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Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow

4 hours

Moderate

Leave Krakow and spend a fascinating time exploring the legendary Wieliczka Salt Mine. Take the opportunity to see with your own eyes the achievements of a generation of miners who devoted their lives to hard work in the mine, touch the beauty of nature.

As you probably know, Salt has a therapeutic power so you can take a deep breath out there!

Wieliczka Salt Mine was opened in the 13th century as one of the world oldest salt mines. It reaches almost 327 meters below the ground and has over 287 kilometres. You will walk through 20 chambers taking increadible journey for over 2 hours.

Besides admiring magnificent timber construction, lakes, chambers and majestic corridors, your visit will also have a positive effect on your health. Get ready for an amazing trip to Wieliczka Salt Mine!

Helpful Tips

Wieliczka Salt Mine Interesting Facts

While walking along 3 kilometers of corridors you will have an opportunity to see with your own eyes the heritage left by generations of miners who devoted their life to hard work at the mine. It includes a number of carved in salt sculptures, 20 chambers and 4 chapels with the Chapel of St. Kinga being the one which leaves the most lasting impression on you.

The Chapel of St. Kinga is the only underground church in Europe. It is dedicated to Princess Kinga who is believed to have brought the salt treasure to Polish land. One of the most spectacular pieces of art to be found here are crystal chandeliers made from rock salt that have been dissolved and reconstituted to achieve a clear, glass-like glow.

Later on the Krakow Salt Mine Tour you will be taken to see an underground lake which measures 9 meters in depth at its lowest point. This saline lake located 104 meters below the surface is surprisingly a wonderful spot for surfing. In 2004 it was sailed across by multiple medalist, World Champion and European Champion, Mateusz Kusznierewicz.

Another chamber in Wieliczka Salt Mine is the Stanislaw Staszic Chamber. It measures 6 m in height and it is the largest excavation on the route accessible to tourists. Did you know that the chamber is featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the place to hold the first underground balloon flight? A fun fact is that the volume of soil excavated from the mine during its history is enough to build 3 pyramids similar in size to the Pyramid of Cheops.

What's included?

    Transfer Kraków - Wieliczka - Kraków,
    English-speaking Driver,
    Guided tour,
    Entrance ticket,
    Leaving the mine in a lift after the tour.

    Exclusions

      Gratuities, food and drinks, unless specified.

      The tour does not include the lift that takes you down.

      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.

        What to bring

          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.

          Please, wear comfortable shoes - the tour requires a lot of walking.

          The maximum size of backpacks or handbags brought into the main cannot exceed dimensions: 35x20x20 cm.

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