From Krakow: Salt Mine Wieliczka Miners Route Tour
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Looking for more than a standard sightseeing tour? Welcome to the Wieliczka Salt Mine’s hidden side — the Miners’ Route. This is a raw, hands-on underground adventure through centuries-old passages, chambers, and tools that real miners once used. You’ll descend 70 meters underground via the Regis Shaft — the mine’s oldest, still-active shaft — and gear up like a miner: helmet, suit, lamp, and CO detector. But this isn’t just for show. You’ll complete real tasks — measure methane, drill salt, operate a water wheel, and symbolically “blast” a tunnel. No crowds, no tourist routes — just eerie silence, the crunch of salt underfoot, and a guide leading you like a true foreman. You’ll explore chambers few tourists have ever seen and earn a certificate for your “First Mining Skills.” It’s immersive, unforgettable, and deeply authentic. Not for the passive — this is for explorers who want to feel, not just see.
Available options
Ticket&Hotel Pick-Up
Instruction: Please provide your full hotel name and address when booking.
Our driver will meet you at the entrance of your accomodation <br/>Pickup included
Ticket&Meeting Point Pick-Up
Starting points:<br/>Dajwór 69, 31-052 Kraków, Poland<br/>Floriana Straszewskiego 14, 33-332 Kraków, Poland<br/>Pawia 8, 31-154 Kraków, Poland<br/>Wielopole 2, 31-072 Kraków, Poland
Tickets Only – Self-Arrival
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes: Meet directly at the entrance to the Wieliczka Salt Mine – Regis Shaft (plac Kościuszki 9, Wieliczka).
<br/>Starting point:<br/>plac Kościuszki 9, 32-020 Wieliczka, Poland
What's included
Guided underground tour with a licensed Salt Mine guide
Round-trip transportation from Krakow (if selected)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Krakow (if selected)
Admission ticket to the Wieliczka Salt Mine – Miners’ Route
Certificate of participation ("First Mining Skills")
Interactive mining activities and safety briefing
Protective gear: mining suit, helmet with headlamp, CO detector
Detailed itinerary
1
Begin your underground adventure at the historic Regis Shaft, the oldest operational shaft of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Travelers will descend by lift and embark on the Miners’ Route – a guided expedition through raw, authentic mining corridors.
During the tour, you'll walk through narrow tunnels, visit historical chambers such as St. John’s Chamber, Janik Chamber, Tanecznica, and Franciszek Karol Chamber, and take part in interactive mining tasks, such as measuring methane, hammering salt, or symbolic blasting.
The guide – dressed as a miner – will explain historical and geological aspects of the site throughout the journey. The experience concludes with a symbolic miner’s certificate.
What's not included
Food and beverages
Travel insurance
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Access to Tourist Route or Chapel of St. Kinga
Toilet access during underground part of the tour
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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Tripadvisor
4.0
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Important information
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please note that we offer 3 options, Tickets only, Tickets with Meeting Points and Tickets with Hotel or accommodation pick up.
Meeting point
Straszewskiego 14 – Wawel / Planty Park Area Meeting point is at Straszewskiego 14, near the entrance to Hotel Royal and Planty Park. Wait at the designated Kiss & Ride zone along the park side of the street. Our vehicle will stop briefly for boarding.
About Krakow
Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. It's home to the Wawel Royal Castle, the historic Main Market Square, and the largest medieval old town in Europe. Krakow's vibrant arts scene, bustling nightlife, and proximity to Auschwitz-Birkenau and the Wieliczka Salt Mine make it a must-visit destination.
Top Attractions
Wawel Royal Castle
This iconic castle was the residence of Polish kings and a symbol of Polish statehood. It offers a glimpse into Poland's rich history.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
30-50 PLN (€7-12)
Main Market Square (Rynek Główny)
One of the largest medieval town squares in Europe, surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, and shops.
Historical/Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore
Wieliczka Salt Mine
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt.
Historical/Adventure
4-5 hours
89-139 PLN (€20-32)
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
A poignant and sobering visit to the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum.
Historical/Educational
Full day
70-100 PLN (€16-23)
Kazimierz District
The historic Jewish quarter with a rich cultural heritage, vibrant nightlife, and charming streets.
Cultural/Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pierogi
Dumplings filled with various ingredients like meat, cheese, potatoes, or fruits.
Dinner
Can be vegetarian or vegan
Obwarzanek
A type of bread ring, similar to a bagel, often sold by street vendors.
Snack
Vegetarian
Zapiekanka
A Polish street food consisting of a half-baguette topped with mushrooms, cheese, and various condiments.
Snack
Can be vegetarian
Schabowy
A breaded pork cutlet, similar to schnitzel, often served with potatoes and cabbage.
Dinner
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tatra Mountains
Skiing in Zakopane
Spa and wellness treatments
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending concerts and performances
Boating on the Vistula River
Skiing and snowboarding in the nearby mountains
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Krakow for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with festivals and tourists.
15°C to 28°C
59°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Polish
- Widely spoken: English, German, Russian
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Polish Złoty (PLN)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Krakow is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps.
- • Be cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs.
Getting there
By air
- John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice • 11 km from city center
By train
Krakow Glowny, Krakow Plaza
By bus
Krakow Main Bus Station, Młocińscy Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Krakow's tram system is efficient and covers most of the city. Trams are comfortable and frequent.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Town (Stare Miasto)
Kazimierz
Nowa Huta
Zakrzówek
Day trips
Wieliczka Salt Mine
14 km from Krakow • Full day
Explore the underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved out of salt in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum
70 km from Krakow • Full day
Visit the largest Nazi concentration camp, now a memorial and museum, to learn about the Holocaust.
Zakopane
100 km from Krakow • Full day
A picturesque mountain town known for its stunning scenery, hiking trails, and skiing opportunities.
Festivals
Krakow Jewish Festival • June or July (annual)
Krakow Film Festival • May (annual)
Krakow Christmas Market • December (annual)
Pro tips
- Use the Krakow Card for unlimited public transport and free entry to many attractions.
- Visit the Wawel Dragon statue and make a wish by placing a coin in its mouth.
- Try traditional Polish dishes like pierogi and żurek at local restaurants.
- Explore the Kazimierz district for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene.
- Take a day trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine or Auschwitz-Birkenau for a deeper understanding of Polish history.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
