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.

Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
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Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

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

Adult x 1, Child x 0 , Infant x 0

Adult

Age 5-25+

Child

Age 5-12

Infant

Age 0-4

Excursion Itinerary

Krakow
Start Activities

Van (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Min.

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.


Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour
Visit, Guided tour,
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.


Return to the Surface

Duration: 20 Min.

After the tour, you’ll climb back to the surface, following the guide’s instructions for a safe and comfortable return.


Van (Transfer)
Duration: 30 Min.

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.


Krakow
Finish Activities

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

Camera
Cash
Comfortable clothes
Comfortable shoes

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.

4.6/5

51
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 4 Hours

Check availability to see starting times.

Live Tour Guide

English, French, German, Italian, Polish, Spanish

Pickup Optional

Please wait at the main security gate of your hotel 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time.

Location

Krakow Poland

Book Today

From

€6.00

per person

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

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

Ketlin Azevedo - Brazil
02 July

The level of knowledge shared was impressive.

Jiang Jun Rui - Singapore
09 April

Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

I found it really engaging, and the tour guide provided a lot of useful information.

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

4.6/5

Based on 51 Reviews

Guide

4.6/5

Transportation

4.6/5

Value for Money

4.6/5

By Traveler Types
By star rating
K
Ketlin Azevedo - Brazil
02 July

The level of knowledge shared was impressive.

Helpful? Yes

J
Jiang Jun Rui - Singapore
09 April
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

I found it really engaging, and the tour guide provided a lot of useful information.

Helpful? Yes

W
William Moe - Norway
25 June

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

M
Mia Nilsen - Norway
21 June

Incredible experience! A truly great place that’s definitely worth visiting.

Helpful? Yes

M
Maribel Polanco - Dominican Republic
15 May

I enjoyed every part of it, though it’s unfortunate that a Lithuanian-speaking guide wasn’t available

Helpful? Yes

D
Declan White - Canada
02 August

I enjoyed every part of it, though it’s unfortunate that a Lithuanian-speaking guide wasn’t available

Helpful? Yes

G
Giada Villa - Italy
26 May

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

L
Lina Frank - Germany
28 May

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

N
Nicolas Lorenz - Germany
07 May

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

S
Simone Neri - Italy
31 July
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

The tour guide was full of energy and enthusiasm. The chambers themselves were truly impressive.

Helpful? Yes

J
Julia Marie - France
10 July

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

O
Olivia Becker - Luxembourg
26 May

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

F
Felix Schneider - Luxembourg
21 April

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

S
Santiago Estrada - Brazil
12 May

Everything matched the description perfectly! The tour leader provided excellent service and communicated very well throughout.

Helpful? Yes

C
Charline Ferreira - France
10 June

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

N
Nicolás Salazar - Mexico
10 May

Everything was smoothly coordinated from beginning to end. Many thanks.

Helpful? Yes

E
Emil de Cock - Belgium
01 June
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

Everything went well.

Helpful? Yes

K
Karen Berglund - Denmark
12 June

The guide was extremely knowledgeable and provided clear explanations. We were able to see a great deal during the tour.

Helpful? Yes

V
Vanda Pučkoriūtė - Lithuania
14 May

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

T
Tristan Fortin - France
11 May

The experience at the salt mine was incredible, and I would encourage everyone to visit.

Helpful? Yes

V
Viktoria Kuusk - Estonia
12 July
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

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

M
Martin Mölder - Estonia
10 May

Truly distinctive and unconventional.

Helpful? Yes

N
Noah Schuster - Austria
12 June

The guide should make sure to keep speaking directly into the microphone throughout the tour.

Helpful? Yes

O
Oliver Leitner - Austria
14 May

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

K
Ketlin Azevedo - Brazil
15 April

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

M
María Antonia Velasco - Spain
24 June

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

R
Raul Navarro - Spain
22 July

The tour guide was very informative and engaging. I wish we could have spent a bit more time exploring certain aspects.

Helpful? Yes

M
Melanie Holm - Spain
10 May

The tour was excellently arranged and captivating. Our driver was very attentive and looked after us really well—everything went flawlessly.

Helpful? Yes

N
Nadia Favre - Switzerland
27 May

The mine is remarkable both in its scale and its stunning appearance.

Helpful? Yes

O
Océane Lüthi - Switzerland
26 May

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

M
Markus Baumann - Germany
12 June

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

N
Nicolas Lorenz - Germany
02 May

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

A
Amparo Diaz - Spain
11 May

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

J
Jesus Guerrero - Spain
24 April

Fantastic tour, make sure to set aside plenty of time for it!

Helpful? Yes

L
Lara Bizjak - Slovenia
12 April
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania
Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour from Krakow | ®ExcursionMania

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

I
Ismael Bravo - Chile
07 June

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

A
Amparo Diaz - Chile
11 May

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

D
Diana Angelica - Romania
22 May

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

D
David Dragomir - Romania
15 June

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

S
Sıla Aslan - Türkiye
11 June

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

E
Enes Turan - Türkiye
16 May

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

M
Matilda Godolová - Slovakia
29 June

Visiting the salt museum was disappointing due to excessive commercialization and a lot of confusion. The site definitely requires improved management.

Helpful? Yes

L
Leire Zepeda - Venezuela
14 April

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

I
Isabella Scott - Australia
26 May

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

A
Alfonso Cabrera - Colombia
17 May

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

T
Tristan Fortin - France
25 April

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

C
Charline Ferreira - France
27 February

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

A
Antoni Zalewski - Poland
11 May

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

M
Michał Pawlak - Poland
11 May

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

H
Hipólito Morales - Argentina
24 May

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

İbrahim Işik - Türkiye
26 May

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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