Did you know that beneath Wieliczka there are not only salt chapels and underground lakes, but also traces of wartime activity and uses of the mine during World War II? In the 1940s some underground chambers were adapted by the occupiers for military and storage purposes — an interesting, though often overlooked, thread of history worth exploring during a well-planned visit.
A route that includes wartime themes combines two kinds of experiences: the spectacular natural and cultural values of the mine (St. Kinga’s Chapel, salt sculptures, lakes) and the lesser-known stories from the occupation era — plans for storing artworks, accounts of forced labour, and reports of trial adaptations of chambers for production needs. For school groups, history groups and anyone interested in the past, this is a valuable complement to the classic tourist visit.
The optimal size for a “medium” group is 7–30 people, but keep organisational limits in mind: in practice some routes and guided tours are run in language groups of up to around 25 people — for numbers above that it’s worth arranging a split into smaller subgroups.
Book in advance: during peak months the mine is very busy, so tickets and guide availability are best reserved several weeks ahead.
The usual meeting point indicated by staff is the entrance shafts (for example the Daniłowicz shaft area) — make sure everyone knows the address and the descent schedule.
Historical accounts and publications mention plans to store precious museum collections in mine chambers and the use of some workings for assembly of equipment. In 1944–1945 there were records of transports of machinery into the underground and parts of the adaptation work were carried out using forced labour. These topics are not always highlighted on the standard tourist route, but a well-prepared guide can discuss them during the tour.
In the town you will also encounter wartime traces: local commemorations, memorial sites and community stories about the occupation and the liberation in January 1945.
Dress in layers — underground temperatures usually range around 14–16°C, so it’s good to bring a light jacket even in summer.
Comfortable shoes are essential: the walk includes several hundred steps and a few kilometres of corridors; typically visitors cover about 2–3.5 km of the route and roughly 800 steps during the whole tour — prepare the group for some effort.
Inform the organiser about participants with limited mobility — not all sections are accessible by wheelchair and some parts require decent physical fitness.
Visiting time depends on the chosen route: a standard tourist visit can last from about 2 to 4 hours, combining the descent, the walk along the route and the return to the surface; if you plan extra attractions (museum, graduation tower, a meal) schedule a full day.
For groups it’s worth reserving a break for a meal after the visit — there are restaurants near the mine experienced in serving coach groups.
Allow a time buffer for coach arrival and departure — logistical delays are common when tourist traffic is high.
If you plan a meal after the visit, choose a place experienced with group service. Nearby eateries such as Kopalnia Smaku and Restauracja Grand Sal offer menus adapted for tour groups and the possibility to reserve for several dozen people. Karczma Pod Wielką Solą and local pierogi shops are also well-regarded and suitable for shorter breaks.
Check parking and coach access — some restaurants have large parking areas and dedicated coach bays, which simplifies group handling.
Always pick venues with good reviews and read recent feedback — the quality of the meal can influence the overall impression of the trip.
Not booking tickets in advance — in season there may not be enough places for the whole group; arrange the date early and confirm the reservation in writing.
Failure to prepare for descent and return times — calculate travel, descent and possible queues; it’s better to arrive early.
Ignoring participants’ health limitations — inform group leaders about the route difficulty so those with health concerns can opt out or prepare appropriately.
Since the end of World War II the mine has been visited by millions of tourists — it is one of Poland’s most recognisable cultural sites, connecting mining history with 20th-century events.
In the past there were plans to store artworks underground and to adapt chambers for industrial purposes, which shows how varied the wartime concepts for these spaces were.
On the tourist route there are places that, while beautiful, also hide stories of difficult moments in history — it’s worth listening to the guide and asking questions.
Will a 30-person group enter together? — If you want to visit in Polish, the mine often organises groups of up to about 25 people per guide; for 30 people a split into two subgroups or prior arrangement with staff is recommended.
How long does a standard tour last? — The typical tourist route takes from 2 to 4 hours depending on pace and chosen variant; add time for transfers, descent and ascent when planning your day.
Can I take photos? — Photography is usually allowed, but in some places special permits are required for professional equipment; ask about rules before entering.
Are there places to eat for groups inside the mine? — Yes — both underground (a tavern) and on the surface there are restaurants and venues offering group menus; advance reservation is advised.
How to prepare participants historically? — A short pre-visit note with key dates and facts helps focus the group and encourages questions to the guide.
If you are planning a Wieliczka trip for your medium-sized group and want, besides the underground beauty, a solid narrative about the traces of World War II — I will gladly help plan the route and reservations. Share this article with friends or on social media so others can use these practical tips.
If you prefer to use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — booking details and the offer are available on the guide’s website; feel free to contact us to prepare a trip tailored to your group’s needs.
