Yes — many attractions in Krakow and Wieliczka can be visited safely and enjoyably during pregnancy if you plan the route well and take your physical limits into account. Autumn is a lovely season: fewer crowds than in summer, warm park colors and comfortable temperatures for walking.
Some attractions, however, such as underground routes, towers and long routes with many stairs, need extra caution or should be skipped — I’ll walk you through details step by step. This guide was prepared for expectant mothers by Małgorzata Kasprowicz — a friendly Krakow guide thinking especially of future moms.
The Tourist Route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a system of corridors and chambers; popular routes involve walking roughly 2–3 km and include a significant number of stairs. The initial descent alone requires covering several hundred steps and the total number of steps on the route exceeds several hundred.
Underground temperature is stable at about 16–18°C regardless of surface weather — it can feel cool and damp, so bring a warm layer. There are restrooms on the surface and in a few underground locations, but breaks are spaced out, so plan for more frequent rests if you need them.
The stairs, distance and humidity can be tiring during pregnancy — consult your doctor before descending. If your doctor advises caution, consider surface alternatives like the graduation tower, the surface museum or a relaxing park walk.
If you decide to visit: buy tickets in advance and choose early or off-peak times. Taking the train or bus and a short walk from the station to the mine entrance is convenient — Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is close to the entrance. After visiting, the nearby Karczma Górnicza is a comfortable place to sit for a warm meal.
Wawel Cathedral is a historic, symbolic site — it’s worth seeing the interior, the chapels and the royal tombs. Touring the interior and the Cathedral Museum typically takes a short time and there are often audio-guide options.
Some elements, such as climbing the tower with the Sigismund Bell or descending into certain crypts, require staircases and can be narrow or steep. A good solution for expectant mothers is to visit the cathedral at ground level — interiors, chapels and the area around Wawel Hill — and skip towers and cramped crypt passages if you feel uncomfortable.
Check opening hours and possible closures for liturgical events before your visit — access may be limited during services. Plan to visit outside mass times for greater comfort.
From Krakow to Wieliczka the commuter train (SKA1 / Koleje Małopolskie services) is a comfortable option — the trip takes around 20–30 minutes and Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia station is very close to the mine entrance. Buses (for example line 304) or taxis/Uber are alternatives; the train often avoids city traffic.
In Krakow plan short walking distances and frequent breaks. If you plan to see Wawel and Wieliczka in one day, consider: morning at Wawel with a light walk around the Old Town, lunch, then an afternoon train to Wieliczka. Book tickets in advance, especially in high season, and allow time for rest and meals.
The Jagiellonian University Botanic Garden — a peaceful, beautiful place in autumn for a short, easy walk among alleys, greenhouses and benches; paths are friendly and there are plenty of spots to sit and rest.
Kazimierz — a charming neighborhood with short distances between points of interest: cafés and benches (for example the well-known Mleczarnia) let you relax between short strolls. Plac Nowy and its surroundings offer many places to sit for a warm tea or a dessert.
A calm walk along the Planty around the Old Town — the Planty have soft surfaces, benches and gentle slopes, perfect for an afternoon rest after visiting Wawel. Consider a short Vistula river cruise as a seated, low-effort alternative to long walks.
At the foot of Wawel — traditional, hearty Polish restaurants below Wawel offer filling meals after sightseeing; many have comfortable benches and spacious interiors — good for a restful break. The Old Town area also has numerous cafés with comfortable seating if you prefer something cozier.
Camelot — a cozy café near Wawel and the Old Town, known for its warm interior and desserts — ideal for tea and cake during a sightseeing break.
In Wieliczka — after visiting the underground, I recommend the Karczma Górnicza near the mine grounds: warm, home-style food and a place to sit calmly and recover before returning to Krakow.
Before going down into the mine, consult your healthcare provider — if your doctor advises against heavy physical exertion, skip the underground visit and choose surface attractions instead.
Avoid climbing towers with long, steep staircases (for example the Sigismund Bell) if you feel tired, dizzy or have balance problems.
Dress in layers: it’s cool and damp underground (a warm layer plus a light jacket), wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and bring water and a snack. Plan frequent rests and check restroom availability (Wieliczka has toilets both underground and on the surface).
If you feel discomfort, dizziness, cramps or breathlessness — stop touring and contact venue staff or medical help. Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance — staff are usually happy to help.
Consider shorter routes (for example Wawel at surface level and the Botanic Garden) instead of a very full day that combines both large attractions.
Can a pregnant woman enter the Wieliczka Salt Mine? - Official regulations do not impose an absolute ban, but the Tourist Route includes many stairs and sections that can be tiring. The safest approach is to consult your doctor and consider how you feel personally before deciding.
Can I climb the tower with the Sigismund Bell? - Climbing the towers requires navigating steep stairs; if you feel tired, dizzy or have limited mobility, it’s better to skip these points.
How long does visiting Wieliczka take? - Depending on the route: the Tourist Route and Museum together can take several hours. Allow at least half a day, including breaks and transport.
Are there lifts / facilities for people with limited mobility? - Not all parts of the routes are adapted for wheelchairs; on the surface and in some places there are conveniences, but underground you will encounter many stairs and narrow passages. Contact the venue before your visit if you need special assistance.
What to pack for an autumn trip? - A light jacket or sweater, comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, a small snack, anti-nausea medication if prescribed, an ID and your insurance card.
Gentle plan: morning — a short walk along the Planty and coffee at Camelot; late morning — visit the cathedral (skip towers); lunch at the foot of Wawel; afternoon — train to Wieliczka and a short stay at the graduation tower or Karczma Górnicza instead of going underground; return to Krakow for a relaxed evening.
Full plan (only if you feel well): morning — Wawel (interiors and Cathedral Museum), afternoon — train to Wieliczka and the Tourist Route with breaks — but only after consulting your doctor and if there are no contraindications.
I wish you a safe and pleasant stay in Krakow — if you’d like, I can prepare a personalized day plan including opening hours and suggested rest stops.
Tickets: buy online in advance, especially for Wieliczka and some Wawel exhibitions. Opening hours and visiting rules can change depending on season and liturgical events — check schedules before your trip.
Transport: the SKA1 / regional trains connect Kraków Główny with Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia in about 20–30 minutes; buses (for example 304) and taxis are alternatives. When planning, allow time to walk from the station to the entrance and possible queues.
If you have questions or want to personalize your route — write to me and I’ll help plan a route suited to your condition, time and interests.
Krakow and Wieliczka have a lot to offer expectant mothers — from cozy cafés and quiet gardens to remarkable underground chambers and royal interiors. The key is good planning, flexibility and attention to comfort. If you’d like, I’ll help refine the details of your trip: pace, rest spots and safe alternatives.
Have a great trip and good health! — Małgorzata Kasprowicz, zwiedzaniekrakowa.com
