Login 
Create an Account 
A trip to Poland is incomplete without taking a Krakow salt mine tour. This impressive mine is visited by more than 1.5 million visitors every year, this makes Krakow salt mine one of the most popular attractions in Poland.
The tour is special as you will see salt-carved chandeliers, walk on floors made of salt, and even taste the salt for yourself. Salt is everywhere, from the roofs, down to the floor. Let’s take a look at what makes this mine so special and why it’s worth visiting.
Why Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine?
In this historical place, salt mining began during the 13th century. During the tour, you’ll hear the legend of how this mine was discovered, we don’t want to disclose it here and spoil your fun. The mine is filled with statues, chapels, and altars that have been intricately carved by the salt miners after their shifts; it’s a fine example of ingenuity and creativity.
The mine has been a tourist attraction since the 19th century when the Russians opened the first tourist route with miners acting as tour guides. In 1978, the mines were designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are nine levels to the mine, and they descend to a depth of 327 meters (over 1000 feet). Your tour will only allow you to see a mere 2% of the mine’s 300 km (186 miles) network of tunnels.
The mine offers different kinds of experiences to its visitors. Some visit to admire its stunning carvings and underground ponds; others visit to learn about its history and its unique and surreal environment. While still others are more interested in what daily life was for the mineworkers or want to learn about its geological features. Over the years the mine has been visited by many celebrities and dignitaries like Chopin, Goethe, and Pope John Paul II to name a few.
In the year 2017, a record 1.7 million visitors descended into the salty depths of the mine, making it one of Poland’s biggest tourist attractions. After completing the tour you will understand the significance and vastness of the Krakow salt mine. Luckily you will always be with a guide; otherwise, it’s very easy to get lost amidst the maze of salt-carved tunnels.
Read An Interesting Blog: From Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine – The Three Routes
Routes at the Wieliczka Salt Mine
There are three routes within the mine and you can choose any one i.e. Tourist Route, Miner’s Route, or the Pilgrims Route.
Tourist Route
This is the most popular way to explore the Krakow salt mine. The route is 3.5 km (2.17 mile) long and takes about 3 hours to complete. The tour starts at the Danilowicz shaft, where you descend 350 steps to 135 meters (450 feet) deep under the ground. Your guide will give you an overview of the history of mines and the technological advancements that happened over the years.
On the way, you will see magnificent sculptures, murals, chandeliers, and twenty chambers all carved out of salt. The acoustics in some of the chambers are simply magnificent. You will be encouraged to touch the salt walls and you can even lick the walls (at your own risk) to check if it is indeed salty. This route also includes a light display over the serene waters of the underground lake while listening to the music of Chopin.
The most outstanding feature of this tour is a visit to the Chapel of Saint Kinga i.e. the only underground church in Europe. It is lined with brilliant works of art carved from salt. The enormous chandeliers at the chapel are made entirely out of pure salt so the crystals look transparent and real. It’s truly an incredible sight. The route ends in a large arena where there’s a restaurant, a kid’s play area, and a gift shop. The tourist route tours are conducted in English, Polish, Russian, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. This route is suitable for children and has restroom facilities.
Miner’s Route
If you want to experience what life was like for a Wieliczka’s miner, then this route is ideal for you. You’ll enter the mine through the Regis shaft. Once inside you will receive working suits, miner’s gear, and some training before the start of the tour.
The route is 2 km (1.2 miles) long and takes about 3 hours to complete. It is separate from the tourist route and does not connect with it at all. During the tour, you’ll be given a mining task by your guide. The tasks could be testing methane or digging salt or any activity that miners do.
This gives you an authentic feel of what life must have been for the miners and a better understanding of the history and geology of the mine. This tour is not suitable for those with disabilities. Children only above the age of 10 are allowed and must be accompanied by an adult.
The miner’s route tour is only available in English and Polish, and there are no restaurant or restroom facilities, so make sure you come well prepared before the tour starts.
Pilgrims Route
This is a special route offered for the faithful. It is accompanied by a priest and demonstrates the piousness of those who worked in the mine.
The route features visiting chapels, prayer stops, eating specially prepared food, and having the privilege to celebrate a private Mass in one of the chapels.
The journey takes about 2.5 hours and the tour culminates at the St Kinga’s Chapel, where visitors can admire the magnificent altars, carved pulpit, a glimpse of the Last Supper, and a salt statue of Pope John Paul-II.
Tips on Touring Wieliczka Salt Mine
1) Time Required
Each tour (Tourist and Miner) takes around 3 hours. You may spend extra time at the cafeteria, or buying souvenirs. A total of 4 hours is required for your visit to the Krakow salt mine. Additionally, you will want to factor in at least one hour round trip travel time getting to/from the mine.
Top Tip: Try leaving your tour a couple of minutes before everyone else, as there are only a couple of lifts back up to the surface, taking about six people at a time. If the crowd builds up at the elevator then you may have a long wait longer.
2) What to Wear
Shoes: Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk 2 – 3 miles (3 – 5 km) at least during your visit. Besides walking, there are a lot of stairs and uneven floors to navigate.
Clothing: Put on a light jacket as the temperature in mines will be around 57 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit i.e. (13 – 15 degrees Celsius).
3) Eating
If you are feeling hungry at the end of the tour, there is a cafeteria inside the mine that serves a variety of Polish dishes, desserts, and beverages. Isn’t it an amazing experience to enjoy a snack 450 feet underground?
If you are taking the ‘Miners Route’ then carry a bottle of water and a snack, particularly if you’re visiting with kids.
4) Photography
You are allowed to take photographs in the mine. However, the low light conditions within the mine make photography a challenging job.
Top Tip: Steady yourself best as you can. Do not rush with your shots else you will end up with blurry photographs. Aim for in-focus shots, later you can edit for brightness.
5) Restrooms
There are two restrooms within the mine. About midway through the tour, your guide will give everyone a chance for a break, and you’ll get a chance again towards the end of the tour.
6) If You’re Disabled
If you are disabled then there is a shorter route available during the tour that uses elevators instead of staircases. You need to contact the booking office and reserve a spot in a disabled group. This facility is available only on the Tourist Route.
7) If You’re Claustrophobic
The mine is large and there are huge caverns with lots of space. However, for some people, it may be a strange feeling to be that far beneath the Earth. Since the mine is dimly lit, those suffering from claustrophobia may not find it an enjoyable experience.
8) Breathe Deeply
The mine has a unique micro-climate. The air within the mine is rich in micronutrients and free of pollution, allergens, and harmful radiation.
There is an underground health spa that utilizes subterraneo therapy which is good for rehabilitation of the respiratory system. Those who are asthmatic or have respiratory problems can improve their condition by spending time in the spa. If you don’t want to visit the spa then make the most of your time in the mine by taking deep breaths while you’re down there.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour with Rosotravel
The best way to visit the Krakow salt mine is by joining an organized tour from Krakow. Rosotravel offers many tour options – from small group tours to private tours.
Our guide will take care of all the details upon your arrival at the mine. This can be very helpful as it can be very chaotic at times, with lots of people and long queues at the entry point. Rosotravel is reliable and offers a good selection of tours and you can cancel up to 24 hours before your excursion for a full refund.
Finally, the Krakow salt mine tour is something you will never forget. It’s a day trip the whole family will enjoy as long as you are prepared for it in advance.
Visiting the mine is an adventure you are unlikely to experience anywhere else and we highly recommend it if you’re visiting Krakow.
If you have visited the Krakow salt mine do share with us your experience or if you have any questions regarding this tour please make use of our comments section below.