The Wieliczka Salt Mine is on the first list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Wieliczka Salt Mine is located about 16 km south of Krakow. It is the only facility in the world that has been in continuous operation from the Middle Ages to the present day.
This is definitely one of the more “fairy-tale” places in this part of the country, Wieliczka should be a must-see on your schedule. The reason why you should visit the salt mine is its health benefits – Wieliczka has a unique microclimate that has an excellent effect on the human body.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
Visit a unique place on the map of Poland – the fairytale Wieliczka. The tour begins in Krakow, and a private driver (who speaks English) will pick you up from under your hotel. You will head towards the famous salt mine less than 20 km away.
Benefit from the expertise of your guide, who will show you this unique underground world created hundreds of years ago during a half-day tour.
During the tour, you can admire the original workings, galleries, ramps, lakes, mining chambers, and shafts, all on a specially prepared tourist route. The tour lasts about 4-5 hours.
The tour takes place at a level 135 meters below the surface, the descent is by stairs (about 800) while the return to the surface is by elevator. The tour route is about 2 km long, and the temperature inside the mine is about 16° C. The tour inside the mine lasts about 3 h.
It is possible to arrange a special tour for people with mobility problems. The descent to the sightseeing level as well as the exit to the surface is done by elevator, the route is shortened.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine was established in the Middle Ages and is a symbol of the rich history of salt exploitation over 9 centuries. The path you will take is located as much as 135 meters underground and can only be accessed by stairs. Don’t forget comfortable shoes!
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a rock salt mine located in a town near Krakow, Poland, which in 1978 was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. For centuries it has provided people with salt, and today it is a priceless monument open to the public.
It is worth knowing that the first shaft leading underground was drilled as early as the 13th century! The Wieliczka Salt Mine should unquestionably be on the list of every visitor to Malopolska.
There is also an option that includes a tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp in 1 day. The tour then lasts about 11-12 hours. Guides are available at both museums.
How to prepare well for visiting this unusual place?
The Wieliczka Salt Mine offers two sightseeing routes: tourist and mining. You can also visit the brine graduation tower.
The tourist route is not difficult but requires climbing about 800 stairs (380 of which are at the very beginning), so it is not a suitable option for people who have mobility problems.
It is advisable to take care of appropriate clothing (the temperature on the route is 17-18ºC) and wear comfortable shoes.
During the tour, you can carry luggage with you, the size of which does not exceed 35×20×20 centimeters. Larger luggage can be left in the storage room. It is worth knowing that during the tour you can rest and eat only in designated areas.
Before exploring the mine, it’s a good idea to use the restroom (rest assured, toilets are also available at two locations along the route). Underground, you are allowed to take photos and film, but you can only use the footage for private purposes.
During the mining tour, you are not just a passive visitor, you become an adept miner.
At the beginning of the tour you will receive professional equipment (working overalls and mining equipment – lamp, helmet, carbon monoxide absorber), and then under the supervision of your guide – a foreman – you will begin to learn the mining trade.
Among other things, you will measure the concentration of methane, weave ropes, and learn how to use a shovel efficiently. In the end, you will receive a certificate to prove the skills you have acquired!
The mining route is not difficult, however, you will be involved in various types of mining work as you go along.
Remember to dress appropriately (the temperature in the mine is 14-16ºC) and wear comfortable shoes! Before the tour, you will undergo a short training session (on safety rules and the operation of the equipment you receive).
Afterward, you will be asked to sign into the name register and confirm that you have passed the training.
Don’t worry about your belongings! You will be able to use the locker room and a lockable locker.
For larger items, for example, suitcases, we recommend you leave them in the storage room. There is no possibility of eating on the route (there are also no restaurants or food outlets). Unfortunately, there are also no toilets, you have to use them before the tour.
While visiting the mine, you can take photos and film, but, as on the tourist route, you can use the materials only for private purposes.
For more information and an appointment, visit the CracowCityBreakers.