Tatra Mountains (Tatry) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Tatra Mountains. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Krakow--Zakopane: Cable Car, Chocholow Baths, Cheese & Vodka

• Krakow to Zakopane: Cable Car, Tasting, and Thermal Baths Day Trip

• Krakow: Zakopane Tour, Thermal Springs, Cable Car & Hotel Pickup

• Krakow: Zakopane With Thermal Baths, Cable Car & Hotel Pickup

• Zakopane & Thermal Springs, Funicular, Cheese Tasting

While it’s free to explore the Tatra Mountains, many travelers visit on a guided tour from Krakow. Full-day sightseeing tours start at US$52 and typically include a funicular ride into the mountains and a visit to the Chocholow hot springs, while private full-day hiking tours start at US$171.

Yes, the Tatra Mountains are one of Poland's most easily accessible hiking areas, just a couple of hours' drive from Krakow. Escape the city to visit picturesque mountain villages, ride the funicular to the top of Mt. Gubalówk, or bathe at natural hot springs. You can even take a tour that combines all three activities in one day. Hiking in the mountains is best undertaken with a local guide, so you could also book a guided tour to popular spots such as Lake Morskie Oko or uncover lesser-known trails that you wouldn't find independently.

Per one customer who booked the Krakow–Zakopane: Cable Car, Chocholow Baths, Cheese & Vodka, "Really enjoyed our day trip to Zakopane. Well-organized, informative, relaxed, and also fun. Loved the cheese and vodka experience. Also plenty of time to spend in Zakopane and the thermal baths. Mirek was a great guide (very funny) and Andrew, our driver, was lovely, too. The views on route and at the top of the funicular were fantastic. My partner and I would highly recommend this trip."

Beginner hikers can explore the Tatra Mountains via Koscieliska Valley, starting at Kiry. This point is accessible by minibus from the bus station in Zakopane or the bottom of Krupowki Street. The stroller-friendly trail is wide and marked, and leads to Hala Ornak hut in 1.5 hours.

Yes, you can visit the Tatra Mountains year-round; different experiences depend on the season. It’s possible to explore the area's vast hiking trails in spring, summer, and fall, with spring crocuses and fall foliage being big draws. Then in winter, snowboarders and skiers flock to take advantage of the area’s frequent snowfall.

The top attractions in the Tatra Mountains are the stunning lake of Morskie Oko, with its mountain scenery backdrop, and the resort town of Zakopane, known for its wooden architecture and lively Krupowki Street. Additionally, the Kasprowy Wierch Cable Railway offers spectacular panoramic views.

Yes, you typically have to pay a small fee to hike in the Tatra Mountains. Upon entry to trails, there is usually a ticket booth that requires a small entry fee. These fees go towards preserving the environment as well as rescue services. Also, parking fees can apply for parking lots in Tatra National Park.

The Tatra Mountains are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including brown bears, lynxes, wolves, red deer, alpine marmots, and around 200 species of birds, such as golden eagles. It’s also home to the Tatra chamois—a subspecies of chamois (a mountain goat) only found in the High Tatras.

There are several ways to get to the Tatra Mountains from Krakow. The most cost-effective is the bus (such as the Flixbus or a local service). These routes typically take 2–3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive or get a taxi, which usually takes around 75 minutes.

There are many things to do other than visiting the Tatra Mountains. Travelers to Krakow recommend the following places:

• Wieliczka Salt Mine

• Rynek Glowny

• St. Mary's Basilica

• Wawel Royal Castle

• Kazimierz

View Viator's guide to all the best things to do in Krakow.