Kraków and Wieliczka make a perfect pair for a one-day trip: historic Old Town and Wawel in the morning, and the unique underground salt mine in the afternoon. For an expectant mother this plan can be attractive — plenty to see, but also many opportunities to rest and adapt the pace. It’s important to plan the day consciously so you don’t overexert yourself on stairs or long walks.
Wieliczka offers a unique microclimate: cooler temperatures and high humidity underground can bring relief for the respiratory system, but the walk itself can be demanding because of the number of steps and the distance covered. Keep this in mind when putting the day together.
With an uncomplicated pregnancy, most expectant mothers can visit both Kraków and the Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. The route, however, requires some effort: there is a descent of roughly 380 steps at the start and about 800 steps in total along the route. The underground visit usually lasts 2–3 hours, with temperatures around 14–18°C and high relative humidity (often 75–90%).
If the pregnancy is high-risk, or if you have cardiac or respiratory problems, bleeding, pregnancy-induced hypertension, or a history of preterm birth, discuss the trip with your attending physician before going. If your doctor sees no contraindications, plan a moderate pace with breaks, bring water, and reserve any possible accessibility support in advance.
08:30–10:30 — a short, gentle walk around the Main Market Square and Wawel. If you start the day in the heart of Kraków, keep a slow pace with stops for coffee and restrooms. You can walk around Wawel Castle from the outside at an easy pace or visit only the most important exhibits.
10:30–11:15 — travel by SKA1 train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia (about 20–25 minutes) or take a taxi (about 25–30 minutes). The train is a convenient option: short journey, no parking hassles, and a short walk from the station to the mine entrance.
11:30–14:30 — visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine Tourist Route: the tour typically lasts 2–3 hours. Keep in mind the initial descent of around 380 steps and that you usually return by lift. Ask at the ticket office about the possibility of a slower group pace or assistance with the lift if you need it.
15:00–16:00 — a short rest by the brine graduation tower (tężnia) in Park Kinga — benches and a brief stroll are available. Remember that time spent at the graduation tower may be limited by local rules, so plan a short rest there.
16:30–18:00 — return to Kraków, then a relaxed dinner at a well-reviewed restaurant offering light dishes and comfortable seating. Adjust the pace to how you feel and skip additional attractions if you feel tired.
Medical consultation — before the trip, ask your doctor about any contraindications and specific advice for activity during your trimester. If cleared, plan a moderate route and include breaks.
Shoes and clothing — bring comfortable, stable footwear with good grip; layered clothing works well underground where temperatures are lower. A light jacket or cardigan is useful.
Fluids and snacks — carry water and small, healthy snacks to avoid energy dips. Regular small meals help maintain well-being.
Pace and rest — you don’t have to keep up with the group pace. Ask the guide for more frequent stops or a slower speed. After descending into large chambers, plan places where you can sit and rest.
Lifts and accessibility — entry/exit from the mine is done by a mine lift; returning by lift makes it easier after many steps. If you have mobility issues, inform the mine’s information points in advance to arrange help.
Health limitations — avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exertion or rapid stair-climbing if your doctor advised against it. If you experience any worrying symptoms, stop the visit and seek medical care.
In Kraków choose trusted spots where staff understand different guests’ needs: pleasant cafés with comfortable seating and fresh juices or teas, or restaurants with good reviews and light-dish options. Consider cafés and restaurants around the Main Market Square — pick a place with comfortable chairs and easy restroom access.
In Wieliczka, a pleasant rest after the mine visit can be found in cafés on the Market Square and in the park near the Daniłowicz Shaft. If you want to take advantage of the beneficial microclimate, the graduation tower next to the shaft is a short, relaxing stop before returning to Kraków.
When choosing a place, pay attention to reviews (choose higher-rated places), menus with less-processed options, and tables that allow easy access to exits.
Trying to “do everything” in one day — result: fatigue and stress. It’s better to plan only the highlights and skip extra attractions if your energy drops.
Not carrying spare water or snacks — a long walk plus lower temperatures underground can catch you off guard. Small snacks and regular hydration help maintain energy.
Not informing guides about your health — if you need a slower pace or extra help, tell the staff on arrival. Mine staff and information points can assist or offer alternatives.
Ignoring signs of fatigue — if you feel dizziness, shortness of breath, bleeding, or severe pain, stop the visit and consult medical care.
Can I go down by lift instead of stairs? — For the Tourist Route you usually descend stairs; return is by lift. In special cases or for health reasons it’s worth asking on site about support or alternative arrangements.
How long does the whole trip take? — The full program — a walk around Kraków + travel + mine visit + rest — is a full-day plan, usually 6–8 hours including breaks.
Does the graduation tower help during pregnancy? — A short visit to the graduation tower can be pleasant and relaxing; local rules may limit time there. If you have health questions about saline inhalation, consult your doctor.
When is it better to skip the trip? — If the pregnancy has complications or you feel discomfort during walking, postpone the visit. Your and your baby’s health come first.
Did you know the Tourist Route in Wieliczka reaches chambers as deep as 135 meters underground and that the underground space keeps a nearly constant temperature regardless of the season? That means even in summer it can feel cooler underground than on the surface.
There are places along the route for short rests, and the ascent to the surface is by a mine lift — a big help after many steps. Keep this in mind when planning a comfortable itinerary for yourself.
If this article was helpful, share it with friends or on social media — a short note can help someone else decide on a safe trip.
If you prefer to tour with individual support and a calm pace, consider arranging a private guiding service with Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details are available on the Zwiedzanie Krakowa website. A private guide can tailor the plan and pace to your needs, organize transfers, and help with practical matters on site.
Good luck and enjoy your trip — don’t forget to schedule breaks and give yourself time to rest.
