The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the icons near Kraków — underground you’ll find sculptures and chapels carved in salt, and the greatest treasure is St. Kinga’s Chapel, located about 101 metres below the surface. It’s not only artistic beauty but also a piece of mining history and local culture listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting feels very different from a surface museum — the constant temperature, the scale of the chambers and a knowledgeable guide make the trip memorable.
Remember that Wieliczka is not a short stop — the Tourist Route is several kilometres with many stairs, so plan your visit wisely and wear comfortable shoes. Underground you’ll often enjoy a pleasant coolness (about 16–18°C), regardless of the weather above ground.
Official tickets for the Tourist Routes and special events are sold via the mine’s official sales channels and at the ticket offices near the Daniłowicz shaft. Prices vary by season and chosen route, but as a rough guide normal tickets for the Polish-language tourist route are typically around 86–106 PLN, while reduced tickets usually fall around 68–85 PLN. Tours in foreign languages may cost more.
Those most likely to qualify for a reduced ticket include: children (from age 4), school-age youth, students (usually up to age 26 upon presentation of a valid student ID), retirees and pensioners (with appropriate ID), and people with a disability certificate. Children under 4 usually enter free. Always bring a document that proves entitlement to a discount — without it, a reduced ticket may be refused.
Keep in mind that ticketing rules note the mine is not responsible for tickets bought through third-party resellers — the safest option is to buy directly from official sales channels or at the ticket office.
The simplest and safest option is to buy tickets online through the mine’s official sales system — this eliminates the risk of counterfeit tickets and shortens waiting time. If you plan to visit during the busy season (weekends, holidays), buy tickets in advance — popular time slots can sell out.
If you prefer not to reserve ahead, you can buy tickets at the Daniłowicz shaft ticket office, but be prepared for possible queues. Group bookings usually require advance reservation. Official sales pages also list availability of guide languages and group start times.
Practical tip: arrive at least 30–45 minutes before the entry time printed on your ticket (especially in high season). Bring any documents needed for discounts — school or student ID, ID card, etc.
The Tourist Route involves several kilometres of walking (about 3–3.5 km) and a total of several hundred stairs (the initial descent in the Daniłowicz shaft alone is roughly 300–400 steps). The visit typically lasts about 2.5–3 hours, depending on the route and group pace.
There is a constant temperature underground (usually around 16–18°C), so bring a light layer even in summer. Footwear should be comfortable and grippy — some walkways can be slippery. Large bags are best left in the cloakroom or luggage storage at the entrance.
Along the route you’ll see chambers of various sizes, miners’ sculptures, salt chandeliers and, of course, St. Kinga’s Chapel — don’t miss it, it’s the highlight of the tour. Some areas are used for special events (concerts, weddings, private events), so schedules can vary — check opening times before you travel.
The most convenient public transport option from central Kraków is the SKA/SK1 train from the Main Station to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia — it takes only a few minutes. There are also municipal and suburban buses, including line 304. Driving from central Kraków usually takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic.
On arrival, head to the shafts (the Daniłowicz shaft is the main ticket and entry point) where the ticket offices and entrances to the routes are located. Bring small change for parking or check parking availability in advance — in high season parking spaces can be full.
If you combine Wieliczka with other nearby sights, consider leaving the car in Kraków and taking the train — it’s often faster and less stressful.
After the visit it’s nice to relax with a good meal. In Wieliczka you’ll find tourist-friendly places — traditional Polish cuisine at local inns by the market and near the mine entrance is a safe bet. In Kraków plan meals at reliable spots in the Old Town and Kazimierz — popular choices include Restauracja Pod Wawelem (hearty Polish dishes), Restaurant Szara on the Market Square and the atmospheric Café Camelot in the Old Town.
If you need overnight accommodation, Kraków offers a wide range of hotels and guesthouses — from intimate guesthouses to hotels near the Market Square. For convenience, consider staying near the Old Town or Kazimierz, from where travel to Wieliczka by public transport is straightforward.
Not booking tickets in advance during high season — this can lead to long queues or no available time slots. Book online if you need a specific date and time.
Not having documents for discounts — if you expect to buy a reduced ticket, carry your student/school ID or proof of age; otherwise you may need to pay the full price.
Wearing unsuitable shoes and clothing — remember it’s cooler underground and you’ll climb many stairs; comfortable closed shoes and a light jacket are a good choice.
Buying tickets from resellers without checking — the safest purchase is through official sales channels or at the ticket office. Resellers may charge higher prices and limit recourse for problems.
How long does the tour take? Usually about 2.5–3 hours on the Tourist Route.
Do I need to reserve? In peak season it’s recommended; off season tickets are often available at the ticket office but queues are possible.
Do children have discounts? Children under 4 usually enter free; from age 4 reduced tickets typically apply upon presentation of ID.
Is the route accessible for people with limited mobility? Some sections require stairs — guests with limited mobility should contact the mine in advance for detailed information.
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or on social media — it will help others plan their visit. If you’d like to explore Wieliczka (and Kraków) with a local guide who brings the stories and context to life, I invite you to use the guiding services of Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and tour information are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. I wish you a great trip and many wonderful discoveries underground!
If you’d like, I can help build a timed day plan combining Wieliczka with other Kraków attractions — tell me your pace, interests and time of year and I’ll prepare a suggested schedule.
