Visit the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow: tickets, prices, opening hours

To visit the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow, follow our guide. Discover a fascinating geological, religious and industrial labyrinth.

Little by little, Poland has risen from its ashes. Although suffering is an integral part of its history, it has managed to rebuild itself and become proud and strong once again. Its scars have made it even more beautiful, noble and endearing. Today, Poland is modernizing and looking to the future, while remaining particularly accessible and warm. Travellers from all over the world are gradually discovering its confidential and colourful towns, its cuisine, its wild national parks and its exceptional historical and cultural heritage. Not far from Krakow, an architectural gem bathed in art and finesse, lies another treasure. The Wieliczka salt mines. Enter the heart of almost three hundred kilometers of underground galleries, built on nine levels, where marvels and hardness rub shoulders.

Ready to visit the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow?

History of the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Ana del Castillo

Let’s go back several hundred years. It’s the 13th century. Around ten kilometers from Krakow, the Poles discovered the famous white gold mines. A natural resource as precious as it was unsuspected. They quickly dug two shafts, followed by dozens more. A few years later, they built the salt castle. The result? This labyrinth plunges to a depth of three hundred and twenty-seven meters, stretching hundreds of kilometers underground.

Over time, the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow also became the scene of all manner of innovations in salt extraction: from shafts to horses, machines and explosives. Production was also constantly evolving, from salt pans to salt blocks, to evaporated salt. It wasn’t until 1996 that production ceased for good. The gargantuan dimensions of the mines gave way to all manner of artistic ambitions. Chapels, ornate mazes, sanatoriums and works of art gradually decorated this natural lair. Some of these constructions are even made entirely of salt crystals!

These salt mines are the fruit of dozens of generations of hard work by miners and craftsmen. So much so that, in 1966, even as mining continued, this jewel became a museum. Twelve years later, it even became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you decide to visit the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow, you’ll join the one million astonished annual visitors.

What to see and do in Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mines?

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Beautiful landscape

If you can’t get to the center of the earth, take a staircase down eight hundred steps and discover the subterranean depths of Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mines. According to legend, you’ll even be able to do your health a world of good! The atmosphere, rich in trace elements, calcium, magnesium and potassium, is said to have serious healing properties. But what else will you discover?

The tourist route (three hours)

If you want to visit the main Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow, the tourist route is ideal. Start at the Daniliwics shaft. Pass by the incredible Sainte-Cunégonde (Sainte-Kinga) chapel, the centerpiece of the mines. Then discover the multitude of chambers carved out of the salt, underground lakes rippling with Chopin tunes, dizzying frameworks and spectacular ceiling heights. Climb staircases carved entirely from white gold, and finish your adventure in the underground saltworks museum.

This three-kilometre-long trail takes you down to a depth of one hundred and thirty-five metres. As well as taking in the sights, you’ll also learn a great deal about the technical and secret history of the mine.

The mining trip (three hours)

If you want to visit Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mines with a dash of adrenalin and physical effort, choose this route.

Start at the Regis shaft, the oldest in the world, and follow the mining route to discover the intense work of the miners. Special protective clothing and helmet are required to descend into this darkness. Play along, as the master driller keeps an eye on you. By the light of your lamp, explore the galleries that only miners of the time were able to tread.

Measuring methane gas, searching for and transporting salt, drawing your way on a map, exploring secret chambers, following mining traditions and ceremonies– this is what awaits you.

Pilgrimage journey (two and a half hours)

A visit to Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mines is an unforgettable experience for believers. The white gold mine is brimming with religious buildings and sacred sketches. Faith helped the miners to keep going and endure the hours of hard work. The pilgrimage route takes you to these places of worship:

• The Chapelle Saint Jean and its surprising wooden interior, inviting many pilgrims to prayer;
• The Chapelle Saint-Antoine and its breathtaking sculptures, shaped like salt dissolved by humidity;
• The Chapelle Sainte Croix and its travelling decorations;
• Saint John Paul II Chapel, dedicated to the Polish Pope of the same name;
• La Chapelle Sainte-Cunégonde, the most majestic: fifty-four meters long, eighteen meters wide and twelve meters high. But above all, it’s buried a hundred meters below ground! A religious edifice entirely designed in salt, from floor to ceiling, including chandeliers, altar and bas-reliefs. No, you’re not dreaming, there’s an exact copy of Leonardo da Vinci’s Last Supper… in salt! This chapel, also known as Sainte-Kinga, pays homage to the patron saint of salt miners, of the same name.

Please note: if you’re visiting Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mines on a Sunday or for a special event, you can still attend a mass or concert at St. Cunegund’s.

The graduation tour

This course is both therapeutic and preventive. The air in the graduation tower is bathed in brine and has the same virtues as sea air. This route is therefore recommended for treating and preventing certain respiratory tract diseases. Inhalation cleanses and purifies the respiratory tract.

Unlike the others, this course allows you to stay on the surface.

How do I get to the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow?

The salt mines are about ten kilometers from Krakow.

• By train: from Krakow, take the train to Wieliczka Rynek (Wieliczka Market Square) station.
• By bus: board bus 304. Leaves from Kurniki Street, near the railway station. Approx. every 20 minutes. Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli stop
• By minibus: departure from Krakow Central Station. Get off at the Wieliczka Rynek – Wieliczka Grand-Place stop.
• By car: if you have a car, the Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow offer parking facilities.

Wieliczka salt mines opening times and prices

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Milan Gonda

SCHEDULES

The Wieliczka salt mines in Krakow can be visited all year round, except on January 1, Easter Sunday, November 1 and December 25.

The tourist route and the pilgrimage route

• 7:30am-9:30am in high season ( April 1 to October 31)
• 8am-5pm in low season ( November 2 to March 31)

The mining route

• 9am-6pm in high season ( April 1 to October 31)
• 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. in low season ( November 2 to March 31)

The graduation tower

• 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. ( April 1-30)
• 8am-9pm ( May 1 to September 30)
• 9am-7pm ( October 1-31)
• 9am-5pm ( November 2 to March 31)

Please note: tours in French only concern the tourist route. They take place all year round at 10:15, 11:15 and 15:15.

RATES

Prices at Krakow’s Wieliczka salt mines vary according to the tourist season. Reduced and family rates are available. Admission is free for children under four.

At standard rate, for one person, count :

• 64 to 69 PLN (15/16 euros ) with Polish guide
• 89 to 94 PLN (21/22 euros ) with French guide
• Graduation tower: 9 PLN

Please note: you have to pay an additional PLN 10 (€2) to be allowed to take photos and videos.