Wawel is not just representative chambers and the impressive cathedral — under the hill there are now opened spaces that greatly enrich the castle’s story. If you wonder “how long is a visit to the Wawel underground” — the answer depends on which parts you want to see. The new permanent exhibition “Międzymurze” is an independent, multi-level underground route that usually takes 30–60 minutes to walk. The Lapidarium, opened earlier, is an underground exhibition in the castle’s cellars and is worth about 45–60 minutes. Smocza Jama (the Dragon’s Cave) is a short stop — a few to a dozen minutes depending on the queue and photos. You can combine the underground attractions into a 1.5–3 hour program if you want to see more and absorb the information at a relaxed pace.
The Wawel underground comprises several distinct spaces with different narratives. Międzymurze presents remains of fortifications from the early Middle Ages to the 18th century, runs above the chambers of the Dragon’s Cave and uses modern multimedia. The Lapidarium displays architectural elements and relics from Renaissance cellars as well as material traces of earlier castle buildings. Smocza Jama is a natural cave linked to the dragon legend — short but very popular with families. Together these elements create the “underground” dimension of Wawel, so decide which are your priorities.
Note that Międzymurze was opened to visitors in spring 2025 as part of the “Wawel Podziemny” project, and the Lapidarium a few months earlier. Thanks to this, the castle’s underground offer is much broader now than a few years ago.
A few practical reference points to help plan your day: - Międzymurze (new underground route): 30–60 minutes. - Lapidarium (underground exhibition in the east wing): 45–60 minutes. - Smocza Jama: 5–15 minutes (depending on the queue). - A standard visit to the Castle (1–2 rooms or one exhibition): 45–90 minutes; visiting several exhibitions: 2–4 hours. If you combine the undergrounds with the Royal Chambers and the Cathedral, a realistic relaxed plan is 3–5 hours.
When planning, also check opening hours and last admission times — some exhibitions have limited entry slots, and in the tourist season timed tickets sell out quickly. Check the castle’s official website for availability and to buy tickets online to save time on the day of your visit.
Buying an underground route makes sense when: - you are interested in archaeology or the history of fortifications, or you want to hear the dragon legend presented in an unusual setting; - the weather spoils your plans — the undergrounds are a great rainy-day alternative; - you have enough time in your schedule (an extra 30–60 minutes won’t upset your plan); - you want to avoid crowds on the courtyard and in halls — underground spaces often offer a more intimate experience. If you have only 1–1.5 hours at Wawel, it’s better to choose the Royal Chambers or the Cathedral instead of paying extra for the undergrounds. If you plan to spend half a day at Wawel — I definitely recommend adding Międzymurze and/or the Lapidarium.
High season (May–September) and weekends are times when timed tickets may be limited — buy in advance then. Outside the season (autumn, winter excluding holidays) it’s often easier to find last-minute tickets. For families with small children, Smocza Jama is a quick, attractive option; if children are very small and dislike stairs, consider postponing the underground visit to another time.
The safest option is to book tickets directly through the Castle’s official ticket system or at the ticket offices — this helps avoid inflated prices and problems with invalid vouchers. Check which exhibitions are offered as single routes and which are available as combined tickets. A popular visitor approach is: choose one main interior (the Royal Chambers) + one underground route (Międzymurze or the Lapidarium).
Prices depend on the chosen exhibition and discounts (students, seniors, children). Remember that some exhibitions may occasionally be free on designated days — free entries are often limited in number and time, so ask at the ticket office or check updates before you go. Last admission is usually possible about 30–60 minutes before the hill closes.
Underground routes can be cooler than the surface — bring a light layer of clothing, especially outside hot summer days. Comfortable, non-slip shoes are essential — there are stairs, glass walkways and sections with uneven surfaces. Bring water and plan breaks — after the route it’s nice to sit in the courtyard or visit a nearby café. If you have mobility limitations, check accessibility information in advance — many new spaces were designed with improved access in mind, but not every underground fragment will be barrier-free. For families with strollers — not all underground walkways and entrances are convenient; ask at the ticket office about accessible routes.
1) Trying to “see everything” in a short time — Wawel is a large complex, it’s better to set priorities and plan to visit at most 2–3 exhibitions at a relaxed pace. 2) Buying tickets from unreliable resellers — always check the official sales system; some sites charge much higher prices. 3) Not checking last-admission times — sometimes timed tickets are required and without them you won’t get in. 4) Inappropriate clothing — underground areas can be cool and damp; bring an extra layer. 5) Underestimating time for walking and queues — allow time to get to the site from the center; there are sometimes queues at entrances, especially to Smocza Jama.
Archaeological work has uncovered fragments of settlements and fortifications dating back to the early Middle Ages, and some display material dating back hundreds of thousands of years — showing how long the Wawel hill has been important. Międzymurze runs literally above the chambers of Smocza Jama — an interesting experience that connects legend with scientific finds. The “Wawel Podziemny” investment was implemented in stages: the Lapidarium opened before Międzymurze, gradually expanding the castle’s underground offer.
On the hill and nearby you’ll find a few tried-and-true options for a break: Trattoria Wawel — a restaurant located in the Castle courtyard, a convenient place for a meal after sightseeing; Wawel Shop & Café — simple snacks and coffee right by the hill; Pod Wawelem — a popular well-reviewed restaurant in the area, good for a larger meal after visiting. If you prefer something lighter, the Old Town and Kazimierz neighborhoods have many pleasant cafés and bakeries with good reviews.
Are the undergrounds accessible for people with disabilities? - Many of the new spaces were designed with accessibility in mind, but not every underground section will be barrier-free. Check details on the Castle’s site or ask at the ticket office before your visit. Is it worth taking a guide? - If you want to deepen your knowledge and learn archaeological context, a guide (official or private) significantly enriches the experience. Should I buy a ticket the day before? - In season and on weekends it’s worth booking in advance. Outside season you can often buy tickets on site. Are audioguides available? - Audioguides are available at some exhibitions; check information when buying your ticket. Can I see Smocza Jama and Międzymurze on the same day? - Yes, it’s technically possible; plan extra time so you won’t be rushing between entrances.
If you have half a day: choose the Royal Chambers + Międzymurze or the Lapidarium + the Cathedral. If you only have 1–1.5 hours: pick a single attraction (the Chambers or the Cathedral) and a short courtyard walk. On a rainy day the undergrounds are a great option; on a sunny day leave more time for terraces and views. Remember to reserve online in high season and check last-admission times before you go. A little preparation ensures a comfortable and memorable visit.
If you’d like to see Wawel from a guide’s perspective — I invite you to get in touch. On the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website you’ll find details about tours led by me, Małgorzata Kasprowicz, and information on how to book a private guided visit. A private guide will help tailor route choices to your interests, save you time and tell stories that are hard to find in standard descriptions. I encourage you to share this article with friends or on social media — if it helped you plan your visit, sharing it may help others. Contact and booking details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
