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Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine | Timings, Location, Tips & More

Wieliczka Salt Mine | Visitor information at a glance

Wieliczka Salt Mine Visitor information

What are the Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours?

  • Tourist's route timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Miner's route timings: 9 AM to 3 PM

Where is the Wieliczka Salt Mine located?
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in Wieliczka in southern Poland. Its address is Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland.

How many entrances does the Wieliczka Salt Mine have?
Wieliczka Salt Mine has two entrances, one for the Tourist's route at the Daniłowicz Shaft and the other for the Miner's route at the Regis Shaft.

How many visitors does the Wieliczka Salt Mine see per year?
Wieliczka Salt Mine sees over a million visitors yearly.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours

  • General timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Tourist's route timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
  • Miner's route timings: 9 AM to 3 PM
  • Closed on: 1st January, Easter Sunday, and 24th and 25th December

​More on Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours

Best time to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine

Best time to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine

Peak season vs. Off-season

The Wieliczka Salt Mine temperature is always colder than outside, making the peak season of summer (June to August) the best time to for a comfortable Wieliczka Salt Mine tour. However, the peak season has larger crowds as compared to the off-season in winter. If you prefer smaller crowds, you can visit during the winter, but be prepared for the chilly temperatures inside the mine.

Best time to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Wieliczka Salt Mine is a popular site in Poland, attracting a huge number of crowds every day. Still, weekdays are better to avoid the rush than weekends. There are comparatively fewer tourists around, allowing you to explore the mine and its highlights more peacefully.

Where is the Wieliczka Salt Mine located?

  • Wieliczka Salt Mine address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland
    Find On Maps
  • Location: The Wieliczka Salt Mine is conveniently situated just 10 kilometers southeast of Krakow's city center, making it an easily accessible and worthwhile excursion.
  • Closest landmark: Kościół św. Sebastiana w Wieliczce (1.1 km)

​Wieliczka Salt Mine location

How to get to Wieliczka Salt Mine?

How to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

By Public Transport

  • By Train: You can board the suburban train from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine from the Krakow Główny station and get off at the Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia station. It is the closest station to the mine, located just a few minutes away.
  • By Bus: Catch a bus to Wieliczka Salt Mine at the Dworzec Główny Zachód stop near Galeria Krakowska. Get off at the Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka stop to go to the Daniłowicz Shaft or at the Wieliczka Rynek stop to go to the Regis Shaft.
How to get to the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

By Car

Starting from the Krakow city center, follow Franciszkańska to Floriana Straszewskiego/I obwodnica. Head west on plac Wszystkich Świętych and continue onto Franciszkańska. Later, take II obwodnica, Henryka Kamieńskiego, Wielicka and Krakowska to Daniłowicza in Wieliczka and turn right onto Daniłowicza.
Wieliczka parking facilities:

Know before you go

How to Skip-the-line at Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Here are a few ways to skip the long lines at the Wieliczka Salt Mine:

  • Book online tickets: Most of the Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets available online include the skip-the-line feature.
  • Get guided tour tickets: Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tours include skip-the-line access, making it a great option to beat the rush at the entrance. Plus, you'll gain historical insights that self-guided visitors might miss.
  • Arrive early: Fewer people visit Wieliczka Salt Mine early in the morning. Arrive early to beat the crowds and relish the serenity of the underground world.
Wieliczka Salt Mine skip the line tickets
Wieliczka Salt Mine routes

Wieliczka Salt Mine has two different routes for exploration, each offering a unique underground experience.

  • The Tourists Route promises a visual extravaganza showcasing the artistic prowess of salt miners, including the breathtaking St. Kinga’s Chapel, underground lakes, intricate carpentry structures, and one-of-a-kind salt sculptures.
  • On the other hand, the Miners' Route provides a hands-on experience, allowing you to step into the shoes of a miner and engage in mining tasks assessed by the guide foreman, ensuring an immersive and entertaining adventure.
Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances
Wieliczka Salt Mine facilities
  • Toilets: There are toilet facilities available at three locations – one near the Danilowicz Shaft and two underground.
  • ATMs: Short on cash? Wieliczka Salt Mine has ATMs and currency exchange centers on the premises near the Daniłowicz Shaft.
  • Luggage storage: The mine has a free-of-cost storage facility near the Danilowicz Shaft in case you’re carrying large bags or luggage. However, ensure that the luggage isn’t too large, as the locker size is limited. 
  • Cafe: There is a Wieliczka Salt Mine restaurant, Karczma Gornicza, located 125 meters underground, and a cafe called the Bistro Posolone, located on the surface, near Daniłowicz Shaft. 
  • Changing facilities: Karczma Gornicza, the underground cafe inside the mine, has changing facilities for those traveling with children.
Wieliczka Salt Mine

Some sections of the mine are wheelchair friendly and accessible to people with reduced mobility. Below are the facilities available for differently-abled guests:

  • Dedicated parking: Dembowskiego Street has two designated disabled parking spaces. They are available free of charge.
  • Assistance dogs: Assistance or guide dogs for blind or visually impaired persons are permitted inside Wieliczka Salt Mine.
  • Lift: Daniłowicz Shaft has an elevator. They can be used for the transport of wheelchairs as well.
Wieliczka Salt Mine rules
  • Stay on the path: The mine has designated routes for visitors. Resist the temptation to wander off; it's not just for your safety but also to preserve the delicate underground ecosystem.
  • Don't carry restricted items: Open flames, electric torches, and smoking cigarettes are prohibited inside the mine.
  • Pets: Pets are not allowed at the mine except for assistance dogs.
  • Carry small luggage: You can bring only a small carry-on bag on the tour, adhering to the specified maximum dimensions of 20x20x35 cm.
Wieliczka Salt Mine tips
  • Clothing: The mine maintains a constant temperature of around 18 degrees Celsius. Bring a light jacket or sweater, even in the summer, to stay comfortable during your exploration. Wear comfortable shoes as you will need to climb 800 stairs. 
  • Choose summer: Try visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine in summer. The temperature in the underground sat mine is bearable in the summer months.
  • Health check: Ensure you do a health checkup for signs of claustrophobia and whether you’re fit to climb 800 stairs.
  • Book online tickets: Book Wieliczka Salt Mine tours online to reserve your spot in advance.
  • Guided tour: Get a guided tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine. The expert guide can help you learn fascinating things about the site.
Wieliczka Salt Mine shop

Wieliczka Salt Mine has an online shop where you can buy:

  • Salt-based products, ranging from culinary delights to soothing cosmetics.
  • Unique souvenirs that capture the essence of your trip, making for perfect mementos.
  • Bath gel infused with the purity of Wieliczka salt.
  • And adiverse range of products, extending beyond salt, that showcase the region's heritage.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Karczma Górnicza: This Wieliczka Salt Mine restaurant is located 125 meters underground and serves delicious Polish food made from fresh ingredients.
  • Posolone Bistro: This cafe is situated on the surface, next to the Daniłowicz Shaft, and serves an extensive range of salads, burgers, and pasta, with coffee and desserts.
  • Greg Cafe: Greg Cafe serves delicious coffee, hot chocolate, and other beverages. It is one minute from Wieliczka Salt Mine.
  • Restauracja Kopalnia Smaku: Restauracja Kopalnia Smaku is 160 meters from Wieliczka Salt Mine. The place serves mouth-watering fast food.
  • Wild Bean Cafe: Wild Bean Cafe is a popular hot dog restaurant five minutes from Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Wieliczka Salt Mine

Budget: Shalom Kazimierz, Hotel Krakus, Hostel Wieliczka - Pokoje i noclegi w Wieliczce

Mid-budget: Hotel Solny, Perfect Hotel, Eko Motel on Wierzynka,

Luxury: Holiday Inn Krakow City Centre, an IHG Hotel, Turówka Hotel & SPA, Hotel Grand Sal Wieliczka

You also have the option to stay at The Wieliczka Salt Mine Health Resort and benefit from the health advantages offered by the microclimate of Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Near Wieliczka Salt Mine
  • Auschwitz-Birkenau: If your heart yearns for historical depth, consider extending your trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, a solemn reminder of the past. The concentration and extermination camps echo stories that need to be heard.
  • Schindler's Factory: Visit to Schindler's Factory for a cinematic immersion into Krakow's wartime history. This museum narrates the tales of resilience during World War II and provides a poignant backdrop to the region's intricate past.
  • Krakow Old Town: Take a stroll through Krakow's Old Town with charming streets, bustling market square, and Gothic architecture. Immerse yourself in the local culture and savor Polish delicacies in this enchanting district.
  • Stawy w Parku Lotników: Stawy w Parku Lotników, aka the Ponds at Lotników Park, is a relatively new tourist attraction in Kraków. It was created in 2022 and covers an area of ​​about 1 hectare.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Wieliczka Salt Mine

Where is Wieliczka Salt Mine?

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in Wieliczka in southern Poland, about 10 km from Krakow City Center. Its address is Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland.

Is Wieliczka Salt Mine worth visiting?

Definitely! Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site with intricate salt chambers, awe-inspiring chapels, and even an underground lake. It's not just a mine; it's a masterpiece sculpted by generations. Wander through a labyrinth of tunnels adorned with salt chandeliers for a sensory overload that can't be replicated elsewhere.

Can I visit Wieliczka Salt Mine for free?

No, you cannot visit Wieliczka Salt Mine for free. You need a valid ticket to explore the mine.

What are Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours?

Wieliczka Salt Mine is open from 9 AM to 5 PM.

How long does it take to tour Wieliczka Salt Mine?

A typical Wieliczka Salt Mine tour takes around 4-4.5 hours. Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a trek through history, culture, and the extraordinary depths of Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Is Wieliczka Salt Mine wheelchair friendly?

A portion of the Tourist Route of Wieliczka Salt Mine is wheelchair accessible.

Can I visit Wieliczka Salt Mine with the kids?

Absolutely! Wieliczka Salt Mine offers a family-friendly experience. Just ensure your kids are not claustrophobic and up for a bit of walking and adventure before visiting.

Can I visit Wieliczka Salt Mine in a group?

Exploring Wieliczka Salt Mine in a group is not only allowed but highly encouraged. Shared experiences become lasting memories, and the mine's grandeur is best enjoyed in good company.

Can I buy food and drinks at Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Yes. Head to Karczma Górnicza, located 125 meters underground inside Wieliczka Salt Mine. Indulge in a hearty Polish meal and refresh yourself with a variety of beverages, all while surrounded by the unique ambiance of an underground eatery.