The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most visited attractions in Poland, and the Tourist Route usually takes about 2–2.5 hours — and that is only a portion of the underground world that stretches for kilometres of corridors and hundreds of chambers. In practice this means you cannot explore it by segway underground — segways are made for surface use and work best on 2-hour routes around central Krakow. The best solution for visitors who want both experiences is to plan a short, separate segway ride and a separate visit to the mine on the same day.
Segways are a great way to quickly and enjoyably see the Old Town and Kazimierz — a standard tour usually lasts about 2 hours and covers the main highlights such as the Main Market Square, Wawel and the streets of Kazimierz. Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine is done only on foot with a licensed guide; the Tourist Route lasts about 2–2.5 hours and includes many stairs (in total up to around 800 steps during the whole route). The mine is located roughly 30–45 minutes from central Krakow, so allow time for transfer and book tickets in advance, especially during the high season.
The underground route is narrow, includes many stairs, ramps and sections that require careful walking. For safety reasons and because of the structure of the workings, the mine does not allow electric vehicles of this type underground. A segway remains an excellent way to explore Krakow’s surface, and underground you go on foot.
A convenient day plan is: a short (about 2 h) segway route around Krakow in the morning, a break for lunch and transfer to Wieliczka, then a 2–2.5 h visit to the Salt Mine in the afternoon. This rhythm gives you time to rest between activities and avoids rushing.
09:30 – meeting and segway briefing in central Krakow (short introduction and practice), 10:00–12:00 – 2-hour segway tour of the Old Town and Kazimierz, 12:00–13:30 – lunch at a recommended restaurant in the centre, 13:30–14:15 – transfer to Wieliczka (approx. 30–45 minutes depending on traffic), 14:30–17:00 – visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (Tourist Route about 2–2.5 h), 17:15 – return to Krakow or dinner in Wieliczka. This plan is flexible — you can swap the order (mine first, then segway), but remember to check reservations and mine entry times.
If time is tight and you prefer convenience, consider doing the segway tour in the morning when the streets are quieter, then travel to Wieliczka afterwards — this helps you avoid queues at ticket counters and busy transfer times. If you value a calm, unhurried underground visit and want fewer transport worries afterwards, start with Wieliczka — you can return in time for an afternoon segway (if the operator offers later slots).
Visits are always with a guide and the Tourist Route generally takes about 2–2.5 hours. The underground temperature is fairly constant (typically around 14–18°C), so even in summer bring a light warm layer. Parts of the route include many stairs and uneven flooring — comfortable, closed shoes are essential. The mine has rules on baggage (sometimes size limits) and bans certain items; photography often requires a separate permit (a small fee). Book tickets online in advance during the season to minimise queueing.
Comfortable flat-soled shoes, a light jacket or sweater for cooler underground sections, ID (sometimes required for concessions and family tickets), a small backpack, a water bottle (check mine rules about bringing drinks), a charged camera or phone and payment method (cash/card) for possible photo permits, souvenirs or coffee. For a segway ride wear comfortable pants and closed shoes — operators provide helmets and a short safety briefing.
Segway operators typically require a minimum age (for example from 12 years) and have weight limits; before departure they give a short safety briefing and fit helmets. The mine’s Tourist Route is open to a wide range of visitors, but the Miners’ Route has age and health restrictions (it demands higher physical fitness and may set a minimum age). If you have mobility issues, check in advance which parts of the route are accessible or choose adapted options.
Not booking mine tickets in advance — in season tickets sell quickly; reserve online to secure your entry. Assuming a segway can replace the underground tour — they are two different activities: segway outdoors, mine on foot. Underestimating transfer time — during peak hours Krakow–Wieliczka transfers can take longer, leave margin. Wearing inappropriate footwear for the mine — choose closed, non-slip shoes. Forgetting a warm layer — underground is cooler than the surface even on hot days.
Both Krakow and Wieliczka offer a wide choice of restaurants with very good reviews. In central Krakow and around the Market Square or Kazimierz you might try places such as Szara, Pod Aniołami, Miód Malina or Starka (Kazimierz) — reserve a table on weekends. In Wieliczka there are cafes and restaurants right by the mine entrance, convenient if you don’t want to return to the city immediately (for example local inns and cafes near the square). If you want, I can prepare a personalised list with up-to-date recommendations and reservation options.
Can a segway ticket be combined with mine entry in one ticket? No — they are separate services: segway is a surface activity and mine entry requires a separate ticket and participation in a guided walking tour.
How much time should I reserve for the whole experience (segway + mine)? Realistically plan 5–7 hours including transfers, lunch and a safety margin.
Do I need to be very fit to visit Wieliczka? The Tourist Route involves descending and climbing stairs and walking on uneven surfaces — moderate fitness is recommended; the Miners’ Route has additional requirements and age limits.
Do I need a permit to take photos? Photography in the mine may require a separate permit and a small fee — check rules at the ticket office or online before entering.
Wieliczka is not only St. Kinga’s Chapel and salt sculptures — it also has an underground system of lakes, wooden structures and remnants of old mine shafts. The Tourist Route is only a fraction of the whole underground complex, which developed over centuries thanks to generations of miners. On the surface in Wieliczka you can also discover places connected to saline graduation towers and stroll the old town square of the town.
Check segway operator departure times and your mine entry time — plan at least 30–45 minutes for transfer between Krakow and Wieliczka. Book segway slots and mine tickets online in season. Dress in layers and wear comfortable, closed shoes. For maximum comfort and a personalised itinerary consider booking private guidance with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact details available via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com) — a private guide will help match pace and route to your expectations.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — it helps others plan a better visit to Krakow and Wieliczka. If you’d like, I can prepare a personalised day plan (segway + mine) with exact times, restaurant recommendations and transport options — tell me your preferences and I’ll prepare the details. If you are looking for a private guide in Krakow and the surrounding area, consider contacting Małgorzata Kasprowicz — her experience will make your day smooth, stress-free and tailored to your needs.
