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Wieliczka Salt Mine

Daniłowicza 10
32-020 Wieliczka

+48 12 278 73 02, +48 12 278 73 33 www.kopalnia.pl

In a room
Restaurant or bar nearby
Access by train
Parking
Restroom available
Baby changing table
Attractions for children
Activities for preschool and school-age children

The beginnings of salt extraction in Wieliczka and nearby Bochnia date back to 3500-2500 BC. At that time, naturally occurring "salt springs" were collected and then boiled in clay pots placed over a fire. In the 12th and 13th centuries, wells were dug to access shallow salt deposits. Over time, the wells turned into hollowed-out shafts. The mine quickly became not only a place of salt extraction but also a tourist attraction - the first tourists appeared here in the Middle Ages! Even Nicolaus Copernicus and Frederic Chopin visited the salt mine. The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been listed as one of the first 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites!

Length of the tour - about 3.5 km. Duration of the tour - about 3 hours
It is worth reserving tickets in advance on the mine's website kopalnia.pl/online_pl
During the tour, we descend down the stairs, covering about 380 steps. There are also tours available for people with disabilities
The temperature in the mine ranges from 14°C to 16°C, so even on a hot day, it is worth having warmer clothing with you.
From the train station in Krakow, a comfortable train operated by Małopolskie Railways runs to the mine. You can check the schedule on the Małopolskie Railways website

Wieliczka Salt Mine - Visiting with Children

The most challenging part for young miners is the first stage - descending the stairs. We have to overcome 380 steps. The passages on the stairs are narrow. Due to the faster pace of the adult group, you may need to carry a younger child. We were there with our 2.5-year-old daughter, who easily completed the entire tour, except for the descent, where she was carried by her father. Therefore, it is worth considering bringing a sling or baby carrier for your little miner.

Before the tour, it is worth considering whether your child will be scared of the darkness. We had previously told our daughter about the mine (she even had a book about a bear and a miner), so she was thrilled with the trip. You can also bring a small flashlight - exploring the dark corners of the mine on their own can be a great adventure for children.

Another attraction of the mine is the animations at several stops that tell the history of the mine - mysterious music, light effects, and turning off the lights. These scared our daughter a bit.

The group moves slowly, with frequent stops, so even a few-year-old child can keep up. Reconstructions and sculptures depicting the work of miners will not only make the tour more enjoyable but also help children visualize the history!

St. Kinga's Chapel

Walking among the underground corridors, it is hard to believe that everything is actually carved in salt - sculptures, altars, and even handrails and floors were carved in the salt rock by talented sculptor-miners. Along the route, you will see many spacious halls, including the most magnificent one: St. Kinga's Chapel. Pay attention to the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, whose "beads" are also salt crystals!

Horses in the Mine?

During the tour of the Tourist Route, you will see how salt was traditionally extracted. Horses helped the miners in their work. In the underground corridors, the sound of their hooves could often be heard. There was even an underground stable here! The last horse, named Baśka, left the mine not long ago. When? Shh, you will find out when you visit!

The Burned Chamber and Penitents

During the extraction of salt from the deposit, methane gas is released. Methane is lighter than air and accumulates at the top. To prevent large explosions, the methane was burned. This was often done by the oldest experienced miners, who crawled through the tunnels wearing wet clothes and holding long poles with burning torches, burning the gas that accumulated in the lower parts of the mine. It was the most dangerous job in the mine! In the Burned Chamber, you can see three salt figures - these are the penitents.

Legend of St. Kinga

According to ancient legends, the salt in the Wieliczka and Bochnia region is a gift to Poland from the Hungarian princess Kinga, who, when marrying a Polish prince, did not want to bring gold or precious stones as a dowry. Her father gave her the salt mines instead.