Wieliczka Salt Mine

Historic Site in Kraków

The Wieliczka Salt Mine, located just outside Kraków, Poland, is one of the oldest and most famous salt mines in the world. Operational from the 13th century until 1996, the mine has a rich history of continuous salt extraction and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching over 300 kilometers in total, only a small but remarkable portion is open to the public, offering a unique glimpse into underground craftsmanship, geology, and Polish heritage.

Visitors to the Wieliczka Salt Mine descend deep underground—up to 135 meters—into a subterranean world carved entirely out of rock salt. The tour reveals intricate chambers, underground lakes, tunnels, and chapels, all sculpted by miners over centuries. One of the highlights is the breathtaking Chapel of St. Kinga, a vast cathedral-like room adorned with chandeliers, altars, and carvings—all made from salt. The level of artistic detail and scale of these spaces often surprises visitors and makes the mine one of Poland’s top tourist attractions.

The mine is not just a visual experience but also an atmospheric and educational one. Guides share stories about medieval mining techniques, local legends, and the lives of the miners who once worked in its depths. Along the Tourist Route, there are interactive exhibits and sound-and-light installations that enhance the storytelling and bring the underground history to life. The air within the mine is also noted for its purity and is used in therapeutic respiratory treatments.

Today, the Wieliczka Salt Mine serves as a cultural monument and a symbol of Polish perseverance and ingenuity. It attracts over a million visitors each year from around the world. In addition to guided tours, the mine hosts concerts, art exhibitions, and even private events in its cavernous halls. Whether you’re interested in history, geology, or simply want to witness one of Europe’s most surreal underground wonders, the Wieliczka Salt Mine offers an unforgettable experience.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Kraków!

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Visiting Wieliczka Salt Mine

Hours:

Tourist Route:

April 1 – October 31: daily 07:30 – 19:30

November 1 – March 31: daily 08:00 – 17:00

Closed on: January 1, Easter Sunday, November 1, December 24–25; Dec 31 early closure: 08:00–16:00

Miner’s Route: open 09:00 – 18:00 (Apr–Oct), or 09:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)

Price:

Low season: ~128–139 PLN; High season (Apr–Oct): ~146 PLN

Address: Wieliczka Salt Mine, Daniłowicza, Wieliczka, Poland

Official Website