Your One-Stop Guide on How to Enter the Wieliczka Salt Mine
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).
How to Reach?
If you’re using public transport, you can get to the mines by train or bus.
By Train: You can catch a train at Krakow Główny station and alight at the Wieliczka Rynek Kopalnia station. The salt mine is a few minutes away from here by foot.
By Bus: Alternatively, you can take bus 304 from the Dworzec Główny Zachód stop and alight at the Wieliczka Rynek stop.
By Car: Wieliczka Salt Mine is about 10 kilometers from the city center of Krakow. Head southeast from the A4 motorway exit at the Krakow Wieliczka junction. You can park at the Graduation tower parking lot.
Directions to Wieliczka Salt Mine
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.
Average Wait Time
If you don’t have your tickets booked in advance, you might have to wait about 30 minutes to an hour to get your tickets and head inside the salt mine. The best thing to do is to book your tickets online and choose either a guided tour or skip the line tickets. This way you can enter the attraction in about 5 to 10 minutes.
Book Your Tickets NowWhich 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?
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
Skip the Line Combo: Wieliczka Salt Mine + Schindler's Factory
Frequently Asked Questions About the Wieliczka Salt Mine Entrance
A. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in Krakow, Poland.
A. The main entrance of Wieliczka Salt Mine is at Paderewski Shaft.
A. Wieliczka Salt Mine has only one main entrance for tourists.
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.
A. Visitors with the skip the line tickets need to use the main Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance for visitors at the Paderewski Shaft.
A. All guided tours will begin at the main Wieliczka Salt Mine entrance at the Paderewski Shaft.
A. Guests who have booked guided tours can use the Lion’s Gate entrance, which is the main Alcazar entrance.
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.
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.
A. Visitors in a group can use the main entrance at the Paderewski Shaft.
A. The Daniłowicz Shaft is equipped with an elevator to allow wheelchair access to the tourist route. This is accessible through the main entrance.
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.
A. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is open from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
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.
