UNESCO salt mine with underground chapels and sculptures.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 14 km south-east of Krakow, with centuries-old chambers carved from rock salt, including the St. Kinga Chapel. The tourist route descends 135 m by stairs and covers around 3 km of galleries in roughly 2 hours. Trains and buses run frequently from Krakow Glowny, making this the easiest half-day trip.
| Distance | 14 km |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 30-45 minutes by train or bus |
| Getting there | Mode: Train; Detail: Suburban train from Krakow Glowny to Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia |
| Cost | Entry about 120-140 PLN (~$32-37 USD); train about 6-10 PLN |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | ul. Danilowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka |
How to get there
- Train
- Bus 304
- Taxi or ride-hail
- Organised tour
Suggested itinerary
- Time
- 09:00
- Activity
- Train to Wieliczka
- Time
- 10:00
- Activity
- Tourist route (2 hours)
- Time
- 13:00
- Activity
- Lunch in Wieliczka and return
Location
ul. Danilowicza 10, 32-020 Wieliczka
49.9833, 20.0555 View on map
Highlights
- St. Kinga Chapel carved in salt
- Underground lakes and sculptures
- UNESCO-listed mine galleries
Tips for visiting
- Book timed tickets online in summer.
- Wear warm layers, as the mine is about 14 C.
- Allow 3 hours including transport from Krakow.
When to visit
Year round
Accessibility
Descent is by about 380 steps; return by lift. Limited access for wheelchairs on the standard route.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Wieliczka?
About 14 km, 30 minutes by suburban train.
How long is the tour?
The tourist route takes about 2 hours.