Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

Admire landscapes that can’t be found on the surface: as saline lakes and beautiful underground chambers. Learn about ancient mining tools and machines and the methods of salt extraction and transport used in the past.

Wieliczka - a small town 10 km from Krakow, where one of the largest ancient salt mines in Europe (700 years). The depth of the mine is 340 metres, the total length of corridors and tunnels is over 245 kilometres.
The tourist route is more than 3 km long and includes more than 20 halls, including the largest and unique St. Kinga's Church - the patroness of miners. The underground church is richly decorated with chandeliers, carvings and sculptures of saints carved out of salt. There is a special curative microclimate in the mine and at a depth of 135 m there is a sanatorium.
The salt mine in Wieliczka is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Itinerary:

Departure from Krakow to Wieliczka (40 minutes on the way)
Tour of the Salt Mine (2.5 hours)
Return to Krakow (40 minutes on the way)

Please note

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Not wheelchair accessible
Not stroller accessible
Not suitable for pets
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for people with heart conditions
Tour with a local guide, only a driver on the way to and from Krakow
The regular Salt Mine tour requires lots of walking and climbing stairs. The tour begins with a descent down the Daniłowicz Shaft to Level I of the mine. It is situated 64 m underground, thus the visitors have to walk down 380 stairs. The next levels lead the tour participants even deeper, i.e. 135 m underground. There are 800 steps along the whole route. After a short respite, visitors go up to the surface in a mining elevator. The tour does not include the lift that takes you down.
Please remember that it is quite cool in the mine (between 14° C and 16° C). Make sure to take warmer clothing even in summer and wear comfortable shoes, as well.
The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the main cannot exceed dimensions: 35x20x20 cm.
Taking photographs requires a special permit which may be purchased in the ticket office or during the visit itself. The permit price is PLN 0.

FAQ

How long does it take to get to Salt Mine from Krakow?

It takes around 30 minutes to get to Salt Mine.

How long is the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour?

The entire tour from pickup to drop off takes approximately 4 hours. The sightseeing itself takes around 2 ½ hours.

I am physically challenged - can I take part in the tour?

The regular Salt Mine tour requires lots of walking and climbing stairs. If you have trouble walking you should consider taking the special route for physically challenged tourists. Unfortunately we do not provide such service therefore we advise you to contact the Salt Mine for additional information.

Can I use a lift to get down the first 380 steps?

The Salt Mine tour does not include the lift to get down. After the tour is finished, the group is taken by lift to the surface.

I have claustrophobia - can I take part in the tour?

Please keep in mind that the sightseeing is deep under the surface and as wonderful as it is, guests suffering from Claustrophobia might feel uncomfortable. We request that you plan in advance and exercise caution at all times.

Can I leave my belongings in a car while taking part in the tour?

You will be asked to leave your bigger belongings in a car (don’t worry, they will be locked and supervised by our driver). The allowed dimensions of a bag you can take with you are 35x20x20.