Yes — and it's worth it! Wieliczka is not only a mine full of history and sacred spaces but also a place you can comfortably fit into a one-day plan that ends with a sweet finale in Krakow. If you travel as a pilgrim, visiting the underground chapels, especially St. Kinga’s Chapel, offers a unique spiritual experience. Back in Krakow, nothing lifts the mood better than good artisanal ice cream.
This article gives you a practical day plan, logistical tips, advice for pilgrims and a short list of places in Krakow where it’s worth trying ice cream — including a few spots that have been popular in recent years.
I won't go into the full history of the mine — instead I focus on how to organize the trip comfortably and respectfully, and how to plan the timing so you also have time to visit a couple of standout ice cream shops.
Goal: a day full of experiences — spiritual and tasty — without rush.
Start from Krakow in the morning — I suggest leaving around 8:30–9:00. This helps you avoid the biggest queues at the mine entrance and gives you more time for reflection and a calm visit.
Arrival in Wieliczka — about 30–40 minutes by train from Kraków Główny or a shorter trip by car/coach. Touring the mine usually takes 2–3 hours depending on the route and the group's pace.
After returning to the surface — have a light snack or coffee in Wieliczka, then head back to Krakow in the early afternoon.
Afternoon in Krakow — stroll through Kazimierz or the Old Town and look for ice cream. It's best to visit 1–2 places so you don't waste time standing in several long lines.
Evening options — sightseeing around the Main Market Square or a relaxing moment on the Vistula boulevards make a pleasant end to the day.
The salt mine is a special place for pilgrims too — underground chapels and salt-carved sculptures make a strong impression and are often used as spaces for prayer and reflection.
St. Kinga’s Chapel is the heart of the underground route — a sacred space where it’s appropriate to keep silence and show respect. If you plan to attend a prayer meeting or Mass, check the mine’s schedule in advance.
Remember appropriate clothing — the mine is cooler than the surface, so even in summer a light jacket will be useful. Good, comfortable shoes are essential — some walkways can be slippery.
If you travel with a pilgrimage group, inform the guide or organizer about any spiritual needs — many groups combine the tour with moments of prayer or shared silence.
By train — services from Kraków Główny to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia are convenient and often quick. This is a popular option for tourists and pilgrims.
By car — parking near the mine is available, but in high season it’s best to arrive early. If you're traveling by coach with a group, plan the meeting point in Krakow ahead of time.
Tickets for the mine — buy them online in advance, especially during the tourist season or for larger groups. Booking helps avoid long waits and guarantees a slot on the chosen route.
If you want to participate in specific religious events at the mine — contact the mine staff ahead of time to check availability and times.
St. Kinga’s Chapel — impressive, carved in salt and often experienced as a deeply moving spiritual space.
Salt sculptures and chambers — the mine contains many artistic works made of salt that deserve careful viewing.
Educational route — if you travel with young people or want to learn about mining history and techniques, choose a route that explains the miners’ work and the mine’s history.
Remember the time for descent and ascent — stair sections and the mine elevator may require some fitness, so keep a relaxed pace.
Krakow has many artisanal ice cream shops and a few places that regularly appear on locals’ recommendation lists. If you want local, homemade flavors, look for small family-run shops and parlors that emphasize natural ingredients.
One of the iconic places is on Starowiślna Street — a long-standing spot prized for classic creamy flavors, especially vanilla. There are often long queues, but many locals say it's worth the wait.
In the Old Town and the Kazimierz district you'll also find modern parlors with creative flavors — fruit sorbets, unusual toppings and dairy-free versions.
For something different look for places that serve black waffle cones, alcohol-infused flavors (for adults) or dessert-style combinations like affogato.
Try the classics — in an iconic shop order vanilla or cream. Many places value simplicity and high-quality ingredients.
If you travel with children — choose ice cream shops with shorter lines or go outside peak hours (late afternoon can be calmer than midday).
Payment — more and more ice cream shops accept cards, but in smaller stalls it’s good to have some cash in case there’s no card terminal.
Diet and allergies — artisanal parlors often have dairy-free options or fruit sorbets; ask the seller about ingredients — they usually list them on site.
Queues — top places can have long lines. If you want a specific shop, go early or make it the last stop of the day when tourist traffic falls.
If you travel with a guide or pilgrimage organizer — coordinate exact meeting and arrival times. Wieliczka is a popular site and delays can complicate the rest of the plan.
Families with strollers — strollers must be left in designated areas in the mine; check this in advance and plan how to care for the little one before going underground.
Seniors — if someone has mobility issues, discuss with the organizer about shorter or more accessible tour variants.
Water and snacks — after leaving the mine it’s good to have something to drink. Because it’s cooler and more humid underground, your body may need time to warm up.
- Book tickets for the mine in advance.
- Check whether the pilgrimage plan includes moments of prayer or Mass — dress and behave appropriately.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket — the mine is cool.
- Have cash or a card handy — for ice cream and small expenses in Krakow.
- Plan 1–2 ice cream shops to visit — it’s better to try something really good than to run between many places.
Combining a pilgrimage to Wieliczka with an ice-cream tour of Krakow is an idea that lets you experience both the depth of a sacred place and the pleasure of local treats. This plan satisfies both those looking for a moment of reflection and those with a sweet tooth.
Most important: plan your time, book tickets and leave room for a spontaneous treat — the best ice cream in Krakow is often hidden in small, family-run places with long traditions.
If you’d like, I can help prepare a personalized day plan — suggest a concrete route that matches your arrival time, group pace and flavor preferences.
How long does the mine visit take? — Typically 2–3 hours depending on the route and group pace; allow extra time for transport and a coffee break.
Is the mine suitable for people with reduced mobility? — Parts of the mine are not fully accessible; if accessibility is necessary, ask the mine staff about shorter or adapted routes before booking.
What should I pack for the day? — Comfortable shoes, a light jacket, bottled water, any required medication, and a small amount of cash for smaller vendors.
Best times for ice cream with smaller queues? — Early morning or late afternoon/evening when sightseeing crowds drop; weekdays are generally calmer than weekends.
Recommended ice cream names and neighborhoods — look for long-standing, family-run shops on Starowiślna (Kazimierz) and artisanal parlors around the Old Town and Kazimierz; try classic vanilla, local fruit sorbets, or a creamy pistachio for a treat.
Would you like help planning a personalized route? — I can suggest specific shops and exact timing based on your arrival, group size and tastes.
