What the Wieliczka miners route is
The Wieliczka miners route is a separate tour from the classic Tourist Route. You start at the Regis shaft, put on a helmet, a lamp and a protective suit, and walk through working areas with a guide called the foreman. On the way you test the air, look for salt and find your way, the way miners once did. It is a more physical, more practical visit than the signed route with the chapel and the lakes.
The Miners' Route has its own ticket and its own meeting point. It does not replace the Tourist Route, and there is no combined ticket for both. If you only have time for one visit, read the comparison further down first.
Wieliczka Salt Mine tours and tickets
Guided visits and transfers from Kraków, with live prices and availability. Check the route and language before you book.
Miners' Route or Tourist Route
The two routes use different shafts and show different things.
| Tourist Route | Miners' Route | |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Daniłowicz shaft, Daniłowicza 10 | Regis shaft, pl. Kościuszki 9 |
| Walking distance | About 3.5 km | About 1.9 km (about 2 km) |
| Deepest point | 135 m | 101 m |
| Temperature | 17 to 18 °C | 14 to 16 °C |
| Duration | 2 to 3 hours | 2 to 3 hours |
| Minimum age | None | 10 years |
| Group size | Up to 40 people | Up to 20 people |
| Languages | Polish, English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian | Polish and English |
| Chapel of St Kinga | Included | Not part of the route |
| Hours shown for the route | 08:00 to 18:00 | 09:00 to 17:00 |
For most first-time visitors the Tourist Route is the better choice, because it includes the Chapel of St Kinga and the underground lakes. The Miners' Route suits a second visit, or anyone who wants the working side of the mine and is happy to wear gear and carry out small tasks. More on the classic route is on the tours page, and the chapel page explains what you would miss on the Miners' Route.
Helmets, lamps and what you wear
The equipment is handed out before you go down.
The gear
Each participant gets a helmet, a lamp, a carbon monoxide absorber and a protective suit. A safety briefing comes before the start.
Shoes
Closed shoes are required. Wear something you can walk in for a couple of hours on uneven ground.
Luggage
There are lockers at the Regis shaft for participants. Leave large bags behind and bring only what you need.
Arrival
Be there at least 15 minutes before your start time.
What you do underground
The tasks follow old mining jobs.
Test the air
The route refers to the methane tester, the miner who checked the air before work could continue.
Look for salt
Searching for salt in the rock is one of the tasks on the route.
Find your way
Finding the way underground is part of the route. The foreman also covers the historic work of the mine carpenter, called the timberer.
The route also takes in the Boczaniec chamber. The Chapel of St Kinga is not part of this route. For the large chambers and the lakes of the Tourist Route, see inside the mine.
Tickets, age and language
Prices for 2026 depend on season and language.
Separate ticket
The Miners' Route is sold on its own. For comparison, the foreign-language adult ticket for the Tourist Route costs PLN 143 to PLN 169 in 2026 depending on the season. Check the current price for your date and language before you book. The tickets page lists the 2026 price tiers and discount groups.
Language
The regular offer is in Polish and English only. There is no regular German-language Miners' Route, so German speakers should book the English tour or choose the Tourist Route, which runs in German.
Age
Participants must be at least 10. The family ticket applies to children over 10 up to 16. There is no free entry for small children on this route. If your child turns 10 close to your date, check the ticket terms.
Photos
Private photos and video are allowed. Stay with your group. Leaving it is not permitted.
Hours, closed days and the 90-day booking window are on the opening hours page.
Wieliczka Miners' Route: frequently asked questions
How long does the Miners' Route take?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours. The route is about 1.9 km long and reaches 101 m below the surface.
Can children join the Miners' Route?
Yes, from age 10. Younger children cannot take part. The Tourist Route has no minimum age and is the better choice for a family with small children.
Is there a tour in German?
The regular offer is in Polish and English. If you want a guide in German, the Tourist Route runs in German as well as seven other languages.
Do I see the Chapel of St Kinga on the Miners' Route?
No. The chapel belongs to the Tourist Route. Do not book the Miners' Route expecting the chapel and the lakes.
What should I bring?
Closed shoes and clothes for 14 to 16 °C. Helmet, lamp, protective suit and carbon monoxide absorber are provided. Large luggage stays in the lockers at the Regis shaft.
Is this the official website of the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
No. This is an independent travel guide. Tickets for the Miners' Route are sold by the mine and by other sellers, and prices on this page are given for orientation.