Yes — many attractions in Kraków and the surroundings of Zakopane are accessible to travellers with dogs, provided you plan your route and check the applicable rules in advance. Remember that the Tatra National Park (TPN) generally prohibits dogs on most protected areas; only a few sections and areas managed by other entities are exceptions. In the city there are local regulations about keeping dogs on a leash, cleaning up after them, and rules for public transport. Have your dog's health documents and the right equipment ready, and the trip will be enjoyable for both of you.
The train is a convenient option on the Kraków–Zakopane route, but simple rules apply: if the dog is not in a carrier, you usually need to buy a ticket for it — on long-distance lines this is often a fixed fee. The dog should be on a leash and, depending on the carrier, a muzzle may be required. If you buy a ticket from the conductor, expect a higher on-board fee. Always carry proof of rabies vaccination; it can be requested during checks or transport. Buying the ticket online in advance will save stress and extra costs.
Kraków is dog-walking friendly, but public-order rules apply — in parks and public areas dogs are usually required to be on a leash, and in some situations a muzzle is mandatory. Dogs may travel on public transport but must be on a leash and often muzzled; they should not occupy passenger seats. Remember to pick up after your dog — it’s both courtesy and a municipal requirement. If you plan to let your dog off-leash, choose designated dog runs or clearly marked areas and check the rules for that place beforehand.
Definitively: you should not take dogs into the Tatra National Park — there is a nationwide ban across most of the park to protect wildlife. Exceptions exist only where the landowner or protection plan allows it; for example some valleys managed by local communities. On selected routes outside TPN (for example short sections along the Droga pod Reglami or valleys managed by other entities) you can walk with your dog, but always on a leash. On the Slovak side rules may be more relaxed in some areas, but local regulations still often require a leash and a muzzle on more difficult sections.
If your goal is mountain walks, choose gentler alternative routes and always assess your dog's fitness and readiness — mountains are demanding, especially for dogs without experience.
More and more places in Kraków and Zakopane welcome pets — from hotels to guesthouses. When choosing accommodation, ask in advance about their policy: allowed dog size, extra fees, and amenities (bowls, bed, possibility to leave the dog under supervision). In Zakopane consider places with a fenced yard or close to walking areas; many mountain hotels have experience hosting guests with dogs. In Kraków I recommend choosing accommodation near parks or the Planty — convenient for short walks between sightseeing and dinner.
In Kraków you will find cafés and venues that actively welcome four-legged guests — some even provide bowls and treats. If you want to be sure, check reviews and reserve a table in advance, mentioning your dog. In Zakopane many restaurants and karczmas accept dogs on outdoor terraces or in garden areas; during high season it’s best to contact the venue beforehand. We recommend choosing places with good reviews so your meal is pleasant and stress-free rather than ending up somewhere unprepared to host guests with pets.
Health passport or vaccination booklet (proof of rabies vaccination), leash and a spare muzzle (if needed), water supply and a collapsible bowl, poop bags, towel and a mat for the car/room, basic medicines and flea/tick prevention, collar with ID and phone number, favourite treats and a calming toy. If you plan short mountain walks, bring gentle paw protectors and a first-aid kit for your dog. Keep these items in an accessible place — quick access during travel brings peace of mind for everyone.
1) Not checking TPN rules and specific trail regulations in advance — result: an unpleasant surprise and having to turn back. Always check whether a route goes through national park territory and whether dogs are allowed. 2) Forgetting a ticket for the dog or proof of vaccination during train travel — buy the ticket beforehand and keep documents in an easy pocket. 3) Booking accommodation without confirming the pet policy — ask directly about extra fees, weight limits or bed requirements. 4) Letting the dog run free in crowded places and city parks — it’s unsafe and can lead to a fine. 5) Underestimating your dog's fitness before mountain trips — increase activity gradually and consult a vet if in doubt.
Can I enter the Main Market Square in Kraków with my dog? - Yes, but keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them; at very busy times consider a shorter walk on the Planty. Can I take the funicular to Gubałówka with a dog? - Cable cars and attractions have their own rules; some accept dogs (usually on a leash or in a carrier), so always check before boarding. Can a dog stay in a mountain hut? - Hut policies vary; some allow dogs, others do not — ask in advance. What documents are needed? - Up-to-date vaccinations, an ID tag with phone number and a health booklet are the basics.
- Although TPN generally bans dogs, there are valleys and trail fragments managed by other entities where walking with a dog is permitted — always check the status of the specific area before you set out. - On many long-distance trains the fee for a large dog is a fixed amount independent of trip length — a simple solution that helps with trip budgeting. - Zakopane lacks many official fenced dog parks; natural meeting spots for dogs tend to concentrate in specific parts of town, so it’s worth asking locally after you arrive.
Travelling with a dog around Lesser Poland can be wonderful — the combination of historic Kraków and the mountain scenery of Zakopane offers many options. Planning, respecting rules and showing empathy toward other visitors and nature are the keys to a successful trip. If you would like personalised help planning a route in Kraków with your pet, you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; contact details are available on the guide's page. If you found this article helpful, please share it with friends or on social media so others can learn how to travel safely and enjoyably with their dogs in Kraków and Zakopane.
