Things to do in

Chochołowska Valley

Discover the natural beauty of Slovakia's breathtaking Tatra region from the treetops, before relaxing in the luxurious thermal baths of Chochołów. Travel from Krakow to the treetop walk in Ždiar, a folk village with distinctive architecture and culture, situated in the very north of Slovakia around 10 kilometres from the Polish border. Enjoy a scenic walk up-hill for 30 to 40 minutes to reach the unique treetop path, which is 18 to 24 meters high and is surrounded by magnificent tree crowns. Feel on top of the world on the wooden pavement, which is held up by huge pillars and stretches over 600 meters. Reach out and feel the treetops as you find yourself in the heart of the forests of Bachledova Valley. Indulge your senses in a breathtaking panoramic view of the Tatra Mountains and Pieniny National Park. With fair weather, gaze out over the highest peak of the Pieniny mountains in the distance: the iconic Three Crowns Massif.  This tour is perfect for families, nature lovers and mountain lovers alike. For the adrenalin hunters, there are special fragments of the route with obstacles, which can  also be omitted. For the ecologists, learn about rare local wildlife by reading educational plaques. Walk at a leisurely pace to the 32 meters-high observation platform situated on the border of Pieniny National Park and Tatras National Park. Observe the majestic natural world below. When you have finished, feel a rush of adrenalin as you slide down a 60-metre slide straight to ground level, or walk at your own pace back down the hill. Then, travel to Thermal Baths, the largest thermal complex in Podhale. Bathe in its therapeutic water, which is extracted from a depth of nearly 3,600 meters and emits beneficial micronutrients. Relax in the warmth of eight thermal whirlpools. Dip into the brine bath or outdoor swimming pools, all with a temperature of 36°C. Enjoy fun activities in the outdoor pools; from the Wild River to water basketball and volleyball, from massage jets to waterfalls and geysers. Ride down inflatable and pontoon slides. There is also a steam bath suitable for children. Relax in the regular steam sauna, or try out the salt cave and 'Textile' dry sauna. Observe the surrounding landscape from the beautiful Highlander Cottage Sauna observation deck. Revitalize your energy in the cooling pool on the terrace. You can also indulge in the restaurant during your visit.

Travel comfortably from Krakow to Zakopane, a charming town at the foot of the Tatra Mountains, the highest mountain range in Poland. Alpine in its character, the range forms the Tatra National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Pass a traditional village, where you can appreciate its distinctive wooden architecture. Your tour will start with a stroll along Krupowki Street, one of the best-known Polish promenades attracting visitors from all over the world with dozens of shops and souvenir stalls, and regional arts and crafts. Next you will have a chance to ride by a funicular railway (cable car) to the top of Gubalowka Hill to admire beautiful panoramas of high mountains in the Tatra National Park. After a gentle walk around the peak, visit the oldest parts of Zakopane, passing the beautiful timber lodge of Villa Atma with its archetypal Zakopane-style architecture. The lodge is now used as a museum and the famous cemetery “Na Peksowym Brzysku”, a place so sentimental and special with many “gravestones” in the birch grove made of wood. These grave markers are considered to be supreme works of art. You may also visit a Chocholow village, famous for its old wooden houses and local wooden art. Its joyful atmosphere has some of the best experiences Zakopane can offer. At the end of your tour, you'll be transferred back to Krakow.

Following a pickup in Kraków, the tour starts with a visit to the lovely village of Chochołów, comprised almost exclusively of the heritage Polish wooden houses. Visit a local museum and also the workshop of a folk artist in the village. Then, ride the cable car to the top of Mt. Gubałówka to see a wonderful view of the Tatra Mountains.  After a short walk around the peak, return down to visit the oldest part of Zakopane town where the old cottages of the mountaineers still stand. Surrounded by ash trees and blackened by the sun, these wooden houses and churches were built in the Zakopane style by the remarkable Polish artist, Witkacy.  To better experience the true Zakopane atmosphere, take a walk along Krupowki Street lined with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and souvenir shops. To complete your experience, visit the enormous regional market and take the chance to enjoy lunch in a restaurant serving local specialties.  If you wish to find out more about this unusual region, you can also visit the Tatra Museum. The last stop in Zakopane is the ski jump at Nosal followed by a beautiful chapel in Jaszczurowka with extraordinary stained glass window. You’ll then depart back to Kraków around 4 PM.