Wieliczka and the Cistercian abbey in Mogila make a pairing that feels like two different planets within a short walk from Krakow: monumental, mysterious salt undergrounds and a calm, sacred monastic space. For people who want to explore without noise and excessive exposure — and at the same time take children on an attractive and safe outing — this duo makes sense. Underground there's a steady, pleasant temperature and plenty of “wow” moments for little explorers; on the surface in Mogila you can find silence, a bench and a place for tea after sightseeing. It’s a good plan for holiday days when parts of the city center can be crowded and families look for more intimate experiences.
1. Start in the morning at Mogila: a short walk around the abbey courtyard, a visit to the Museum of Cistercian Spirituality (if open that day) and a quiet moment inside the basilica. This is a chance to get your bearings and introduce children to the legends and history of the place.
2. Travel to Wieliczka for your chosen entry time to the Salt Mine Tourist Route. It’s worth booking tickets in advance to avoid queues during the holidays.
3. Calm, paced exploration underground — set the tempo for the youngest members of the group. Breaks at the saline lakes and in St. Kinga’s Chapel help keep children engaged.
4. After returning to the surface by lift, rest at a bistro next to the shaft or take a short visit to the saline graduation tower (tężnia solankowa) for a moment of surface relaxation.
5. Return to Mogila for an afternoon stroll through Mogila Wood or tea in the museum café — an ideal way to end a quiet day.
The abbey in Mogila has over seven centuries of history and today combines a sacred function with museum exhibitions. In recent years the monastery opened the Museum of Cistercian Spirituality and Culture, which displays, among other things, historic paintings, manuscripts and elements of medieval architecture. The museum has limited opening days and hours during the week, and guided visits often need to be arranged several days in advance — an important detail when planning a holiday visit.
Regular services and religious events take place in the basilica and on the abbey grounds — for families this can mean busier days, but it also creates chances to hear a choir or an organ concert. There is also a small museum café on site where you can grab hot tea and homemade pastries.
The Tourist Route in Wieliczka consists of several kilometers of underground corridors with salt chambers, chapels and lakes. The temperature underground is steady and usually about 16–18°C, so it’s worth bringing a light layer even on a sunny day. The route includes several hundred steps — sources vary on the exact number, so plan for stair climbing and wear comfortable shoes. Children under 4 often enter for free, but programs and ticket prices change seasonally, so it’s best to buy tickets online in advance.
There are different routes offered in the mine — tourist, mining, family-themed programs — and a surface saline graduation tower that can be a relaxing stop after the route. Some surface exhibits may be closed on holiday days, so check current announcements before you go.
Choose the first or last entry times of the day — they are usually less crowded than mid-day. Book timed tickets online to avoid waiting in lines in the cold or rain. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day some attractions are closed, so plan alternatives.
If you have a toddler — avoid a large stroller. For the underground route a carrier or sling works better, while on the surface in Wieliczka and Mogila a stroller is fine. Bring spare snacks and drinks; although there are catering spots on the route and above ground, breaks are easier when children have something ready to eat.
Prefer calm over trying to see everything — one well-planned, quiet route gives more satisfaction than several rushed stops with loud crowds.
At Wieliczka, near the Daniłowicz shaft it’s worth stopping at the bistro next to the Tourist Route entrance — they serve simple, well-rated family dishes and coffee. After emerging from the mine a popular option is the Karczma Górnicza (Miners’ Inn) with traditional Polish cuisine — a solid choice for tired visitors after underground impressions.
In Mogila, next to the abbey museum, a small museum café offers homemade pastries — perfect for a sweet break and a hot drink after walking around the abbey grounds. If you plan to stay overnight, choose well-rated accommodation in Wieliczka or a cozy guesthouse in nearby towns to avoid Krakow’s holiday crowds.
Not buying tickets in advance — during holidays and weekends free slots sell out quickly. Book online ahead of time.
Trying to bring a large stroller — the underground route has stairs and narrow passages; a carrier or sling for the child works better. On the surface you can use a stroller without problems.
Assuming everything will be open every holiday — some museums and exhibits are closed on December 24–25 and January 1; check opening hours in advance and have a plan B (a walk, a café, the graduation tower).
Expecting sightseeing to be fast — it’s better to plan less and go slower; children (and introverts) will appreciate breaks and quiet moments.
Is the mine open on holidays? - The mine is often closed on December 24 and 25 and January 1; other days operate but hours may be shortened. Check the current schedule and book a timed ticket.
Can I take a stroller? - The underground route is not suitable for large strollers; a carrier or sling is more convenient. On the surface and in museums there are places to park a stroller.
How long does the visit take? - The Tourist Route usually takes 2–3 hours, but with children allow extra time for breaks and a meal. Plan a full day if you want to combine Wieliczka with Mogila.
Do I need to arrange a guided visit to the abbey? - The museum at the abbey has limited opening days and not all parts of the monastery are accessible; guided tours are best arranged several days in advance.
The microclimate underground in Wieliczka is beneficial for the respiratory tract — a short ‘climate session’ can be soothing for minor throat or nasal complaints (this does not replace medical advice).
In Mogila you’ll find architectural fragments dating back to the Middle Ages and elements rarely shown on classic tourist routes — a great place for those who enjoy details and quiet viewing of sacred art.
If this guide helped you plan a calm family outing — share it with friends or on social media. Calm and good preparation can turn a crowded holiday weekend into a genuinely relaxing adventure.
If you’d like help planning details or a guided visit of Krakow’s quieter corners, consider using the services of the private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz. You can find contact details on the ZwiedzanieKrakowa website. Good luck planning and have a peaceful holiday!
