Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wasted potential. The place is undoubtedly beautiful and atmospheric, with salt statues that are truly incredible. That said, it has turned into a full-on tourist machine. If you’ve already been there once, there’s really no reason to go back. Very little historical context is provided: you mostly get anecdotes and brief notes about dates and salt extraction methods. Forget any real explanation of the mine’s history, the work itself, the salt communities, or the people and workers involved over the centuries. This is the biggest disappointment. I paid around 35€ per person from the official website, a 29-minute train ride got me there for just €2, so don’t fall into the trap of overpriced organized bus tours. As expected, you’ll spend most of the time walking through corridors, since it’s a long underground route (around 3km). There are only 2 or 3 large chambers, but they are very beautiful. The walk is not difficult or tiring if you’re even minimally used to walking. For those who suffer from claustrophobia: the first section is narrower than the rest of the route, so hang in there, it does get better. The elevator (actually a cage) to go back is quite tricky, 4 levels, with 8 people each; the only luck is some fresh air coming into. Unfortunately, what could have been an incredible cultural and historical experience feels superficial and overly commercialized.

If you are visiting Krakow, a visit to the Salt Mines is highy recommended. Very easy to get to by train from central Krakow with the journey being under 30 minutes and very inexpensive. We did the 'Tourist' route around the mines and the tour lasted around 2 hours. Some spectacular sights with the tour being rich in regional history. The 'chapel' around half way through the tour is stunning and a 'must see'. Recommended!

A must when visiting Krakow. We booked through Krakow Direct and were picked up/dropped off at our hotel for the tour. Short walk across road to the Salt Mines where Justine, our tour guide was superb and witty. There are lots and lots and lots of steps to go down. Thankfully you don't have to walk back up! Such a marvel of human achievement from centuries ago. The sheer size of this place is mind blowing. To think tourists only get to see less than 2% of it is difficult to comprehend. You will need comfortable shoes and it can get warm with all the walking. The chapels are breathtaking and the sculptures are fantastic. Truly worth a visit and at several points along the tour you can purchase memorabilia which is really well priced which is unusual for a tourist attraction. Give it a go, you won't be disappointed!

A must see if you are in the area. 300 km of tunnels - this is not a small place. Top notch experience, very well maintained. Come well fed and rested because the individual tour is 2 hours long and stops are few and far in between.

A very unique and memorable experience. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is atmospheric, beautifully preserved, and full of impressive underground chambers, chapels, and salt lakes. The tour takes about two hours and is well-organized, with options for different languages. It’s definitely worth visiting at least once — the craftsmanship and history are truly fascinating. Overall, I give it a solid 4/5. 💋

Unique place to visit and revisit with your friends and family. There is free admission for children under 4 y.o. and also an easier route to do. Two - tree times there are toilets during the route ( underground). And also one coffe break and the souvenir store at the end.

You will probably think that there is nothing interesting to see in the mine and that there is no point in going to the mine. A visit to this mine is extremely worthwhile and I recommend that you visit it. It looks really fascinating when you go into the tunnels, rooms, underground lakes and see them with your own eyes.

We went to the Wieliczka salt mine back in 2016 and now in 2025. I must admit the tour quality increased and also exhibitions and interior quality of the mine improved - I was pleasantly surprised. Guide was very informative and extensive - covering all the details of the exhibition. At times I felt a bit rushed - probably due to high volume of visitors and close time to mine closure but otherwise the tour was very nice and informative. All the staircases are new or renovated to high quality. The tour includes a lot of walking - however my 8 year old was able to make it - so can you :) - probably. Mine has a nice temperature of ~ 17 deg. C even in the winter. I recommend buying tickets up-front on official polish website of the Wieliczka salt mine. English tour guide was near native speaker quality - big thumbs up :)