Krakow , Poland

Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

You will visit one of the largest and oldest Salt Mines in Europe (700 years). It is also a world class monument, on the UNESCO’s World Cultural and Natural Heritage List. Each year it is visited by more than one million tourists.

You will experience almost 3 kilometers of meandering corridors, 800 steps of which 350 have to be descended to reach the depth of 135 meters underground. A professional guide will take you through this path, tell you about the secrets of the mine, and also show the amazing creations of nature and man.

Available options

ENGLISH TOUR (HOTEL PICKUP)

Duration: 4 hours<br/>English guided tour<br/>Pickup included

FRENCH TOUR (MEETING POINT)

ENGLISH TOUR (MEETING POINT)

Duration: 4 hours<br/>English guided tour

SPANISH TOUR (MEETING POINT)

ITALIAN TOUR (MEETING POINT)

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Elevator ride to the ground level on exit

Air-conditioned vehicle with escort/host

Local live guide

Entrance ticket to the salt mine

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Magnificent chambers chiselled out in rock salt. Amazing underground saline lakes, majestic timber constructions and unique statues sculpted in salt. Almost 3 kilometres of meandering corridors, 800 steps to climb of which 350 have to be descended to reach the depth of 135 meters underground. Thus it is no surprise that till now, the Tourist Route, the main visiting route of the mine has been visited by 43,026,898 tourists from around the whole world in search of adventures.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

The tour does not include the lift that takes you down

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

DEPARTURE POINT: Choice of pickup from our main tour departure point: Parking Kiss&Ride (2 Wielopole street), or selected hotels all over Krakow. If you do not require hotel pickup, or your hotel cannot be serviced, you must make your own way to the main tour departure point: to Parking Kiss&Ride (2 Wielopole street). Check-in at this location is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

PICKUP SERVICE: Our pickup service is available from selected hotels all over Krakow. Depending on the location of the hotel, the pickup service will be between 20–30 minutes before the tour departure time.

RETURN DETAILS: Regardless of whether you have chosen hotel pickup or meeting point, on your return you will be dropped off at a drop-off point near the city center.

IMPORTANT: The tour does not include the lift that takes you down. • Wieliczka Salt Mine tour is not recommended for participants with walking disabilities (there are 800 steps on the way, including 380 right at the start) and for participants with claustrophobia. • The guided walk through Wieliczka Salt Mine consists of 20 monumental chambers joined by 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) of pathways. Visitors entering the Wieliczka Salt Mine descend a 380-step staircase to Level 1 (64 meters below ground level). This walk is not strenuous and can be undertaken in ordinary footwear, however we ask you consider the walk and 380-step staircase when booking this tour. The return to the surface will be by lift up the Danilowicz Shaft, from Level 3 (135 meters below ground level). • The temperature in the Wieliczka Salt Mine, though constant is low (14C or 57F). That is why even in summer, warm clothes should be worn. • The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the main cannot exceed dimensions: 35x20x20 cm. • Children must be accompanied by an adult. • Not wheelchair accessible.

Meeting point

Please arrive at the meeting point: Kiss&Ride Parking, 2 Wielopole street, next to the Main Post Office /Poczta Glowna/ with approximately 15 minutes before the departure time.

Important notes

DEPARTURE TIME
You will receive a message with the exact departure time until 7 pm on the day before the activity.

DEPARTURE POINT
Choice of pickup from our main tour departure point: Parking Kiss&Ride (2 Wielopole street) next to the Main Post Office /Poczta Glowna/, or selected hotels all over Krakow.
If you do not require hotel pickup, or your hotel cannot be serviced, you must make your own way to the main tour departure point. Check-in at this location is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.

PICKUP SERVICE
Our pickup service is available from selected hotels all over Krakow. Depending on the location of the hotel, the pickup service will be between 20–30 minutes before the tour departure time. Please enquire at your hotel reception desk regarding the pickup time and the possibility of a pickup.

RETURN DETAILS
Regardless of whether you have chosen the pick-up option or the main meeting point, you will be dropped off at the end of the tour to the center of Krakow at 2 Wielopole Street.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: make sure to wear comfortable shoes. The tour does not include the lift that takes you down. The journey begins with a descent down the Danilowicz 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. 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. The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the main cannot exceed dimensions: 35x20x20 cm. Not wheelchair accessible.

About Krakow

Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.

Top Attractions

Wawel Royal Castle

This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours 30-50 PLN (€7-12)

Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)

One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 hours Free to explore

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.

Historical/Adventure 4-5 hours 89-139 PLN (€20-32)

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.

Historical/Educational Full day 70-100 PLN (€16-23)

Kazimierz District

The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.

Cultural/Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pierogi

Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.

Dinner Can be vegetarian or vegan

Obwarzanek

A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.

Snack Vegetarian

Zapiekanka

A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.

Snack Can be vegetarian

Schabowy

A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.

Dinner Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Tatra Mountains Skiing in Zakopane Spa and wellness treatments Strolling through parks and gardens Visiting museums and galleries Attending concerts and performances Boating on the Vistula River Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Polish
Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Polish Złoty (PLN)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
• Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.

Getting there

By air

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center

By train

Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza

By bus

Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Stare Miasto) Kazimierz Nowa Huta Zakrzówek

Day trips

Wieliczka Salt Mine

14 km from Krakow • Full day

Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

70 km from Krakow • Full day

Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.

Zakopane

100 km from Krakow • Full day

A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.

Festivals

Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual) Krakow Film Festival • May (annual) Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)

Pro tips

Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.