Imagine this: in the morning you leave Kraków’s Main Market, walk past the Planty and wander through the picturesque landscapes of Małopolska, and after a week you stand at the foot of the Tatras on Zakopane’s Krupówki. This isn’t a fantasy — it’s a realistic, rewarding walking trip that requires good fitness, planning and flexibility.
In this article you’ll find a practical 7-day plan (daily stages with approximate distance and time), route suggestions and sections around Zakopane, a checklist of things to remember, recommended places to eat and sleep, and an FAQ with common mistakes to avoid.
This route suits people with good walking fitness — if you regularly cover 20–30 km per day and have experience with longer hikes, you can try it. Less experienced walkers should shorten some stages, use a train/bus for parts of the route or extend the number of days.
If you travel with luggage, consider a luggage transfer service between accommodations or plan stages so you sleep where you start the next day. When planning, keep in mind that weather can force changes — the Tatras can be unpredictable.
Day 1: Kraków — Skawina — approx. 20–25 km. An easier start across mostly flat terrain and small towns to warm up the legs.
Day 2: Skawina — Myślenice — approx. 25–30 km. Hilly terrain with forested and rural sections; plan a break in Myślenice.
Day 3: Myślenice — Rabka-Zdrój — approx. 25–30 km. A change of landscape and likely nicer views. Rabka is a good place to recover.
Day 4: Rabka-Zdrój — Nowy Targ — approx. 25 km. Entering areas closer to the Tatras, larger towns and more accommodation options.
Day 5: Nowy Targ — Poronin — approx. 20–25 km. A shorter stage before entering more mountainous terrain; Poronin is a convenient stop before Zakopane.
Day 6: Poronin — Zakopane (Krupówki) — approx. 10–15 km. The final stage, often a pleasant walk; if you wish, you can detour via Kuźnice to reach higher trails.
Day 7: Rest day or a short hike on one of the popular routes around Zakopane (for example Kasprowy Wierch or Giewont) — if you plan to climb in the Tatras, follow TPN rules and prepare properly.
Giewont — the iconic silhouette above Zakopane; ascents start from Kuźnice or other trailheads. Some sections have chains and one-way parts — be cautious and avoid stormy days.
Kasprowy Wierch — two options: a hike on the green trail from Kuźnice (about 6–7 km one way) or the cable car. Many visitors choose it for the panoramic views of the Tatras.
Dolina Strążyska, Dolina Białego, Sarnia Skała — shorter scenic routes perfect to stretch your legs after a long walk; useful if you want to taste the Tatras without a multi-hour ascent.
Remember that Tatra National Park (TPN) uses marked trails — don’t leave the paths, respect nature and check if any sections are temporarily closed.
The Tatras have their own rules: many sections are one-way, some require scrambling or chains, and access on popular segments may be regulated. Check current park notices and trail maps before you go.
Always tell someone your daily plan, carry a powerbank, an offline map and your documents. Mountain weather changes fast — dress in layers and carry a rain poncho or lightweight waterproof jacket.
If you plan harder climbs (high ridges or exposed routes), consider hiring a certified Tatra guide. School groups and organized trips have additional requirements — check these in advance.
Hiking shoes with a good sole, lighter shoes for evenings, breathable socks.
A 25–35 l backpack; a smaller daypack for single-day hikes; rain covers for your pack and yourself.
Layered clothing (base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket), a first-aid kit, basic medicines.
Offline map or navigation app with saved routes, powerbank, flashlight, documents and some cash (card terminals may not always work in smaller towns).
For regional food and well-regarded places, many visitors recommend traditional inns serving highlander specialties — kwaśnica, moskole and smoked sheep’s cheese (oscypek). Popular options that often appear in local listings include Karczma Zapiecek, Bistro Kryjówka and Bubuja Bistro.
For coffee or dessert, try one of Zakopane’s well-reviewed cafés — options vary by taste, and in high season it’s wise to reserve tables in the evening.
If you prefer comfortable accommodation with extra facilities, Zakopane has hotels and spa resorts such as Nosalowy Dwór Resort & SPA, as well as intimate guesthouses closer to Krupówki. Book ahead, especially for weekends and holidays.
Many great views are reachable without long or difficult climbs — short valleys and meadows offer excellent panoramas and are less crowded.
In season, starting early (before 9:00) often helps avoid the biggest crowds on popular routes.
At local markets in Zakopane you can taste regional baked goods and cheeses from small farms — they often taste different and fresher than supermarket versions.
Planning stages that are too long without accounting for terrain — a kilometer in the mountains is not the same as on flat ground. Count time by elevation gain and trail difficulty.
Underestimating variable weather — bring a rain jacket and a warm layer even in summer.
Not booking accommodation ahead in peak season — good places fill up fast. If you’re on a budget, consider staying in smaller towns outside Zakopane.
Do I need a paper map? Not necessarily, but have an offline map on your phone and know how to read trail markings.
Can I hike to Kasprowy on the same day I arrive in Zakopane? Yes, but it makes for a long day — consider splitting the effort or using the cable car one way.
Is the route from Kraków safe? Generally yes, but it requires thoughtful stage planning, knowledge of towns along the way and attention to weather conditions.
A week-long walk from Kraków to Zakopane is a beautiful adventure: it gives you time to enjoy Małopolska’s landscapes, brings real satisfaction and allows you to reach the Tatras in your own way.
If you’d like, I can help tailor the route to your pace, suggest accommodations and recommended places to eat, or guide a tour of Zakopane and its surroundings. You can find contact details on the guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz’s page.
If you found this article useful, share it with friends or on social media — let more people discover the charm of walking routes in Małopolska and the Tatras.
