Underground Olkusz – underground route in the Silver Town
Rynek 432-300 Olkusz
check_circle In a room
check_circle Easy maneuvering with a stroller
check_circle Restaurant or bar nearby
check_circle Access by bus
check_circle Place adapted for children with disabilities
check_circle Restroom available
Underground Olkusz is a two-part underground route in Olkusz, about 40 km (25 mi) northwest of Krakow in southern Poland. It takes visitors on a journey through time. Interesting exhibits set in a maze of underground corridors and rooms show the most fascinating parts of the Silver Town’s history and everyday life.
Underground route in Olkusz
This is the city’s newest attraction. In this modern museum, opened in 2021, you will see what Olkusz—nicknamed the Silver Town for its historic silver and lead mines—looked like in its heyday. You will also learn about mining traditions and other crafts practiced by the townspeople.
Good to know: Underground Olkusz consists of two separate routes. Both entrances are on the Main Market Square (Rynek): one in the middle of the square at the site of the former Town Hall, and the other inside the County Office building (Starostwo) near the historic Basilica of St. Andrew the Apostle (address: Rynek 4).
Underground Olkusz – Town Hall section
The part located in the former cellars of the Town Hall includes a film about the city’s history, a model of 16th-century Olkusz, a story about the local astronomer Marcin Bylica and his astrolabe, and a themed medieval 'torture room' exhibit.
Underground route in Olkusz – County Office section
A separate part of the route is under the County Office building (Rynek 4). Highlights include a detailed model of the Olkusz mine, a reconstruction of an adit (drainage) tunnel corridor, and a story about the Olkusz coin mint.
Underground Olkusz for children
The exhibition includes traditional models and museum objects (originals or replicas) as well as multimedia presentations and interactive stations (for example, films and displays). For young visitors, simply going underground and walking through the maze of cellar corridors is exciting. There are also exhibits you can touch and even set in motion.
Visiting the underground route in Olkusz – practical info
- One combined ticket covers both exhibitions
- Both exhibitions are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers (elevators available)
- Visit on your own, with an audio guide, or with a museum guide for groups (in Polish or English)
- Toilets are available at both locations
- The County Office building also has a gift shop and a tourist information desk
Other underground routes around Krakow
Do you enjoy underground walks? Check out the ones that are really worth a visit. Here is our personal selection of underground routes in the Lesser Poland (Małopolska) and Subcarpathia (Podkarpacie) regions.
The most interesting underground museum routes. Małopolska and Podkarpacie
A museum underground? Is that a good idea? Of course! Underground museum routes offer an intriguing blend of adventure and history of the cities they lie beneath. Plus, it's a great idea for a walk in any weather: heat, rain or frost. Here are the most interesting undergrounds in Małopolska and Podkarpacie. ...
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