Looking for a school trip idea that combines history, adventure and some fresh-air activity? Kościuszko Mound and the Wieliczka Salt Mine are a classic pairing for younger and older classes - the two attractions show different faces of the past: a mound towering over the city with 19th-century history and an underground city shaped by centuries of mining work.
As a guide I have led many school groups and I know that the best trips are well prepared - with a clear plan, breaks and age-appropriate tasks for students. Below you will find practical information and tips on how to organise a day so that students will remember it for a long time.
Kościuszko Mound stands on St. Bronisława Hill and is about 34 metres high - it is a place connected with the memory of Tadeusz Kościuszko. The mound was built in the early 19th century, and soil from the battlefields of the Kościuszko Uprising was placed inside it.
Today there is usually an entrance fee at the mound - access to the summit often includes the chance to see themed displays and exhibitions in the museum next to the mound. From the top you get a pleasant panorama of Krakow - a great spot for a short history lesson and observing the city from a different perspective.
You can reach the mound by MPK bus, but I also recommend approaching from the Salwator side along Washington Avenue - a walk under old chestnut trees is pleasant and gives a sense of stepping into a different part of the city.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground world carved in salt - a labyrinth of chambers, chapels, salt sculptures and underground lakes. It is an object of great historical and cultural value, listed by UNESCO - visiting it, students learn about old mining techniques and local legends, such as the legend of St. Kinga.
The tourist route includes dozens of chambers and many stairs - in total the tourist route has about 1,000 steps, of which you initially have to climb around 380 steps. The tour usually takes about 3–3.5 hours, so it is worth planning a meal and short breaks.
The underground temperature is typically around 14–16°C - this is important when choosing clothing for children and supervisors. For some groups there is also a miner's route (more active and intended for older students) - that route has different age and organisational requirements.
Younger classes (e.g. grades 1–4) - I recommend a shorter programme: a walk around Kościuszko Mound with a simple story about Kościuszko and a shortened route in Wieliczka focusing on legends, salt sculptures and the family-friendly attractions - fairy-tale and interactive elements work best here.
Middle and older classes (grades 5–8 and high schools) - it is worth combining Kościuszko Mound with a fuller route in Wieliczka (the tourist route or - for those who meet the requirements - the miner's route), supplementing the programme with historical context and educational tasks.
If you are planning a trip with students with special needs - let the booking office know in advance. Not all sections of the Wieliczka routes are fully accessible for people with reduced mobility, while the mound can be complemented with alternative activities or shorter stops.
Sample plan for a class - morning departure from the meeting point, arrival in Krakow and a walk from Salwator to Kościuszko Mound - ascent to the mound and visit to the museum (about 1–1.5 hours). Then coach transfer to Wieliczka - lunch and the mine tour (about 3 hours). Return to school in the afternoon hours.
Advantages of this arrangement - morning outdoors, then a longer, organised underground part, a clear division between activity and rest. Remember to arrange lunch/snack plans in advance and allow time for toilets before descending into the mine.
If you have a limited budget - you can shorten the mine visit to the most important highlights and plan alternative free activities in Krakow instead of longer museum visits.
Tickets and reservations - it is worth booking in advance for both Kościuszko Mound and Wieliczka, especially for large school groups. Guided tours at the mound are sometimes organised at specific times - plan that ahead.
Clothing - it is cooler and more humid underground - pack a warm layer and comfortable footwear. Bring a small backpack for a water bottle and possible snacks.
Safety - children should be assigned supervisors in smaller groups during the descent into the mine and the climb up the mound. In the mine follow the guide's instructions and signage.
Group limits - the mine usually admits visitors in groups with a maximum number set by the site; when planning transport make sure the coach has a place to stop and unload students.
Time - allow time buffers for transfers, toilets and possible delays; a school day is not a race, it is better to leave some slack than to hurry the children.
Is the route in Wieliczka suitable for children? - Yes, the tourist route is adapted for families and schools, although it requires going down and up many steps. For very young children consider a shorter programme.
How long does the whole trip take? - The route in the mine itself usually takes 3–3.5 hours. Kościuszko Mound and its surroundings can be visited in 1–1.5 hours. A full day including travel is usually 6–8 hours.
Is it cold in the mine? - The underground temperature is about 14–16°C - it is worth taking something warmer.
Is special equipment required? - Special suits are not required for the tourist route. For the miner's route the organiser provides equipment and suits, and participants must meet age and health requirements.
How do I register a large school group? - It is best to make a reservation in advance and provide an approximate number of students, number of supervisors and preferred date and daily plan.
As a licensed guide of Krakow I specialise in leading school groups - I like to tell stories in an engaging way, with humour and tasks for students. I prepare programmes tailored to the class level - from simple stories and games for younger children to deeper discussions and historical context for older students.
When booking we discuss the educational goals of the trip, the number of supervisors and any limitations - this makes the trip smooth, safe and attractive for all participants.
If you would like to organise a school trip - write or call, giving a proposed date, number of students and supervisors and the preferred daily plan. Together we will agree the details: tour duration, meal breaks, necessary permissions and additional options (e.g. educational materials for students).
For schools I offer ready-made field lesson scenarios, quizzes, tasks and historical games that help consolidate knowledge and engage classes. I will adapt the programme to the age and size of the group.
Pre-trip tasks - ask students to read a short text or watch a short video about Kościuszko and the mine - that will increase their curiosity and lead to better questions during the visit.
On site - I suggest mini-quizzes, drawing a map of the mound route, describing a favourite chamber in Wieliczka or short theatrical sketches about miners - such activities help consolidate knowledge and are fun.
After the trip - it is worth making a small exhibition of students' work or a presentation of memories from the trip - a good summary and a way to assess educational outcomes.
School trips are not only about visiting landmarks - they are an opportunity to awaken curiosity, build memories and connect lessons with real experience. Kościuszko Mound and Wieliczka have that special quality - from the city panorama to underground mysteries - and I will happily show your class these places in a lively, engaging way with many practical tips.
If you have questions about the programme, availability of dates or special needs of the group - write or call. I will gladly help plan a trip that is safe, interesting and tailored to your class.
