Florian Gate is the point where the most famous walking route in Krakow - the Royal Route - begins. A few steps further is the Main Market Square, and a little further on is Wawel Hill. After a morning of city views and legends, it is great to head to Wieliczka to see a very different kind of monument: the underground salt city listed by UNESCO. That contrast - stone city architecture and open urban space versus atmospheric corridors and chambers underground - makes for a full and varied day for many visitors.
This article gives seasonal practical information about the mine's opening hours, a sample day plan, advice on tickets and transport, and a few recommended places for coffee and lunch - everything to make the trip low-stress and enjoyable.
If you plan to travel with Małgorzata Kasprowicz - a private guide - you'll find a short invitation and contact information at the end with details about where to find her on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
The mine's schedule depends on the season. In spring and summer visitors usually have a wider range of hours (earlier opening and later closing); outside high season the hours are somewhat shorter. In practice this means first descents can start early in the morning (around 7:30-8:00), and the last groups go underground in the afternoon/early evening - ticket office closing times and last descents change seasonally.
The mine is sometimes closed on selected public holidays - commonly closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, November 1, and December 24-25. Before traveling, check the current schedule and ticket availability on the mine's ticketing pages or buy tickets online, because during the season the number of places for a given time slot is limited.
The Tourist Route lasts about 2-3 hours and covers the accessible walkways and chambers; the route starts from the Daniłowicz shaft. Practical details such as meeting points for groups or the obligation to arrive before the scheduled time are printed on the ticket and in the regulations.
Florian Gate is an iconic landmark in the northern part of the Old Town. You can admire it from the outside at any time of day - passing through the gate or walking under it is available 24 hours a day and is free. It is an ideal place to start the Royal Route walk and to take first photos before heading to the Market Square.
Many guides and local walking routes go through Florian Gate, so if you want to avoid crowds it's best to be there early in the morning or late in the afternoon. On weekends and in high season the area is busy with crowds, stalls and horse-drawn carriages; keep that in mind when planning photos and short stops.
If you want to enter the interior of the tower or see temporary exhibitions, check current exhibition information - most visitors, however, view the tower from the outside and continue down Floriańska Street toward the Market.
Morning option (city walk + Wieliczka): arrive in the Old Town by 8:30, walk through Florian Gate, spend 30-60 minutes on the Market Square and have a quick coffee, then head to the main train station or the SKA stop. A train or bus to Wieliczka takes about 20-40 minutes. Plan your descent to match the time on your reserved ticket - remember to arrive at least 15 minutes early.
Afternoon option (Wieliczka in the morning, Krakow in the evening): start in Wieliczka - the visit lasts 2-3 hours, then have lunch near the mine (Karczma Halit is a recommended local tavern), and after returning to Krakow enjoy an evening walk along the Royal Route including Florian Gate and the illuminated Market Square.
In both options allow time for transport, coffee or lunch breaks, and possible ticket office queues. If you care about specific times for events such as the bugle call or interior visits (for example Wawel Cathedral), check schedules and book in advance.
Tickets for the mine are for a specific date and time - the ticket shows the start time and the guide language. Tickets often state that visitors must arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time. Late arrivals may be refused entry.
In season it's best to book tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Organized groups have different booking rules and procedures at the group ticket desks - important if you travel with a larger party.
Note that ticket prices vary by season (low/medium/high) and that there are normal, reduced and family tickets. People with disabilities and school group supervisors have specified concession rules - check the regulations before purchase.
Bring electronic tickets on your phone or a printout; the guide will ask to see them before entry.
The most convenient and fastest option is the SKA/Koleje Małopolskie train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station - the station is very close to the main entrance to the mine. From Kraków Główny the journey usually takes around 20-30 minutes.
An alternative is the city bus (line 304 and additional seasonal services) - travel time depends on traffic; frequency increases in high season. Driving is also an option, but parking near the mine is paid and often crowded in season.
If you are arriving from the airport, a convenient combination is to use SKA or other rail connections via Kraków Główny. Always allow extra time for transfers - traffic and delays are possible especially during peak hours.
Underground the temperature is steady and cooler - usually around 14°C, so even in summer bring a light jacket or sweater. The Tourist Route includes stairs and uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes are essential.
If you have difficulty with stairs, claustrophobia, asthma or other health concerns, check the contraindications for visiting and consult the staff. For families with small children pay attention to the pace of the tour and the number of stairs.
Photography for personal use is usually allowed, but if you plan to use a tripod or professional equipment, check in advance whether additional permissions are required. Don't forget a power bank - your phone will be useful for photos and electronic tickets.
Near the Wieliczka mine you'll find a number of places serving regional cuisine; a classic close to the entrance is Karczma Halit - a atmospheric restaurant in a historic building, known for dishes inspired by Wieliczka traditions. It's a good spot for a late lunch after your visit.
In Krakow, if you stay near Florian Gate or the Market, consider well-rated, established places - for example Szara Gęś offers classic Polish dishes in an elegant setting, and around Floriańska Street there are many cozy cafés perfect for a quick espresso or breakfast.
If you plan to stay overnight, Wieliczka has several hotels and guesthouses close to the mine, and Krakow offers a wide choice - from guesthouses to boutique and chain hotels. Book ahead for weekends and high season.
Not booking tickets in advance - in season this is the most frequent cause of disappointment. Buy a ticket for a specific time and arrive early.
Inappropriate clothing - remember the lower underground temperature and wear comfortable shoes. Shorts and sandals can make stairs and damp passages uncomfortable.
Trying to pack too much into one day - the mine visit takes 2-3 hours; add time for travel, meals and possible queues. Don't try to squeeze too many attractions into a single day if you want to relax and take good photos.
Some attractions in the mine - like St. Kinga's Chapel - make the greatest impression: underground you can see chandeliers made of salt crystals, and floors and details carved from salt. The site is not only a museum of technology and history but also a unique artistic space.
Wieliczka was worked for centuries - the underground labyrinth measures hundreds of kilometres of corridors, though only a selected section is open to tourists. The Tourist Route is only a fragment of what lies beneath the surface.
Florian Gate survived modernization decisions that removed most medieval fortifications in the 19th century - today it stands as one of the city's most recognizable icons.
Can I visit Florian Gate at any time? Yes - passing through the gate and viewing the façade from the outside is available 24 hours a day and is free. Tower interiors are occasionally open for exhibitions - check current exhibition information if you want to go inside.
Do I need to book tickets for the mine? It is highly recommended to reserve tickets online for a specific time, especially on weekends, holidays and during school vacations. Larger groups have group booking rules.
How long does the mine visit last? The Tourist Route usually takes about 2-3 hours. Include time for going down and up, photo stops and a meal after the visit.
If you liked the idea of combining a walk by Florian Gate with a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, share this article with friends or on social media - a small tip from you can make someone's day in Krakow easier.
If you prefer to tour with a guide and would like a tailored itinerary - I invite you to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. Contact details and offer information are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com; Małgorzata will gladly advise, tailor the route and help avoid queues and other tourist traps.
Good luck with planning and enjoy your visit - Krakow and Wieliczka have a lot to offer, and a well-planned day creates lasting memories.
