Yes — it is possible to visit Wieliczka and Zakopane in one day starting from Krakow, but only with realistic planning and accepting that it will be a long, intensive day for children. The key is: an early start, shortened programs at both sites and flexibility. If your children tire easily, consider splitting the itinerary into two days or choosing one destination and more time for play.
The main challenges are travel time (Krakow–Zakopane is about 2 hours by car in good conditions), limited time for sightseeing and the need for breaks and meals. On the other hand, each place offers family-friendly highlights: the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground adventure, while Zakopane provides a mountain atmosphere, regional flavors and easily accessible viewpoints.
Below you’ll find a detailed, practical schedule with times, transport options, a packing list and tips on how to make the day fun for the whole family. Start by deciding what time you want to be back in Krakow — that will help set the pace of the day.
05:30 - depart from Krakow (car or minibus). An early start gives a buffer for traffic and more time on site.
07:00–09:30 - Wieliczka Salt Mine: a brisk visit of the Tourist Route (roughly 2–3 hours). Remember that underground the temperature is around 16–18°C — bring a warmer sweater for the children.
09:30–11:30 - drive to Zakopane (about 2 hours, depending on traffic on Zakopianka). Quick breakfast or sandwiches on the way or after arrival.
11:30–15:30 - Zakopane: stroll along Krupówki, ride the funicular to Gubałówka or a short visit to a child-friendly museum/attraction. If you plan to reach Morskie Oko on foot, there won’t be enough time — the approach from Palenica takes many hours; choose shorter, easier activities instead.
15:30–18:00 - time for a snack, local treats (for example oscypek) and a slow return to the car.
around 20:30 - return to Krakow (depending on traffic).
This plan is demanding but gives you a taste of both places in a single day. For families with small children I recommend an easier version: Wieliczka in the morning and a relaxed afternoon in Krakow, or a whole day in Zakopane without Wieliczka.
The Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine usually takes about 2–3 hours and includes roughly 3–3.5 km of walking and over 800 steps to climb (with a descent at the Daniłowicz Shaft at the start). For children it’s a fascinating, unusual space — but keep a few practical things in mind:
- Underground temperature is stable and cooler (around 16–18°C). Even in summer bring a light sweater or fleece for the kids.
- There are toilets along the route and a chance to rest briefly in the Miners’ Tavern after part of the tour.
- Children under 4 may enter free of charge (check current rules), but the group’s pace is set by the guide — choose an early time slot to avoid crowds.
- Family routes and special children’s activities run periodically — if you want that kind of experience, book tickets in advance.
If you travel with a stroller — the standard tourist route isn’t stroller-friendly (stairs). Bring a baby carrier or plan for someone to help with the youngest during the hardest sections.
If you only have a few hours in Zakopane, pick short, easy-to-do attractions:
- Krupówki: a walk, colorful stalls, local snacks (oscypek with cranberry is a hit with many kids).
- Gubałówka: the funicular ride is a quick, scenic experience with panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains. It’s a good alternative to long hikes.
- Child-friendly museums: Zakopane has smaller museums and open-air exhibits that can interest younger children (for example folk houses and simple interactive displays).
- Short walks to viewpoints (for example the approach to Wielka Krokiew) give lots of fun without too much effort.
Note about Morskie Oko: it’s beautiful, but the walk from Palenica Białczańska is about 11.5 km one way and can take 4–5 hours up — for families with small children it’s too much to combine with Wieliczka in one day. Treat Morskie Oko as a separate full-day destination.
By car (most comfortable, most flexible): an early departure helps avoid jams on Zakopianka; plan breaks to stretch legs and eat. Krakow to Zakopane is usually about 2 hours in good traffic.
Train/Bus: there are connections from Krakow to Zakopane, but combining them with Wieliczka is logistically harder — public transport requires transfers that lengthen travel time and reduce comfort for children.
Organised excursion (coach + guide): this is a low-effort option with a fixed schedule and often pre-booked tickets. It suits families who prefer someone else to handle logistics and reservations.
If you drive, remember to reserve parking at Palenica Białczańska if you plan for Morskie Oko — parking fills up in season and cars are directed to different zones depending on arrival time.
- Tickets: book Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets in advance, especially on weekends and during holidays.
- Clothing: underground can be cooler — bring an extra layer all day (sweatshirts, light jackets). Wear comfortable closed shoes.
- Food: pack snacks — children like having something to nibble between attractions; there is a tavern in Wieliczka but queues and time can be an issue.
- Toilets: there are restrooms underground in the mine and on the surface; Krupówki in Zakopane also has facilities but expect queues in season.
- Stroller: a stroller is impractical in the mine; in Zakopane a carrier is more useful in mountain areas, though Krupówki and the Gubałówka funicular are easier to manage.
- Very young children: if you have kids under 4, check rules for free entry and concessions; remember that group pace and stairs may require extra help.
- Shorten the program: instead of trying to do both places, pick one and spend more time there — better memories than rushed checklists.
- Find play areas: Zakopane and its surroundings have playgrounds, family-friendly cafés and museums with child-focused exhibits — it’s smart to identify a place where kids can burn off energy.
- Schedule breaks: stops every 1.5–2 hours help avoid crankiness; a toy or favourite snack can save the situation.
- Alternative: if Wieliczka is your priority, spend the morning there and return to Krakow for a relaxed afternoon walk around the Old Town with less stress.
Can children visit the salt mine? - Yes, the Tourist Route is open to children, although be prepared for stairs and a longer walk. Children under 4 often enter free; check current rules before you go.
Is it worth going up to Gubałówka in Zakopane? - Yes, it’s a quick and striking attraction, ideal when time is limited. The Tatra views are a big reward for kids.
Is it worthwhile to do both places in one day? - If your children are school-aged and used to long travel days, yes — but prepare for an intensive schedule. For younger kids it’s better to plan a slower trip or split the itinerary across two days.
When is the best time to go? - Early morning departures give the best chance to avoid traffic and crowds. Summer and winter holiday periods are the busiest times.
A day combining Wieliczka and Zakopane can be a real family adventure — provided you approach it with a sense of humour and flexibility. The most important things are safety, the children’s comfort and shared fun. Make sure to schedule breaks, bring snacks and dress for changeable weather. If something doesn’t go according to plan — treat it as part of the adventure. Wishing you a great day full of memorable moments and beautiful views!
If you’d like, I can prepare a printable quick-plan or a shortened schedule with navigation times — tell me which options you prefer (more time in Wieliczka, Morskie Oko instead of Gubałówka, or a relaxed day only in Zakopane).
