Krakow: Wieliczka Salt Mine Guided Tour

Located just outside of Krakow, The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO-listed national historical monument, and one of Poland’s most famous sites. A guided tour of The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an absolute must-do while visiting Krakow and requires a significant amount of planning to ensure the best experience possible. This guide will provide all the necessary information required to ensure an amazing experience while visiting the salt mine.

Background of The Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is located in the small town of Wieliczka in southern Poland and dates back to the 13th century. It was discovered in 1248 when early miners began to excavate a shaft from the surface of the Earth and salt deposits were soon discovered. Throughout the centuries, miners continuously excavated the salt mine by hand and over 20 levels have been dug, making it the official oldest salt mine in Europe.

The total length of all galleries and tunnels beneath the surface is over 700 km (435 miles) and ranges from 64 meters to about 327 meters in depth. Today, most of the galleries are accessible for tourists, and the entire path covers a distance of around 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles).

What Will Guests See on A Guided Tour?

When you arrive to The Wieliczka Salt Mine, you will descend into the 64 meters-deep entrance and then take an elevator to a depth of 135 meters beneath the surface. Here, you will follow your group through 4 miles of galleries and chambers that plays host to nearly 40 statues– all made of salt! Additionally, you will witness some marvelous churches such as St. Kinga’s Chapel and St. Anthony’s Chapel which are both entirely made from salt.

The tour also includes visits to underground chapels that feature extraordinary artwork and stalactites, stalagmites, salt lakes, subterranean corridors, galleries and chambers that reach depths of up to 327 meters below ground. Along the way you will learn about the mysterious history behind the mine and gain insight into how early miners worked with salt for centuries on end.

How Long Does The Tour Last?

The tour can take anywhere from 2 to 2.5 hours depending on how long you wish to rest at various points throughout the tour and the time that is spent exploring some of the historical sites found in the mine itself.

Is It Appropriate For All Ages?

Yes! The Wieliczka Salt Mine is great for all ages, but it’s important to keep in mind that young children may need a longer break for energy purposes or for adjusting to being deep underground. Taking your time during the tour is highly recommended as there are many amazing aspects to explore and learn about.

Why You Should Consider A Guided Tour

A guided tour of The Wieliczka Salt Mine allows guests to get the full experience of this fascinating site in its proper context. Not only do guided tours include helpful explanation and insight from your guide, they also offer the security of exploring in a group setting since the underground paths could be dangerous if navigated alone.

Guided tours also come with greater convenience since they avoid some of the stressful aspects of planning your own trip such as deciding which levels should be visited, purchasing tickets or researching which tour companies should be used. Utilizing a guided tour company will give you peace of mind knowing that they are well familiar with each level and what attractions they offer.

Where Can I Find A Guided Tour Of The Salt Mine?

There are many reputable companies offering guided tours for The Wieliczka Salt Mine with GetYourGuide being one of the best options to consider when booking a tour. GetYourGuide strives to deliver quality, safe and reliable experiences for its customers which includes their Wieliczka Salt Mine Experience – Tour 1 .

This comprehensive tour includes tickets for admission with a professional English speaking guide and allows visitors to explore each level of the mine during their 2-2.5 hours. These tours are offered up to five times a day and a GetYourGuide trip consultant will be happy to answer any questions you may have about pricing or what the guided tour entails.

To book a Wieliczka Salt Mine guided tour through GetYourGuide, click here.

Visiting The Wieliczka Salt Mine is an experience like no other and is highly recommended by locals and travelers alike. Planning ahead with a trusted tour guide such as GetYourGuide will ensure you build lasting memories during your guided tour in one of Europe’s most magical places.