Wieliczka salt mine
How to get to Wieliczka salt mine
The Salt Mine is located near the center of Wieliczka. You can walk there from most parts of the city. The distance from the Wieliczka-Rynek-Kopalnia Railway Station is approximately 300 meters
The route from Krakow to Wieliczka by car is approximately 15 km. Parking lots are available near the Wieliczka Salt Mine:
- Wieliczka Salt Mine parking lot at the brine graduation tower
- Parking Salt Mine, Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka parking paid, open 24 hours a day.
From Kraków to Wieliczka you can easily reach it by both bus and train. After arriving at the railway station in Wieliczka, you can get there on foot.
- From Kraków Główny towards Wieliczka-Rynek-Kopalnia, the SK1 line runs. Travel time is approximately 25 minutes.
- From Dworzec Główny Zachód 7, there is bus line 304. The final stop is Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli 1. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
The full public transport timetable can be found on the website www.jakdojade.pl
What exhibitions will you see in Wieliczka salt mine
The tourist route in the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an underground labyrinth stretching for 3.5 kilometers. The route begins with stairs that lead to level I, located 64 meters below the surface of the earth. During the hike, you can admire picturesque brine lakes and unusual underground chambers, including the famous St. Kinga, carved from salt by local miners. Visitors can learn about the traditional working methods of miners and understand how the mine has transformed over the centuries. The tour is suitable for people of all ages and does not require any special physical condition, but it is worth bearing in mind that the route includes over 800 stairs. The exit to the surface is via an elevator from level III, which is located 135 meters underground, where the temperature remains at 17-18°C all year round.
The route begins by taking the elevator to level I, which is located 57 meters underground. By exploring this route, visitors have the opportunity to discover the mysterious and austere chambers around the oldest surviving Regis Shaft. During the journey, various tasks await you, such as searching for salt, examining the mine atmosphere and finding the right route through the labyrinth of the underground. These practical mining tasks allow you to better understand the work of representatives of ancient mining professions, such as a metal worker or a mining carpenter. After the tour, the return to the surface takes place via an elevator from level II, which is located 101 meters underground.
In the Wieliczka Salt Mine you can discover many fascinating chambers and chapels that not only delight with unique salt sculptures, but also with their rich history and cultural heritage. Here are some of them:
- Michałowice Chamber
- Erazm Barącz Chamber
- Fortymbark Chamber
- Jozef Piłsudski’s Chamber
- Wessel Lake Chamber
- St. Anthony’s Chapel
- Burnt Chamber
The Krakow Saltworks Museum Wieliczka: located on the third level of the historic salt mine in Wieliczka (at a depth of 135 meters), offers an unforgettable journey through history. It is the largest underground museum in Europe with an area of 7,481 m², presenting all aspects of brewing and mining activities in the region. Exhibits placed in historic excavations create a unique mining open-air museum that is not only educational, but also fascinating for visitors. Visiting this place is included in the price of the Tourist Route ticket and you should allow approximately 1 hour for the visit.
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Touring Wieliczka salt mine z dziećmi
Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine is available to people of all ages, including the youngest children. You can take a foldable, lightweight stroller with you, but due to the 800 steps on the route, it is recommended to carry your child in a carrier or sling. Feeding chairs and a changing table are also available underground.
Children of this age can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine, but the abilities of the youngest should be taken into account due to the number of stairs to climb.
Young people can use all available routes without restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Salt Mine is open from 07:30 to 18:30 from Monday to Sunday
Visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine is suitable for children, but it is worth taking into account the capabilities of the youngest visitors and the fact that there are many stairs to climb along the route.
The Salt Mine has a constant temperature of around 16-18°C all year round. While it’s not cold, it’s a good idea to dress in layers to adapt to the colder climate underground.
Yes, you can eat a meal in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. There is a place along the sightseeing route where visitors can rest and take advantage of the gastronomic offer.
Part of the underground on the Tourist Route is adapted for people with limited mobility. Disabled people with limited hearing or vision can take an assistance dog with them.
Yes, you can take photos in the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Yes, the Salt Mines can be visited with a guide who has extensive knowledge about the history, salt extraction process and curiosities related to this unique place.
The mine has changing rooms near the Daniłowicz shaft, where larger items can be left. You can take luggage with you to the shaft itself, not exceeding 35cm x 20cm x 20cm.
Yes, there are toilets in the mine. They are available at the beginning of the tour and in two places along the route.
No, the corridors, chambers and chapels are adequately lit, which ensures the comfort and safety of visitors.
No, this salt labyrinth in the Salt Mine is the miners’ workplace and can only be visited under the supervision of a qualified guide.
Visiting the Tourist Route may take approximately 2 hours.
The air in the mine is clean. It is characterized by a high content of sodium chloride, magnesium and calcium ions.
Yes, there are souvenir points underground and in front of the mine.
There is a WIFI network available in the mine, but the network coverage is only in a few rooms.
Wieliczka salt mine
The Wieliczka Salt Museum was founded in the 13th century and was a key salt mining center in Europe. The mine, which is located at a depth of 64 to 327 meters below the surface of the earth, hides over 300 kilometers of galleries, chambers and lakes, creating a unique microclimate. The museum covers nine levels with numerous chambers, chapels and relics, including the Chapel of St. Kinga, where masses are held regularly.
Visitors can admire 20 chambers and climb about 800 stairs, discovering the history of salt extraction and the life of miners at depths, where to this day you can see unique mining devices, such as a Saxon-type horse treadmill . Apart from the tourist route, visitors can see chambers with dwarf figurines and salt sculptures depicting famous historical figures.
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