Kazimierz is one of Kraków’s most fascinating districts: cafés, synagogues, atmospheric streets and great places for breakfast — an ideal spot to start the day. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, on the other hand, is one of the region’s icons: underground chambers, salt sculptures and St. Kinga’s Chapel. Combining a morning walk around Kazimierz with an afternoon trip to Wieliczka gives you a varied, unhurried programme and lets you see both urban attractions and unique underground sights. For many visitors this is the perfect day trip from Kraków.
For people who worry about stairs or use a wheelchair, Wieliczka offers dedicated solutions to facilitate the visit — details are below. This makes the plan possible even when one participant needs a route adapted for limited mobility.
At the end of the day it’s worth returning to Kazimierz for dinner — recommended restaurants include Hamsa (Middle Eastern cuisine) or Alchemia near Plac Nowy, where the atmosphere nicely rounds off a day full of experiences.
The easiest way to reach Wieliczka from Kazimierz is via Kraków Main Railway Station: from there a frequent and fast train runs to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station. The train journey takes about 20–25 minutes and is usually the quickest and most predictable option.
How to get to the Main Station from Kazimierz: you can walk in 20–30 minutes, take a short tram ride or a taxi. If you prefer public transport, check the local trams serving the Main Station or enjoy a quick walk through the Old Town.
Alternatives: a direct bus line (for example 304) connects central Kraków with Wieliczka — bus travel time is about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. Driving takes around 25–30 minutes, but remember paid parking near the mine and heavier traffic at weekends.
A guided visit is required for the Tourist Route in Wieliczka and tickets can sell out in high season. The safest option is to book tickets online in advance — this avoids queues and lets you plan an entry time. If you don’t reserve ahead, you can buy tickets at the box office, but be prepared for possible waiting time while a group is assembled.
Ticket prices vary seasonally and depend on ticket type (adult, reduced, family). When planning your trip check current prices and availability for your chosen date on the mine’s official sales channels. If you want to add a visit to the graduation tower (tężnia) the same day, look for combined tickets.
If you need a visit adapted for people with limited mobility, contact the mine’s staff in advance — this allows you to reserve a place on an adapted route and make sure the team prepares appropriate facilities.
Wieliczka offers several kinds of routes. The Tourist Route is the most popular and includes historic chambers and St. Kinga’s Chapel — part of the visit involves stairs, but the mine has prepared sections and solutions to improve access for visitors with reduced mobility.
Accessibility: adaptations have been made underground, such as ramps, widened excavations, a panoramic lift and mobile platform lifts that connect selected levels. Thanks to these measures a significant part of the route between some levels is accessible to wheelchair users. In practice this means you can see key attractions without climbing all the stairs — however full accessibility depends on the exact route chosen and the technical condition on the day of your visit.
Practical note: “step-free route” does not always mean the entire trail is completely free of any steps. Short thresholds or small steps may occur, so people with very specific needs (for example extra-wide wheelchairs or medical transport) should report their requirements to the visit organiser before arrival.
The underground temperature is stable at about 14°C, so even in summer a light jacket or sweater is useful. Wear comfortable closed shoes — some sections may be damp and slippery.
A Tourist Route visit usually lasts about 1.5–2 hours (depending on route type). Remember to carry ID if you plan to use reduced-price tickets (students, youth, seniors).
For visitors with limited mobility: inform staff about your needs before the visit — personnel can help with boarding the lift, operating platform lifts and pointing out the most convenient section of the route. It’s also a good idea to arrive a little earlier to handle formalities calmly.
Morning in Kazimierz: start with breakfast in one of the local cafés (for example Cafe Młynek or Alchemia near Plac Nowy), stroll along Szeroka Street, see the synagogues and enjoy the atmospheric murals.
Travel to the Main Station and a short train ride to Wieliczka (approx. 25 minutes). Plan your mine entry so that after the visit you have time for lunch in Wieliczka or can return to Kraków for a longer lunch or dinner.
After returning: an evening in Kazimierz — a great time to taste regional dishes. Recommended dinner spots: Hamsa (Jewish-Mediterranean cuisine), Dawno Temu na Kazimierzu (modern Polish cuisine) or Eszeweria for a more casual atmosphere.
Beyond the Tourist Route it’s worth visiting the surface area: Żupny Castle and the Wieliczka Market Square are compact and pleasant to walk around before returning to Kraków.
Parking: there are paid car parks and paid parking zones near the mine. On weekends spaces can fill up quickly — consider travelling by train.
Toilets: there are toilets underground adapted for people with disabilities on the route accessible to all visitors.
Can I enter with a wheelchair? - Yes, the mine has sections and devices that allow access for wheelchair users, but it’s always a good idea to notify staff in advance so they can prepare the best solution.
Can I use a camera/phone on the route? - On most routes you may take photos and film for private use; pay attention to sections with restrictions (for example during certain ceremonies or events).
How long does the visit last and how difficult is the route? - The Tourist Route usually takes about 1.5–2 hours and covers a few kilometres of walking; the pace is adapted to the group. Visitors with limited mobility can use special solutions and shorter, less stair-heavy sections.
Do I need a guide? - Visits on the Tourist Route are guided — this is part of the experience, as the guide explains the history, geology and curiosities of the mine.
Check opening hours and ticket availability for your chosen day — especially during the tourist season and holidays. Online reservations give peace of mind and better time options.
If you travel with someone who needs special care or with an unusually wide wheelchair, write or call the mine staff before you arrive — this helps them prepare the right assistance and confirm route details.
Bring water and light snacks for the day — there are not food points on all underground routes, and after the visit you may want to eat in Wieliczka or return to Kraków for a longer meal.
