Wieliczka is one of the most visited places near Kraków — the underground chambers, salt sculptures and history draw crowds. It’s a great idea for a school outing or a family trip, but it’s worth preparing a little, especially if you plan to visit in the afternoon. Afternoon hours have pros and cons: groups can be spread out more softly, but there is often heavier pedestrian traffic around entrances and on the surface after tours end. Below are tips to help make your visit comfortable and safe.
The easiest way to get to Wieliczka is by train from Kraków Główny — the journey takes about 20–25 minutes and trains run regularly. An alternative is the city bus line 304 or traveling by car — there are paid parking lots near the mine.
Visits follow designated routes: the Tourist Route is about 2.2 km, and the Museum Route around 1.5 km. For those planning a longer visit this is considerable distance with many stairs — you descend and ascend roughly 400 steps at the entrance. Underground the temperature is steady and moderately cool (around 14°C), so even in summer bring something warmer. Photography is allowed without flash.
In the afternoons many groups finish their tours at similar times — this means heavier traffic at exits, longer queues at the ticket office (if you don’t have pre-purchased tickets) and more pedestrians around stations and stops. In such moments it’s easier to become distracted and misplace a phone or wallet. Plan extra time for return travel and agree on a clear meeting point on the surface that is easy to find and visible.
For school groups or larger parties, afternoon hours can be good for avoiding morning transport crowds, but you must ensure attendance before entering and after exiting the route. Set clear rules: do not wander off, do not move around the site without a guardian, and stick to the schedule.
Small tourist scams happen in many cities and around popular attractions — this applies to the area around Wieliczka and Kraków as well. Here are specific behaviors to know about and how to protect yourself:
Buy tickets only from the official organizer or the mine’s official website - fake online offers can look convincing and leave you paying for a service that doesn’t exist. If you book online, check the domain and payment confirmations carefully.
Beware of requests to share payment codes (for example BLIK) or one-time SMS codes. Never give anyone a code, even if they claim it’s urgent. Local incidents involving BLIK fraud occur in nearby areas as well.
Keep valuables in inner pockets and zippered backpacks. Outer pockets and open bags are easy to reach in a crowd. Consider a money belt worn under clothing or an RFID-blocking wallet.
If someone approaches you on the street asking for a signature, a date, a small loan or “quick help” — keep your distance and refuse. Common scenarios escalate into pressure for payment or demands for a small amount of money.
With taxis, agree the price in advance or use an app that shows the route and estimated cost — in tourist areas there are attempts to overcharge. Use licensed, well-known carriers.
Do not exchange money on the street or accept “help” at ATMs from strangers. If you need cash, use ATMs at bank branches and carry a backup bank card.
When planning a school trip the most important things are good organization and clear rules. Assign chaperones responsible for small groups and pair or trio students together.
Always carry a participant list, phone numbers of chaperones and copies of parental consents. It’s also good to have a first-aid kit, basic medicines, and a supply of water and small snacks.
Print or download tickets in advance — printed entrance tickets reduce the risk of misunderstandings when entering the site. Agree on a meeting place and time on the surface (for example by the entrance at Daniłowicza 10) and remind students not to leave without a chaperone.
Give a short pre-trip safety briefing: do not talk to strangers, do not share payment codes with anyone, report any problems to a chaperone. It’s also useful to set a simple signal method (for example a whistle or a group message) in case the group becomes scattered.
After emerging to the surface it’s good to plan a place for a meal or coffee — resting after several kilometers and stairs feels especially rewarding. Near the mine entrance and on the town square you’ll find family-friendly cafes and restaurants; choose well-reviewed places that can handle larger groups efficiently.
If you’re returning to Kraków, the Main Market Square (Rynek Główny) and the Wawel area offer a wide choice of restaurants and cafes for different budgets. Trusted, highly rated places work best when traveling with a bigger group — consider booking a table in advance.
The salt mine has a network of tunnels reaching hundreds of kilometers, but tourists can visit only a part of the route — this helps control traffic and protect the site, but it also means some entrances and passages are narrow and require caution when many visitors are present.
The roughly 14°C underground temperature can surprise those who arrive in summer clothes — a warmer layer is a good idea even in warm weather. A common mistake on school trips is inappropriate footwear and lack of drinks — comfortable shoes and a light jacket significantly improve comfort.
Not booking tickets in advance — this causes long queues and stress, especially for larger groups. Buy tickets ahead of time and keep a paper or phone copy.
Carrying too much cash and leaving valuables easily accessible — hide documents and money, keep essentials on your person and do not leave backpacks unattended.
Lacking an organized plan for the group — assign chaperones, plan walking times and breaks, and remind everyone of the leader’s contact number.
Can I take photos? Yes — photography is allowed without flash.
Is it warm underground? Inside it’s about 14°C, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Is everything accessible for wheelchair users? Some routes are limited due to stairs and terrain — check accessibility and options for people with reduced mobility before your visit.
Where is the best place to buy tickets? The safest option is the official ticket sales on the mine’s website or at the on-site ticket office — avoid street offers and unverified resellers.
A trip to Wieliczka can be one of the most beautiful lessons in history and an elegant adventure. With a bit of planning, common sense and simple safety rules you’ll avoid unpleasant surprises and small scams. If you found this guide helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it’s good to help each other!
If you want your visit to be perfectly organized and led by an experienced guide, consider using the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Good luck and enjoy your visit!
