The Night of Museums in Wieliczka is more than ordinary sightseeing — it’s an evening event that combines exhibitions, workshops, concerts and the special atmosphere of the Żupny Castle. For students and Erasmus participants it’s a great chance to see places usually visited on the Salt Mine Tourist Route in a different light, feel local vibes and take stunning photos — plus tickets and event offers are often cheaper than regular tourist prices. If you like culture, history and unusual experiences, plan an evening especially for the Night of Museums.
Evening visits to the castle and museum give history a different dimension — presentations, temporary exhibitions and historical reenactments make a strong impression, and many educational programmes are interactive. For student groups this is also a perfect excuse to meet friends away from campus and spend time actively together.
In practice the Night of Museums often means shorter queues for some areas, special workshops and access to parts of the exhibition that are usually closed — so it’s worth arriving with a plan.
- If you want to feel the place’s atmosphere and see something different from daytime visits - go to the Night of Museums.
- It’s an ideal option for an evening with Erasmus friends or for getting to know new people.
The date of the Night of Museums is usually announced by the Museum of the Kraków Saltworks (Muzeum Żup Krakowskich) and can vary year to year — events take place in the evening and typically last several hours (most often starting around 19:00 and finishing before midnight). In 2025 the Night of Museums at the Żupny Castle took place in mid-May with a programme running approximately 19:00–23:59.
Details (start times for exhibitions, workshops or the possibility of joining an underground route) change every year. Before you plan your visit:
- check the current Night of Museums programme on the museum’s website a few days before the event,
- see whether specific parts of the programme require reservation or a lottery for limited spots (entrances to the underground route are sometimes limited).
Practically: most activities at the Żupny Castle happen on the surface (the courtyard, castle halls), while access to the Museum Route in the mine can be restricted, so find out in advance whether you need a timed ticket for the underground visit.
The Salt Mine and the Żupny Castle offer different ticket types — full-price, reduced (for children, youth and students), family tickets and special offers depending on the route. In practice students can usually buy reduced tickets by showing a valid student ID — some rules include age limits (for example up to 25 or 26 years old), so check conditions before purchasing.
Some practical tips about discounts:
- bring ID: a valid student card and an identity document (passport, national ID) — this is the most reliable way to confirm eligibility for reduced fares,
- if you are an international student (for example on Erasmus) carry the ISIC card — many places accept ISIC, but acceptance is not automatic, so also bring your passport,
- discounts, promotions and age limits can change — if you plan to visit on a specific date (e.g. the Night of Museums), check ticket sales rules and reservation options in advance.
Getting there is simple and inexpensive — tried-and-true options include:
- suburban train (SKA / Koleje Małopolskie) to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station: a quick and cheap way (the journey from Kraków Main Station takes about 20–30 minutes). From the station it’s roughly a 500–700 m walk to the mine entrance, a few minutes on foot.
- city / regional bus (line 304 and other services): bus 304 departs from the area around the Main Station and stops at points convenient for visitors (stops near mine shafts). The bus is practical if you prefer a direct ride from a chosen stop in Kraków.
- tram + regional connection: depending on where you start in Kraków it can make sense to combine a tram ride with a further bus or train segment.
Practical tip: public transport tickets are the cheapest option. If you plan to return late after the Night of Museums, check the evening return schedules and alternative connections (train or bus).
Underground the temperature is stable and cool — usually around 14–16°C — so even in summer bring a light jacket or sweater. Humidity is high, so layered clothing and comfortable shoes are essential.
Things worth taking with you:
- a valid student card (and ISIC if you have it) plus an identity document,
- comfortable closed shoes (stairs and uneven surfaces are easier to handle),
- a light jacket or sweatshirt — it can feel cooler underground than on the surface,
- powerbank and phone for photos, but remember photography rules — some areas may have restrictions,
- if you attend the evening event, carry some cash for small purchases (not all stands accept cards).
Additional notes:
- the tourist route includes many stairs (often several hundred steps) — assess your fitness before buying a ticket for longer miner routes,
- during the Night of Museums some areas can be more crowded — arrive earlier if you want a place in specific workshops.
Here’s a quick plan for a successful evening combining Kraków and Wieliczka:
1) Afternoon in Kraków – meet friends, walk briefly around the Market Square or grab a quick coffee.
2) Travel to Wieliczka (SKA train or bus 304) so you arrive before the Night of Museums starts (around 18:30–19:00).
3) Start at the Żupny Castle – temporary exhibitions, concerts and workshops usually open by 19:00.
4) If the underground Museum Route is available that evening, join it at your reserved time — the night atmosphere is a unique experience. If the Tourist Route isn’t offered late, plan an afternoon visit on another day (you can combine it with a visit to the graduation tower area or a nearby park).
5) After the event: return to Kraków — check the last connections in the evening or arrange a group return by train.
The mine and events at the Żupny Castle are well organised, but keep a few rules in mind:
- people with serious heart or respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before going underground,
- smoking and open flames are prohibited on the route, and there are restrictions on using strong lights,
- be careful on stairs and in tight spaces — avoid rushing, especially in crowds,
- during evening events carry contact details of a friend or the organiser in case your group gets separated.
Do international students get a discount? - Usually yes, if you show a valid student ID; international cards like ISIC may be accepted, but it’s good to also carry your passport.
Do I need to reserve for the Night of Museums? - Not all activities require reservations, but underground route entrances can be limited — check the organiser’s rules and reserve if needed.
How much is a student ticket? - Prices depend on the route and the season; there are reduced fares for students and sometimes event promotions. Check current rates before you go.
Can I enter the mine late in the evening during the Night of Museums? - The Tourist Route has set hours and limits; the Żupny Castle usually extends opening hours for the Night of Museums, but descent on the full Tourist Route may require reservation and doesn’t always run until midnight. If the underground visit is important to you, plan an alternative afternoon visit as backup.
If you have more questions or would like a short customised route for your group (time, date, preferences) — I’m happy to help! Tell me how many of you will come and whether you prefer to return by train or bus.
