Yes — and it can be quite pleasant if you plan your time well. The idea is simple: a morning walk and photo stops at the footbridge and the Vistula boulevards, a light meal or coffee break near Kazimierz, an afternoon train to Wieliczka and a visit to the family route or the standard tourist route in the mine. Below you’ll find a practical day plan, kid- and teen-friendly places and useful tips to remember.
This text uses up-to-date practical information about routes at Wieliczka, connections and local family-friendly places — all presented clearly and helpfully so you can easily plan your day. If needed, I can prepare a shortened route for younger children or a "no-stairs" option.
- Time for the Krakow part: plan 1–1.5 hours for the Krakow section (footbridge, boulevards, quick lunch). - Time for Wieliczka: count about 2–3 hours for the tourist route; the family route (Solilandia) is shorter and more interactive.
Below are specifics and recommendations – from typical train departure times to which cafés are worth visiting.
The Father Bernatek Footbridge is a convenient, free place to begin your day: it links two different parts of the city — Kazimierz and Podgórze — and offers great views of the Vistula and the panoramas of both districts. It’s also a well-known photo spot, especially beautiful about an hour before sunset. The walk across the bridge is short, flat and suitable for families with children of different ages.
For teenagers the bridge is a polished backdrop for photos; for younger children the suspended silhouettes and sculptures are a fun curiosity. From the bridge it’s easy to descend to the boulevards — an ideal place for a short break, play and ice cream. If you want a few really nice shots, the middle of the bridge and the approaches on both sides give different perspectives. Just remind the kids to hold the railing and be careful when taking pictures.
Suggested loop: Plac Wolnica → Mostowa → Father Bernatek Footbridge → boulevards toward Rynek Podgórski → return along the boulevards on the Kazimierz side. Depending on pace: 45–90 minutes with stops.
Where to eat and rest with children and teens:
- Galeria Kazimierz – the mall has a children’s zone and a café by the play area, which gives parents comfort. It’s a convenient "no surprises" option with changing facilities and toilets.
- Fikołki Caffe – a café next to the playroom in Galeria Kazimierz; good when you want children to play under the supervision of staff while adults enjoy coffee.
- Mamy Cafe – a family-oriented place with a menu and entertainment for the youngest; a good option for a relaxed lunch.
- Plac Nowy and nearby streets (Szeroka, Miodowa) – if you’re after street food and something quick for teens, Plac Nowy is a classic (zapiekanki and food stalls).
Tip: if you plan to have lunch before leaving for Wieliczka, choose a place near the train station or center so you don’t lose time traveling.
The easiest way to reach Wieliczka is by train from Kraków Główny to the Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station. The journey usually takes about 20–25 minutes, and from the station to the mine entrance there is only a short walk (around 250–350 m). An alternative is bus 304 from Dworzec Główny Zachód — the journey takes longer and depends on traffic.
Buying tickets: it’s wise to book tickets to the mine in advance, especially in the high season and on weekends. There can be queues at the entrance; when traveling with children it’s better to have your visit time confirmed beforehand.
Return transport: trains and buses run regularly, so getting back to Krakow is usually straightforward. If you travel with a larger group or small children, check train timetables in advance.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine offers several routes: the standard Tourist Route (the most popular) and special routes, including the family offer Solilandia designed for the youngest visitors. Here’s what to know when choosing:
- Tourist Route: length about 3–3.5 km, visiting time usually 2–3 hours. The route passes many chambers and chapels, including the famous St. Kinga’s Chapel. The tour includes several hundred steps in total (different sources list a total number of steps around 800, including about 380 steps for descent/ascent). Prepare the children for a longer walk, bring comfortable shoes and a warmer layer — underground temperatures are about 16–17°C.
- Solilandia (family route): created as a mix of sightseeing and play for children, with interactive elements and stories adapted to the youngest. It often requires advance booking and runs on selected days. It’s an excellent option for families with preschool and early school-age children.
- Miners’ Route: more demanding, for people who want to see rougher, less touristy parts of the mine; not always the best choice for small children.
In practice: if you’re traveling with little kids, look for Solilandia dates. If children are older or eager to explore, the Tourist Route will be satisfying — but plan breaks and snacks.
Around the mine entrance there are several convenient food options, from bistros to traditional inns. A few reliable choices:
- Karczma Górnicza (underground) — if you want an unusual meal experience, the mine has an underground restaurant, which is exciting for children. Check availability and opening hours beforehand.
- "Posolone" bistro / establishments on Daniłowicza and Dembowskiego streets — places offering burgers, salads and home-style dishes; quick and convenient after the tour.
- Local restaurants in central Wieliczka — if you prefer a classic sit-down meal, you’ll find several restaurants near the mine serving Polish cuisine and pizza, good for groups with teens.
Tip: after an active underground visit children often prefer simple, familiar dishes (soups, pasta, burgers). Keep allergies and dietary needs in mind — many places offer children’s options.
- Tickets and bookings: buy mine tickets in advance, especially in high season. Check availability for the family route (Solilandia) and train departure times to Wieliczka.
- Strollers and accessibility: the standard Tourist Route is not stroller-friendly — there are many stairs and steps. If you travel with little ones consider a baby carrier or plan an alternative. The mine provides cloakrooms to leave luggage.
- Clothing: it’s cooler underground — bring a warm sweatshirt. On the surface wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and promenades.
- Toilets: there are public toilets at the mine and near cultural centers in Krakow; plan breaks, especially with small children.
- Time for the visit: plan about 2–3 hours for the mine (Tourist Route). Allow extra time for travel, meals and return — a relaxed full-day plan is realistic.
- Phones and signal: expect limited signal underground; don’t plan calls that require good reception.
- Safety: the mine is very safe and guided, but keep children close on narrow passages and stairs.
Family variant, starting in Krakow:
- 09:00 - morning walk to Father Bernatek Footbridge, photos and a short stop on the boulevards.
- 10:15 - café / light lunch in Galeria Kazimierz (cafés with play areas) or quick snacks at Plac Nowy.
- 11:30 - walk to Kraków Główny station and train to Wieliczka (about 20–25 min).
- 12:00–15:00 - visit the Salt Mine (family route or Tourist Route).
- 15:30 - lunch at a restaurant near the mine or return to Krakow for dinner in Kazimierz.
This is a flexible plan — if your children have less stamina, consider a shorter version: morning at the footbridge and a shorter Kazimierz walk, then Solilandia in Wieliczka in the afternoon.
If you’d like, I can help fine-tune the route to the children’s ages, pace of visiting and food preferences — from active options for teenagers to a calm variant for little ones. On zwiedzaniekrakowa.com (guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz) you’ll find additional loop suggestions, photospots and practical tips that will help you spend a stress-free day in Krakow and Wieliczka.
Have a great time planning and a wonderful trip — remember: the most important things are a pace that suits the children, a few breaks and a bit of flexibility. If you want, I can prepare a shortened version of this route for families with children up to 5 years old or provide a list of specific train times and bus numbers for a chosen day.
