Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane

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Wooden letters - landmark sign with the name of the city. Panoramic scenic landscape view of High Tatra Mountains peaks and Giewont in background. Rowien Krupowa park, Zakopane, Poland.
Magnificent Tatra Mountains with hot air balloons. Mountain scenery, amazing panorama with beautiful views. Poland, Zakopane. Amazing adventure ballooning. High Tatras mountains.
Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane
Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane
Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane
Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane
Top 2 Itineraries in Zakopane
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By Grzegorz Robok

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Introduction

Discover the ultimate Zakopane itinerary with our top 2 picks. From attractions that capture the essence of Zakopane to in-depth experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots, there’s an itinerary here for everyone. Keep reading to start planning your trip to Zakopane.

What all great itineraries in Zakopane have in common is a unique ability to combine iconic tourist attractions with authentic experiences. Striking that perfect balance of sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural immersion should be the ultimate goal of every travel itinerary.

To make planning easier, we've curated the top 2 itineraries from the biggest selection of travel packages in Zakopane. This way, you can skip ahead and focus on the details.

Popular Types of Trips to Zakopane

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Zakopane.

A 3 to 5-day stay in Zakopane offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Zakopane’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Zakopane offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Poland's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

In the colder months, ski trips to Zakopane offer the ultimate getaway, especially for winter sports enthusiasts. Hit the snow-covered slopes by day, then unwind in Zakopane's cozy mountain lodges by night.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Zakopane truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Zakopane

If you’re as convinced as we are that Zakopane belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Zakopane are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Zakopane and start planning your next trip!

The Top 2 Best Zakopane Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Zakopane itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Zakopane for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 2 itineraries will help you experience the best of Zakopane without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Zakopane!

2. The Ultimate 14-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Zakopane and Beyond

Wooden letters - landmark sign with the name of the city. Panoramic scenic landscape view of High Tatra Mountains peaks and Giewont in background. Rowien Krupowa park, Zakopane, Poland.

A scenic 14-day road trip through Gdańsk, Poznań, Łódź, Sopot, and Kałdowo is one of the best ways to experience Poland. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 14-day itinerary means that Zakopane can easily be combined with other top destinations in Poland without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Gdańsk, Poznań, Łódź, Sopot, and Kałdowo by public transport, renting a car in Poland opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 14 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Kraków

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Kraków. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Kraków

Set out on a day of discovery and visit Wawel Royal Castle-State Art Collection, Planty, St. Mary's Basilica, Kraków Zoo, and Wawel Cathedral. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Kraków, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 3: Discover Zakopane

  • Destinations: Zakopane
  • Driving distance: 117.81 km, approx. 2 hours and 34 minutes
  • Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Zakopane, e.g., Nosalowy Park
  • Sightseeing: Świecący napis Zakopane, Sanktuarium Najświętszej Rodziny, ILUZJA PARK ZAKOPANE, The Great Krokiew, and Dolina Białego
Spend the day exploring Świecący napis Zakopane, Sanktuarium Najświętszej Rodziny, ILUZJA PARK ZAKOPANE, The Great Krokiew, and Dolina Białego. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace. End the day by checking into a new hotel, conveniently located in central Zakopane.

Day 4: Experience Bukowina Tatrzańska, Zakopane, and Czarna Góra

  • Destinations: Bukowina Tatrzańska, Zakopane, and Czarna Góra
  • Driving distance: 43.57 km, approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Zakopane, e.g., Nosalowy Park
  • Sightseeing: Mostek na Krupówkach, Stacja Narciarska Kaniówka sp. Z o. O. , Be Happy Museum Zakopane, Zakopiańskie Krupówki, and MYSZOGRÓD ZAKOPANE
Continue your journey through Bukowina Tatrzańska, Zakopane, and Czarna Góra, where you can explore Mostek na Krupówkach, Stacja Narciarska Kaniówka sp. Z o. O. , Be Happy Museum Zakopane, Zakopiańskie Krupówki, and MYSZOGRÓD ZAKOPANE. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Krościenko nad Dunajcem and Wrocław

  • Destinations: Krościenko nad Dunajcem and Wrocław
  • Driving distance: 427.56 km, approx. 5 hours and 36 minutes
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Wrocław, e.g., Q Hotel Plus Wroclaw Bielany
  • Sightseeing: Sky Tower, Kościół Wszystkich Świętych w Krościenku nad Dunajcem, and Wrocław Market Square
  • Recommended tour: Old Town Wrocław Walking Tour
Drive through Krościenko nad Dunajcem and Wrocław, stopping to visit Sky Tower, Kościół Wszystkich Świętych w Krościenku nad Dunajcem, and Wrocław Market Square. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Wrocław.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Wrocław

  • Destinations: Wrocław
  • Driving distance: 14.05 km, approx. 1 hour and 1 minute
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Wrocław, e.g., Q Hotel Plus Wroclaw Bielany
  • Sightseeing: Centennial Hall, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, ZOO Wrocław, and Wrocław Africarium
  • Recommended tour: Auschwitz-Birkenau Tour from Wrocław
Spend time discovering Centennial Hall, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Panorama of the Battle of Racławice, ZOO Wrocław, and Wrocław Africarium, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Poznań, Kórnik, and Zagórze

  • Destinations: Poznań, Kórnik, and Zagórze
  • Driving distance: 224.57 km, approx. 2 hours and 54 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Poznan, e.g., B&B HOTEL Poznan Old Town
  • Sightseeing: Zamek w Kórniku, Old Market Square, Poznań Goats Sculpture, Poznań Cathedral, and Museum of the History of Poznań
  • Recommended tour: Poznań Experience 2-Hours Guided Walking Tour
Explore Zamek w Kórniku, Old Market Square, Poznań Goats Sculpture, Poznań Cathedral, and Museum of the History of Poznań at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant. Finish the day by checking into another comfortable hotel in the center of Poznan.

Day 8: Explore Poznań

  • Destinations: Poznań
  • Driving distance: 16.64 km, approx. 1 hour and 11 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Poznan, e.g., B&B HOTEL Poznan Old Town
  • Sightseeing: Poznań Uprising museum, Jan Kasprowicz Park in Poznań, Park Cytadela, Imperial Castle, and Poznań Palm House
  • Recommended tour: Undercover City Games: Poznan
Continue your road trip through Poznań, enjoying the flexibility to explore Poznań Uprising museum, Jan Kasprowicz Park in Poznań, Park Cytadela, Imperial Castle, and Poznań Palm House and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Gdańsk and Kałdowo

Visit St. Mary's Church, Long Market, Neptune's Fountain, Cow's Gate, and Malbork Castle as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Gdańsk.

Day 10: Uncover Gdańsk and Sopot

Continue your exploration of European Solidarity Centre, Museum of the Second World War, Skwer Kuracyjny, and Pier in Sopot, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Toruń

  • Destinations: Toruń
  • Driving distance: 173.86 km, approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Toruń County, e.g., Spichrz
  • Sightseeing: Planetarium. W. Dziewulskiego, Regional Museum in Torun - Old Town Hall, Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in Toruń, House of Nicolaus Copernicus, and Fontanna Cosmopolis
Take in the highlights of Planetarium. W. Dziewulskiego, Regional Museum in Torun - Old Town Hall, Nicolaus Copernicus Monument in Toruń, House of Nicolaus Copernicus, and Fontanna Cosmopolis, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings. Conclude your day with a stay at a different hotel in the heart of Toruń County.

Day 12: Travel Through Toruń

  • Destinations: Toruń
  • Driving distance: 1.61 km, approx. 21 minutes
  • Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Toruń County, e.g., Spichrz
  • Sightseeing: Teutonic Castle ruins, Smok Toruński, Muzeum Toruńskiego Piernika, and Rynek Nowomiejski
Take the opportunity to explore Teutonic Castle ruins, Smok Toruński, Muzeum Toruńskiego Piernika, and Rynek Nowomiejski, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Łódź

Explore Manufaktura as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience. Wrap up the day by settling into a new hotel in central Krakow.

Day 14: Bid Farewell to Kraków

  • Departure city: Gdańsk, Poznań, Łódź, Sopot, and Kałdowo
  • Driving distance: 0.0 metres, approx. 0 seconds
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Kraków. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 1144 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Zakopane.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Zakopane for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

1. The Optimal 7-Day Winter Itinerary in Szymoszkowa near Zakopane

Magnificent Tatra Mountains with hot air balloons. Mountain scenery, amazing panorama with beautiful views. Poland, Zakopane. Amazing adventure ballooning. High Tatras mountains.

If you’re dreaming of a snowy winter getaway, a 7-day ski trip in Szymoszkowa is just what you should be looking for. With Szymoszkowa conveniently located near Zakopane, you can easily enjoy the best of both worlds—thrilling days on the slopes and cultural exploration in the city.

Whether you're a seasoned skier or just starting, there's something for every traveler to enjoy. Stunning mountain views, hearty local cuisine, and endless winter fun make for a fantastic 7-day winter itinerary in Poland.

Szymoszkowa quick facts:

  • Slopes in Szymoszkowa
  • 2 of easy slopes
  • 2 of intermediate slopes

  • Ski Pass Pricing in Szymoszkowa (High Season)
  • Adult: around 170 EUR
  • Child: around 160 EUR

Check out this top-recommended 7-day ski trip itinerary to make the most of your winter vacation in Zakopane.

Day 1 - Arrive in Zakopane and Settle In

Arrive in Zakopane and head to Szymoszkowa to check into your accommodation. After settling in, take a walk around the resort to get familiar with the facilities. Grab a light dinner at a cozy restaurant nearby and enjoy the evening ambiance of the resort.

Day 2 - Hit the Slopes in Szymoszkowa

Start your first full day with skiing on beginner-friendly runs or more challenging slopes. Consider taking a lesson if you're new to skiing or want to improve your skills. For lunch, refuel at a mountain lodge in Szymoszkowa before returning for more skiing in the afternoon. Wrap up the day with après-ski drinks.

Day 3 - Explore More Trails in Szymoszkowa and Relax

Spend the morning skiing some of the more popular slopes in Szymoszkowa. In the afternoon, take a break from skiing and enjoy the local spa or a hot tub session to unwind. Alternatively, explore nearby attractions, like Terma Bania, or scenic viewpoints for a change of pace.

Day 4 - Try Something New in Szymoszkowa

Dedicate this day to trying different activities in Szymoszkowa like snowshoeing or even dog sledding. If you prefer to stick to skiing, seek out less crowded trails or challenge yourself with some more difficult runs. End the day with a traditional dinner and live music at a resort bar.

Day 5 - Enjoy a Day Exploring Zakopane

Take a break from the slopes and spend the day exploring Zakopane. Wander through the town to discover charming shops, local markets, and attractions like The Great Krokiew. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious meal at a local restaurant known for its regional cuisine.

Day 6 - Enjoy the Last of Szymoszkowa and Get Back on the Skis

Return to the slopes for one last full day of skiing at Szymoszkowa. Use this opportunity to revisit your favorite trails or challenge yourself on new runs. In the afternoon, take some time to relax and have a warm beverage. As the day winds down, savor a farewell dinner at a mountain lodge in Szymoszkowa to celebrate your final night.

Day 7 - Departure Day

On your last day, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and perhaps fit in a final ski session. Take some time for last-minute souvenir shopping or capturing photos before checking out. Plan your departure from Zakopane carefully to allow for a stress-free journey back.

This itinerary, starting from Zakopane, offers the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Immerse yourself in Poland’s pristine winter landscapes, cozy up in the resort’s inviting atmosphere, and dive into the lively après-ski scene for a truly unforgettable winter vacation in Szymoszkowa!

What To Discover Next in Zakopane

As you explore Zakopane, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Zakopane for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Zakopane in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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