Did you know the Wieliczka Salt Mine is only about 10–15 km from Kraków’s city centre, while Zakrzówek is one of the most picturesque examples of Kraków’s nature — turquoise water, limestone cliffs and fresh greenery? Combining these two places gives you a perfect ‘‘contrast’’ experience: an underground, historical and cool salt mine, plus open-air summer recreation by a lake-quarry. It’s a great plan for a family day out, a date, or a quick trip when you want to mix sightseeing with active relaxation.
After a day like this, one of the biggest questions is usually: where to eat — in Wieliczka, on the way, or back in Kraków? In this guide I’ll suggest a practical day plan, transport options, what to bring, and reliable places to eat near the mine and in Kraków (different price ranges and styles). All in a friendly tone with practical tips so you return home satisfied and happy.
- Morning: leave Kraków for Wieliczka — visit the Salt Mine (the tourist route takes about 1 hour 50 minutes).
- After the mine: lunch in Wieliczka or return to Kraków for lunch. There are taverns and restaurants close to the mine.
- Afternoon: Zakrzówek — swim, walk in the park, enjoy viewpoints and relax on the pier (the supervised bathing area usually operates in summer).
- Evening: dinner in Kraków — recommended areas are Kazimierz (Plac Nowy, zapiekanki) or the Old Town (restaurants serving Polish and European cuisine).
This plan is scalable: if you have little time, shorten the mine visit to the main chambers and head to Zakrzówek in the afternoon; if you prefer the mine, allow more time there and grab a quick bite in town.
Location and transport: Wieliczka is southeast of Kraków’s centre and very well connected. The fastest option is the suburban train from Kraków Main Station to Wieliczka Rynek–Kopalnia — the journey usually takes about 20–25 minutes. Alternatively, bus 304 runs from the area of the Main Station. By car the trip takes about 25–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Tour length and terrain: the tourist route includes around 20 historic chambers connected by roughly 2 km of passages and takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. You descend stairs to the underground part — the initial staircase is about 380 steps. The underground temperature is stable and can be cool — around 14–16°C — so bring a light warm layer even in summer.
Tickets and bookings: during the season (weekends, holidays, summer) it’s wise to buy tickets in advance or at least check availability. Large groups and school trips usually require prior arrangement. There are ticket offices on site, but queues can be long.
Accessibility: parts of the route have limited accessibility for people with reduced mobility — if you have specific needs, check accessibility information ahead of time. Remember there is a ban on torches and open flames in the mine.
If you want to eat right after exiting the mine, you have several convenient options — from simple bistros to traditional taverns:
- Karczma Górnicza (Miner’s Tavern) — located in or near the mine’s route; a themed experience with Polish dishes, good for families and for those who want to linger underground over a meal.
- Grand Sal (hotel restaurant) — a more elegant option near St. Kinga Park, pleasant interiors and suitable for a more formal lunch or dinner.
- Karczma Pod Wielką Solą, Karczma Pod Spróchniałą Belką and other local taverns in Wieliczka town centre — hearty regional portions, simple menus, convenient for groups.
From Wieliczka to Zakrzówek you return toward Kraków and head to the Dębniki district. The easiest ways are:
- Train or bus from Wieliczka to Kraków, then use public transport (buses/trams) or a taxi/ride-hailing service to Zakrzówek.
- By car: park in Wieliczka, visit the mine, then drive back to Kraków — Zakrzówek is on the south-west side of the centre (around Kapelanka, Tyniecka, Norymberska streets).
Time and transfers: plan buffer time for transfers. The train to Wieliczka takes about 20–25 minutes; bus 304 from the Main Station usually takes longer depending on traffic. From central Kraków to Zakrzówek expect 15–30 minutes by public transport or car depending on your starting point and chosen route.
Zakrzówek is a former quarry transformed into a city park with several swimming basins connected by piers. In summer there is usually a supervised bathing area. Key points:
- Bathing season: typically runs in summer (for example, roughly from mid-June to early September). During the season there are lifeguards and designated swimming zones; outside the season swimming may be prohibited or unsafe.
- Entry: often free during the season, but there are limits on the number of people on the pier (at busy times you may need to wait).
- Lifeguard hours: lifeguards usually patrol during set hours (commonly around 10:00–18:00). Outside those hours swimming is at your own risk.
- Parking and access: nearest parking is around Norymberska Street and Kapelanka; arrive early — spaces fill up on hot weekends.
- Rules: no alcohol on piers, keep the area clean, swim only in designated zones and follow lifeguards’ instructions.
For the Salt Mine: comfortable shoes, a thin warm layer (it’s around 14–16°C underground), a water bottle, a camera (avoid flash in restricted spots), a day bag, ID and tickets.
For Zakrzówek: towel, swimwear, sunscreen, hat, water and snacks (there are food points nearby), sturdy shoes for rocky paths, a bag for rubbish, basic first-aid items (plasters). If you plan to dive or use specialised equipment — check the rules, as many swimming areas have restrictions.
Practical tip: keep valuables in a lockable backpack or leave them in your car — Zakrzówek can be busy and it’s better not to leave items loose on the pier.
After a refreshing afternoon at Zakrzówek, choose one of Kraków’s dinner spots depending on mood and budget:
- Plac Nowy (Kazimierz) — iconic zapiekanki (toasted open sandwiches) from the Okrąglak are a quick, local option after an active day. Look for the most well-known stalls around the roundhouse.
- Pod Wawelem — classic, hearty Polish food in a tourist-friendly but cosy setting; generous portions, good if you’re craving meat and local specialties.
- Wierzynek — for a special occasion or a taste of history and a more refined dinner. It’s pricier but offers a historic Old Town atmosphere.
- If you prefer something intimate: Kazimierz and the Old Town are full of cosy bistros, cafés and small restaurants serving world cuisine and modern takes on Polish dishes. Choose according to your mood and reviews.
Wieliczka and near the mine: Karczma Górnicza (themed miner’s tavern), Karczma Pod Wielką Solą (traditional Polish), Grand Sal (hotel restaurant).
Kraków — quick and local: zapiekanki at Plac Nowy (Okrąglak) — a Kazimierz classic.
Kraków — tradition and atmosphere: Pod Wawelem (big, filling Polish portions) and Wierzynek (more elegant, for special occasions).
Remember: popular places fill up quickly — if you plan to dine at a well-known restaurant on a weekend, book a table.
- Smoking and open flames are prohibited in the mine; follow the guide’s instructions.
- At Zakrzówek swim only in designated zones and during lifeguard hours; outside the season entering the water is not recommended.
- Respect nature: do not litter, do not light fires and avoid loud behaviour on the piers. This is a city park and ecologically protected area.
- When parking, follow signs so you don’t block local traffic or inconvenience residents.
Is it worth buying Salt Mine tickets online? - Yes, especially in high season; booking secures your time slot and reduces the risk of long queues.
How much time should I allow for the mine? - The tourist route lasts about 1 hour 50 minutes; add time for getting there, descending, and possible meals — plan around 2.5–3 hours in total.
Can you dive at Zakrzówek? - Many people do dive in unofficial spots, but there are official rules and restrictions for recreational diving; check regulations and any equipment or permission requirements before you dive.
How to get to Zakrzówek by public transport? - Zakrzówek is in the Dębniki area; buses and trams run nearby and from the strict city centre the trip typically takes 15–30 minutes.
Are there age or health restrictions for the Salt Mine? - Due to many stairs and the length of the route, people with serious health issues should consult in advance; children generally may attend but check age and supervision rules.
Variant A — Comfortable (full day): morning train to Wieliczka, tour the tourist route; lunch in Wieliczka; return to Kraków for Zakrzówek in the afternoon; evening in Kazimierz for a zapiekanka or dinner.
Variant B — Quick: morning Salt Mine (shortened visit), quick lunch near the mine or on the return train; spend the afternoon entirely at Zakrzówek; dinner in the Old Town.
Variant C — Relaxed: Zakrzówek in the morning (walk, picnic), late afternoon and evening in Wieliczka for a mine visit (best outside the heaviest tourist season).
- Check opening hours and seasonal notices (for example, the Zakrzówek bathing area opening dates).
- If you visit on a busy weekend in high season, buy Salt Mine tickets in advance and/or come early to avoid the largest crowds.
- Bring sun protection and water to Zakrzówek — on hot days places fill up fast.
- Wear comfortable shoes — both in the mine and on Zakrzówek’s rocky paths sturdy footwear helps.
- Make reservations for popular Kraków restaurants in advance (weekends, tourist season).
