Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour

Dive into Poland's history with the UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition at the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Explore mesmerizing tunnels, enjoy a boat ride beneath the earth, and discover the rich heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
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Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Overview

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest and most famous salt mines in the world, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site. The mine, which has been operational since the 13th century, stretches over 287 kilometers of tunnels, chambers, and shafts. On this tour, you’ll descend 135 meters underground to explore the intricate network of tunnels and the stunning salt formations within. As you walk through the chambers, your guide will share fascinating stories about the history of the mine, its importance to Poland’s economy, and the lives of the miners who worked there for centuries. The salt mine’s unique structures, including chapels, sculptures, and a vast underground lake, will transport you to another world.

One of the highlights of this tour is the underground boat ride through the mine’s underground lake. This unique experience allows you to glide through the salty waters surrounded by centuries-old salt formations. The boat ride offers a peaceful, almost magical experience, providing a perspective of the mine that few ever get to see. As you float in the eerie silence, you’ll be able to truly appreciate the scale and depth of this historical wonder. The underground boat ride adds an adventurous and serene touch to your visit, making it one of the most memorable aspects of the tour.

As you venture deeper into the mine, you'll visit some of its most incredible chambers, including the famous St. Kinga’s Chapel. Carved entirely out of salt, the chapel features remarkable salt sculptures and chandeliers, creating a striking contrast to the dark, cool environment. The chapel is not just a tourist attraction but also a place for religious ceremonies, underscoring the mine’s cultural significance. Throughout the tour, you'll encounter various salt sculptures depicting historical figures, animals, and even religious scenes. These intricate carvings, created by miners over the centuries, provide insight into the mine’s history and its workers’ deep connection to their underground world.

Beyond its impressive scale and stunning visuals, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a testament to the dedication of the miners who worked in it over hundreds of years. During your visit, you’ll learn about the mine's vital role in Poland's economy, as salt was once a highly valued commodity. The mine also holds a deep cultural significance, with various artistic and cultural events being held in its vast chambers over the years. From its humble beginnings as a source of salt to its current status as one of Poland's most visited tourist sites, the Wieliczka Salt Mine offers an unforgettable journey through time.

This tour is an ideal adventure for families, history buffs, and anyone fascinated by Poland’s rich cultural heritage. The Wieliczka Salt Mine provides an engaging and educational experience for all ages. The mine's well-preserved condition, along with the knowledgeable guides, ensure that you'll leave with a deeper understanding of its importance. With an opportunity to explore vast underground chambers, ride a boat through a saltwater lake, and learn about centuries of mining tradition, this tour is an enriching experience that will leave you in awe of the scale and history of this incredible UNESCO World Heritage site.

Select date, participants and language

Adult x 1

Adult

Age 10-25+

Excursion Itinerary

Krakow
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 75 minute

Start your adventure with a comfortable van ride, heading toward the Bochnia Salt Mine. Sit back and relax as you enjoy the scenic drive through the Polish countryside.


Bochnia Salt Mine
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk,
Duration: 3 hour 30 minute

Arrive at Bochnia Salt Mine for a guided tour through tunnels, chambers, and historic salt extraction areas. Learn about its history and miners' lives while capturing stunning underground landscapes!


Bochnia Salt Mine
Visit, Scenic views on the way, Boat cruise, Rafting,
Duration: 30 minute

After the tour, enjoy a peaceful boat cruise on the mine's underground lake or try rafting for an adventurous experience surrounded by stunning salt formations.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 75 minute

After your exciting and educational journey, relax during the comfortable ride back to Kraków, where the tour concludes.


Krakow
Finish Activities

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine with a professional guide
  • Take an underground boat ride across the salty waters of the mine’s hidden lake
  • Discover the stunning St. Kinga’s Chapel, carved entirely from salt
  • Learn about the mine’s history, cultural significance, and fascinating stories
  • Experience an unforgettable journey through Poland’s rich historical depths.

What's Included and What's Not?

Included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Driver
  • Guide
  • Entrance Ticket
  • Underground Boat Expedition
  • Ride a Mining Train
  • Visiting Salt Mine with Audioguide
  • Multimedia exhibits

Not Included

  • Tips.

Not Suitable For This Activities

  • Children under 4 years
  • People with claustrophobia
  • People with mobility impairments
  • Wheelchair users

Not Allowed This Activities

  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Pets

Important Information

What to Bring

Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes

Information Before Booking

  • The tour requires moderate physical activity with plenty of walking, so guests should be prepared for a few hours of exploration.
  • This tour is perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Minimum age requirement: 7 years old. Children under this age are not permitted on the underground boat ride, so please plan accordingly.

Know Before You Go

  • Entrance fees to the Wieliczka Salt Mine are included in the tour price, but some optional activities (such as souvenirs, food, or additional attractions) are not included.
  • Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and exploring the mine’s tunnels.

4.7/5

46
Reviews

About This Activity

Free Cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Reserve Now & Pay Later

Keep your travel plans flexible - book your spot and pay nothing today

Duration 7  Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English, Polish

Pickup Optional

Most of the hotels in Krakow region has got high privacy rules. Please meet us at the main entrance gate of your hotel not the reception.

Location

Krakow Poland

Book Today

From

€70.00

per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Moe Anne - Colombia
02 January

The transportation was smooth, and Baran was a really friendly driver. Dimitri’s guiding made the mine tour even better she knew a lot and was easy to talk to. The rafting was an incredible experience I won’t forget. Well organized from start to finish!

Harlan Evie - Germany
05 January

My daughter and I were picked up right from our Airbnb, which was super convenient. Communication with our guide beforehand was excellent. There were only 8 of us in the group plus the guide at the mine, which made it feel very personal. The guide was fantastic and spoke English fluently. The headph...

Read More

See More Reviews

Customer Reviews

All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.

Overall Rating

4.7/5

Based on 46 Reviews

Guide

4.7/5

Transportation

4.7/5

Value for Money

4.7/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
M
Moe Anne - Colombia
02 January

The transportation was smooth, and Baran was a really friendly driver. Dimitri’s guiding made the mine tour even better she knew a lot and was easy to talk to. The rafting was an incredible experience I won’t forget. Well organized from start to finish!

Helpful? Yes

H
Harlan Evie - Germany
05 January

My daughter and I were picked up right from our Airbnb, which was super convenient. Communication with our guide beforehand was excellent. There were only 8 of us in the group plus the guide at the mine, which made it feel very personal. The guide was fantastic and spoke English fluently. The headphones we wore worked really well, and the timing of the information at each stop was perfect. I had the English audio, which was very impressive. The walk was about 4.5 km in total, with some uneven ground and a long staircase about 200 meters down and then back up. Overall, I’d rate this day trip 5 out of 5. It does require being in reasonably good physical shape and having some endurance. I definitely recommend it for families with kids 12 years and older. My daughter is 16 and really enjoyed it!

Helpful? Yes

M
Marlis Jolene - Argentina
09 January
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Everything was super organized and ready when I arrived. The experience was truly unique, and I’m really happy I went. Big thanks to the whole team!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sieghard Katherina - Germany
11 January

The mine tour was, of course, very interesting, and on top of that, everything was perfectly organized. Our guide Pars was knowledgeable and very helpful throughout the trip. Definitely worth recommending!

Helpful? Yes

C
Cheyenne Charles - Colombia
15 January

Our guide,was excellent he had deep knowledge of Poland and Kraków’s history, which made the experience so much more than just a ride to the mine. This tour gave us real value for money. The mine itself isn’t full of huge, dramatic chambers, but it’s a smart and well presented introduction to the history of salt mining in the area and its importance to Kraków. The interactive elements inside were really well done. Highly recommend this if you’re genuinely interested in the story of the mine and salt extraction.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jonas Dirk - Canada
20 January

Bartu was an awesome guide! Super friendly and full of great insights not just about the cave, but also about the city of Krakow, which added a lot to the experience. The cave itself was really cool (but not too cold), and we especially enjoyed the little train ride and the boat section. At the end of the tour, there was actually some really tasty food for purchase inside the cave, which was a nice surprise. All in all, a fun and smooth experience!

Helpful? Yes

E
Eckehard Isidora - Denmark
23 January

I highly recommend this agency and the services they offer. Our driver, was incredibly kind and helpful throughout the whole trip. Everything was well organized and smooth. I would recommend it 100%!

Helpful? Yes

E
Elwood Evy - Denmark
26 January

Transportation was absolutely first class. We were picked up right at our door and dropped off again with zero hassle. Our driver, was brilliant he contacted us first thing in the morning and was waiting for us at the tour exit. Nothing was too much trouble for him. He was also really knowledgeable about the city’s history and even gave us great tips on where to eat out. Highly recommend this service!

Helpful? Yes

M
Milford Carolann - Germany
29 January

This was such an interesting trip, with lots of multimedia displays that really brought the mine’s history to life. We were in a small tour group, which made it easy to see everything without crowds. The elevator, boat, and little train ride added a fun touch to the experience. Our driver, was right on time, polite, and super knowledgeable not just about the mine but also about Polish history in general. Honestly, the tour started the moment we got in the minivan thanks to his stories and insights. We’re really glad we chose the Bochnia Salt Mine instead of the more tourist heavy Wieliczka one. It felt more authentic and relaxed. Highly recommend this trip!

Helpful? Yes

S
Sindy Benedict - Argentina
02 February

Brilliant trip very well organized from start to finish. Our driver and host was excellent, super friendly and helpful throughout. Communication around transport was spot on too, which made the day totally stress free. Just a heads up for future visitors: while the food in the restaurant down in the mine is tasty, it's priced by weight, and I was a bit shocked to for a small plate of meat and vegetables. Definitely more expensive than usual Polish food prices. Also worth noting: the tour involves quite a bit of walking inside the mine, so be prepared with comfortable shoes. That said, it was a fantastic and fascinating experience overall. Highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

M
Marieke Arend - Denmark
08 February

Great tour! It felt very authentic and not overly touristy, which I really appreciated. The mix of history and multimedia presentations made everything come alive without feeling forced. It’s a place that hasn’t been overrun by big crowds , so now’s the perfect time to go. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

P
Paisley Baron - Colombia
11 February

My son and I had the best day! Mert, our driver and guide, was fantastic super helpful, full of fun, and really made the whole experience special. The mine itself was amazing, and the little train ride and boat trip were great additions that made it even more fun. It was one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommended for families!

Helpful? Yes

T
Terrance Michayla - Colombia
15 February

Nemo, our driver, was really lovely and took great care of us throughout the day. Everything ran smoothly, and the tour was well organized. What I didn’t realize when booking is that there are actually two salt mines near Krakow. This one was definitely interesting and had a strong educational focus it kind of felt like a school trip in a good way. That said, I was hoping to see more of the artistic salt sculptures, which I later found out are in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. So I was a bit disappointed, but that was totally on me for not double-checking. Still a solid experience overall, especially if you’re interested in the historical side of things.

Helpful? Yes

B
Bonnie Lina - Costa Rica
18 February

In my opinion, everything was great really well organized from start to finish. I honestly wouldn’t change a thing. I’ll definitely be recommending this trip to others. It was a fantastic experience!

Helpful? Yes

G
Griet Jami - Costa Rica
22 February
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Mark, our guide and driver, really made the trip special. He was informative, funny, and genuinely caring throughout the whole day. It felt like we were in great hands the entire time. Highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

B
Bart Valentine - Denmark
26 February

The driver took great care to make sure there was no confusion about the pick up spot. Communication was very clear throughout. The mine tour was really interesting, and everything went smoothly from start to finish. As a nice bonus, the tour organizers even gave us little bags of salt as souvenirs. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

E
Elwood Conrad - Canada
28 February

I had an absolutely fantastic experience on this tour! Everything was incredibly well organized from the on time transfers and seamless logistics to the knowledgeable guide and meticulously planned itinerary. Each destination was fully booked, and we weren't rushed at all. The tour team was professional, friendly, and attentive to every detail, making the entire trip comfortable and enjoyable. I was really pleased with how smoothly everything went. This tour exceeded my expectations and left me with unforgettable memories. I highly recommend it!

Helpful? Yes

R
Rafe Maximillian - France
02 March
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania

Nick was a very well spoken, respectful, and knowledgeable guide. He was professional throughout the entire trip and made us feel completely at ease. We really appreciated his insights and friendly approach. I’d highly recommend him to anyone considering this tour. Thank you, Nick

Helpful? Yes

M
Malvina Franklyn - Canada
05 March

Sam was a very attentive and dedicated guide throughout the tour. He really cared about making sure we had a great experience and was fully engaged the whole time. Definitely helped make the trip memorable!

Helpful? Yes

A
Anita Isabella - Germany
09 March

Very good overall. Honestly, nothing comes to mind that needs improvement. Everything ran smoothly and was enjoyable from start to finish. Would definitely recommend!

Helpful? Yes

K
Konstanze Royal - Colombia
11 March
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania

A very interesting tour with a guide who was clearly very knowledgeable. It really made the experience memorable and enjoyable. Definitely worth doing!

Helpful? Yes

J
Jessica Peter - United Arab Emirates
16 March

Really relaxing and cozy experience. Everything was well organized from start to finish. A lovely way to spend the day!

Helpful? Yes

T
Tamika Jaxson - Canada
20 March

Tom, our taxi driver, was friendly, knowledgeable, and gave us great tips throughout the trip. He really made the experience more enjoyable. Highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

T
Tameka Jaimie - Denmark
23 March

Fred was a top notch driver and guide. Super friendly and professional, made the whole trip run smoothly. Would definitely travel with him again!

Helpful? Yes

G
Gerald Tigerlily - Colombia
26 March

Absolutely fantastic, highly recommend! Our trip host and driver was very competent and a really nice person. Made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

Helpful? Yes

R
Reinout Gerolf - Canada
30 March

Olga is a great guide careful, punctual, and really knowledgeable. She shared loads of useful info throughout the tour, which made it way more interesting. The tour itself was a nice surprise, especially with the interactive tech exhibitions that added a fun twist. Just a heads up, be prepared for quite a bit of walking! Totally recommend it.

Helpful? Yes

G
Gerald Tigerlily - Colombia
04 April

We were picked up promptly, and our driver Emmy was very courteous throughout the trip. The salt mine itself was fantastic and really interesting to explore. Just a heads up, there are quite a few steps to climb, so it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues. The train and boat rides were a great addition and made the tour even more fun. Our guide stayed with us the whole time, and the English headsets worked perfectly. We’d definitely recommend this trip!

Helpful? Yes

U
Una Georgie - Argentina
08 April

The experience was really positive such a fascinating place full of history. Mack, our guide, was a really cheerful person with excellent English. He felt like a true travel companion thanks to his great company throughout the trip. Highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

R
Ron Racheal - Colombia
11 April

Absolutely recommended. A unique experience that I won’t forget. Worth every minute!

Helpful? Yes

J
Johnathon Headley - Germany
16 April

Very good experience overall. Our driver was really helpful and knowledgeable. He spoke excellent English and even accompanied us down into the mine to help with understanding, since a lot of the info was in Polish. Definitely made the tour easier and more enjoyable!

Helpful? Yes

N
Noelene Freddy - United Arab Emirates
19 April

Thank you again, This was a very informative and enjoyable day. I was the only person on the tour who couldn’t speak or understand Polish, but the guide went out of his way to explain everything and answer all my questions. The tour was very well organized, and all the activities were fun especially the train ride and boat tour. I would highly recommend this experience. Plus, the lovely thank you gift of a salt sample was a nice touch!

Helpful? Yes

R
Raffael Trudie - Denmark
22 April

Bellissima esperienza! Our guide was exceptional very attentive to our needs and kept us informed about every detail and event. I truly believe the tour was made even more beautiful and enjoyable thanks to him. The Bochnia salt mines leave you speechless with their natural beauty. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

C
Carola Trijntje - China
25 April

A really pleasant day. Everything was well organized, and our guide was very enthusiastic! It made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Definitely recommend!

Helpful? Yes

W
Warwick Corbinian - Colombia
28 April

Everything was perfect. Smooth, well organized, and a great overall experience. Highly recommend!

Helpful? Yes

D
Darion Marjan - Dominica
05 May

Tommy, our driver and guide, was great very polite, helpful, and professional. Since the mine guide didn’t speak English, Tommy came down with us to make sure we understood everything, which we really appreciated. He went above and beyond, and nothing was too much trouble for him. Pick up was right on time, and everything ran smoothly. We’d definitely recommend this tour!

Helpful? Yes

A
Arch Livvy - Bulgaria
09 May

Great experience! The audio guide and visual screens really helped bring the history to life. Being in a smaller group made it easier to see everything clearly. The underground train and boat ride were definitely highlights. Unfortunately, the slide was out of order, but it didn’t take away from the day. We even got a small gift at the end and some great recommendations for food and drinks in Krakow. Really well done overall!

Helpful? Yes

J
Jayceon Celinda - Congo
11 May

The trip was fantastic, and our guide Marco was excellent friendly, informative, and made everything run smoothly. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lizbeth Lot - Canada
15 May
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania
Krakow: UNESCO Underground Boat Expedition & Salt Mine Tour | ®ExcursionMania

I was picked up right on time from my hotel, and the ride to the Bochnia Salt Mines was smooth and comfortable. We joined the official tour, which was in Polish, but we were given English audio devices, and our driver kindly helped translate instructions and additional info when needed. The train and boat rides inside the mine were so much fun, and the 35 minute break was really appreciated. There weren’t too many stairs maybe around 300 total and there were elevators both ways, which helped a lot. Big thanks to Thousand Miles for hosting the trip and for the thoughtful salt souvenir at the end. Highly recommended!

Helpful? Yes

B
Brooke Ern - Denmark
19 May

Bam was a really pleasant person throughout the journey and the tour. He joked with us and made the whole experience more fun and relaxed. Big thanks to him for his professionalism and punctuality with the transport. It was a great day!

Helpful? Yes

M
Marlin Elke - Germany
23 May

Very interesting history and a friendly, knowledgeable guide. I also appreciated that the tour supports a local employer that’s always a plus. Well worth it!

Helpful? Yes

M
Marge Darell - Colombia
25 May

We had an amazing guide in Pascal! He picked us up right on time from a spot close to our hotel in a super comfortable vehicle. There was only one other lovely lady on our tour, who didn’t seem to mind being joined by a lively group of 7 Yorkshire folk each day! Pascal was absolutely brilliant he stayed with us all day, gave great translations, and made the whole tour genuinely interesting and engaging. Couldn’t recommend this tour more. Thank you, Pascal!

Helpful? Yes

D
Diana Marius - Denmark
27 May

Super easy and smooth overall. The tour in the mine was a bit long with quite a bit of waiting, but still interesting. The train and boat rides were really short but fun to try! A nice experience overall.

Helpful? Yes

M
Maria Annika - Costa Rica
30 May

The day trip was good overall, and Max, our guide, was definitely the highlight she did a wonderful job keeping us engaged. My honest feedback is that the visit felt a bit too long and could be condensed, as some people seemed to lose interest towards the end. Still, a memorable experience and well worth doing!

Helpful? Yes

M
Michaël Melyssa - Colombia
03 June

The trip was okay overall. There aren’t a huge number of sights, but it’s still an interesting experience. Be prepared for lots of stairs around 314 steps down to the restaurant area and then back up, which is pretty steep. The train and boat rides were enjoyable, though quite short the boat goes through just one tunnel and lasts less than five minutes. I did notice some confusion among other travelers who thought they were booking the main salt mine near Krakow, which has a longer boat and train ride at the end. This mine is smaller and further away, so it would be helpful if the description clearly stated the name to avoid mix ups. Overall, a decent day out if you’re prepared for the walking!

Helpful? Yes

M
Max Bauer - Cambodia
11 June

For the price, I expected a bit more. Unfortunately, the underground boat tour lasted only about 2 minutes, and I didn’t see much like in the photos. On the plus side, our driver and guide were very nice and friendly. Overall, a pleasant day but a bit shorter than expected.

Helpful? Yes

R
Reggie Gunther - Canada
15 June

Transportation was spot on driver was punctual and friendly, which made the start smooth. The mine tour itself, though, was a bit of a letdown. Our guide seemed pretty checked out and didn’t really bring the place to life. Still, the setting was cool, and I enjoyed the train and boat rides. Would recommend mostly for the experience, but don’t expect a lively guide.

Helpful? Yes

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