Zakopane is the heart of the Polish Tatras, but it doesn’t have to mean crowds, queues and rushing. For a small group of 2–6 people you can create a relaxing program: a short walk through charming valleys, stops at local cafés and short scenic climbs that aren’t overrun. With a flexible plan you’ll see the beauty of the mountains and feel the local atmosphere — without stress and large tour groups.
A sweet detail: Zakopane has dozens of local cake shops and cafés; one of the best-known is Cukiernia Samanta, where you can take a pleasant sweet break almost in the town centre.
1) Departure from Kraków: start around 7:00–7:30 (traffic is usually lighter; travel time about 1.5–2 hours).
2) Arrival and morning coffee: a quick espresso or pastry at a local cake shop (for example, Cukiernia Samanta) — perfect to warm up before the walk.
3) Relaxed walk: choose a route away from the main attractions — for example Droga pod Reglami, Dolina Małej Łąki or Rusinowa Polana (walking time 1.5–3 h depending on pace).
4) Lunch break / local inn: taste regional dishes (oscypek, kwaśnica) or have a light lunch in a friendly restaurant away from Krupówki.
5) Afternoon viewpoint: Butorowy Wierch, Polana Szymoszkowa or Antałówka — often less crowded than Gubałówka or Kasprowy.
6) Return to Kraków: head back in the afternoon to avoid evening traffic; alternatively stay overnight in Kościelisko for a fuller rest.
- Dolina Małej Łąki: a picturesque, less frequented valley with beautiful panoramas; great for those seeking quiet.
- Rusinowa Polana: an easy trail with a beautiful view of the High Tatras, frequently calmer than the most famous spots.
- Droga pod Reglami: a pleasant, flat walk under the trees, ideal for small groups and families.
- Butorowy Wierch, Antałówka, Polana Szymoszkowa: often offer panoramas comparable to Gubałówka but with fewer crowds.
- Avoid the most popular summits between 10:00–15:00; to skip crowds start early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
A sweet break is an excellent way to reset during the trip. In Zakopane you’ll find both small family patisseries and cosy cafés near the trails.
Practical tip: visit a local cake shop after your morning walk — a popular spot is Cukiernia Samanta, known for a wide selection of cakes, ice cream and coffee. When choosing a café, look for places off the main street (Krupówki) — side streets or roads leading to the valleys are usually quieter and offer better views.
If you travel with a small group, consider reserving a table for lunch hours (especially in season) or choose restaurants outside the centre, where service tends to be calmer and portions often larger.
- Getting there: by car the trip from Kraków to Zakopane takes about 1.5–2 hours in normal conditions; weekends and long weekends may be longer.
- Parking: the centre can be busy — consider leaving the car near ul. Szymoszkowa/Kościelisko area or using local shuttle buses.
- Local transport: in season there are minibuses to Kuźnice, Dolina Chochołowska or Morskie Oko; for a small group a private transfer (more flexible) or a coordinated train + local bus trip can be comfortable.
- Timing: plan the most popular stops outside 10:00–15:00 when trails and Krupówki are busiest.
- Clothing: dress in layers — mountain conditions change quickly, and even in summer a light rain jacket is useful.
- Footwear: comfortable shoes with good grip; for shorter walks sturdy trekking shoes or hiking low-shoes are usually enough.
- First aid: basic supplies (plasters, painkillers, antidiarrheal), water and energy snacks.
- Weather and maps: check the forecast before you go and have an offline map or a charged phone; agree on a ‘turn-back’ point in case conditions worsen.
- Emergency contact: in urgent situations mountain rescue services (TOPR/GOPR) are available — check the correct emergency number before departure and save it in your phone.
- Mistake: travelling on a weekend without reservations or a plan — this can lead to long lines and no seats in restaurants. Solution: plan ahead, reserve tables for larger groups, or choose off-peak times.
- Mistake: treating every route as an easy walk — some trails can be slippery or rocky. Solution: choose routes considering your group’s fitness and the weather.
- Mistake: parking in the centre without a plan — you may waste a lot of time looking for a spot. Solution: park outside the centre or use local stops and buses.
Is this trip suitable for families with children? - Yes, if you choose easy routes (Droga pod Reglami, Dolina Małej Łąki) and plan frequent breaks; for small children a carrier or a sturdy off-road stroller for firm surfaces is recommended.
Do you need a ticket to TPN for all routes? - Rules can vary depending on season and the specific valley; check current Tatra National Park (TPN) regulations before you go.
How to avoid the crowds on Krupówki? - Visit in the morning (before 9:00) or in the evening, and avoid the main promenade in favour of side streets and nearby hills for a much nicer experience.
- Surprise: some of the best panoramas of the Tatras are very close to the centre but not at the most popular viewpoints — a short climb to Antałówka or Butorowy Wierch can be more rewarding than crowded Gubałówka.
- Local sweets: besides oscypek, try regional desserts and cakes in local patisseries — a small sweet break can change the whole day.
A calm trip to Zakopane for a small group is a great way to experience the Tatras without haste. The key is a flexible plan, choosing lesser-known routes, breaks in local cafés and starting outside peak hours. If you’d like, I can help tailor a route perfect for your group and pace.
If you found this information helpful — share the article with friends or on social media. If you’re looking for individual support during a trip, I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — more information is available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
