Krakow: Zakopane Tour, Tasting, Snowmobiles & Bonfire Feast｜Poland

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Leave Krakow behind for a full day in the Polish Tatras. Your English-speaking driver-guide picks you up in the city, drives you south to the mountains and stays with the group until you are back in Krakow in the evening. You do not need to plan a thing.

The first stop is Chocholow, a highlander village of dark timber houses lined up along one long street. In winter the snow sits thick on the steep roofs and wooden fences, and the village looks the way it did a hundred years ago. Families still live in these houses and look after them the old way. Your guide walks you through and explains the Podhale traditions behind the carved details and the log walls.

Next comes Zakopane, the winter capital of Poland. You get free time on Krupowki Street and at the craft market at the foot of Gubalowka. Stalls sell wool slippers, sheepskin, carved wood and smoked oscypek cheese grilled on the spot. Stop for a hot coffee or lunch wherever you like.

From town you ride the orange Gubalowka funicular up the hill. At the top the whole Tatra range opens up in front of you: white peaks, forested slopes and, on a clear day, mountains on the Slovak side. Bring your phone charged, because this is where most guests take their best photos of the day.

In the afternoon the group drives out of town to a mountain spot for the highlander bonfire. Your hosts grill oscypek cheese and sausage over the fire and keep the hot drinks coming, from tea and coffee to a local drink with or without alcohol. Pull up a seat, warm your hands and watch the light change on the mountains.

If you want more adrenaline, this is the moment for an optional ride. In winter it runs on snowmobiles, the rest of the year on quads, depending on snow. An instructor hands out helmets, gives a short safety briefing and leads the group along forest paths and open trails with the Tatras in view. Ride on your own or share the vehicle with a partner. If you would rather stay by the fire, you can.

After the bonfire you head back to Krakow with a full camera roll and the smell of woodsmoke on your jacket.

Dress warm, wear comfortable shoes and bring some cash in zloty for shopping in Zakopane.