Planning a trip from Krakow to Zakopane and want to bring your dog? Great idea — the Tatra Mountains and the Podhale region can create wonderful memories for both people and their pets. With good preparation, the trip can be comfortable and safe. Before you set off, answer three questions: can your dog tolerate a longer car or bus ride; what is your pet’s physical condition (short legs versus long mountain climbs); and do you plan to enter protected areas (national parks have their own rules).
A few practical steps to do before leaving: make sure vaccinations and deworming are up to date; bring the dog’s medical booklet/passport; book accommodation marked as "pet-friendly"; pack the basic items (a checklist appears later in the article). This will minimize stress for both you and your dog.
This article also includes a ready-made one-day plan from Krakow, route suggestions matched to your pet’s fitness, tips about transport and accommodation, and an FAQ answering the most common questions.
By car: the most comfortable option because you can bring more items (water, bowls, bed, extra food) and stop whenever your pet needs a break. Travel time is about 2–2.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Remember to secure the dog in the car (leash attached to a seatbelt, carrier, safety harness or a cargo barrier) — for the safety of everyone on board.
By bus / intercity carriers / private operators: many lines run between Krakow and Zakopane. Rules for transporting animals vary by carrier — small dogs in carriers are often accepted free of charge, larger dogs may need a muzzle and leash and sometimes a paid ticket. Check the specific carrier’s rules before you travel.
By train: rail connections to Zakopane are popular, but remember the carrier’s regulations regarding animals (small dogs in carriers, larger dogs on a leash and muzzled). Train travel can be convenient if your dog tolerates crowds and station noise.
Planning breaks: regardless of transport, schedule stops for exercise and toilet breaks. Bring extra water and a collapsible bowl — mountain walks can dry your dog out quickly.
This is very important: most of the Polish Tatras lie within the Tatra National Park (Tatrzański Park Narodowy, TPN). A general ban on bringing dogs applies in the TPN, with a few clearly defined exceptions. Before you plan to hike a particular trail, check whether the route goes through TPN territory and whether that section allows dogs.
Exceptions and places where you can usually walk with a dog: some valleys and routes around Zakopane’s center are accessible to dog owners — examples include selected valley floors and the Road under the Regls (Droga pod Reglami). However, a dog should always be kept on a leash. In practice, popular mountain destinations such as Morskie Oko or most high-mountain trails remain inaccessible to dogs.
Why these restrictions exist: they are meant to protect wildlife — dogs, even when harmless, can scare marmots, chamois and other species, negatively affecting their lives and breeding. Keeping your dog on a leash and choosing routes outside strictly protected areas protects both nature and your pet’s safety.
Krupówki and the town center: ideal for a relaxed walk after arrival. The main street is pedestrian-friendly, and many venues have outdoor seating where your dog can wait calmly. It’s a great place for a short walk, souvenir shopping and a coffee break.
Gubałówka: take the funicular or walk up to the summit (the route varies in difficulty). From the top you get panoramic views of the Tatras and Zakopane — dogs are usually welcome here, but keep your pet on a leash, especially near edges and in busier sections.
Droga pod Reglami: a wide forest track running close to the TPN border; flat, pleasant, and great for a longer walk with a dog. You can adjust the length of the route to match your dog’s fitness.
Chochołowska Valley (if you plan a longer outing): one of the valleys where dogs are allowed on certain sections — the valley floor trail is wide and comfortable, ideal for less athletic dogs. Note: the route there and back can be long (plan for several to a dozen kilometers depending on the destination), so schedule rests, water and options to shorten the hike.
Nosal and the area around Wielka Krokiew: good for shorter, scenic walks. Nosal is a gentler peak often chosen by families with dogs. A stroll around Wielka Krokiew and Równia Krupowa is also a pleasant afternoon option.
Places to avoid with a dog: most high-mountain trails and strictly protected areas — these are neither safe nor legal for dogs. Skip plans that would require entering fully protected zones.
Accommodation: Zakopane offers many guesthouses, apartments and hotels that declare themselves pet-friendly. Apartments and private guesthouses often work best because they offer more space and the ability to prepare meals. When booking, ask about rules: accepted dog size, extra fees, cleaning policies and whether beds or bowls are provided.
Restaurants and cafés: many places in the center and outskirts have outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. Ask staff before entering — most venues will gladly provide a bowl of water. If you plan to eat at a specific popular place, call ahead to confirm their pet policy.
Practical tip: if your dog has favorite treats, bring them — they help motivate and calm your pet during stress or a long walk.
Basics: leash (a shorter one for crowded places and a longer one for forest walks), harness or collar with ID, poop bags, collapsible bowl, enough water and food for the day.
Safety and health: health booklet/passport, up-to-date vaccinations, tick and parasite prevention, a basic first-aid kit (dressings, disinfectant, vet phone number).
Comfort: a blanket or car mat, a towel (after walks in rain), paw protectors for rocky sections, a travel bed if you plan to sleep away from home.
Extras: a muzzle in case it’s required on public transport or by a venue; reward treats; a headlamp for late returns.
Always have the phone number of the nearest vet and emergency veterinary service in your phone — there are clinics and practices in Zakopane that accept animals and sometimes offer on-call services. Before your trip, save the location of the nearest clinic so you can reach it quickly if needed.
If your dog has specific medical conditions or takes medication, discuss the planned route with your vet before leaving. Some problems (e.g., breathing or heart issues, or significant obesity) may rule out longer mountain hikes.
After an accident or suspected poisoning, stay calm: secure the scene, don’t give medications on your own without consultation, and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Leave Krakow early (around 7:00–8:00) — driving takes about 2–2.5 hours (allow time for breaks). After arrival, take a short walk along Krupówki so your dog can drink and stretch its legs.
In the morning pick an easy route: Droga pod Reglami or take the funicular to Gubałówka and walk along the ridge. Both options are pleasant and not too strenuous, and the views are worth it.
For lunch stop at a place with outdoor seating — your dog can rest while you recharge. In the afternoon consider a longer walk to Chochołowska Valley (if your dog is fit and you plan a long march), or stay on gentler routes near Nosal.
Return to Krakow in the evening — if driving, plan a break every 1.5–2 hours so your dog can run and relieve itself.
Can I go to Morskie Oko with my dog? - No. Most high-mountain routes and valleys like Morskie Oko are inside TPN and do not allow dogs. Instead, choose valleys and trails open to dogs or nearby areas outside the strict park zone.
Does my dog have to be on a leash? - Yes. In public places, especially in the mountains and in areas with restrictions, keep your dog on a leash. It’s a matter of safety and respect for other visitors and wildlife.
Do I need a muzzle? - Muzzle rules depend on the carrier (bus, train) and local regulations. Always carry a muzzle — staff in a venue or transport may ask you to use it.
Can I find a veterinarian in Zakopane? - Yes, there are veterinary clinics and practices in Zakopane. Before you go, note the phone number and address of the nearest facility.
Are accommodations more expensive if I bring a dog? - Some places charge a small cleaning fee or deposit. Policies vary, so ask when booking and look for explicitly "pet-friendly" offers.
Be flexible and watch your dog — mountain weather and terrain can change quickly. It’s better to shorten a route than to overwork your pet.
Respect nature and other visitors — clean up after your dog, keep it on a leash in crowded places and do not allow noisy behavior that could disturb wildlife.
If this is your first trip of this kind — start with shorter routes and gradually increase distance. The mountains are an adventure best enjoyed when everyone (people and animals) returns happy and healthy. I wish you a wonderful trip and many beautiful moments with your furry friend!
