Yes — you can have a great active, on-foot weekend: in Kraków you’ll mostly get around on foot or by public transport, and in Zakopane many of the nicest spots (Krupówki, Gubałówka, the valley trails) are best explored on foot. Keep in mind that you need to travel between Kraków and Zakopane (about 2–2.5 hours by car or bus depending on traffic). If you want a fully walking-focused plan, split the weekend: one day in Kraków and one day in Zakopane (or stay overnight in Zakopane if you want more mountain time).
In the sections below you’ll find a ready-made weekend plan, practical tips, food recommendations and a short FAQ — all written in a friendly, simple tone so you can pack a backpack and head out right away.
1) Leave as early as possible: the Zakopianka road often gets congested, especially Friday and Sunday afternoons. Leaving before 7:00 or after 20:00 usually saves time.
2) Set priorities: decide whether you want to spend most of your time walking around the city (Kraków) or exploring valleys and shorter mountain trails (Zakopane).
3) Book accommodation in advance — weekends, holidays and school breaks fill up quickly. If you plan lots of walking, choose a place near Zakopane centre for quicker access to Krupówki and buses to the trails.
4) Weather and gear: mountain weather changes quickly — comfortable shoes, layers, a rain jacket and a thermos are essential. On valley walks and popular trails bring water and snacks.
Kraków is perfect for walking — most must-see spots are within short strolls. Here’s a morning and afternoon plan that shows different sides of the city without wearing you out.
- Morning: Main Market Square and surroundings — walk through the Cloth Hall, see St. Mary’s Church (outside view or with a ticket), and enjoy Planty park. For breakfast try cafés near the square such as Cafe Camelot; a good coffee is essential before a day of walking.
- Late morning: Wawel Castle and Cathedral — if you want to go inside, plan for tickets and about 1–2 hours. From Wawel walk toward Kazimierz; a relaxed pace across the bridges along the Vistula takes about 20–30 minutes.
- Afternoon: Kazimierz — synagogues, atmospheric streets, galleries and cafés. Great for a longer stroll and lunch. After sunset, walk along the Vistula or return to the Market Square to feel the evening atmosphere.
- Alternative for more walking: a route along Planty, through Podgórze to Krakus Mound — a short outing with a nice city view.
If you stay in Zakopane or travel there early from Kraków, plan your day to make the most of the surrounding nature. Here’s a tried-and-true walking plan for one day:
- Krupówki and Gubałówka (morning): stroll the famous high street, then take the funicular up Gubałówka or walk up depending on the weather. The mountain views are a great photo warm-up. On Krupówki you can buy oscypek (smoked sheep cheese) and local souvenirs.
- Valleys: choose one valley — Kościeliska Valley (easy paths and scenic spots) or Chochołowska Valley (about 4 hours round trip to the meadows and shelters, ideal for a relaxed trek). Both valleys have gentle trails suitable for families and less experienced walkers.
- If you fancy a longer hike: Morskie Oko — a longer excursion (a few hours one way from the parking), but the lake framed by peaks is well worth it.
- Short and easy attractions: Wielka Krokiew (ski jump), the Tatra Museum or thermal baths (for example Chochołowskie Thermal Baths) to relax after walking.
- Evening: a regional dinner — try traditional highlander dishes in a karczma. Recommended places include Bąkowo Zohylina Niźno for classic góralska cuisine or Gwarno for a modern take.
In Kraków: Cafe Camelot (near the Market Square), Charlotte (breakfast and bakery), Mleczarnia (Kazimierz) — good places for breakfast and coffee before you head out.
In Zakopane: Bąkowo Zohylina Niźno (traditional highlander inn), Gwarno (modern regional cuisine). On Krupówki you’ll also find stalls selling warm oscypek — a must-try. After a long day in the mountains, thermal bath cafes and their bars are a pleasant way to end the day. Reservations are often useful in high season.
For families: restaurants near the valley entrances or mountain refuges typically offer simple, hearty meals — practical and local.
- Getting between Kraków and Zakopane: about 2–2.5 hours by car or bus; trains require a change and take longer but can be a comfortable alternative for those who prefer not to drive.
- Parking and traffic: Zakopianka can be busy at weekends — build extra time into your travel plans. Central Zakopane parking fills quickly, so consider accommodation with parking or arriving by public transport.
- Tickets and entrances: if you plan to visit museums, cable cars or Kasprowy, check opening hours and buy tickets online when possible to avoid queues.
- Mountain clothing and safety: wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers and carry a map or offline app. Mountain weather can change fast — check forecasts and be realistic about your fitness.
Can you walk from Kraków to Zakopane? - Technically yes, but it’s a very long distance (over 100 km) across varied terrain. Not practical for a weekend — buses, trains or driving are better options.
How long is a walk in Chochołowska Valley? - A typical walk to the most visited parts of the valley and back takes about 4 hours at a moderate pace including short breaks. In winter some sections can be icy — consider crampons for shoes.
Can you visit Morskie Oko in one day from Kraków? - Yes, but it makes for a long day: travel to Zakopane, the walk to Morskie Oko and return plus any stops will take a lot of time. If you want to explore Morskie Oko without rushing, consider staying overnight in Zakopane.
How to avoid crowds on Krupówki and in the valleys? - Early starts and visiting in the morning help avoid peak crowds; outside the high season (spring/autumn) it’s generally much quieter.
- Add another day in the Tatras: take Kasprowy Wierch (cable car or hike) or a longer route such as the Five Polish Ponds Valley and surrounding trails.
- Reserve a full day for Morskie Oko and nearby paths: more time for photos and rest makes the trip more enjoyable.
- Relax in thermal baths: the thermal pools around Zakopane are the perfect complement to active days.
Walking is the best way to feel the atmosphere and spot the details in both Kraków and Zakopane. Plan realistically: pick a few priorities each day and leave room for surprises — those are often the best moments of a trip. If you'd like, I can help prepare a personalized walking weekend plan — tell me how much time you have, whether you prefer slow, leisurely walks or active hikes, and whether you’ll travel by car, train or bus. Good travels and comfortable shoes!
