Private Zakopane Sleigh Ride, Bonfire and Funicular from Krakow

About This Experience

Prime Tours Krakow sells this as a private day for your own party, with an English-speaking driver who picks you up from any address in Krakow or within 15 km of the centre. Pickup is usually at 8:00 or 9:00, and the operator sends the exact time a day or two before. Dates are on sale from 31 October 2026 to 30 April 2027.

The morning starts in Chochołów, a village of wooden highland houses, before Zakopane. There the driver points out the wooden architecture and the Wielka Krokiew ski jump, helps you get around, and leaves you free time on Krupówki Street. A ticket for the Gubałówka funicular or ski lift is included.

In the afternoon you take a horse-drawn sleigh ride of about an hour along one of the valleys near Zakopane, followed by a bonfire. The included food is grilled pork sausage, grilled smoked sheep's-milk cheese (sold as oscypek) and Highlander's tea, which is black tea with local vodka; the listing calls food and drink there unlimited.

Snow is not guaranteed. If there is not enough snow for a sleigh, the operator uses a horse-drawn carriage instead, and the route and length of the ride can change with the weather. Early-season dates in November are the likeliest to run on wheels.

Between 14 December and 8 January the operator may put you in a small shared vehicle, although the sleigh ride stays private, and 24 December runs as a group tour. The price is about $308 (€267) each for two, falling to about €129 each for eight; a solo traveller pays about €453. It holds 4.8 from 49 reviews on Viator.

Highlights

• Ride a horse-drawn sleigh for about an hour through a snowy valley near Zakopane.
• Warm up at a bonfire with grilled sausages, grilled smoked cheese and Highlander's tea.
• Ride the Gubałówka funicular or ski lift with the ticket included in the price.
• See the wooden houses of Chochołów on the way into the mountains.
• Get free time on Krupówki Street after the driver shows you around Zakopane.
• Pass the Wielka Krokiew ski jump with a driver who explains the town.

What's Included

• ✓ Private air-conditioned transport from Krakow and back
• ✓ Hotel pickup and drop-off in Krakow
• ✓ English-speaking driver who helps you get around Zakopane
• ✓ Gubałówka funicular or ski lift ticket
• ✓ Horse-drawn sleigh ride of about an hour (a carriage when there is no snow)
• ✓ Bonfire with grilled pork sausage, grilled smoked cheese and Highlander's tea

Not Included

• Lunch or other meals in Zakopane before the bonfire (not listed as included)
• Personal shopping on Krupówki Street
• Other lifts or attractions in Zakopane beyond the Gubałówka ticket

What to Bring

• Warm, waterproof winter clothing and boots
• Hat and gloves for the sleigh ride
• Money for lunch in Zakopane

Good to Know & Caveats

• Dates run from 31 October 2026 to 30 April 2027.
• If there is not enough snow, a horse-drawn carriage replaces the sleigh.
• From 14 December to 8 January transport may be shared in a small group; the sleigh ride stays private.
• 24 December runs as a group tour, not privately.
• Up to 8 travellers per booking; the per-person price falls as the group grows.
• Suitable for all fitness levels.

Meeting Point

Pickup from any address in Krakow or within 15 km of the centre, usually at 8:00 or 9:00; drop-off at your hotel or another place in Krakow.