Your One-Stop Guide on How to Enter the Wieliczka Salt Mine

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The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a world-famous tourist destination located in the town of Wieliczka in southern Poland. The mine, which has been in continuous operation since the 13th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Poland's top tourist attractions. Visitors to the mine can tour the subterranean salt chambers, see ancient salt sculptures, and even take a dip in the mine's underground saltwater pool. 

To make your visit a smooth one, we’ve put together a quick guide on how to enter this attraction. Find out more about the Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance on this page!

Where is the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in Wieliczka, a town in southern Poland. Wieliczka is about 12 miles (20 kilometers) from the city of Krakow. 

Address: Daniłowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland | Find on maps

Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance Explained

To access the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you have to take the tourist route via the Paderewski Shaft. There is only one entrance for all tourists located at Daniłowicza 10 32-020 Wieliczka (GPS coordinates - 49.98348°N, 20.05477°E). 

Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance - This is a Photograph of By Car
Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance

Entrance Timings

The tourist route to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Timings for the English tours are from 8 AM to 7 PM. The attraction is open daily.

Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance - This is a Photograph of Wieliczka Salt Mine

Which Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance Do I Choose? 

The Wieliczka Salt Mine has a few different entrances at the facility. One entrance is for the miners, one to access the Graduation Tower, one for the resort, one for the hotel, and another for tourists to explore the salt mines. Make sure you locate the entrance for tourists via the Paderewski Shaft. This is located at Daniłowicza 10 32-020 Wieliczka. For all types of ticket holders, this is the main way to enter the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Disability Access

A large part of the Wieliczka Salt Mine is accessible to people with reduced mobility. However, not all areas of the mine are suitable for disabled persons. Due to the age and natural structure of the area, some parts are uneven and difficult to access. 

The Daniłowicz Shaft is equipped with an elevator to allow wheelchair access to the tourist route. There are also ramps and movable platforms throughout the facility for ease of movement on the tour. 

Toilets are present at various points and are marked clearly.

Guests who are visually impaired can touch the exhibits and be accompanied by a guide dog or assistant. In the underground area, some help will be provided to guests with special needs.

How Do I Enter Wieliczka Salt Mine?

Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance

The main Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance for tourists is at the Paderewski Shaft. The entry point for the tour is at the Daniłowicz Shaft. From here, you have to descend almost 800 steps to get to the salt mine area. Although this might sound painful, be assured that an unbelievably unique experience awaits you. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes so your walk down the stairs isn’t too difficult. 

Inside the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a glorious and salty haven filled with sculptures, artifacts, mining equipment, and so much more. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to experience a unique attraction!

Book Your Wieliczka Salt Mine Tickets & Tours

Guided Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine with Skip-the-Line Tickets
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Flexible Duration
Guided Tour
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Combo: Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow with Optional Lunch
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11 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
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Guided Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine with Meeting Point Pick Up from Krakow
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4 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
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Guided Tour of Wieliczka Salt Mine with Hotel Transfers from Krakow
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3 hr.
Guided Tour
Transfers Included
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Skip-the-Line Combo: Wieliczka Salt Mine + Schindler's Factory
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zł206.48

Frequently Asked Questions About the Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance

Q. Where is the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

A. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in Krakow, Poland.

Q. Where is the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance?

A. The main entrance of Wieliczka Salt Mine is at Paderewski Shaft.

Q. How many Wieliczka Salt Mine entrances are there?

A. Wieliczka Salt Mine has only one main entrance for tourists.

Q. What is the average wait time at the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance?

A. Visitors who have booked tickets in advance can get the advantage of entering the Wieliczka Salt Mine in no time. Without tickets, the wait time might be about 30 minutes to an hour.

Q. Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance do skip the line ticket holders use?

A. Visitors with the skip the line tickets need to use the main Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance for visitors at the Paderewski Shaft.

Q. Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance is used for guided tours?

A. All guided tours will begin at the main Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance at the Paderewski Shaft.

Q. Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance do I use if I have already purchased the tickets?

A. Guests who have booked guided tours can use the Lion’s Gate entrance, which is the main Alcazar entrance.

Q. Which Alcazar Seville entrance do I use if I have already purchased the tickets?

A. If you have already purchased the tickets, you need to use the main Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance through the Paderewski Shaft. From here, make your way to the Daniłowicz Shaft and begin your descend down the stairs.

Q. Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance do I use if I don't have tickets?

A. You can book your tickets at the tourist entrance at the Paderewski Shaft. Please note that the wait time is usually longer if you haven’t booked your tickets in advance.

Q. Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance should I use to enter with a group?

A. Visitors in a group can use the main entrance at the Paderewski Shaft.

Q. Which Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance is suitable for disabled persons?

A. The Daniłowicz Shaft is equipped with an elevator to allow wheelchair access to the tourist route. This is accessible through the main entrance.

Q. How can I avoid waiting in line at the Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance for a long time?

A. The best way to avoid waiting in line at the Wieliczka Salt Mine is to book your tickets in advance, go on a guided tour, or get skip the line tickets.

Q. What are the Wieliczka Salt Mine timings?

A. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

Q. What time should I visit Wieliczka Salt Mine to avoid waiting in line?

A. Early mornings or afternoons are the best time to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine to avoid waiting in long lines. Additionally, visit on a weekday to avoid large crowds. Keep in mind that only about 35 people are allowed per visit inside the salt mine.