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From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Tatjana A

Couple
Mar 2026

+1 more

The tour guide explained the topics wonderfully—clear pronunciation and a good pace. We learned a lot about Krakow during the Nazi era. Unfortunately, the story of Oskar Schindler didn’t get much attention. If you haven’t seen the movie and were hoping to learn more about it, you might be a bit disappointed. But I still found it informative.

Yaiza C

Spain
Couple
Mar 2026

+2 more

I loved it because the guide explains everything really well and knows what she's talking about, which makes the tour very enjoyable, but I would have liked to hear more about Oskar Schindler—I thought the part about him was a bit brief.

Jamie W

Group
Feb 2026
The tour was brilliant and the tour guide very good and funny too, the hole place is amazing, but be prepared to walk a lot of stairs, once deep inside the mine it's an amazing place and huge, a lot to take in a see. Very good tour, from pickup to return, very well organised.

Luca S

Italy
Couple
Jan 2026

+1 more

An extremely fascinating place, the Basilica of St. Kinga alone is worth the trip, but there are other very interesting rooms. The entire visit lasts almost three hours, and to return to the surface, you use a very small elevator that is not suitable for those who are claustrophobic. The pick-up service is very useful, although on the way back, we had to wait about twenty minutes for a second driver to arrive because the first one had left without warning.

Angela O

Couple
Dec 2025
Beautiful experience, punctuality of the organizers I highly recommend the tour that alone is worth the trip to Krakow

Brett G

United States
Solo
Dec 2025
It was very enjoyable. The tour guide was very informative but also made a few jokes. The mines themselves were a lovely sight and the stories for everything was interesting. It was surprising finding the largest underground chapel and a banquet hall for weddings down there, but its really beautiful. A lot of salt, so I wasn't disappointed. They also have a food court in the mines at the end of the tour, so if you want to eat in the mines,it is possible. The food was okay though in my opinion, a lot of nice options around the mines.

Jeanny J

United Kingdom
Couple
5 days ago
Amazing experience, 100% recommend. Excellent communication, we were sent the details of the pick up the day before and departed right on time. All th tour guides were fantastic .

Reubens C

Belgium
Couple
Last week
The staff on board is very friendly. Bus comes punctual. The start time in the morning is too late though: first passing at the stop near our hotel only at 11:30! Half the day is already gone by than...

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Brine Graduation Tower: Wieliczka Salt Mine’s outdoor wellness attraction

The Brine Graduation Tower is a modern health-focused extension of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, designed to recreate the mine’s therapeutic microclimate above ground. Built using salt brine from the mine, it offers visitors a relaxing space to inhale mineral-rich air and experience the site’s wellness traditions.

Where is it located?
The Brine Graduation Tower is located on the surface, within the Wieliczka Salt Mine complex, near the main visitor area.

How to access?
Access to the Brine Graduation Tower is not included in standard Wieliczka Salt Mine tour tickets and requires a separate admission ticket.

Things to know before booking Brine Graduation Tower tickets

  • Access to the Brine Graduation Tower is not included in standard Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets: Entry to the underground Salt Mine and access to the Brine Graduation Tower are sold separately. If your primary ticket is for the Salt Mine tour, you’ll need to book the Graduation Tower experience as an add-on or a standalone ticket.
  • Tickets are priced differently due to the nature of the experience: The Brine Graduation Tower is an above-ground wellness attraction designed for relaxation and inhalation therapy, rather than a guided sightseeing tour. Pricing reflects its therapeutic setup, open-air structure, and independent operation from the underground mine routes.
  • There are some limitations to keep in mind: While the tower itself is easily accessible and does not require stair climbing like the underground mine, the experience is weather-dependent. In case of heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme weather conditions, access may be restricted or temporarily suspended.
  • Timings differ from the Wieliczka Salt Mine: The Brine Graduation Tower operates on its own schedule, which may not align with Salt Mine tour timings. Visits are usually time-slotted and shorter in duration, so plan your day accordingly if you intend to visit both attractions.

Brine Graduation Tower | Quick overview

Brine Graduation Tower in Wieliczka with cascading saltwater over wooden structures.

Highlights: An open-air wooden tower where brine trickles down blackthorn walls, creating a mineral-rich microclimate similar to seaside air.
Current use: A wellness and inhalation zone for relaxation and respiratory relief.
Entrance: Separate ticketed entry; not included with standard Wieliczka Salt Mine tours.

Unique facts:

  • The tower uses natural brine from the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
  • One hour here equals a long walk by the sea in terms of air quality benefits.

Exploring inside the Brine Graduation Tower

Enter the Brine Graduation Tower

Step inside the open-air wooden structure where natural brine flows down walls made of blackthorn branches. As you enter, the air immediately feels cooler and fresher, enriched with salt and minerals that mimic a seaside climate. This microclimate is the foundation of the tower’s therapeutic and relaxing experience.

Inhalation zones and wooden terraces

Walk along the circular terraces surrounding the tower, designed for slow movement and mindful breathing. These inhalation zones allow visitors to absorb the mineral-rich aerosols released by the evaporating brine. Benches placed throughout encourage rest, making this space ideal for relaxation and gentle respiratory therapy.

Brine evaporation system

At the heart of the tower, observe how brine from the Wieliczka Salt Mine trickles down layers of blackthorn twigs. This traditional evaporation method naturally filters the brine, releasing microscopic salt particles into the air. The process recreates the health-promoting atmosphere found in coastal salt-gradation structures.

Views and wellness experience

From different levels of the tower, enjoy views of the surrounding park and Wieliczka landscape. The combination of fresh air, natural materials, and quiet surroundings creates a calm wellness-focused environment. Visitors typically spend 30–60 minutes here, treating the experience as a restorative pause rather than a sightseeing stop.

Architectural highlights of the Brine Graduation Tower

Traditional Graduation Tower design

The Brine Graduation Tower follows a centuries-old Central European graduation tower design, traditionally used for brine evaporation and inhalation therapy. Built using a wooden framework filled with dense layers of blackthorn branches, the structure allows brine to slowly trickle down, naturally enriching the surrounding air with salt and mineral particles.

Modern construction, historic technique

Constructed in 2014 by the Wieliczka Salt Mine authorities, the tower blends historic salt-production techniques with modern engineering. Natural brine drawn directly from the Wieliczka Salt Mine circulates through the structure, while open terraces and walkways ensure optimal airflow and accessibility for visitors.

Open-air wellness architecture

Designed as an above-ground, open-air structure, the tower prioritizes airflow, light, and natural materials. Its circular layout creates continuous inhalation zones, while wooden platforms and railings maintain a minimalist, functional aesthetic. The architecture supports both therapeutic use and public access without altering the surrounding landscape.

Historical and cultural significance of the Brine Graduation Tower

  • The Brine Graduation Tower continues Wieliczka’s centuries-old tradition of using salt and brine for health and wellness.
  • It draws natural brine from the historic Wieliczka Salt Mine, directly connecting modern therapy to active mining infrastructure.
  • The tower revives the Central European tradition of graduation towers, once common near saltworks for therapeutic inhalation.
  • It reflects Wieliczka’s shift from purely industrial salt extraction to cultural, educational, and wellness tourism.
  • Today, it serves both locals and visitors, reinforcing Wieliczka’s identity as a living, multifunctional heritage site.

​Read more >

Know before you go

Guide pointing out directions to tourist during Arc de Triomphe walking tour.

Timings

  • Opening hours vary by season, with longer hours during spring and summer. 
  • The Brine Graduation Tower operates on a separate schedule from the Wieliczka Salt Mine, so timings may not align with underground tours. 
  • Always check your selected time slot in advance.

Location

  • The tower is located within the Wieliczka Salt Mine complex but has a separate entrance from the underground route.
  • Find on Google Maps

Rules

  • The tower is an open-air wellness zone, so access may be restricted during extreme weather. Smoking and loud activities are not permitted. 
  • Follow posted guidelines to ensure a calm environment for all visitors.
Mobile phone displaying map with location pin in user's hand.
  • Plan to spend at least 30–60 minutes at the tower to experience the full benefits of the mineral-rich air. 
  • Visit during morning or early evening hours for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
  • Dress warmly, as the brine-infused air can feel cooler even in summer. 
  • Walk slowly, breathe deeply, and make use of the seating areas. 
  • If visiting both attractions, schedule the tower before or after your Salt Mine tour to avoid rushing between experiences.

Frequently asked questions about the Brine Graduation Tower

No. Entry to the Brine Graduation Tower is sold separately and is not included with standard underground Salt Mine tours.