kraków Day Trip

Despite its reputation as Poland’s winter sports capital, Zakopane makes a fantastic day trip from Kraków at any time of the year. Here is our walk-through of what to expect.

View of Zakopane

As the gateway to Tatra National Park and Poland’s mountainous border with Slovakia, Zakopane is considered the country’s capital for winter activities. However, its outstanding views and thermal baths make it an excellent place to visit at any time of the year. You can read more in our Visit Zakopane guide to the town.

Best of all, Zakopane can be reached from Kraków in roughly two hours, the ideal distance for a day trip. You can organise this yourself if you have your own transport. But, by far the easiest way to get the most out of the day with an organised trip.

• You will be picked up at your accommodation and driven to Zakopane in a comfortable minibus
• The tour will probably include a stop-off en route at a traditional highlander hut for smoked cheese and vodka
• There will also be a funicular ride to the peak of Mt. Gubałówka if the service is running
• You will also get a couple of hours in pretty Zakopane itself for independent sightseeing, shopping, and something to eat
• Finally, you’ll be driven to the nearby Bukovina thermal baths for a relaxing afternoon bobbing about in the mineral waters
• The same minibus will drive you back to your original point of departure in good time for an evening meal

What To See On A Zakopane Day Trip

The Tatra mountains from Mt. Gubałówka

The tour drives through southern Poland’s highland region, with pretty villages and the area’s characteristic timber architecture. There’s a brief stop at a traditional mountain hut, where you can sample tasty (and decorative) smoked cheese, and a shot (or two) of cherry vodka.

The minibus parks next to Zakopane’s big outdoor market and the funicular to the peak of Mt. Gubałówka, with its panoramic views of the Tatra mountains. You’ll also get a couple of hours in Zakopane itself, with plenty of shops and places to eat.

And then, for me, the highlight of the tour is a trip to the Bukovina thermal spa, which was just the restorative experience I needed mid-way through a week in Kraków. Highly recommended.

Despite being a full 10-hour day, the tour is well-paced and feels relaxed. Rather than bombard you with constant information, the driver and guide got the balance just right, with a mix of thoughtful commentary and generous amounts of time to explore on your own.

Willa Atma

What To Expect On A Zakopane Day Trip

The driver will attempt to pick you up at your accommodation around 9pm. However, there are strict traffic rules in parts of Kraków, so you may be asked to wait at a near-by Kiss&Ride instead.

These are short-stay pick-up zones dotted around the city, marked with a blue K + R BUS sign and special markings on the road. You’ll be told in advance which street to wait on, which is unlikely to be more than five minute’s walk from where you’re staying. I’ve found communication from the tour operators is always very good.

Also, be aware that the minibus will be picking up people from all over central Kraków. So turn up 10 minutes early and don’t be alarmed if the vehicle isn’t there at exactly the agreed time. The service is usually very reliable and the guide will make sure you are on board.

Kiss&Ride pickup spot

The vehicle itself will be a comfortable minibus, with air-conditioning, tinted windows, and plenty of leg room. I felt very safe with the driver.

Day trip minibus

The first hour of the drive to Zakopane is fine, if a bit uneventful. You get to see a bit of Poland outside of Kraków, but it’s mostly views of the motorway and shopping parks. The guide suggested we have a nap.

Increasingly, though, we passed pretty villages with timber buildings.

Minibus village view

The bus stops mid-point for a toilet break and this is the first view of the Tatra mountains in the distance. From here, the route breaks away from the motorway and weaves through more picturesque countryside.

Half-way toilet break

The mountains are now within sight and you can already feel the crisp, cool air. There’s a handy roadside map to trace the peaks.

Map of the Tatra mountains

The first stop of the tour itself is at a traditional Polish highland mountain hut, for a demonstration of the old crafts and local specialities. You can sample some smoked cheese – which is very tasty – and a shot or two of fruit vodka. Both of which would be especially welcome during a winter day trip.

The guide explains a little about the culture of the mountains and how it made full use of the natural resources around here.

Highlander mountain hut

Here the cheese is heated and smoked to give it a unique flavour. In a moment, you’ll be able to try this warm treat with some tasty jam.

Smoking cheese

The cheese is always shaped and patterned and has this lovely glazed texture. It almost looks like a small pastry.

Tasty smoked cheese

And the cool mountain air is tempered by a shot (or two) of this local vodka. This is cherry, but other flavours are available.

All these items are for sale in the hut and you’ll find stands selling these goods all over Zakopane.

Cherry vodka

After 20-30 minutes at the mountain hut, the minibus completes the drive to Zakopane, parking up beneath the flyover, next to the large outdoor market. You can get everything here, including lots of potential souvenirs. Remember where the bus is parked as you’ll be meeting here again later.

Zakopane market

The guide will walk you through the market to the funicular station at the base of Mt. Gubałówka. You’ll be given a ticket for the ride to the peak and told what time to meet back at the minibus. The next few hours are yours to do what you want.

Follow the signs to the funicular

Using the funicular is very straightforward. You scan the ticket to get through the gates and hop on. It will whisk you to the top of the mountain in less than five minutes.

Funicular ride up Mt. Gubałówka

During winter, this view is transformed by snow. There’s a ski lift to the left.

The view down the mountain

In addition to the stunning views of the Tatra mountains, there is plenty to do at the top of the mountain. See our separate guide to Mt. Gubałówka for full details.

How long you spend here is a judgement call. You’ll obviously want to see Zakopane itself but if you’ve got kids, there might be more for them to do on the mountain. You also have the chance to have lunch with spectacular views. On the other hand, if you want to shop for souvenirs, you might give more time to the market and Zakopane’s high street. Personally, I spent 30 minutes on Gubałówka. Long enough to take a lot of pictures and to have a look round.

Facilities at Mt. Gubałówka

There’s a wide terrace running along the length of the peak and higher viewing platforms further back. The view is stunning wherever you look.

Terrace view of the Tatra mountains

Once you come back down, you can walk straight ahead through the market towards Zakopane. Head towards the church spire which marks the start of Krupówki, Zakopane’s main shopping street. The walk takes about 7 minutes.

Head for the church in the distance

The road starts to rise again on the other side of the market and you’ll cross a pretty mountain stream. Keep going in a straight line.

Past the river

As the road starts to get steeper, you’ll come out on a main road. Cross this via the subway – notice the sign to right of the picture. You’ll turn into the street on the left of the image.

Cross the main road

You’ll pass a TK Maxx and the Sanktuarium Najświętszej Rodziny church is on the left. This is at the foot of Zakopane’s long (and fairly steep) shopping and eating street, Krupówki.

Sanktuarium Najświętszej Rodziny

Zakopane has the feel of a frontier town, mixed with an Alpine resort. There are lots of shops lining the route, including small stands selling local specialities. And you’re never far from somewhere to have lunch.

There’s the Tatra Museum, with subsidiary branches dotted around the local area, and pretty features, such as mountain streams cutting right through the town. It’s easily to lose track of time.

Luckily, it’s hard to get lost, as you just need to go down hill to find the market again.

Shopping on Krupówki

Mountains streams cross-cut the town all the way down the hill, providing perfect photo opportunities.

Mountain streams

After you meet the bus at the allotted time, there’s a 20-minute drive to the thermal baths at Bukovina. With five levels of relaxing mineral waters, this is a real treat and will definitely bring some deep relaxation to your holiday.

The minibus will park directly outside the venue. The guide will take you inside to collect and hand over your personal electronic wristband. They will explain what to expect and tell you what time to be ready to leave. Then they will leave you to experience the baths however you wish.

Read our guide to Bukovina Thermal Baths for full details of the experience.

Bukovina thermal baths

The main area of the baths has a number of fountains and water jets, and eruptions of bubbles form the bottom of the pool.

Inside the thermal baths

During the high season, this terrace has a small refreshment stand. You can drink a beer while lounging around in the sun.

Terrace at the thermal baths

Finally, feeling relaxed and probably a little sleepy, you’ll meet back at the minibus before making the 1.5-hour drive back to Kraków. Some guides provide a snack and drink for the return journey. You should be back in the city just in time for an evening meal.

Tips For A Day Trip To Zakopane

Comfortable minibus

• You will need your own transport if you plan to make this day trip independently. Attempting to visit all these places with public transport is not always possible within the available time frame
• Similarly, you’d need to book online for the funicular and thermal baths. See our separate guides to Mt. Gubałówka and Bukovina Thermal Baths for full details
• An organised day trip will allow you to pack more into the day, while removing all the hassle of having to organise transport and tickets. It’s also more cost-effective
• The drive from Kraków to Zakopane includes a brief toilet break and roughly 30 minutes at the traditional mountain hut, about 2.5 hours in total. You’ll get roughly 3 hours in both Zakopane and Bukovina, with another 20-minute drive in between. The journey back is just over 1.5 hours. You can expect the whole experience to last approximately 10 hours
• Pick up at your hotel (or nearby Kiss&Ride stop) is around 9am. This is approximate, as the driver has to get around different parts of Kraków picking people up. Be there 10 minutes early and don’t panic if the bus doesn’t arrive bang on time. The guides are very reliable and making sure everybody gets picked up. I once had a mix-up with times. The guide called me to find out where I was and waited until I arrived
• You can expect to be dropped off back where you were picked up around 7pm, the perfect time for an evening meal
• The minibus is comfortable, with padded seats, tinted windows, air-conditioning, and a decent amount of leg room. You can relax and even have a doze during the drive. There were roughly 15 people on board but it didn’t feel crowded
• My guide explained everything that was going to happen very clearly in advance and I had every confidence in the driver
• You won’t be personally shown around Zakopane and other sights, so it’s worth reading up a bit in advance. Be sure to ask the guide questions when you first arrive and for recommendations of places to eat, for example
• You are given a few hours to yourself in Zakopane, so it is up to you to keep track of the time and to remember where to rejoin the minibus. Similarly, you need to be out of the baths and changed in time for the return trip
• There is a bit of walking involved, so comfortable footwear is recommended. The temperature at the top of Gubałówka will be at least a couple of degrees colder than at ground level, so consider taking an extra layer or two. And, obviously, your outfit needs to be season-appropriate. It snows here in the winter!
• Eat breakfast before departure – or bring something for the minibus. You’ll have the opportunity to eat once you arrive at Zakopane and again at the pool, but it doesn’t hurt to bring a flask of water and a snack with you
• Try to pack light for the trip. A small backpack is about right. You can leave it in the vehicle while you visit Zakopane, if it just contains your swimming stuff
• Don’t forget your swimwear and a towel! There is a shop at the pool if you do
• Photography is allowed throughout the tour, even in the thermal baths!
• There is plenty for children to do on this tour
• Accessibility may be a problem. There is no wheelchair space in the vehicle, for example, and many of the thermal baths can only be accessed via stairs. Zakopane is also quite steep. Contact the tour operators in advance if you have any particular requirements
• All entry fees are included as part of the tour. You will have to buy your own food (aside from the sample of smoked cheese and vodka) and certain treatments at the spa will cost extra. You can pay for these with a card
• There is no obligation to tip guides and drivers, but feel free to do so if you feel the trip was good value

Visit Kraków Zakopane Map

Plan your Zakopane visit with our comprehensive Zakopane map to explore Zakopane’s attractions, restaurants, sightseeing and hotels.

Each type of landmark has a different colour marker on the map:

• YELLOW: Zakopane Sightseeing
• GREEN: Zakopane Transportation
• DARK RED: Restaurants In Zakopane
• LIGHT RED: Zakopane Bars / Clubs / Music Venues
• BLUE: Zakopane Hotels
• PURPLE: Shopping In Zakopane

Click on a marker and it will give you the name of the landmark, with a brief description and links for more information and directions. You can pan, scroll, and zoom around the map, or use the + or – buttons in the bottom left of the map to zoom in and out.

Click on the icon in the top left corner for an index of every location, sorted by category. Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want. Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.

Each category is on a different layer, which can be switched on and off. So you can just see the Hotel or Restaurant pins, for example.

If you are using the map on your phone, open the Visit Kraków Zakopane map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.