Adventure Collective
Experience Zakopane: A Day Tour to Poland’s Tatra Mountain Escape - Krakow

Experience Zakopane: A Day Tour to Poland’s Tatra Mountain Escape

Zakopanemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

8–10 hours

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness recommended to comfortably enjoy walking tours and some easy alpine terrain.

Overview

Explore Zakopane, Poland’s winter capital at the foot of the Tatras, on a full-day guided tour from Krakow. Discover traditional wooden architecture, taste regional delicacies like oscypek, and experience the mountain culture in one seamless adventure.

Kraków, Lesser Poland Voivodeship

Zakopane Day Tour from Krakow

Full day • All Ages

Bus Tour

Select participants and date

About This Adventure

Discover the charm of Zakopane, Poland's winter capital, nestled at the Tatra Mountains' base. Enjoy a guided tour showcasing stunning views, traditional wooden architecture, and local Goral culture. Savor the famous oscypek cheese and explore the vibrant Krupowki street, making this day trip an unforgettable blend of nature and heritage.

Zakopane is a small town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, a center of Goral (Polish highlanders) culture and informally known as “the Polish winter capital”.


About

Zakopane is known as Polish winter wonderland. Located 100 kilometres south of Krakow, just at the foothill of Poland’s highest mountains, Zakopane is the ultimate one-day tour destination for people who want to experience the beauty of natural mountainous landscape. The town offers a perfect blend of outdoorsy fun, beautiful scenery and long-lasting traditions of Polish Highlanders’ rich culture. During the tour you will see Zakopane’s main sights, admire the breathtaking panorama of the High Tatras from the best viewing point, familiarize yourself with traditions of Gorals and try out local cuisine, including the famous oscypek cheese made of salted sheep milk.

This tour starts in Krakow. You will be picked up in the morning by our English-speaking driver from your hotel or the designated meeting point (see FAQ section below). First, you will have 2-hour guided tour in Zakopane. Then, you will have around 3 hours of free time. You will come back to Krakow in the evening. The entire tour will last 8-10 hours.

The departure time is estimated, to be confirmed before the tour by email.

Highlights:

  • Funicular railway to Gubalowka Hill with the best panorama of the Tatras
  • Largest Ski Jump in Poland – “Wielka Krokiew”
  • Krupowki – Zakopane’s main shopping street
  • Time for shopping and tasting “oscypek” – the regional smoked cheese
  • Seeing the best examples of the traditional wooden architecture of Podhale region
  • Experiencing the culture of Tatra Highlanders

What's included

  • Group transportation by minibus/bus
  • Pick up from your hotel or the designated meeting point in the Old Town (see FAQ section below)
  • Group guided tour in Zakopane in English (or other language if requested in advance)
  • Admission fee to Gubalowka funicular railway (return ticket)

Adventure Tips

Dress for Mountain Weather

Layer your clothing to adjust to fluctuating temperatures typical of mountain areas, especially if visiting outside summer.

Try Local Cuisine

Don’t miss tasting oscypek cheese grilled fresh on Krupowki Street—a true Zakopane specialty.

Carry Cash for Markets

Many local vendors on Krupowki Street prefer cash payments, so have some Polish zloty handy.

Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes

The tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and some uneven paths near mountain viewpoints.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Tatra marmot
  • Chamois goat

History

Zakopane became Poland’s winter capital in the late 19th century, growing popular through mountain tourism and the preservation of Goral traditions.

Conservation

Local efforts promote sustainable tourism to protect the unique Tatra mountain ecosystem, including limiting waste and encouraging responsible trail use.

Select participants and date

Adventure Hotspots in Krakow

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Layered Clothing

Essential

Adjustable layers help manage the variable mountain climate.

Sturdy Walking Shoes

Essential

Good grip and support are needed for cobblestone streets and light hiking.

Light Backpack

Useful for carrying water, snacks, and layers on the day tour.

Camera or Smartphone

Capture the striking mountain landscapes and cultural scenes.