Wieliczka is the most famous mine in Poland. It’s located close to Krakow, and it’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Interestingly enough, Wieliczka is actually one of the 12 first UNESCO sites in the world! This makes it a pretty extraordinary place on all counts.
The excavation of the salt mine was started way back in the 13th century. This is where they constantly produced table salt. In fact, the production of the salt continued right up until 1996 making it one of the oldest operating salt mines in the world.
If you ask me whether Wieliczka salt mine is worth visiting? I will say yes but I must add that in my opinion the Bochnia Salt Mine is better. It is important to note that both the salt mines are close to Kraków.
Here’s my video from Wieliczka Salt Mine:
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What Is The Best Time To Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine?
Wieliczka is extremely popular. People from all over Poland and the world come to visit the mine every year and the crowds can be very intimidating. The fact that it is one of the first UNESCO sites in the world makes it even more popular. This is why the crowds should not surprise you.
We visited the Wieliczka salt mine in the wintertime. Our visit was during an ordinary weekend. It was not even during Winter Break or Christmas when you can definitely expect crowds. There were still so many people waiting in line that I strongly recommend booking your tickets online!
In fact, if you want to avoid the crowds, try to plan your visit away from the holiday weeks and public holidays. It will still be crowded but it will be more manageable.
Wieliczka Salt Mine With Kids
If you are traveling with kids, just like we did, you may consider booking the Miners’ Route. This route is designed for families. Our kids were 3 and 6 years old during our visit to Wieliczka.
One important thing to note is that the route is not stroller-friendly. For people who travel with toddlers, consider taking a carrier instead. This is because the whole route will take you anywhere between 2-3 hours. It will tire their little legs out and odds are you will land up carrying your child. The carrier just makes it so much easier.
Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
The tour starts with a descent down 380 stairs. In total, there are 800 stairs on the entire route. That should give you an idea of just how much you need to walk.
The temperature underground is about 18 Celsius degrees which equals to 64 Fahrenheit degrees. This makes the walk comfortable but some people may find it a little cold so make sure you have a jacket just in case.
The tour is interactive. You will find that there are many sculptures and interesting exhibitions along the way. Here you will learn how the salt was discovered in Wieliczka, how the mine worked in the past and how it works today.
What’s more, you will learn the legends, tales, and stories associated with the mine. This is a really interesting part of the tour.
The highlight of the tour is visiting the famous St Kinga’s Chapel. The Chapel is one of the most beautiful chápels not only in Poland but also in the entire world.
At the end of the tour, you can have lunch or dinner in an underground restaurant. It is definitely a unique experience and after the long walk, you will have probably built up an appetite.
For those who are looking for something unique, you can even spend a night in the underground hotel!
Wieliczka By Wheelchair
Wieliczka salt mine is accessible. You can visit it with a wheelchair, however, prior booking is required.
Is Wieliczka Salt Mine Worth Visiting?
Even though Wieliczka is without any doubt the most famous salt mine in Poland, we liked Bochnia Salt Mine more. It’s also located close to Krakow, it’s actually older than Wieliczka and our kids liked it way more!
There’s an underground train in Bochnia and you start your tour not with walking downstairs but with taking the lift down. Your trip will end by taking the lift up to the ground!
