Wieliczka Salt Mine

Krakow showing heritage architecture, art and interior views
Chapels carved entirely from salt, an underground lake and a museum make up this internationally protected World Heritage listed salt mine. 

Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine and stand beneath the glittering chandeliers in the Chapel of St. Kinga. You might imagine you are in one of Europe’s great cathedrals. The fact that you are underground and almost all the reliefs, statues and chandeliers are made from salt makes the spectacle even more impressive. Explore the saline labyrinth further to discover an underground lake, numerous carvings and a museum tracking the 700-year history of the mine. 

Wieliczka Salt Mine was created in the 13th century and was once one of the world’s major producers of table salt. It is one of the oldest mines in the world. With 178 miles (287 kilometres) of passageways, it is also one of the largest.

Visit the mine by guided tour only. Descend underground via the 378 steps of a wooden staircase. You’ll arrive at the first level, 209 feet (64 metres) underground. The tour covers a 2-mile (3-kilometre) walk. This will take you to a final depth of 443 feet (135 metres) underground. 

Take your time to admire the reliefs and statues that line the sides of the tunnels. See religious iconography, such as scenes from the Last Supper, alongside lighthearted figures such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. There are three chapels carved from salt, including the magnificent Chapel of St. Kinga. Trace the 700-year evolution of the mining equipment used by salt miners in the museum at the end of the tour. Try a meal at the underground restaurant it will be seasoned with salt from the mine.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is open daily year-round, with the exception of some public holidays. It is located 6 miles (10 kilometres) southeast of Krakow. Come by rental car, commuter train or minibus. There is a charge for entry and tours. Book tours in advance online or from the entrance on the day of your visit. 

Reviews of Wieliczka Salt Mine

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
591
" "5 - Excellent 73.78277153558052%
4 - Good
159
" "4 - Good 19.850187265917604%
3 - Okay
39
" "3 - Okay 4.868913857677903%
2 - Disappointing
5
" "2 - Disappointing 0.6242197253433208%
1 - Terrible
7
" "1 - Terrible 0.8739076154806492%

5/5 - Excellent

David
25 Feb 2020

Fascinating. Hundreds of years' excavation. Vast chambers and so much to see - and the tour takes in about 1% of the mine!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Jan 2020

We got the bus there approx 9plz for 2 people and bought tickets at the salt mines and joined a tour there. Was so easy to do and cheaper than buying a trip with a company. We got the 304 bus and which drops you right outside the mine( third from last stop, Wieliczka Kopalnia Soli ) bus only accepts coins or your card, no notes.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Dec 2019

Amazing well worth a visit but be prepared for steps and plenty of walking,so sensible footwear .

5/5 - Excellent

James
7 Dec 2019

Be prepared for a long walk back to the lifts from the last viewing area. Quite warm at the bottom in the tunnels.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
1 Dec 2019

Plenty of steps down not really suitable for anyone who is not mobile or young children, but well worth it the features and tour guide were excellent

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
15 Oct 2019

Be aware that a lot of stairs and walking involved

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Turowka Hotel & Spa
Turowka Hotel & Spa
4 out of 5
Ul. Zeromskiego 1, Wieliczka, Lesser Poland
Turowka Hotel & Spa
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
4 out of 5
ul. Berka Joselewicza 19, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Metropolitan Boutique Hotel
Galaxy Hotel
Galaxy Hotel
4 out of 5
ul. Gesia 22a, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Galaxy Hotel
Farmona Hotel Business & Spa
Farmona Hotel Business & Spa
3 out of 5
ul. Jugowicka 10 C, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Farmona Hotel Business & Spa
Qubus Hotel Krakow
Qubus Hotel Krakow
4 out of 5
ul. Nadwislanska 6, Kraków, Lesser Poland
Qubus Hotel Krakow
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.