When planning a trip from Krakow to Zakopane and to Ojców National Park for a small group (2–6 people), set your priorities right away: do you mainly want to relax and stroll along Krupówki, or do you prefer a longer mountain hike? Or maybe you dream of a calm walk among the picturesque rocks of Ojców and a visit to Pieskowa Skała Castle? That will determine the route, pace and the equipment you need.
The main advantages of small groups are flexibility and the ability to tailor the program to participants’ interests — so plan a relaxed day with extra time for breaks and a meal.
Technically this is possible, but it will be a very intense day. Ojców lies close to Krakow and can be combined with a short stop in central Krakow, while Zakopane is in the opposite direction (to the south) and the drive usually takes about 2 hours one way in normal traffic.
If you only have one day, it’s better to choose one destination and give it more time. My suggestion: if you want mountain views and local atmosphere — go to Zakopane; if you prefer a shorter, peaceful walk among rocks, a castle and charming valleys — choose Ojców. Combine both only if you have at least two days.
Sample daily plan (flexible):
- Departure from Krakow: around 7:00–8:00 (to make the most of the day).
- Arrival in Zakopane: around 9:30–10:00 (drive time ~2 hours, depending on traffic).
- Stops and suggestions: Wielka Krokiew (short viewpoint stop), a walk along Krupówki, a ride on the Gubałówka funicular or a visit to the cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek and the ski jump area.
- Walking options: Kościeliska Valley as a short, scenic walk (for those who enjoy strolling); Morskie Oko is a longer outing and requires extra time or the omission of some other stops.
- Lunch in a regional karczma (traditional inn) or on Krupówki.
- Departure from Zakopane: around 16:00–17:00, return to Krakow in the evening.
For small groups, a private transfer (car/minivan) is the best choice — it gives the greatest flexibility in timing and stops. If someone in the group wants to do serious mountain hiking, consider staying overnight in Zakopane or skipping other program points.
Ojców is a great choice for a shorter, peaceful trip. A typical program for small groups looks like this:
- Departure from Krakow in the morning (around 9:00) and arrival in Ojców in about 30–45 minutes depending on your starting point in Krakow.
- Walk through the Prądnik Valley: Kraków Gate (Brama Krakowska), the Spring of Love (Źródełko Miłości), the ruins of Ojców Castle, Pieskowa Skała with its courtyard and the Hercules' Club (Maczuga Herkulesa). Many of these points can be seen in 2–4 hours.
- For families with children there are shorter routes and attractions such as horse-drawn carts or bonfires when organized in season.
Ojców National Park is a protected area — remember the rules: keep noise to a minimum, stay on marked trails and do not leave rubbish. During the season check opening hours for specific sites (for example the Pieskowa Skała courtyard).
Day 1: Ojców and surroundings — a relaxed program: the castle, Kraków Gate, a short walk, dinner in Krakow.
Day 2: Zakopane — a full day for valleys, views or relaxation in thermal baths. This structure gives you comfort and the option to set a comfortable pace.
For small groups consider: one day for a mountain walk (e.g. Kościeliska Valley), another day for a more tourist-style Zakopane with Krupówki and rest.
Transport options for 2–6 people:
- Private car / minivan: the greatest convenience and flexibility. Often the fastest choice for a small group.
- Private transfer: many companies offer full-day transfers Krakow–Zakopane with hotel pick-up. For 2–6 people the per-person cost varies, but it’s a convenient solution without having to drive mountain roads yourself.
- Train / bus: possible, but they limit flexibility and time — less suitable if you plan stops along the way.
If you plan to visit both Zakopane and Ojców in a short time, it’s most sensible to rent a car or book a transfer to minimize waiting times and maximize sightseeing time.
Costs depend on choices: transport, guide, entrance fees, meals and optional services (e.g. Gubałówka funicular, thermal baths). For a small group consider a flat vehicle rental or private transfer instead of per-person pricing — it often works out cheaper per head with more participants.
For example: a private transfer from Krakow to Zakopane and back with a short program in Zakopane is often priced in commercial offers at several hundred złoty per person for 2–6 people — the more people, the lower the per-person price. Shorter visits to Ojców usually do not generate large transport costs due to the short distance from Krakow.
If you want a local guide — both in Ojców National Park and in Zakopane you can hire guides by the hour. For small groups it often pays off to hire a guide hourly (prices depend on language and route length).
Adjust the list to the season and planned activity, but generally remember to bring:
- Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes (especially in Zakopane and on trails).
- Layered clothing — mountain weather changes fast. A light wind- and water-resistant jacket for the top layer.
- A small backpack with water, snacks, a first-aid kit, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- For longer routes: a map or offline app, power bank, flashlight in winter/short-day seasons.
- ID documents and confirmations of bookings/transfers if any.
For families with children bring extra snacks, drinks and plan breaks to match children’s pace.
The busiest times are weekends, holidays and the winter (ski) season in Zakopane and the summer season in Ojców. If you prefer peace and shorter queues, choose weekdays or an early start.
Book transfers and guides in advance, especially if you travel on weekends or in holiday seasons. Small groups have an advantage — it’s easier to find suitable dates and routes, but good carriers can get booked quickly.
If you plan to visit sites with limited capacity (e.g. some caves or popular attractions), check the possibility of booking tickets in advance.
Ojców National Park and Tatra National Park have rules to protect nature. Please stay on marked trails, do not climb trees or rocks except in designated places, and do not pick plants or disturb wildlife.
In the mountains adapt the route to the participants’ fitness and the weather. Postpone tougher outings in poor conditions.
If traveling with children or people with limited mobility, plan route and transport in advance and inform the carrier about special needs.
- Instead of trying to tick off as many attractions as possible in one day, choose one place and explore it calmly — small groups gain time for conversation and better experiences.
- If someone in the group loves photographing sunrises and sunsets — consider staying overnight in Zakopane and an early morning hike before the crowds arrive.
- For families: Ojców is easier for short, safe routes and child-friendly attractions. In Zakopane kids usually enjoy the Gubałówka funicular and walks along Krupówki.
- If you want thermal baths after a full day, include that option in the Zakopane plan — a great way to relax.
For groups of 2–6 people flexible solutions work best: a private transfer and a tailored sightseeing plan. If you have one day — choose either Zakopane (mountains, atmosphere, more attractions) or Ojców (calm, picturesque park near Krakow). With two days you can combine both and enjoy a relaxed pace.
If you’d like, I’m happy to help prepare a personalized trip plan — matched to your group’s fitness, interests and the season. Tell me how much time you have, how many people and what you most want to see, and I will prepare a suggested route and approximate costs.
