Chochołów Thermal Baths Guide: What to Expect, Practical Tips & Best Time to Go
“There must be quite a few things that a hot bath won’t cure, but I don’t know many of them.”
Heading for a long weekend in Kraków and looking for a fun day trip, or spending a few days in Zakopane and want somewhere relaxing to unwind? Then you’ve probably heard about the region’s famous thermal baths. And one of the most popular options is Chochołów Thermal Baths, located just outside Zakopane in a small village called Chochołów.
Chochołów Thermal Baths (Chochołowskie Termy) opened in 2016 and has grown into the largest thermal complex in the area. Inside, you’ll find indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna zone, relaxation areas, a children’s zone with slides, and a more lively pool bar area where, especially in the evenings, there’s sometimes even a DJ.
I’ve been visiting Chochołów Thermal Baths twice a year for almost ten years now, and in this guide I’ll share what you can expect when you visit — plus practical tips, what to bring, and when it’s generally the best time to go.
So, let’s get into it! Here are some tips & tricks and other things to know before visiting Chochołów Thermal Baths:
How to Get To Chochołów Thermal Baths (from Zakopane or Kraków)?
Chochołów Thermal Baths are about 20–25 minutes from Zakopane by car and roughly 1.5–2 hours from Kraków, depending on traffic and weather. You can get there in a few different ways — either on your own or as part of an organized day trip.
From Zakopane
The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi. The road is straightforward, and there’s a large parking area right next to the complex. Parking is paid, and it currently costs 10 PLN (around €2.50). You pay for parking at the entrance when you buy your tickets.
If you’re traveling without a car, you can also take a local bus or minivan to Chochołów or nearby villages — just let the driver know you’re getting off at the thermal baths.
Chochołów Thermal Baths also offers its own transport service from Zakopane and nearby areas, which you can book in advance through its website. It’s a convenient option if you don’t want to worry about buses or taxis.
From Kraków
If you’re staying in Kraków, you can either rent a car and combine the baths with a visit to Zakopane, or join an organized day trip that includes transportation. This is a good option if you don’t want to deal with buses or mountain roads. Plus many tours include some time in Zakopane as well.
You can check out an organized day-trip option here:
How Much Do Tickets Cost at Chochołów Thermal Baths, What Are the Opening Hours, and When Is the Best Time to Visit?
Ticket Types & Prices
You can buy your tickets directly at the entrance. You can purchase tickets online as well, but I’ve never pre-booked mine as it wasn’t necessary. Ticket prices vary depending on the season, day of the week, and ticket type. Weekends and peak periods are usually a bit more expensive than weekdays. There are also discounted tickets if you have a senior or caregiver card, if you’re under 16, or if you’re visiting on your birthday. There are family tickets available as well, and on average, you can expect to pay around 100 PLN per person (roughly €25), depending on the ticket option and time of year.
You can choose between a timed ticket (usually 3 hours) or one without a time limit. In my experience, three hours is totally fine for most visits. I usually go for the 3-hour option — and even on my last trip, when I tried the no-limit ticket, I still stayed only about 3.5 hours, including time for lunch.
There are a few optional add-ons, like access to the sports pool or the sauna zone. Just keep in mind that the sauna zone is 18+ and non-textile (so swimsuits aren’t allowed).
Opening Hours
The pools are open every day of the week, usually from 9:00 to 22:00. The busiest times are typically afternoons and weekends, especially during school holidays. The most crowded period of the year is the week between Christmas and New Year’s — if you can, I’d really avoid that time, because it gets extremely busy.
Best Time to Visit
In terms of when it’s best to visit, winter is a really nice time, especially if you’re already in Zakopane for a cold-weather trip (you can read more in my Zakopane winter travel guide). Sitting in the warm outdoor pools while it’s freezing outside feels extra special, especially around the outdoor bar area. Just keep in mind that winter in southern Poland often comes with foggy weather, so you might not always see the surrounding views.
Summer is also a good time to visit (here’s my Zakopane summer travel guide filled with all sorts of activity recommendations), but it can be warmer and noticeably busier, especially during the European summer vacation period, so expect more crowds in the afternoons.
What Can You Expect at Chochołów Thermal Baths (Pools, Zones, and Facilities)?
Chochołów Thermal Baths is a large complex with different zones, so your experience really depends on what you’re looking for — relaxation, family time, or something a bit more fun and social.
There are indoor and outdoor thermal pools with different temperatures, plus jacuzzis and hydromassage areas. Outside, you’ll also find pools that look out toward the mountains, which feel especially nice in winter when the air is cold, but the water is warm. Inside, there are calmer areas where you can just soak and unwind for a while.
If you’re visiting with kids, there’s a children’s zone with slides and play pools, so families have their own space. On the livelier side of the complex, there’s a pool bar area, and in the evenings, there’s sometimes a DJ and music, so that part of the baths has more of a social vibe than a classic spa atmosphere.
There’s also a separate sauna and wellness zone (18+ and non-textile — meaning no swimsuits are allowed). Access to this area is optional and comes at an additional cost, so it’s worth deciding in advance whether you want to add it to your ticket. I’ve visited this zone once, and it has a much quieter, more relaxed feel compared to the main pools. There are multiple saunas and relaxation rooms, and there’s even an outdoor pool on the roof with really beautiful views. It also feels private, so you’re fully out of sight from the rest of the complex, which is reassuring if you’re unsure about trying a non-textile area. If you need one, you can rent a robe at the entrance to the sauna area.
If you want to actually swim laps rather than just soak, there’s a separate sports pool area. This zone also requires an extra ticket add-on, which means it’s usually very quiet, a good choice if you prefer a calmer space and want to swim in peace.
Is Chochołów Thermal Baths Worth Visiting?
In my opinion — yes, absolutely. If you’re in the area, Chochołów Thermal Baths is definitely worth a visit. It’s a really fun place to spend a few hours, whether you’re relaxing in the warm pools with a drink or going down the slides with friends.
It’s worth knowing, though, that the main pool areas aren’t really a traditional “spa” environment. I’m not talking about the non-textile sauna zone, but the regular thermal baths. There are usually lots of families and kids, so it can get busy and a bit noisy. If you’re looking for total quiet and deep relaxation, this may not be the best fit.
There are other thermal baths in the region that feel calmer and more spa-like. For example, Termy Bukovina is generally quieter and attracts fewer crowds.
But if you want something fun, social, and easygoing, whether you’re visiting with friends, your partner, or children, I really recommend adding Chochołów Thermal Baths to your trip. It’s a memorable experience and a great way to enjoy the Tatra region.
A Summary Of Practical Tips for Your Visit
What should you bring to Chochołów Thermal Baths?
Bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel. You can rent towels and robes on site, but it’s easier (and usually cheaper) to bring your own. There is a small store inside the complex where you can buy swimsuits, flip-flops, and accessories, but prices are on the higher side, so I’d really recommend bringing everything with you instead.
How do you pay while you’re inside the baths?
You’ll receive a wristband when you enter, which you use to open your locker and to pay for anything inside the complex, like drinks, food, or add-on zones. You settle the total when you leave at the checkout desk.
Can you eat at Chochołów Thermal Baths?
Yes. There are cafeteria-style restaurants, snacks, and bars inside the complex, including near the pool areas. The food is casual and convenient rather than “dining-out” style, but it does the job if you’re spending a few hours there.
Do you need cash?
No. Card payments are accepted.
Is there somewhere to store your things?
Yes. Your ticket includes access to lockers in the changing rooms. With your ticket, you’ll get a locker assigned, and it opens with your wristband, so you don’t need coins or keys.
Pro tip: on level -1, next to the salt baths, there are a few small lockers that also open with your wristband. They’re really handy if you want to bring your phone to take some photos and don’t feel like walking all the way back to your main locker.Can you wear jewelry or watches in the pools?
It’s better to avoid wearing jewelry and remove smartwatches if possible, especially in the thermal water. If you want to go on the slides, the lifeguards will usually ask you to remove any jewelry for safety reasons, so it’s easier to take it off in advance.
How busy does it get?
Expect more crowds during afternoons, weekends, and school holidays. Earlier in the day is generally calmer.
Is the sauna and wellness zone included?
No. The sauna zone is optional and costs extra. It is 18+ and non-textile (no swimsuits allowed), and has a much quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the main pools.
Is there a quiet area for swimming laps?
Yes. The sports pool is a separate paid area that is usually much quieter and better for actual swimming.
What kind of slides are there?
There are three slides at Chochołów Thermal Baths. Two of them are the more classic style, where you go down on an inflatable ring — you can choose to go alone or on a double ring with someone else. These two are much more enjoyable in my opinion, and they’re marked with different adrenaline levels: “easy” and “medium.”
The third slide is very different. You stand inside a tube-style capsule, the floor drops out from under you, and you shoot straight down. I tried it once and honestly didn’t enjoy it ( I hit my head on the way down), but a lot of people seem to love it.
I hope this was helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out here or on Instagram, and I’m more than happy to answer them
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