Yes — it’s a neat loop that many visitors plan well. In the morning it’s worth heading to Wieliczka for the salt mine visit (counting the entrance, the descent by stairs and the tourist route you may need about 2–3 hours), and leave the afternoon for a walk and sunset at Krakus Mound. The key is good planning of parking when you leave the Old Town and booking your Wieliczka ticket in advance to avoid queues.
This article uses practical information about available car parks in Wieliczka and options to reach Krakus Mound, so it’s easier to prepare the logistics of the trip. If you’d like, I can propose a ready hourly plan tailored to your starting point in Krakow.
Wieliczka is an extraordinary underground attraction listed by UNESCO, and Krakus Mound is a quiet hill with panoramic views of the city — combining history with scenic views gives a full range of experiences: from salt chambers to views of Wawel and the Old Town. For people who want to escape the crowds of the centre, the mound is an easily accessible viewpoint.
In practice it’s good to start early: visiting Wieliczka works best in the morning or early afternoon, while the mound in the evening offers beautiful light for photos and a peaceful stroll around the area.
The Old Town is in a paid parking zone, so a convenient solution is to leave your car in one of the larger multi-storey car parks or garages close to the centre. Good options are the car parks at Galeria Krakowska (very close to the Main Station and the Market Square) and the underground parking by the National Museum — both let you quickly transfer to a route towards Wieliczka or reach a chosen tram stop.
An alternative to parking in the very centre is the multi-level “Stare Podgórze” car park — this is convenient if you plan to visit Krakus Mound afterwards, because from Podgórze it’s easy to reach the mound by tram or on foot. Check prices before you arrive — central zones may have hourly rates, while multi-storey car parks often offer daily tickets.
If you want to minimise costs and avoid congested streets, consider parking a little further from the Market and taking public transport to your trip’s starting point.
Wieliczka has several car parks near the Salt Mine — some are paid, and the largest parking in the centre (Dembowskiego Street) can accommodate large groups and coaches, so traffic attendants sometimes direct flow during peak hours. There are also smaller private car parks right by the mine entrance, some open 24 hours and located only a few hundred metres from the entrance.
The town uses a paid parking zone with set rates for short stays — plan your visiting time and check current fees at the city office or tourist information points. If you arrive by coach or with a large group, it’s best to contact the parking staff at the mine in advance to reserve space.
Krakus Mound is in the Podgórze district and is easily reached by tram and bus — tram lines running nearby allow a quick trip from the centre, and the nearest stops are by the Podgórze Cemetery or along the Vistula boulevards. Because of the terrain, the final approach to the mound can be steep, so be prepared for a short walk on an uneven path.
There are small parking areas nearby and several free or low-cost parking options (for example on streets adjacent to the mound). Popular parking places include the “Za Torem” car park or the area known as Aleja pod Kopcem — these are the closest choices if you want to leave the car without a long walk. Also consider parking in Stare Podgórze and walking to the mound, which is often more convenient during busy tourist times.
Some visitors book the Wieliczka visit “on the spot” and encounter long queues — it’s better to buy a ticket in advance for a specific time. That way you can synchronize the mine visit with your plan for Krakus Mound.
Don’t leave your car in a random spot in the centre — parking zones are enforced and fines can spoil the trip. Check the operating hours of the paid zones and the availability of multi-storey or underground parking. If you plan to visit Krakus Mound late in the afternoon, remember the return route can be less well lit — have a phone torch with you.
If you travel with people who have limited mobility: the mound is accessible, but the approach can be steep and partly unpaved — consider a shorter plan or transport closer to the base of the mound.
In Krakow, around the Old Town and Kazimierz you’ll find many highly rated restaurants and cafés — choose places with many positive reviews. It’s a good idea to have a meal before heading to Wieliczka or to plan lunch after you return. Local restaurants serving regional dishes and cafés with homemade cakes are popular choices.
Near the Wieliczka mine there are restaurants and cafés targeted at tourists — after the visit it’s nice to sit down for a warm meal. If you value other guests’ opinions, pick a place with high ratings on dining services; many offer local dishes and family-friendly menus.
If you want a cosy spot for the evening after the mound walk, consider returning to Podgórze or Kazimierz — both areas have restaurants with different characters, from traditional Polish cuisine to modern bistros.
Krakus Mound is one of four historic mounds in Krakow and is the oldest of them — it stands on Lasota Hill and long served as an orientation point for locals.
On a clear day you can see a wide panorama of Krakow from the mound — Wawel, the Old Town, part of Kazimierz, and with good visibility even distant mountain ridges. It’s a great sunset spot if you want to avoid the crowds at Wawel.
Wieliczka, beyond the tourist route, hides lesser-known corridors and stories — before your trip it’s worth reading a few short tales about the mine so that leaving the main route can be as interesting as the main tourist trail.
Do I have to reserve a ticket to Wieliczka? — Yes, booking in advance is recommended, especially in high season and on weekends, to avoid queues.
Do you have to pay to go up Krakus Mound? — Entrance to the mound is free; the area is open all year, though some paths can be steep and partly unpaved.
How much time should I allocate for the whole trip? — For comfort plan about 5–7 hours: 2–3 hours for Wieliczka (including travel), plus 1–2 hours for the mound and transfers/meals.
When planning a trip from the Old Town to Wieliczka and Krakus Mound, the most important things are solid logistics: choose a convenient car park near the centre or in Podgórze, book your mine ticket ahead, and leave time for a relaxed walk up the mound before sunset. That way you’ll see the highlights without rushing.
If you’d like, I’m happy to help plan a detailed itinerary — from departure time and parking choice, through recommended connections, to the best places to rest and eat. You can share this article with friends or on social media. If you dream of touring with a local guide, consider a private guided tour with Małgorzata Kasprowicz (Margaret Kasprowicz) — contact and full offer are available on the guide’s website. Good luck and enjoy discovering Krakow and Wieliczka!
