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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Ketlin Azevedo - Brazil
02 July
The level of knowledge shared was impressive.
Jiang Jun Rui - Singapore
09 April
I found it really engaging, and the tour guide provided a lot of useful information.
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Based on 51 Reviews
4.6/5
4.6/5
4.6/5
I found it really engaging, and the tour guide provided a lot of useful information.
Helpful? Yes
The bus ride itself was pleasant. However, having a map of the area would have been helpful. We ended up exiting in a completely different location and had to rely on Google Maps to find where we parked. The information provided wasn’t communicated in a way that made it easy to retain. We also spent quite a while waiting in line, without any clear explanation for the delay.
Helpful? Yes
Incredible experience! A truly great place that’s definitely worth visiting.
Helpful? Yes
I enjoyed every part of it, though it’s unfortunate that a Lithuanian-speaking guide wasn’t available
Helpful? Yes
I enjoyed every part of it, though it’s unfortunate that a Lithuanian-speaking guide wasn’t available
Helpful? Yes
There wasn’t a single thing to complain about — the experience was excellent and well worth the visit. I’ll definitely return. Be prepared for a good amount of walking, especially when it comes to the stairs — there are quite a few! But the entire tour is truly stunning and won’t leave you disappointed.
Helpful? Yes
Our guide, Matthew, was very knowledgeable, had a great sense of humor, and made the tour really enjoyable from start to finish. I’d definitely recommend it!
Helpful? Yes
The tour itself was excellent, and the guide clearly knew their stuff. However, the earphone system was very poor — the sound quality made it hard to hear anything properly. The pace of the tour also felt quite rushed, which made it difficult to stop and take photos, as we constantly had to keep up. Because of the faulty earpieces, we missed a lot of what was being said. We also ended up exiting the mine through a different location one of four, and had no idea how to return to the bus. Since the locals didn’t speak English, getting directions was nearly impossible and the situation became quite stressful.
Helpful? Yes
The tour guide was full of energy and enthusiasm. The chambers themselves were truly impressive.
Helpful? Yes
The salt mines are truly remarkable — it’s incredible to see the kinds of things that can be crafted from salt. The sights are genuinely beautiful.
Helpful? Yes
It was truly an unforgettable experience! Our guide managed to be both informative and entertaining, and the site itself was more surreal than I ever imagined. I would definitely recommend it.
Helpful? Yes
The tour feels like it passes by really fast. I realize there’s high demand, but the pace seemed a bit too rushed.
Helpful? Yes
Everything matched the description perfectly! The tour leader provided excellent service and communicated very well throughout.
Helpful? Yes
A fantastic location led by an excellent guide. I would definitely recommend this experience. Just keep in mind that after the tour finishes, it takes some time to leave the mine and then walk back to the parking area, especially if you’re on a bus tour.
Helpful? Yes
Everything was smoothly coordinated from beginning to end. Many thanks.
Helpful? Yes
The guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided clear explanations. We were able to see a great deal during the tour.
Helpful? Yes
We really enjoyed the unique experience of the salt mines, but the logistics of getting there and back were somewhat chaotic. We received very little information about the bus schedules for the return trip. Our entire group gathered at the designated car park, only to wait around 25 minutes in the intense heat before our guide returned to inform us that the bus would be delayed by another 25 minutes. Since we had other bookings and couldn’t afford to wait, we ended up taking a taxi back to Krakow. The communication throughout the process definitely needs improvement, as no one seemed to have clear information about what was happening.
Helpful? Yes
The experience at the salt mine was incredible, and I would encourage everyone to visit.
Helpful? Yes
Transportation wasn’t included, but that wasn’t a problem since taxis were easy to find. The experience was interesting and unlike anything else. There was a fair amount of walking involved, but the cool temperature made it comfortable. It’s definitely a unique place to visit.
Helpful? Yes
The guide should make sure to keep speaking directly into the microphone throughout the tour.
Helpful? Yes
Communication was clear, including a prior message alerting us to possible delays on the way back because of roadworks. The guide spoke good English and provided thorough explanations while also answering all our questions. We had enough time to explore the main highlights, but if you wanted to spend longer, you needed to keep moving since another group was following closely behind. The salt mine itself is remarkable and definitely worth visiting. The tour was very informative, offering plenty of insight into Poland’s history. It’s suitable for teenagers—our son really enjoyed it. There were fewer steps than anticipated, with plenty of benches for resting and breaks throughout.
Helpful? Yes
An incredible destination to explore. Everything went smoothly for us—the meeting spot, the transport, and the tour itself. Our guide was excellent and well-informed. The itinerary was kept on track throughout.
Helpful? Yes
A lovely tour with a stunning location. However, the return time to the bus should have been communicated more clearly to prevent anyone from being late.
Helpful? Yes
The tour guide was very informative and engaging. I wish we could have spent a bit more time exploring certain aspects.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was excellently arranged and captivating. Our driver was very attentive and looked after us really well—everything went flawlessly.
Helpful? Yes
The mine is remarkable both in its scale and its stunning appearance.
Helpful? Yes
Overall, we really enjoyed the experience. It’s a stunning location to explore, though it was quite crowded, and we ended up waiting longer than expected to enter.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was fantastic. My only recommendation would be to have some signs at the surface directing visitors back to the starting location.
Helpful? Yes
The salt mines were truly fascinating. We visited on July 22nd. Our guide was outstanding and really enhanced the experience. I can’t recall his name, but he was slender and wore his hair tied back in a ponytail. Overall, the entire tour was wonderful.
Helpful? Yes
The service was reliable and communication clear. The tour was thorough and featured impressive setups. One suggestion for improvement would be to offer slightly more detailed explanations during the tour.
Helpful? Yes
Fantastic tour, make sure to set aside plenty of time for it!
Helpful? Yes
A wonderful experience overall. Booking was straightforward, and communication to confirm the details was smooth. Our guide inside the mines was very well-informed and supportive from start to finish.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was an amazing experience that I would definitely suggest trying. The initial forty steps were quite challenging since you have to climb them all at once without any breaks. For anyone with knee issues or older visitors, it’s definitely a demanding start that can leave you feeling tired quickly. The schedule is quite tight, and the guides keep a fast pace throughout. The location’s beauty and ambiance are truly remarkable. Having a meal at the self-service restaurant inside the salt mine was also a great experience, with tasty food offered at reasonable prices. Considering the high ticket price, I have no regrets and would certainly recommend the tour. The tunnels are surprisingly spacious, with many areas well ventilated, making it easy to breathe.
Helpful? Yes
The salt mine visit was excellent, and we were well cared for throughout. However, the return transportation didn’t go as planned, as they refused to take us back to the original pickup location.
Helpful? Yes
The trip went well, and our guide explained everything in a simple and clear way. However, the meeting point was a bit confusing, and the person responsible for gathering the group could have been more obvious—maybe by holding a sign or wearing a shirt with the company’s logo.
Helpful? Yes
Our tour guide was outstanding, and the entire tour was very well planned. The only downside was the drop-off point. When we reached the elevator, no one informed us that there was a lengthy walk back to the parking area. Had we known, we could have avoided waiting for others who got lost, which happened to u
Helpful? Yes
We had arranged to meet at the mines, where the guide handed us our tickets and told us to join the English-speaking line before leaving. Honestly, we could have just purchased tickets on our own and had the same experience. Our designated guide’s English wasn’t very clear, making it hard to follow. The site itself is incredible, and I definitely recommend visiting—but I suggest going independently.
Helpful? Yes
The guide inside the mine was knowledgeable, and the bus guide, who handled the tickets, did a good job as well. However, we were not informed that the tour would end at a different location than where we started. Because of this, everyone got confused and had to figure out where the entrance and bus were. That was quite disappointing.
Helpful? Yes
Visiting the salt museum was disappointing due to excessive commercialization and a lot of confusion. The site definitely requires improved management.
Helpful? Yes
When we bought the ticket, it promised “skip the line,” implying no waiting time. However, my family and I ended up standing in line for an hour before entering. Honestly, we could have purchased tickets at the entrance and gotten in sooner without a guide. Aside from that, the tour itself was excellent, and I would certainly suggest it to others.
Helpful? Yes
In truth, the tour offers very little insight into the actual workings of the mine. It feels more like an underground theme park, filled with gnomes, religious statues, and similar decorations. The site would benefit from a section that accurately reflects the original mine, along with detailed explanations about the geology and the chemical makeup of the rock, including terms like halite and others.
Helpful? Yes
Booking through Cracow Visit didn’t serve much purpose. You expect a guided tour, but that’s not what you get. When we arrived, the guide was already late! After the group was assembled, we were merged into the line with regular visitors and ended up waiting about an hour for an available guide. The tour itself was enjoyable, quite tourist-oriented, and involved a lot of walking. Even after the tour finished, there was still a 15-minute walk to reach the elevator.
Helpful? Yes
The tour organizers and driver were fantastic. However, the salt mine itself was somewhat disappointing. While the site is visually stunning, the overall experience fell short. We were hurried through the mine with barely any time to properly take in the sights — it felt more like a quick ride on a train. The audio guide devices were very low quality; it was hard to hear the information, and if you were at the back of the group, the signal would often cut out completely due to limited range. Considering this, the visit didn’t justify the cost of admission.
Helpful? Yes
The visit to the salt museum was disappointing due to excessive commercialization and a lot of confusion. The site definitely requires improved management to enhance the overall experience.
Helpful? Yes
The tour offers very little insight into the actual workings of the mine. Instead, it feels more like an underground theme park, featuring gnomes, religious statues, and similar attractions. I believe it would be better if there were a section preserved in its original state, accompanied by detailed explanations about the geology and the different chemical compositions of the rock, including minerals like halite.
Helpful? Yes
We weren’t informed by the driver that upon exiting the mine, we would come out at a different location than where we started. There were no clear signs to guide us, which made it somewhat challenging to locate the bus afterward.
Helpful? Yes
The tour was a memorable experience that I’d certainly suggest to others. The initial forty steps were quite demanding, as they had to be taken all at once without any breaks. This part might be especially difficult for older visitors or anyone with knee issues, as it’s physically quite intense right from the beginning. The schedule is fairly tight, and the guides keep a fast pace throughout. Still, the site itself is stunning, with an incredible ambiance. We also had a meal at the self-service restaurant inside the mine, which turned out to be a great choice—tasty food at a reasonable price. Even though the ticket is a bit pricey, I felt the experience was well worth it and I’d definitely recommend it. The tunnels are spacious, and many areas are well-ventilated, so breathing was never a problem.
Helpful? Yes
The whole experience was exceptionally well arranged—from the transport to the guide. I would absolutely recommend this trip to others.
Helpful? Yes
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