Yes — with a well-planned day you can combine a visit to the Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine with a shorter but meaningful literary walk in Kraków and several stops at top cafés. In practice it’s an intensive schedule that requires an early start, booked tickets and comfortable shoes, but it’s very rewarding: underground chambers and St. Kinga’s Chapel in the morning, and in the afternoon the traces of the city’s literary life with a relaxing coffee break.
This article includes a ready-made day plan, practical tips (how to get there, when to buy tickets, what to expect underground), recommended cafés and restaurants with good reputations, plus a few surprising facts and an FAQ that will save you time and nerves.
The text is written for travelers who want to make the most of a single day and feel both the underground atmosphere of Wieliczka and Kraków’s literary aura — without rushing where it’s worth staying longer.
Start: get up early — if you want to see Wieliczka before the biggest crowds, take one of the first regional trains from Kraków to Wieliczka. The journey takes about 20–30 minutes to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station; from there it’s a short walk to the mine entrance. Book your mine tickets online in advance, especially in high season.
Morning in the mine: plan 2–3 hours for the Tourist Route. It’s a walk of several kilometers with over 800 steps, descending to depths of roughly 100–135 m; the underground temperature is stable, so bring a light extra layer. After exiting the mine you can have a light meal nearby or head straight back to Kraków.
Return to Kraków and the literary walk: in the afternoon plan a route following Wisława Szymborska and the House of Writers at 22 Krupnicza Street. It’s an excellent starting point for a walk through Planty and around the Jagiellonian University area, where cultural and academic life that inspired many authors once thrived. Stop by the Kawiarnia Literacka in Kazimierz or grab coffee nearer the Main Market Square — choose depending on your energy and the weather.
Kazimierz and cafés in the evening: if you still have energy, Kraków’s Kazimierz is a perfect place for a slow evening. Pick one of the recommended cafés (for example Kawiarnia Literacka or Mleczarnia) or a cozy bistro (a popular choice on the Old Town is Camelot) and end the day in a pleasant atmosphere.
The Tourist Route winds through a dozen or more chambers, passages and bridges — the tour covers several kilometers and the number of steps exceeds 800; hundreds of steps await you right away in the Daniłowicz Shaft. Be prepared for a longer, moderately demanding walk.
Underground climate is steady: typically around 16–18°C. For many visitors the mine’s microclimate is soothing for the respiratory system, but remember to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes, bring a light sweatshirt and fill a water bottle before you go below.
Ticket reservations: tours fill up quickly in season. Buy your ticket online and check whether your preferred time is available in Polish or English. Groups and organized trips have separate rules, but an individual visitor usually reserves a spot through the mine’s official booking system.
The House of Writers at 22 Krupnicza Street has a strong history: for decades it was home to writers and poets, including those who later gained wide recognition. A walk around this tenement helps you feel the atmosphere of Kraków’s postwar literary community.
Kawiarnia Literacka in Kazimierz today is a gathering place, a bookshop and a great spot for a break between program points. Author meetings and cultural events are often held here — if you find one taking place, it’s worth staying. Nearby you’ll also find cafés and book-centered venues that frequently host evening recitals and readings.
The Jagiellonian University and its surroundings are another must on the literary map — parts of the city where academic life and culture intertwine. Visit the courtyard, see Collegium Novum and remember that many debates and community meetings once took place here.
Kawiarnia Literacka (Krakowska Street) — a bookshop combined with a café, lots of shelves, comfortable armchairs and an atmospheric stage. A fine place for a longer rest and local literary events.
Camelot Cafe (ul. Świętego Tomasza) — a classic café on the Old Town, known for homemade cakes and its famous apple cake. Its characteristic décor makes it a lovely spot for dessert after a stroll around the Market Square.
Mleczarnia (Kazimierz, near Plac Nowy) — a charming courtyard or cozy interior; a great stop while exploring Kazimierz, often praised for atmosphere and drink selection.
Cafe Szafe — an intimate café with a snug interior, popular with locals; a good spot for late afternoon or evening.
The underground route in Wieliczka has microclimatic benefits — the air’s mineral content can be helpful for people with certain respiratory issues; for that reason the mine also functions as a health and recreation site.
St. Kinga’s Chapel in Wieliczka is not only one of the most beautiful points on the route but also a testament to human ingenuity: decorations and sculptures carved from salt make a powerful impression on anyone who enters.
The House of Writers hides many literary stories and anecdotes: for a long time after the war authors lived here who helped shape 20th-century Polish literature. Walking around 22 Krupnicza Street is a walk through a piece of the city’s living history.
Not booking Wieliczka tickets in advance — especially on weekends and in high season. Solution: buy your ticket online before arriving and confirm the entry time so you can realistically plan the rest of the day.
Wearing the wrong clothes — especially uncomfortable shoes or too-light clothing for underground conditions. Solution: wear comfortable, closed shoes and bring a light warmer layer; on the surface you may wear a lighter jacket, but it’s cooler below.
Overestimating what you can see in one day: trying to squeeze everything into a single afternoon. Solution: choose priorities — if Wieliczka is central to your plan, shorten the literary stops or leave more time for a café break.
How long does the mine visit take? Usually 2–3 hours on the Tourist Route; add travel time and possible surface meals.
How to get from Kraków to Wieliczka? The quickest option is a regional train to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station (about 20–30 minutes). Alternatives are city bus line 304 or driving. From the station it’s a short walk to the mine entrance.
Is the route suitable for children and seniors? The Tourist Route involves stairs and a long walk; families with small children or people with significant mobility limitations should consider alternative ways to visit or contact the mine staff about accessibility options.
Plan the logistics: bookings for Wieliczka and checking café and museum opening hours are essential. Check train and bus timetables for your visit day to avoid unnecessary waiting.
Bring a power bank and a small daypack — during an intensive day you’ll appreciate phone charging and space for water, documents and small souvenirs from the mine.
If you’d like a personalized tour: contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz at zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I offer tours adapted to your rhythm: pace, literary or historical themes, coffee breaks and tailored location recommendations.
If this plan was helpful — share it with friends or on social media. That way more people will learn how to combine Wieliczka’s underground wonders with literary Kraków and the city’s best cafés.
If you want to tour Kraków with a guide or are looking for a personalized route — please contact me via zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. I’ll gladly help plan an intensive yet well-balanced day that still leaves time to relax with a great coffee. Thank you for reading and see you in Kraków!
