Yes — the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a great choice for a family trip, including during the holiday season. Underground chambers, salt chapels and sculptures impress both children and adults, and the stable temperature (around 16–18°C) offers a pleasant break from the winter cold aboveground. The Tourist Route is available most of the year, but remember the mine is closed on December 24 and 25, so plan your visit for another holiday day or the day before/after Christmas Eve. You will learn about the history of salt mining, see St. Kinga’s Chapel and descend roughly 380 steps to about 135 m below ground — it is an adventure but manageable for most families.
A visit to the Tourist Route usually takes about 2–3 hours, with a return to the surface by elevator. Tours run in groups (usually up to around 35 people) and it is wise to buy timed tickets online. Very young children often have special rules — children up to 4 years typically enter free, and family tickets (for example 2 adults + 1 or 2 children) are often available. There is a bistro called Posolone at the entrance if you want to eat before or after the tour. When planning, also allow time for travel from central Krakow — the train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes about 20–25 minutes, and by car or taxi it’s generally around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic.
Morning: arrival and check-in. If you arrive in the morning, drop off your luggage and take a walk around the Main Market Square — children usually enjoy the Christmas market stalls, the smell of mulled wine and regional sweets. Check Mass times at St. Mary’s Basilica in advance — access may be limited on holiday days due to services.
Noon: a light lunch near the Old Town. Pace your day around the children — pick a family-friendly restaurant and reserve a table in advance if possible.
Afternoon and evening: walk along the Royal Route and optionally visit a museum that is open (best on December 26 or the day after Christmas Eve). In the evening return to the market — the festive atmosphere, carousels and small attractions for the youngest create memorable moments.
Morning: trip to Wieliczka. The most convenient option is the train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia — the journey takes around 20–25 minutes, then a short walk to the entrance. When buying tickets online choose a specific descent time. Allocate about 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route — counting travel, breaks and a possible meal, plan for half a day.
Afternoon: return to Krakow and visit Kazimierz or walk around Wawel, depending on how tired the children feel. Kazimierz is a great spot for a late lunch or coffee — many places are family-friendly and accessible for strollers. If the weather is good, a short walk along the Vistula is a pleasant way to relax after the underground tour.
Evening: dinner at a family restaurant. If you’re tired, plan a quiet evening at your accommodation or choose a restaurant close to the hotel. Remember to reserve ahead, especially around the holidays.
Buy tickets online through the official site or an authorized ticketing system — this secures a specific entry time and saves time on site. During the holiday season (especially December 26–31) tours run in set time slots, so book well in advance.
Bring ID for anyone entitled to discounts (school or student IDs, Large Family Card, etc.). Children up to 4 years usually enter free — check the exact age thresholds for family offers when booking.
The mine’s temperature is around 16–18°C, so bring a light sweater even if it’s freezing outside. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes — the route includes wooden stairs and uneven flooring. You will descend about 380 steps; the return to the surface is by elevator.
A light sweater or thin jacket for the mine. The underground temperature is stable and milder than the winter air above, but after some time children may feel chilly without an extra layer.
Comfortable closed shoes with good grip. Avoid slippery soles and flip-flops — the route has stairs and uneven sections.
A small backpack with water and a light snack — there are food points before and after the tour, but it’s handy to have something for the little ones. Charged phone for photos and a phone flashlight can be useful (the guide and route lighting are, of course, provided).
Wieliczka: Bistro Posolone is located right by the Daniłowicz shaft — a convenient spot for lunch before or after the tour. It’s recommended for quick service and simple, home-style flavors.
Krakow (Old Town and Kazimierz): choose restaurants with good reviews and reservation options. During the holidays it’s best to reserve ahead. For families look for places with a children’s menu and space for a stroller.
Not booking Wieliczka tickets and showing up without a plan — in season you may find no availability or long waits. Buy tickets online and arrive 20–30 minutes before your scheduled descent.
Packing too many activities into one day — especially with small children. Spread out your itinerary and allow time for meals and rest.
Assuming everything is open on December 24–25 — many attractions and restaurants close then. Plan museum and mine visits for December 26 or the days before/after Christmas Eve.
Can I visit Wieliczka on Christmas Eve? No — the Wieliczka Salt Mine is closed on December 24 and 25. The best time for holiday visits is December 26–31 when tours run on a special schedule.
Is the route suitable for toddlers? The Tourist Route is suitable for many families but keep in mind the stairs (about 380) and sections where strollers cannot be used. The Miners’ Route is more demanding and usually allows children from around age 10.
How long does it take to get from Krakow? The train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia takes about 20–25 minutes. City buses or a car take roughly 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
On the Tourist Route you will see St. Kinga’s Chapel carved from salt — one of the most impressive underground spaces created by miners over centuries. The mine also contains brine lakes and salt sculptures.
The mine site includes exhibits about the Żupy Wielickie (saltworks) and elements of the old salt administration — a reminder that Wieliczka is not only a natural wonder but also an important part of Polish history.
Choose accommodation near the Old Town or in Kazimierz to minimize travel time and enjoy walkable sightseeing. For families with small children apartments with a kitchenette or hotels that offer cots and family breakfasts are especially practical.
If you plan to visit Wieliczka in the morning, consider staying closer to the Main Railway Station to shorten the walk to the train. During the holiday season book accommodation in advance — popular hotels and apartments fill up fast.
Treat Wieliczka as a separate half-day attraction — book a morning or late-morning slot so the afternoon is free for a relaxed walk and lunch in Krakow. As a guide I recommend buying tickets online with a set entry time; this brings calm and predictability, particularly with children.
Plan breaks for hot chocolate or an obwarzanek — simple treats that can lift young spirits on cold days. Be flexible — children set their own pace and sometimes less is more.
48 hours in Krakow with a visit to Wieliczka is a wonderful way to spend a family Christmas: the underground chambers will amaze, the Christmas market will fill you with festive cheer, and the short distances between highlights make the plan feasible even with children. Book tickets and accommodation ahead, bring comfortable shoes and a light sweater for the mine, and leave room for spontaneous holiday discoveries. If you would like to tour with an experienced guide, you are welcome to contact guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz for private tours and personalized planning. Wishing you a peaceful, magical Christmas in Krakow!
