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A Visit To Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland

One of the must-see places when you visit Krakow, Poland is Wieliczka Salt Mine. Located 16km from Krakow it dates back to the 13th century. The Royal Salt Mines of Wieliczka has chambers, corridors that span over 287 kilometres and a lift that goes into scary depths of up to 327 metres.


Carved Miner Inside Wieliczka Salt Mine ©MDHarding


A Visit To Wieliczka Salt Mine, Poland


About Wieliczka Salt Mine


Wieliczka Salt Mine ©MDHarding


Established by Royal degree, Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the worlds oldest operating salt mines. Producing table salt until 2007, then in the 1990s the mine flooded and all salt mining ceased. It was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1978. Dating back to the 13th century, rock salt was really important and helped stabilize Poland's economy. It has been welcoming visitors since 1722.


King Casimir III the Great (reigned 1333–1370) contributed greatly to the development of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, granting it many privileges and taking the miners under his care. In 1363 he founded a hospital near the salt mine.


So large that visitors today only see around 2% of the salt labyrinth. The site is a popular attraction and see's many of its visitors between June and September.


Reaching Wieliczka Salt Mine


Train Travel Between Krakow & Wieliczka Salt Mine ©MDHarding


You can take the number 304 bus from the bus station and it drops you on the main street just a few minutes walk to the main entrance.


The bus costs 4PLN each way per person or you can buy a return ticket for 7,60PLN. We opted for a single ticket as wanted to try the train on the return trip. The bus takes 40 minutes.


The other option is to travel by train. We found this a bit more complicated as the tickets are only valid for a period of time. Read more with Discover Krakow.



Options To Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine


You can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine in a number of ways including travelling there and buying your own ticket or taking an organised tour.


Here are some options for organised tours;

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