The Salt Mines, Poland: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting
A Guide to Visiting Wieliczka Salt Mines, Krakow
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most unique and unforgettable travel experiences in Europe. The Wieliczka Salt Mines in Poland located near Kraków, offers stunning underground tunnels, salt-carved chapels, and fascinating history, all hidden 135 meters underground.
Whether you’re a history lover, love an adventure, or just looking for a unique day trip from Kraków, this simple guide covers everything you need to know, before visiting The Salt Mines.
Where Are the Salt Mines in Poland?
The most famous Polish salt mine is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just 14 kilometers (9 miles) southeast of Kraków. It’s easily accessible by train, bus, car or campervan.
Tickets and Tours
Types of Tours:
↠ Tourist Route (most popular)
The Tourist Route is the most popular choice and it’s available for all ages and accessible for anyone with average physical ability. This route will let you admire landscapes that can’t be found on the surface, while teaching you about old mining machines and tools, as well as the methods of salt extraction. But note this route has 800 steps to climb.
Approx. 2-3hr tour, 3.5km route, 17-18°C temperature and 135m depth.
↠ Miners’ Route (more immersive and physical)
The Miners Route takes you on an unforgettable adventure where you will become a miner for the duration of the tour. The tour takes you through the underground salt labyrinth, exploring the raw and mysterious chambers of the oldest preserved Regis Shaft. You will also be performing practical mining tasks, to get a real feel for being a miner.
Approx. 3hr tour, 1.9km route, 14-16°C temperature and 101m depth.
↠ Pilgrims Route (for religious visitors)
The Pilgrims Route is for religious visits who want to take a trip along the religious route of the Wieliczka Mine. The tour will show you sacral sculptures carved in salt, unique views, and beautiful chambers including St Kinga’s Chapel. Religious celebrations are still being held in the underground chapel and during the tour a mass will be celebrated at the chapel, cresting a deep spiritual experience.
Approx. 2.5hr, 2.5km route, 17-18°C temperature and 135m depth.
↠ The graduation tower (not a tour, but worth a visit)
The Graduation Tower can be visited before or after your chosen tour and can be entered without a guide. The tower is located next to the car park. The Tower is a well-being experience that is supposed to increase energy, and create a sense of relaxation. The tower has a gentle water flow and salt mist in the air and the idea is to take a deep breath in to experience healing and relaxing properties. They recommend a visit to The Graduation Tower for allergy sufferers and those with reduced immunity, due to it’s healing benefits.
Approx. 30 minutes spent here is recommended, 22.5m high, only 50 people allowed at one time.
Prices:
↠ Standard Ticket: 156 PLN (Approx. £32)
↠ Discounted Ticket: 124 PLN (Approx. £25)
↠ Tower Entry: 11 PLN (Approx. £2.35)
↠ Plus family tickets available, see the official website for more information.
Booking online in advance is highly recommended, during busy times.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit
Opening Hours:
The tourist route is open from 07:30 am to 06:30 pm, with English-speaking tours at the following times: 07:30 am to 06:30 pm every 30 minutes.
The miners route is open from 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, with English-speaking tours at the following times: 10:15 am, 01:15 pm, 04:15 pm.
The Graduation Tower is open from 09:00 am – 08:00 pm.
Best Time to Visit: Weekdays, early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds
Tip: Visit in spring or autumn for cooler underground temperatures and fewer tourists.
What to Expect on the Tours
↠ The distance is between 2km and 3.5km of walking, depending which tour you choose.
↠ The main tour allows up to 35 people, so you may be in a big group.
↠ There is 800 steps as part of the tourist route, this is mostly going down.
↠ The maximum depth will be 135 meters underground.
↠ You will take a rest at The Drozdowice Chamber where you can buy drinks, snacks and souvenirs.
↠ Lastly, expect breathtaking salt sculptures, chandeliers, and the famous Capel of St. Kinga.
What to Wear and Bring
↠ Wear comfortable walking shoes or walking boots, because there will be lots of stairs and uneven surfaces during the tour.
↠ Bring a light jacket, as the temperature underground is 14-18°C year round.
↠ Large bags are not allowed on the tour, but, there is a store room available, plus it would be hard work carrying too much.
↠ Bring some water and some snacks, or money to buy some during the tour.
↠ Lastly, don’t forget to bring a camera for some amazing photos.
The Facilities at The Salt Mines
Toilets: Toilet facilities are available at the start of the tour, as well as at 2 points during the tour.
Food & Drinks: Drozdowice Chamber during the tours sells snacks and drinks, the Karczma Górnicza restaurant, serves Polish and international cuisine which may also be visited during the tour and lastly the restaurant of the Grand Sal Restaurant is available when you return to the surface of the mines. There is also several food and drink stalls outside of the mine.
Souvenirs: Can be purchased at a few occasions: during the tour at The Drozdowice Chamber, at the end of the tour at the Souvenir shop or outside at the market stalls.
How to Get to Wieliczka Salt Mines from Kraków
By Train: From Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia (20 min)
By Bus: Line 304 from Kraków (stops near the mine)
By Car or Campervan: About 30 minutes; paid parking available, plus large spaces for campervans and/or motorhomes.
Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland, find it on Google Maps here.
Nearby Attractions and Food
Saltworks Castle Museum – History of salt mining
Kopalnia Cafe – Coffee & Snacks
Kraków Old Town – Make it a full day trip & visit the old town!
Quick Notes Before Visiting The Salt Mines in Poland
↠ Tours are guided only, so, you cannot go down the mines without a guide.
↠ The tour isn’t fully accessible, due to the 800 steps. Therefore wheelchair users and prams wouldn’t beable to take the full tour. But do check for disabled access areas, prams can be left in the storage at the start of the tour.
↠ At the end of the tour, you take a small lift back to the top, be wary of this, if you are claustrophobic. Because this is the only option back up.
Is Visiting The Salt Mine Worth It?
So, they say that the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the top things to do in Poland, and with its mystical underground world, rich history, and remarkable artistry, it’s described as a must-see for any visitor to the Kraków area.
To be honest, visiting Salt Mines isn’t something that’s been up there on my bucket list and it was Adam that wanted to go here. But since visiting, it’s now somewhere that I always recommend to people who are visiting Krakow. The information given and the sites we saw on the tour were fascinating and I found it quite interesting. So, yes, I would say it is worth a visit, enjoy!
Map of Wieliczka Salt Mine
Thank you for reading, we hope you found this helpful, if you did we’d love to hear from you in the comments…
We hope you enjoy your visit to Wieliczka Salt Mine!
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