The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of those attractions that blends history, engineering and the unexpected beauty of underground spaces. If you have only two days in Krakow, it’s worth planning a visit so you can feel the atmosphere of the Old Town and at the same time descend into the unique world of salt chambers and St. Kinga’s Chapel. It’s an experience that contrasts with the city above — a perfect complement to a short stay.
The “on foot in about 2 hours” option appeals to walkers: from some parts of Krakow (depending on your starting point) the distance to Wieliczka is about 10–12 km, which at a brisk pace translates to roughly 2–2.5 hours of walking. For people who want to feel the region’s open space and have good shoes, that walk is doable — but it needs sensible planning (weather, luggage, footwear).
If you don’t want to walk the whole way, you can easily combine a short walk with a train or bus ride — a good solution when you want to save time and have more energy for the underground visit.
Day 1: morning walk or sightseeing in the Old Town — Main Market Square, Cloth Hall, St. Mary’s Basilica and parts of the Royal Route. In the afternoon a relaxed walk to Wawel, and in the evening dinner in Kazimierz or on the Old Town.
Day 2: early trip to Wieliczka (or start your walk toward Wieliczka). Visit the Tourist Route in the mine — count on about 2 hours for the route, plus time for getting there/transport and a light lunch after returning to Krakow. If you have time, a short afternoon visit to the Jewish part of Kazimierz or a walk along the Vistula is a great way to finish the short trip.
This schedule lets you see the main highlights without rush: the Old Town and Wawel fit into one logistical block, and Wieliczka is an extra excursion easy to fit around the mine’s opening hours.
The tourist route takes about 2 hours and includes some of the most famous chambers, chapels and salt sculptures. The route contains many stairs — roughly 700–800 steps total, distributed between the descent and the ascent — so comfortable, stable footwear is essential.
Underground temperatures are stable at about 17–18°C — even in summer bring a light sweater. Visits are guided only, so it’s worth booking in advance, especially on weekends and during the holiday season.
Remember baggage restrictions and safety: large luggage is not permitted on the route, and people with serious health issues should consult the mine staff beforehand. There are recommendations for families with small children and for seniors regarding comfort and accessibility — check them before you go.
The easiest way from Krakow to Wieliczka is by regional train from the Main Station — the trip usually takes about 20–30 minutes, and the Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is close to the mine entrance. Alternatively, take a city bus (lines running to Wieliczka) or drive; remember that during peak hours traffic can cause delays.
Walking from central Krakow is doable for people who enjoy longer distances: depending on the starting point the distance is usually 10–12 km, so at a brisk pace expect 2–2.5 hours. Plan your route ahead, wear comfortable shoes, bring water and check the weather. If you don’t want to walk one way, consider returning by train or bus.
If you plan an early start: check train timetables and the mine’s first guided-entry times. Booking an early slot gives you more flexibility for the rest of the day.
Buy tickets in advance — especially in season or on Saturdays, slots can fill up. If you don’t have a reservation, arrive early and ask at the ticket office about available seats, but there’s no guarantee.
Clothing: comfortable, non-slip shoes; a light sweater or thin jacket (it’s cooler underground); a small backpack instead of a large suitcase. Guided visits are led by official guides — ask about available language options if you need a tour in a language other than Polish.
Other: bring a small snack and water for the return journey, a phone charger, and an ID if you plan to use concessions. If you choose to walk — plan rest points and possible places to eat along the way.
If you stay on the Old Town or in Kazimierz, you’ll have a great base for short sightseeing. Recommended, well-rated places: Pod Wawelem (hearty Polish portions, great for hungry travelers), Starka (traditional Polish and regional cuisine in atmospheric Kazimierz), Cafe Camelot (a cozy cafe for relaxing after a full day). Choose restaurants with good reviews and reserve a table for weekend evenings.
Hotels worth considering: Hotel Stary (luxury, location right by the Market Square), PURO Kraków Stare Miasto (modern comfort) and Unicus Palace — these are often highly rated and convenient if you want to make the most of 48 hours in the city. For longer stays or budget options, pick a well-reviewed place located near transport to Wieliczka.
In Wieliczka, near the mine entrance you’ll find a café and places serving lunch — convenient after the tour. If you need a full list or help with reservations, I can assist.
St. Kinga’s Chapel is not only beautiful — its elements are carved entirely from salt without foreign materials. The chapel’s acoustics are so good that it is sometimes used for concerts and recordings.
On the route you can see salt lakes and sculptures of gigantic scale — some weigh many tons. The scale of the craftsmanship is impressive when you see it in person.
A less obvious fact: the mine’s underground conditions have historically hosted unusual tests and exhibitions that attracted researchers and artists. Wieliczka’s story reaches beyond mining into cultural and scientific realms.
Mistake 1: arriving without a reservation on a weekend — risk of no available places. Solution: buy or reserve tickets in advance and choose a specific time.
Mistake 2: not preparing for stairs and cool temperatures — many expect something like a regular museum. Solution: comfortable shoes, a warm layer and realistic expectations about the route’s movement and time.
Mistake 3: planning the walk without a return or transport alternative — after a long day you may not have energy to walk back. Solution: plan the return by train or use local transport as a plan B.
Can visiting Wieliczka take 2 hours? Yes — the standard Tourist Route takes about 2 hours, but allow extra time for getting there, ticketing and possible queues.
Can I enter the mine on my own? No — visits are guided only, so book in advance and check available guide times.
Is a 2-hour walk from Krakow to Wieliczka realistic? It depends on your start point and fitness: about 10–12 km can be covered in 2–2.5 hours at a brisk pace. Consider luggage and weather conditions.
Can children and seniors handle the route? Most of the route is family-friendly, but the number of stairs and the length of the walk can be challenging — check accessibility information and consider the route choice carefully.
If you plan a short, intense stay in Krakow, adding one trip to Wieliczka is a great complement to city walks. I can help tailor the pace and details so your 48 hours in Małopolska are pleasant and stress-free.
If you’d like, I can help personalize your plan, recommend the best entry times and also book a slot — you can find contact details on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. If this article was helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — I’d be happy if you recommend our tips! Warm regards and see you in Krakow or underground in Wieliczka. - Małgorzata Kasprowicz (guide)
