One of the most famous activities in Krakow is a visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mines. In the following article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This is an exceptional visit, which will not fail to surprise, amuse and amaze you.
What are the Wieliczka Salt Mines?
The Wieliczka Salt Mines have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978. Discovered in the 15th century, the salt mines are one of the most visited monuments in Krakow. Every year, more than one million people visit them.
The Wieliczka salt mines are huge. They are about 300 kilometers long and 327 meters deep. In fact, they are so large that you can only visit about 2% of them.
How to get to the Wieliczka salt mines?
There are various minibus services from Krakow to Wieliczka. In general, you will find a lot of information at the reception of your hotel in Krakow. The tour takes a few hours.
If you leave around 9am, you will be back around 3 or 4pm. However, you can make the most of your day by visiting the museum and the underground café.
How much does it cost to enter the Wieliczka salt mines?
It costs about 100 Złoty to enter the Wieliczka Salt Mines. This is about 21 euros. For children and younger people, it will cost 80 Złoty. Tickets are free for children between 0 and 4 years old.
You can buy your tickets online or directly at the Daniłowicz Well ticket office, 10 Daniłowicza Street in Wieliczka. The visit, however, is not allowed for people in wheelchairs. Work is currently taking place and they cannot access it until further notice.
What to see at the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
The salt mine is on the list of official historical monuments in Poland. You will find many beautiful elements, including dozens of statues, four chapels dug into the rock salt by the miners and other lighter sculptures and engravings by local contemporary artists.
Tours in French are organized once or twice a day. They start at the Puits Paderewski. You will then descend into the saline basements, accompanied by your guide. The tour will then begin, lasting 2 to 3 hours.
What to wear to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines?
Remember to bring comfortable shoes. You will have to climb 800 steps, 320 of them at the beginning of the tour. You should also bring comfortable and warm clothes, as the temperature can drop to about 15º C underground.