The Wieliczka Salt Mine, listed by UNESCO, is only a few dozen kilometres from Krakow’s centre — the local SKA train takes about 25 minutes, and the convenient connection makes a visit realistic even during a short stay in the city.
For small groups (2–6 people) this trip has clear advantages: you can set your own pace, booking is easier, and the visit feels more personal both on the Market Square and underground. In this article I’ll suggest how to plan the ideal day that combines a walk through Krakow’s modernist fragments with a visit to Wieliczka, what to see, where to eat and how to avoid common tourist mistakes.
Option A - Old Town in the morning, Wieliczka in the afternoon: start at the Main Market Square and take a short modernist walk around Aleja Trzech Wieszczów and Półwieś Zwierzyniecka (this can be a 1–2 hour stroll). After lunch catch the SKA train from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia (about 25 minutes) and allow 2.5–4 hours for the Tourist Route and the area around the mine.
Option B - Wieliczka in the morning, modernism and the Market in the afternoon: leave early for Wieliczka and visit the mine first (this helps avoid the biggest queues), return to Krakow before the afternoon and enjoy a relaxed modernist walk and dinner at one of the recommended restaurants on the Market.
The Tourist Route inside the mine covers more than 2 km and the descent itself usually takes about 1.5 hours; in practice it is wise to plan 2.5–4 hours for the whole visit (travel time, parking/registration, queues, the descent and the return).
The route includes a lot of stairs (in total around 800 steps across different levels), and part of the descent is by stairs without lift access, so visitors with mobility issues should check accessibility options or book shorter or special variants of the tour.
Underground temperatures remain stable — typically around 14–18°C — so bring a light jacket or long sleeve even in summer. Mobile signal is often unavailable inside the mine, so don’t count on constant phone connectivity during the tour.
The SKA train (operated by the regional railway service) from Kraków Główny reaches Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia in about 25 minutes; integrated tickets for travel within Krakow are available. Alternatively there are buses (for example line 304) — bus travel usually takes longer (typically 35–45 minutes) and depends on traffic.
For small groups it pays off to buy mine tickets in advance online — particularly in high season or at weekends. Advance bookings minimise waiting time and give more certainty that your group can enter at the chosen time.
If you plan to return to the centre the same way, check SKA and bus timetables the day before. Remember integrated tickets, which can be cheaper and more convenient if you intend to use Krakow city transport the same day.
Krakow is not only a medieval market — it also holds a rich collection of modernist and postwar buildings spread across several districts. A themed walk is a great way for a small group to see special sites in an accessible format.
On a short route around Aleja Trzech Wieszczów and Półwieś Zwierzyniecka don’t miss the former Kijów cinema complex and the Hotel Cracovia — excellent examples of postwar modernism by Witold Cęckiewicz.
If you have more time, choose one of the prepared modernism trails (for example Old Town, Krowodrza, Nowa Huta) — each shows a different face of 20th century Krakow architecture, from interwar modernism through socialist realist Nowa Huta to later adaptations.
The Old Town hides modernist details — tucked between historic townhouses are 20th century works that tell the story of the city’s renewal after fires and reconstructions. While walking among the monuments, look at facade details and the subtle contrasts between styles.
Hotel Cracovia, often called a pearl of modernism, was built in 1960–1965 and in recent years has been the subject of adaptive reuse projects — the building is planned to return to public use as a cultural institution and exhibition space.
Wieliczka is not only the Saint Kinga Chapel and salt chandeliers — the underground site also houses the Museum of the Krakow Saltworks, and on the surface you’ll find the Brine Graduation Tower, a pleasant addition to the visit.
On and around the Main Market Square you’ll find places well-rated by guests and critics. If you want a special lunch consider Restauracja Szara — a well-known, award-winning restaurant located by the Market Square.
For lovers of history and atmosphere I recommend the legendary Restauracja Wierzynek — a place with a long tradition and elegant setting, ideal for a special occasion.
For coffee before your walk try Cafe Camelot — a atmospheric café on the edge of the Old Town, popular with tourists and locals. For a quick pleasant breakfast or bakery items check the bakeries and cafés around Plac Szczepański.
Not allowing time for travel — many people don’t account for the time needed to reach the station or drive to the mine and as a result miss reservations. Build a buffer of at least 30–45 minutes into transfer plans.
Not buying tickets in advance — in season Wieliczka time slots sell out quickly; for small groups booking online gives comfort and certainty.
Wrong clothing for the underground — it’s cooler and more humid below ground; even in summer bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes. Avoid large suitcases on the Tourist Route; if you have big luggage leave it in a left-luggage facility.
How long is the Tourist Route in Wieliczka? The walk itself is about 1.5 hours, but the whole visit (travel, queues, possible breaks) is best planned for 2.5–4 hours.
Is the SKA train the best choice? For many visitors the SKA train is the fastest and most predictable option (about 25 minutes from Krakow). Bus 304 is an alternative but usually takes longer and can be affected by traffic.
Is the route difficult for children and seniors? The route requires negotiating stairs; children usually manage well if they are comfortable with long stair descents. People with limited mobility should consult the organiser in advance and consider available variants or assistance.
For groups of 2–6 people it’s worth booking visits in advance through the mine’s official channels and considering skip-the-queue tickets or tours outside peak hours (early mornings or late afternoons in low season).
If you want a highly personalised version — with stories about modernist architecture tailored to a small group — I recommend booking the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz; her details are available on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com. This makes the walk smooth and adapted to your group’s pace and interests.
At the end of the day plan a dinner at one of the places mentioned or a short coffee break — a good moment to recap impressions and share photos.
If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on your social media — it’s the best way to help others plan a great day in Krakow and Wieliczka.
Remember: planning a trip for a small group brings comfort, flexibility and a much better experience than mass sightseeing. If you want help with bookings or a personalised route, contact private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are on zwiedzaniekrakowa.com.
Good luck with your planning and have a great trip — Krakow can still surprise even those who think they know it well!
