Tag: Wieliczka Salt Mine

Tag: Wieliczka Salt Mine

Top 10 things to do in Krakow

What to see, what to do

Things to do – updated 17 January 2023.

There’s a lot to see and do in the city. Here’s our list of the Top 10 things to do in Krakow. Click on the links for further information or to book a tour.

1. Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site located around 14km southeast of Krakow and is one of Poland's most popular attractions, welcoming tourists since 1722. Wieliczka Salt Mine is a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels, shafts and chambers, underground saline lakes, chapels with altarpieces, majestic timber constructions and unique statues sculpted in rock salt. The size of the mine is staggering, it reaches a depth of 327m and extends via horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 km distributed over nine levels. Only a small part of the mine is open to the public.

Further information

Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets and tours

2. Historic Centre of Kraków

Historic Centre of Kraków

The historic centre of Krakow has been featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1978. Packed full of restaurants, museums, galleries and bars, the medieval layout of the Old Town has not changed for centuries. The heart and focal point of the historic centre of Krakow is its graceful main market square, the largest medieval town square of any European city. Most visitors to Krakow visit the market square with its Cloth Hall, the Church of the Holy Mary, Wawel Hill and its Royal Castle, Wawel Cathedral with its outstanding Renaissance chapel, the Barbican and St. Florian’s Gate.

Further information.

Grand city tour through Krakow with Old Town and Jewish quarter

3. Wawel Royal Castle

Things to do in Krakow

Wawel Royal Castle and the limestone Wawel Hill are extremely important historical and cultural sites containing one of the most important collection of buildings in Poland. Wawel was once the seat of Polish rulers, the residence of kings and the focal point of many Polish historical events. The hill is a symbol of the Polish nation and has witnessed some of the greatest moments in Polish history. Many Polish kings have been laid to rest below Wawel Cathedral. Located south of the old town and next to the Vistula River, Wawel Hill showcases an incredible assortment of architectural delights including Renaissance, Gothic and Romanesque designs. Wawel Royal Castle and the Cathedral are must-see attractions and a walk around the castle courtyards and open spaces are highly recommended.

Further information

Wawel Castle private guided tour

4. Auschwitz-Birkenau

Things to do in Krakow

Auschwitz-Birkenau is synonymous with the Holocaust and the largest attempt at genocide in human history. More than a million Jews, and many Poles and Roma, were murdered here by German Nazis during WWII. Both sections of the camp, Auschwitz I and the much larger outlying Birkenau (Auschwitz II) have been preserved and are open to visitors. Everyone should visit Auschwitz at least once in their lives, it is a stern reminder of the horrors that human beings can inflict on each other and the only way to understand the extent and horror of the place and the atrocities that took place there.

Further information

Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and Memorial guided tour from Krakow

5. Schindler's Factory

The story of Oskar Schindler is well-known since Steven Spielberg's film Schindler’s List; however, despite the name of the museum, it covers all aspects of the German occupation of Krakow from 1939 to 1945 through a series of well-organised, interactive exhibits. Take a tram to Plac Bohaterów Getta, then follow ul Kącik east under the railway line to find the museum. Learn the story of Krakow and its inhabitants, both Polish and Jewish, during the war. The exhibition, ‘Krakow under Nazi Occupation 1939-1945’, is in the former administrative building of Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. An amazing venue, not to mention subject!

Schindler's Factory tours and tickets

6. Cloth Hall (Sukiennice)

The Krakow Cloth Hall dates to the Renaissance and is one of the city's most recognisable icons. Dominating the centre of the Main Market Square, this building was once the heart of Kraków’s medieval clothing trade. The hall was once a Gothic structure but rebuilt in the Renaissance style after a fire in 1555. On the ground floor, you’ll find craft and souvenir shops and on the upper floor is the Gallery of 19th-Century Polish Painting.

7. St Mary's Basilica

Saint Mary’s Basilica is a striking 14th century brick Gothic church adjacent to the Main Market Square in Kraków, best known simply as St Mary’s. The church is dominated by two towers of different heights and is famous for its wooden altarpiece carved by Veit Stoss, which took over 10 years to complete prior to it being consecrated in 1489. The altarpiece has a central panel and two pairs of side wings and is intricately carved in lime wood. It measures about 13m high and 11m wide and is the country's largest and most important piece of medieval art. On every hour, a trumpet signal called the Hejnał mariacki is played from the top of the taller of Saint Mary's two towers.

Further information

 8. National Museum

The National Museum in Krakow is the largest museum in Poland and also the main branch of Poland’s National Museum. The collections of the museum number almost 780 000 objects, with the core of the collection being Polish art. You’ll find the museum on ul. Piłsudskiego, around 500, west of the Old Town.

Further information.

9. Rynek Underground

Beneath the city of Krakow and housed within the underground corridors of the market square, you will find a museum, which showcases how the city looked and felt during the Middle Ages complete with stone roads with potholes made by cartwheels during the 13th century. It consists of an underground route through medieval market stalls and other long-forgotten chambers.

Krakow Main Market Square Underground Museum guided tour

10. Kościuszko Mound

Kościuszko Mound was erected in commemoration of the Polish military hero Tadeusz Kościuszko between 1820 and 1823. It stands 34m high and includes soil from both the Polish and American battlefields where Kościuszko fought. A serpentine path leads to the top with a panoramic view of the Vistula River and the city. The memorial is located in Zwierzyniec, 3km west of the Old Town.

Further information.

FAQ

What is the best time to visit Krakow?
The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring (April-May) or fall (September-October) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

What are some must-see sights in Krakow?
Some must-see sights in Krakow include the Wawel Castle, the Main Market Square, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Kazimierz Jewish District.

How can I get around Krakow?
Krakow has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and trams, as well as the option to rent a bike or take a taxi. Walking is also a great way to explore the city.

Are there any good places to eat in Krakow?
Krakow is known for its traditional Polish cuisine, with many restaurants serving dishes such as pierogi, bigos, and kielbasa. There are also many international options available.

What is the currency in Krakow?
The currency in Krakow is the Polish zloty (PLN).

What is the language spoken in Krakow?
The official language spoken in Krakow is Polish. Many locals speak English, and you should be able to find people who speak German, Italian, Spanish and French in touristic places.

Are there any good places to shop in Krakow?
Krakow is known for its traditional markets and souvenir shops, where you can find items such as amber jewelry, hand-painted pottery, and hand-woven textiles. There are also many modern shopping centers and malls in the city.

Are there any good places to stay in Krakow?
Krakow has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. It's best to book in advance in high seasons.

Are there any good festivals or events in Krakow?
Krakow is home to many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Krakow Film Festival, the Krakow Carnival, and the Jewish Culture Festival.

Are there any good day trips from Krakow?
Some popular day trips from Krakow include the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, and the Tatra Mountains.

Adventure experiences Krakow

Things to do in Krakow

What to expect from this tour

Fuel up your adrenaline thirst with this special offer combining off-road quad biking and extreme shooting experience. This expedition includes shooting with specially selected guns from over 30 types of firearms like pistols, submachine guns, various AK rifles, shotguns, quad ride through rough terrain and to end your day roast some meat and sausages while taking a break by the bonfire.

To start the journey, a qualified instructor will get you briefly through safety instructions. Then, hop on your ATV and get through the off-road track in beautiful Kraków's outskirts landscape. After the ride, you can load out your emotions shooting some targets with a variety of firearms. At the end of the adventure, participate in a great BBQ with a lot of food, drinks and beer so you can enjoy your day off even more. This offer will pump you up with the adrenaline you need, and you will forget about the whole world and focus on having great fun in good company.

Krakow Old Town Tours & Experiences

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Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine

Updated 09 January 2023.

The Wieliczka salt mine is a UNESCO World Heritage site located around 14km southeast of Kraków and is one of Poland’s most popular attractions, welcoming tourists since 1722.

Wieliczka

Going underground

Wieliczka is a subterranean labyrinth of tunnels, shafts and chambers, underground saline lakes, chapels with altarpieces, majestic timber constructions and unique statues sculpted in rock salt. The size of the mine is staggering, it reaches a depth of 327m and extends via horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 km distributed over nine levels. Only a small part of the mine is open to the public.

Wieliczka Salt Mine Sculptures

The oldest sculptures were carved out of rock salt by miners; more recent figures have been fashioned by contemporary artists. Even the crystals of the chandeliers are made from rock salt that has been dissolved and reconstituted to achieve a clear, glass-like appearance. The rock salt is naturally grey in various shades, so that the carvings resemble unpolished granite rather than the white or crystalline look that many visitors expect. The carvings may appear white in the photos, but the actual carved figures are not white.

Chapel of St Kinga

The highlight of the mine is a vast chamber housing the ornamented Chapel of St Kinga. Everything that you will see within the chamber is made from salt including altarpieces and chandeliers. It took over 30 years for three sculptors to complete this underground temple, and about 20,000 tonnes of rock salt had to be removed. The rock salt in the mine resembles unpolished granite and its natural colour is grey, not white as many people might expect.

Salt Mine

The older sculptures have been supplemented with new carvings made by contemporary artists.

Working mine

Historically, Wieliczka was a working mine; however due to falling salt prices and flooding, commercial salt mining was discontinued. The mine has produced salt since the 13th century and was one of the world’s oldest operating salt mines.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Salt Lake

Other highlights are the Salt Lake in the Erazm Barącz Chamber, whose water is denser than the Dead Sea, and the awe-inspiring 36m-high Stanisław Staszic Chamber.

If you’re worried about the air quality down there, great news: the mine’s special microclimate actually has a beneficial effect on asthma sufferers and those with allergies!

UNESCO World Heritage Site

378 steps

To get down to the 64-metre level of the mine, visitors must descend a wooden stairway of 378 steps. After the 3km tour of the mine’s corridors, chapels, statues and lake, 135 metres underground, visitors take an elevator back up to the surface. The elevator holds 36 persons (nine per car) and takes some 30 seconds to reach the surface.

Getting there

Getting to the Wieliczka Salt Mines from Krakow shouldn’t prove too difficult or expensive. Regular buses run from the top of Starowislna Street opposite the Main Post Office, taking around forty minutes to get there. Be warned that buses are a little cramped and we advise you check departure details at one of Krakow’s tourist information offices as these routes chop and change quite a bit. You’re best asking a friendly Pole where to get off too, as this is a public bus not a tourist service.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Poland:

Where is the Salt Mine located?
The Salt Mine is located in the town of Wieliczka, which is about 15 km (9 miles) southwest of Krakow, Poland.

What is the history of the Salt Mine?
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has a long history dating back to the 13th century. It was one of the first salt mines in Europe to be converted into a tourist attraction, and it has been a popular tourist destination since the 19th century. The mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized as one of the most valuable cultural and natural assets in Poland.

Is the Salt Mine open to the public?
Yes, the mine is open to the public. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Poland, and it attracts over 1 million visitors each year.

Is there a cost to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
Yes, there is a fee for visitors to enter the Salt Mine. The cost of admission varies depending on the type of tour you choose and the time of year you visit.

Are there guided tours of the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
Yes, guided tours of the Salt Mine are available for visitors. The tours are offered in a variety of languages, including English, and they take visitors through the underground tunnels and chambers of the mine.

Is the Wieliczka Salt Mine wheelchair accessible?
The mine is partially wheelchair accessible. Some areas of the mine are only accessible by stairs, but there are also some areas that can be accessed by elevator. It is recommended to contact the mine in advance to inquire about specific accessibility details.

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours & Experiences

Lesser Poland (Malopolskie)

Lesser Poland

Lesser Poland – updated 19 January 2023.

The Lesser Poland (Malopolskie) region in Poland is located in the south of the country and is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. The region is bordered by the Silesian Voivodeship to the west, the Lesser Poland Voivodeship to the north, and the Slovakian border to the south.

Tatra National Park - Lesser Poland

Tatra mountains

One of the main attractions of the Lesser Poland region is the beautiful Tatra Mountains, which are a popular destination for hikers, skiers, and outdoor enthusiasts. The Tatras are the highest mountain range in Poland and are home to several national parks, including the Tatra National Park, which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The Tatras are also home to several historic sites, such as the Zakopane, which is a mountain resort town and the cultural capital of the region.

Lakes

The region is also home to several beautiful lakes, such as the Rożnowski and the Czorsztyński, which are popular for swimming, boating, and fishing. The region is also home to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Pieniny National Park, which is a beautiful area of rolling hills, meadows, and forests that is perfect for hiking and cycling.

Lesser Poland

Krakow

The Lesser Poland region is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The city of Krakow, which is the capital of the region, is home to several historic buildings and monuments, including the Wawel Castle, the St. Mary's Basilica, and the Main Market Square, which is one of the largest medieval town squares in Europe. Krakow is also home to several museums, such as the National Museum and the Wawel Royal Castle, which showcase the region's history and culture.

Traditional crafts

The region is also known for its traditional crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. Visitors to the area can find a wide variety of handmade goods at local markets and shops. The region is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features traditional dishes such as pierogi (dumplings) and bigos (stew).

Industry and commerce

In addition to its natural beauty and cultural heritage, the Lesser Poland region is also an important center of industry and commerce. The region is home to several large manufacturing companies, including the Krakow Industrial Park, which is home to several leading companies in the automotive and electronics industries.

Wieliczka - Lesser Poland

Unique blend

Despite its industrial development, the Lesser Poland region remains a relatively undiscovered destination in Poland. Visitors to the area will find a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage that makes it a great destination for those looking to explore off the beaten path.

In conclusion, the Lesser Poland region of Poland is a hidden gem that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural heritage. The Tatra Mountains, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Pieniny National Park are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, while the traditional crafts and delicious cuisine of the region, and the historic buildings and monuments of Krakow are perfect for those looking to experience the local culture. The region's industrial development also makes it an important center of commerce in Poland. It's a destination that should not be missed for those who are interested in exploring Poland.

FAQ

Q: What is the Lesser Poland region of Poland known for?

A: The region is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural heritage. The Tatra Mountains, the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and the Pieniny National Park are popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, while the traditional crafts, delicious cuisine, and historic buildings and monuments of Krakow are popular among those interested in experiencing the local culture. The region is also an important center of industry and commerce in Poland.

Q: What are some popular things to do in the Lesser Poland region?

A: Popular activities in the region include hiking and skiing in the Tatra Mountains, visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine, exploring historic buildings and monuments in Krakow, experiencing traditional crafts, and trying local cuisine.

Q: What are some popular traditional crafts in the Lesser Poland region?

A: Traditional crafts in the region include pottery, weaving, and woodcarving. Visitors to the area can find a wide variety of handmade goods at local markets and shops.

Q: What are some popular dishes in the Lesser Poland region?

A: Popular dishes in the region include pierogi (dumplings) and bigos (stew). The region is also known for its delicious cuisine, which features traditional dishes such as kiełbasa and kaszanka.

Q: How can I get to the Lesser Poland region?

A: The region is located in south of Poland. The main city of the region is Krakow, which can be reached by train or bus from other major cities in Poland. The region is also easily accessible by car and has good road connections.

Q: Are there any national parks in the Lesser Poland region?

A: Yes, the region is home to several national parks, including the Tatra National Park and the Pieniny National Park. Both parks offer beautiful landscapes, hiking trails, and opportunities for outdoor activities, as well as several historic sites.

Krakow Tours & Attractions