The Wieliczka Salt Mine is not a museum like any other — it’s a real underground world with chapels, salt sculptures, small lakes and legends that grab children’s attention from the very first minutes. For many little ones, descending the shaft, discovering chambers and hearing stories about the Skarbnik (the mine spirit) is a fascinating adventure. Adults will appreciate the history, the craftsmanship of the carvings and the unique microclimate. If you want the trip to be enjoyable for the whole family, it’s worth planning the day carefully and choosing a route that suits your children’s ages.
Wieliczka also has a practical advantage — the underground temperature is constant (about 17–18°C), so even on a hot day children won’t overheat. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce them to mining, local traditions and legends in an accessible way.
For families with younger children the "Following Legends" program is most often recommended — a route created especially for the youngest visitors (it includes playful elements, tasks and the character of the Skarbnik). For families with very small children check the program’s minimum age requirement before booking — usually children must be at least 4 years old, but rules can change, so confirm before purchasing tickets.
The Classic Tourist Route is great for families with children aged around 6–7 and up — you’ll see the Chapel of St. Kinga, salt sculptures and salt lakes. If the children are older (10+), and you’re looking for stronger impressions, the Miners’ Route lets them feel like real miners: helmets, torches, narrower passages and more physical activity.
Book tickets in advance — in high season and at weekends places are limited. The easiest way is to buy tickets online and check the exact start time of the chosen route, because tours are guided and begin at set times.
The underground walk usually lasts 2–3 hours, and the distance covered can be several kilometers (often around 3–3.5 km) with many steps and changes in level. Keep this in mind when planning the rest of your day.
Remember to dress in layers — it’s cooler underground (about 17–18°C). Comfortable closed shoes are essential. Pushchairs are usually not allowed on the underground routes — have a baby carrier or sling for the youngest children.
Useful items: a warm sweatshirt or light jacket, comfortable shoes with good soles, sandwiches or snacks in case of hunger (there are food outlets on site), a small bottle of water, tissues and basic medicines. Torches are not needed on the Tourist Route, but a toy or a favorite soft toy can help the youngest cope with longer sections of the tour.
If you plan to take the Miners’ Route, make sure the children are ready for a more active trip — the route requires greater fitness and bravery. It’s also a good idea to carry identity documents for children if you’re buying discounted or family tickets.
On the mine grounds there are several places to rest before or after touring: cafés, picnic spots and a nearby graduation tower (saline inhalation tower), which often makes a good impression on both children and adults. It’s also a nice place for a short relaxation after the descent.
Toilets (with changing tables in selected locations) and snack points are available, but in season lines can form — plan a break in your schedule.
Parking near the entrance is convenient, but at peak times it’s paid and fills up quickly. If you’re arriving by car, allow extra time.
Nearby the Mine there are several well-known places recommended by visitors: Restauracja Kopalnia Smaku (on Edwarda Dembowskiego Street) — serves Polish dishes and is family-friendly; Karczma Pod Wielką Solą — a good choice if you want to try regional cuisine; Grand Sal (the restaurant at Hotel Grand Sal) — a slightly more elegant option that welcomes families; Pierogarnia "Dzień Dobry" on the Upper Market — quick and popular with children for its pierogi; plus a few pizzerias and cafés in the town center.
Recommendation: reserve a table if you’re going on a weekend or right after popular tour times. For families pick places with high chairs and a simple children’s menu.
Half day (for those with less time): arrive in the morning, visit the Tourist Route or the "Following Legends" program (about 2–2.5 hours), lunch at Kopalnia Smaku or the pierogi place, a short walk around Wieliczka market and return.
Full day (at a relaxed pace): arrive in the morning, follow the legends or take the classic route, lunch, a visit to the graduation tower and St. Kinga Park, afternoon coffee and dessert in a local café, possible overnight at Hotel Grand Sal or return to Kraków in the evening.
Wieliczka offers the possibility of sleeping underground — an option for families seeking an unusual experience (overnight stays are available in selected packages). It’s an unforgettable experience but requires booking well in advance.
There are halls in the mine that are used for concerts and cultural events — the acoustics and setting are truly impressive. Children often remember the story of St. Kinga and the legends connected with her ring — tell these stories before descending to engage the little ones even more.
Not booking tickets in advance — this is an easy way to be disappointed in high season. Buy tickets online and check the exact start time of your chosen route.
Arriving without appropriate footwear or with a pushchair — remember there are many steps and pushchairs are usually not allowed. Bring a carrier or sling instead of a stroller.
Not planning breaks — children tire quickly during a long walk. Schedule short stops, bring snacks and allow time to rest after the descent.
Can children enter the mine? Yes — there are special family programs and routes for children; often the minimum age is 4, but rules vary by offer — check when buying tickets.
How long is the visit? Usually 2–3 hours (depending on the route).
Is there shelter in case of bad weather? Yes — the mine and the surrounding area provide shelter and food outlets; the underground temperature is steady and pleasant.
If you’re planning a visit with children, treat it like an adventure: tell a short story about the Skarbnik or St. Kinga before you go, pack a few favorite snacks and plan a pace that matches the kids’ rhythm. That way the trip becomes a story they’ll remember for years.
If you’d like help planning a route tailored to your children’s ages and temperament, I’m happy to help — you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz (contact details are on the site). If you found this article helpful, share it with family and friends — let more people take their children on this extraordinary underground adventure!
