Zakopane is beautiful but popular - especially on weekends and during the winter season. If you’re going for a full day with a stroller, be realistic: you won’t see everything, but you can enjoy a comfortable day full of architecture, history and mountain views.
Think about priorities: are panoramas from Gubałówka more important to you, the wooden monuments in the Zakopane style, or an easy wide walk along a compacted valley road? A well-planned day means less stress for parents and more fun for the child.
Watch the weather and aim to leave early, because mornings are calmer, parking is easier to find and queues are shorter. Bring items that make mobility easier - a lightweight carrier, a rain cover for the stroller and a thermos with a hot drink. A terrain stroller is not necessary on every route, but it helps on uneven surfaces.
From Kraków count on about 2 - 2.5 hours by car one way without traffic. Train or bus are comfortable alternatives if you prefer not to look for parking; if you choose public transport check schedules and possible transfers.
In this article you’ll find a suggested day plan, descriptions of stroller-friendly routes, notes about Zakopane-style monuments and practical tips on food, changing nappies and safety.
The Zakopane style is a local answer to the villa fashions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Its idea was developed by Stanisław Witkiewicz, who proposed building based on local patterns and materials. That gave Zakopane its distinctive wooden look: shingle roofs, richly carved details and interiors with regional furnishings.
A few easily accessible spots worth visiting if you’re interested in architecture: Villa Koliba on Kościeliska Street - the first house in the Zakopane style from the late 19th century; the Chapel at Jaszczurówka from the early 20th century - a beautiful example of wooden sacred architecture; and the exhibitions of the Tatra Museum, which help explain the ethnography and history of Podhale.
These places provide great context for a walk through the old part of Zakopane and show how tradition blends with the town’s fabric. For parents: museum interiors are usually child-friendly, but it’s worth checking opening hours before you go.
A short walk along Kościeliska Street or around Jaszczurówka will give you an authentic taste of Podhale - a perfect complement to Tatra views and the lively Krupówki promenade.
Remember that some historic wooden buildings have steps or narrow passages, so not all will be fully accessible with a stroller; it’s smart to have a carrier for short carries.
Gubałówka - taking the funicular is a quick way to get spectacular views and enjoy a short, comfortable walk on the paved promenade at the top. Carriages and stations are adapted for strollers; up top you’ll find restaurants, playgrounds and viewing terraces. It’s an excellent morning stop.
Kościeliska Valley - the wide, compacted road (at least at the beginning) makes this valley a popular stroller choice. The route has pretty glades and picnic spots, and with proper planning you can avoid the rocky final sections. Keep in mind that the farther you go, the harder it gets with a stroller - end sections can be rockier and narrower.
Chochołowska Valley - a long, picturesque valley with stretches suitable for strollers. In summer there are bike rentals and in winter sledding routes. It’s a great alternative when you want a longer, peaceful walk without steep climbs.
Kalatówki - a shorter route from Kuźnice to the mountain shelter, often chosen by families. The path can climb a bit but is compacted; there’s a shelter at the end where you can rest. The descent is usually quicker and more pleasant for kids.
Krupówki - the town’s main promenade is easy to cross with a stroller, though it’s crowded in season. It’s a good place for a break, coffee and local snacks, but don’t expect quiet. Krupówki are more of an orientation point than a long tranquil walk.
Option A - panoramas and architecture (slower pace): leave Kraków early - arrive in Zakopane around 9:00; take the funicular to Gubałówka, enjoy a walk and photos - about 2 hours; descend to Krupówki for coffee and oscypek; travel (or take a bus) to Kuźnice and stroll to Kalatówki or walk a short section of Kościeliska Valley; have lunch at a shelter or in town; afternoon visit to Villa Koliba or the Jaszczurówka Chapel; return to Kraków.
Option B - nature and a longer walk: arrive in the morning, park close to the entrance of Chochołowska or in Kuźnice; enjoy a long, relaxing walk in the valley (Chochołowska or Kościeliska) with picnic stops; return to Zakopane for an evening stroll on Krupówki; finish the day with the thermal baths or a warm dinner before heading back.
A few practical planning tips: start early to avoid crowds; convert long distances into frequent breaks - little ones usually handle many short stops better than one long march; always have a plan B in case the weather changes suddenly.
If you travel by public transport, check train and bus timetables a day in advance. If you drive, check parking options - in season it’s easier to park on the outskirts and reach the center by a short walk or local bus.
Leave time for spontaneity - the best moments often happen when a child discovers something small: an interesting stream, a flock of sheep or a funny carving.
Funiculars to Gubałówka and Kasprowy Wierch have their own rules and fares. In most cases operators allow strollers - sometimes they ask you to fold them before boarding. Buying tickets online can shorten waiting time.
Museums and some historic sites have limited stroller access due to stairs and narrow passages. Many institutions offer alternatives, like staff assistance or carrying a child in a carrier - check accessibility info before your visit.
Toilets and changing tables: in the center and at popular attractions you’ll find eateries with changing facilities, but off the main routes they may be scarce. Carry a changing mat and essential supplies.
Parking and transport: in season it’s easier to park on the outskirts and take a bus to the center. Check parking prices and regulations ahead of time. If you plan to use buses to Kuźnice, find which lines run directly - it will save time and energy.
Safety reminders: mountain weather changes fast - bring extra clothes for the child, a rain cover for the stroller and sunscreen for sunny days.
Type of stroller: if you can choose, pick a stroller with larger terrain wheels - it will help on compacted but uneven valley surfaces. Still, many families do well with a regular stroller, especially on Gubałówka, Krupówki and the paved parts of valleys.
Carrier as a backup - it’s always worth having a small hiking carrier for quick climbs or when the path becomes too rocky. A carrier is also handy in museums and places with narrow staircases.
What to bring: spare nappies and wipes, small snacks, a thermos, a rain cover for the stroller, a changing mat, a basic first-aid kit (plasters, disinfectant), a powerbank and the child’s documents. A small blanket is useful year-round.
Crowd precautions: in season keep the child strapped in and watch the stroller - in busy promenades it can move. If you leave the stroller outside a venue, don’t leave valuables inside.
Mind the steps and thresholds at historic sites - it’s better to have help from another person when carrying a stroller than to try maneuvering alone.
Zakopane has many family-friendly places - from mountain shelters with benches to cafés on Krupówki. Shelters in the valleys often serve simple home-style food and a place to rest. In town you’ll also find restaurants with high chairs for children.
Breastfeeding and bottle feeding: most cafés won’t mind if you feed your child; for longer trips carry a thermos with warm water or milk. Larger restaurants and some museums may have parent-friendly corners.
Changing nappies: if there’s no changing table, use the car seat, a bench in a shelter or step into your car. Always keep a changing mat and a bag for dirty items handy.
Carry some cash for local snacks - oscypek, buttermilk or homemade cake are quick ways to fill a small stomach and rest for a while.
If you want afternoon relaxation, consider a short visit to thermal baths - a great way to recharge before the drive back to Kraków.
Rain - bring a rain cover for the stroller and a light waterproof jacket. On rainy days choose shorter, sheltered routes or visit a museum instead of long hikes.
Tired child - plan frequent stops and shorter stretches. Sometimes it’s better to skip the highest viewpoint than to end up with a crying child for the rest of the day.
Queues - buying tickets online for funiculars and popular attractions reduces waiting time. Arriving early is also a good solution.
Problems with getting there or parking - have an alternate route or plan B (different parking, public transport). Make sure you have the phone number of your accommodation or the local tourist information office.
Health - carry basic medicines for the child and your pediatrician’s number. Mobile coverage can be weaker in the mountains, so save important numbers in your phone.
Zakopane with a stroller is a great idea: you can combine beautiful views, fascinating local architecture and family-friendly trails. Don’t try to set a frenetic sightseeing record - bring calm and flexibility instead.
Plan the day so it’s mainly pleasant for the child. That way you’ll return rested, with good photos and maybe ideas for a longer future visit.
Wishing you a wonderful trip and many smiles on the trail - Małgorzata Kasprowicz, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. Don’t forget to share your impressions after you return - I’d love to know your favourite spots in Zakopane!
Have a lovely day under the Tatras - remember the thermos, a cover for the stroller and a bit of patience. It really helps!
PS. If you want, I can prepare a short, personalized route based on where you’re leaving from and how much you want to walk - send the details and I’ll help plan the perfect day.
