Did you know Zakopane is only about 100 km from Krakow and that one day is enough to feel the highlander atmosphere, see the main sights and catch a Tatra panorama? It’s a great option for students and Erasmus participants - a quick trip, intense experiences and plenty of photos for your album. If you want to learn about the town beyond the surface, using a licensed guide gives you a big advantage: historical context, local anecdotes and logistical support so the day runs smoothly and stress-free.
A guided trip is especially convenient when the group has different expectations - from a short walk along Krupówki, to taking the funicular up Gubałówka, to visiting old villas and the Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery. A well-led tour saves time and usually offers a better experience than wandering the promenade on your own.
For Erasmus students and international groups an extra benefit is the possibility to have the tour in English - private tours can be run in either language, and the guide will help organise transport, tickets and a programme adapted to the group’s energy level.
A typical day with a guide includes Zakopane’s key attractions: Krupówki, the ride or funicular to Gubałówka for panoramic views of the Tatras, a stroll past villas in the Zakopane style (for example Koliba), a visit to Pęksowy Brzyzek Cemetery and a look at the ski jumps, primarily Wielka Krokiew. Often the Sanctuary on Krzeptówki or the Tatra Museum are optional stops.
During the walk the guide will tell the story of the town’s development, the Zakopane style popularised by Stanisław Witkiewicz, local cultural figures and highlander legends that bring the narrative to life. The cemetery at Pęksowy Brzyzek holds graves of people important to the region, and that can be an especially interesting stop for history lovers.
If the group wants to enrich the programme, you can add a short ride to the top of Wielka Krokiew by lift or allow free time on Krupówki to taste oscypek and buy local souvenirs.
The trip from Krakow to Zakopane usually takes about 2–3 hours depending on transport and road conditions. Popular options are train (PKP), minibuses and private transfers by coach or van - for student groups a private transfer is often the most convenient, especially when you want to make the most of the day.
The guide can help organise transport and recommend the best departure time to avoid traffic around Zakopane, especially in high season and on weekends. It’s also worth checking train and bus timetables in advance, remembering that tickets can sell out quickly in peak periods.
Student groups often get better rates for coach hire with early booking - this also simplifies logistics and moving between points of interest.
When planning the budget remember a few costs that are usually not included in the guide fee: funicular tickets and entrance fees to some attractions. For example, approximate fees are: Gubałówka funicular around 15–24 PLN/person, entry to Wielka Krokiew around 10–15 PLN/person, and a small symbolic fee for visiting Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery (a few zlotys).
The price of the guiding service depends on route length and group size - for small private groups a full-day private tour is usually a fixed price, while larger groups are often charged per person. Always ask the guide about student discounts or special offers.
The guide will also help buy tickets and advise which paid entries are worth the extra cost and which can be skipped without losing much from the experience.
The most common mistakes are wrong shoes and clothing that’s too light. Even in summer the mountain weather can change quickly, so bring a lightweight waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes - they don’t have to be full trekking boots for a day in town, but choose shoes with a good sole.
Remember an ID (sometimes needed for student discounts), a small amount of cash for small fees and a charged phone battery - photos and maps drain power. If you plan a short lift ride or walk, an extra thermos with hot tea can be a lifesaver on colder days.
For Erasmus students: check the forecast in advance and dress in layers you can easily remove - a thin layering system works best.
Zakopane has many places serving regional cuisine; picking well-rated venues helps avoid disappointment. Popular and often recommended places include Gazdowo Kuźnia, Karczma Po Zbóju and Bąkowo Zohylina Wyźnio - here you can try kwaśnica, moskole or nicely prepared oscypek.
If you need a quick, inexpensive bite, Krupówki has stalls with local cheeses and snacks; those looking for a calmer atmosphere can ask the guide for smaller local restaurants off the main promenade.
In high season it’s a good idea to reserve a table, especially for larger groups as good places fill up fast.
Poor time planning is one of the most frequent mistakes: visitors book too little time and then must choose between attractions. With a guide it’s easier to match pace and priorities to the group.
Another common error is ignoring the weather - rain, fog or snow can change plans within an hour. Pack a jacket and good shoes; don’t leave everything to the last minute.
Finally, avoid buying the first souvenir you see on Krupówki - prices are often higher on the main promenade; better and cheaper items can be found in smaller shops recommended by the guide.
The villas in Zakopane are not just an aesthetic attraction - the Zakopane style was popularised by Stanisław Witkiewicz, and the earliest houses in that style can be seen during the walk.
Pęksowy Brzyzek cemetery hides graves of many well-known cultural and scientific figures linked to the Tatras and Zakopane - this place can surprise history fans.
Although Zakopane is associated mainly with mountains, the town also has a strong cultural dimension: music, folk art and literature are visible everywhere.
How long does the trip last? - A standard full-day trip lasts the whole day and is designed to visit the most important places at a comfortable pace.
Does the guide speak English? - Yes, tours can be conducted in Polish or English - a great option for international Erasmus groups.
Does the guide help with tickets? - Yes, the guide usually helps buy funicular tickets and advises which entries are worth paying for.
Where do we meet at the start of the trip? - The meeting point is arranged individually, most often in central Krakow, e.g. the Main Market Square, which makes travel to and from the meeting point easy for participants.
A trip to Zakopane is an excellent idea for a day full of experiences - especially when organised by a licensed guide who knows not only facts but also stories, anecdotes and practical tips for student and Erasmus groups. If you want a stress-free trip, contact Małgorzata Kasprowicz - a licensed guide who knows Krakow and the surrounding area and will happily prepare a plan tailored to your group. Contact and reservations are available on the guide’s website; you can also call or email to agree details.
If you found this article helpful - share it with friends or on social media. If you’re planning a group trip, consider booking a private tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz; details and contact information are available at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
