Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow
Explore the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine, 135 meters underground. Discover salt sculptures, the Chapel of St. Kinga, and enjoy a Chopin performance in this historic, underground world.
Overview
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through the renowned Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest and most famous salt mines in the world. Located just outside Krakow, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into over 700 years of history, culture, and art, all set within a vast network of tunnels and chambers 135 meters below the surface.
Your tour begins with a descent into the depths of the mine, where you’ll be greeted by a labyrinth of passageways and chambers, many of which are adorned with incredible salt sculptures and artworks. As you journey through the mine, an expert guide will provide insightful commentary about the history of salt mining in Poland, explaining the techniques and tools used by miners over the centuries. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been an essential part of Poland's economy and culture for centuries, and the stories shared during the tour will bring its fascinating past to life.
One of the most awe-inspiring highlights of the tour is the Chapel of St. Kinga, a magnificent underground cathedral where every detail—from the walls to the chandeliers—is made entirely of salt. This stunning chapel, with its intricate salt carvings and serene atmosphere, is a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the miners who spent their lives working below ground. The acoustics of the chapel are equally extraordinary, and visitors can enjoy a special musical performance of Chopin’s music, filling the underground space with hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Throughout your journey, you’ll also encounter other impressive chambers, including those with historical mining equipment, reflecting the evolution of the mining industry. You’ll learn about the harsh conditions miners faced, as well as the innovations that allowed them to extract salt from deep beneath the earth. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been in continuous operation for over seven centuries, and its extensive network of tunnels stretches over 287 kilometers, making it one of the most significant and well-preserved mining sites in the world.
In addition to its historical and industrial importance, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is also a cultural hub, featuring modern art installations and interactive exhibits that highlight the intersection of art and science. These installations bring a contemporary dimension to the mine, showcasing how history and modernity can coexist in this fascinating underground world.
As you explore, you’ll be struck by the unique ambiance of the mine—its cool, consistent temperature of 14°C to 16°C, the echoing acoustics of the chambers, and the ethereal glow of the underground lighting. Whether you’re admiring the intricate salt sculptures or learning about the mine’s role in Polish history, every moment in the Wieliczka Salt Mine is an opportunity to connect with something extraordinary.
At the end of your tour, you’ll ascend 800 steps to return to the surface, where your guide will accompany you back to your transportation. If you’ve selected the Krakow pick-up option, you’ll be taken back to your hotel, reflecting on the incredible experience you’ve just had.
Perfect for families, history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a unique adventure, the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour offers an unforgettable way to explore Poland’s underground wonders. Whether you're visiting Krakow for the first time or returning to discover more of the region's rich heritage, this tour should not be missed. Step into the depths of history and experience the magic of the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Select date, participants and language
Excursion Itinerary
A comfortable vehicle will pick you up from your hotel in Krakow at the scheduled time. Relax during the transfer as you head to the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
Duration: 2 Hours.
Explore the Chapel of St. Kinga and the mine’s history, tools, and salt sculptures. Enjoy a Chopin performance in the mine’s perfect acoustics.
Duration: 20 Min.
After the tour, you’ll climb back to the surface, following the guide’s instructions for a safe and comfortable return.
Enjoy the ride back to Krakow as your guide ensures a smooth journey. You’ll be dropped off at the same hotel or meeting point where your tour began.
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- ● Journey 135 meters underground to explore the Wieliczka Salt Mine.
- ● See exquisite salt sculptures, altars, and art installations.
- ● Visit the famous Chapel of St. Kinga, an underground cathedral.
- ● Learn about the fascinating history and techniques of salt mining.
- ● Experience the mine’s unique acoustics with a musical performance.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- Entrance ticket
- Skip-the-line ticket for entrance
- Expert, licensed guide
- Round-trip transportation (if selected)
Not Included
- Food & beverages
- Personal expenses
Not Suitable For This Activities
- ●People with mobility impairments
Not Allowed This Activities
- ●Alcohol and drugs
Important Information
What to Bring
Information Before Booking
- ●The temperature in the mine is consistent, between 14°C and 16°C.
- ●You’ll need to climb 800 steps, with 350 of them taking you down into the mine.
- ●The tour is conducted in English, and any translation into another language may have slight inaccuracies.
- ●Plan for some flexibility in the schedule due to guide availability.
Know Before You Go
- ●The mine is 135 meters underground, requiring physical effort to descend.
- ●Expect to walk on uneven surfaces, so wear appropriate footwear.
- ●The mine temperature ranges from 14°C to 16°C, so dress warmly.
- ●The tour lasts approximately 3-4 hours, including a 1.5-hour guided walk underground.
- ●For your safety, please follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Craig - United Kingdom
23 January
Hugo - France
23 January
The event was very well organized and informative, with fantastic historical insights.
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.5/5
Based on 64 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
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23 January
The event was very well organized and informative, with fantastic historical insights.
Helpful? Yes
22 January
The event was very well organized and informative, with fantastic historical insights.
Helpful? Yes
20 January
The event was very well organized and informative, with fantastic historical insights.
Helpful? Yes
19 January
I strongly encourage everyone to book this trip—it's truly an unforgettable experience! You have to see it to believe it!
Helpful? Yes
19 January
It was a fantastic experience with a knowledgeable guide! However, the large group size was a bit disappointing, especially with some participants chatting continuously.
Helpful? Yes
19 January
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Absolutely spectacular! Exceptional value for money. The experience was wonderfully lengthy, and the guide was incredibly skilled and friendly. She was a blonde woman wearing a mask, and not only did she explain everything perfectly, but she also made us laugh a lot. The transportation was excellent as well—the driver patiently waited for everyone at the end without rushing us. The mine itself was breathtaking—truly a must-see at least once in a lifetime. At the end of the tour, we even had a meal (photo attached), which was absolutely delicious. Huge thanks to the organizers for putting this together! ❤️
Helpful? Yes
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18 January
The place was stunning, but the stairs were a real challenge. We were advised to bring strollers since they can be folded and carried up the stairs, but the frequent stops to fold, carry, and unfold every couple of minutes made the experience far from enjoyable.
Helpful? Yes
17 January
The guide was fantastic, and the bus was punctual and clean, though it felt a bit cramped—but thankfully, it’s only a half-hour ride. The tour is quite pricey, but the visit itself was fascinating.
Helpful? Yes
15 January
The amazing Margerita took excellent care of us and gave fantastic recommendations! Thank you so much!
Helpful? Yes
15 January
The Salt Mine Tour was fantastic, with Tomasz as our guide—he was both knowledgeable and entertaining. Unfortunately, the transport arrived late, and the minibus was uncomfortably cramped.
Helpful? Yes
13 January
The tour felt a bit unorganized, and it was hard to hear the guide. Perhaps providing headsets would improve the experience. Additionally, we exited the tour through a different route, leaving us disoriented about our location and the bus pickup point. We had to rely on Google Maps, which added a 10-minute walk after already climbing numerous stairs—not ideal.
Helpful? Yes
13 January
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It was an enjoyable experience overall, with everything well-organized and worth a visit. However, a minor issue was the difficulty in hearing the guide. Given the cost, investing in standard headphones would greatly improve the experience—I could only catch about 40% of the commentary. The elevators were quite an adventure, fitting seven people into a 2m² space and ascending two floors at high speed, all without windows—it was fascinating! That said, individuals with claustrophobia might find it challenging, and I think it’s something that should be mentioned in advance.
Helpful? Yes
11 January
Highly recommended visit. The sculptures carved 100 meters underground are truly impressive. The guided tour was very engaging.
Helpful? Yes
11 January
The driver was extremely punctual, and the service was flawless. The Italian-speaking guide we met upon arrival at the mines was knowledgeable but rushed through the tour, which ended up lasting less than 2 hours. The mines are historically fascinating, but the price paid felt too steep for the experience.
Helpful? Yes
10 January
As many have mentioned, the timing was changed at the last minute. What we had planned as a morning trip turned into a midday visit, forcing us to adjust our other plans. That said, the mines themselves were incredible and absolutely worth seeing.
Helpful? Yes
09 January
The tour guide, Stanislaw, was outstanding—top-notch service! The salt mine is an absolute must-visit.
Helpful? Yes
07 January
A fantastic place to visit—it feels like being in the mines from The Lord of the Rings (if you can picture it). Areas for improvement include reducing the cost of the Italian-speaking guide and avoiding overcrowding, especially with larger groups, during the final ascent in the elevator.
Helpful? Yes
07 January
My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Exploring the rich history of the mines was fascinating, and our tour guide was exceptionally knowledgeable, making the visit even better. I highly recommend including the museum in your visit to get the full experience—it’s worth it, and skipping it would be a missed opportunity. The entire tour lasted about 2-3 hours and was reasonably priced for such an adventure.
Helpful? Yes
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