Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours in short
The Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours depend on the route you choose. The Tourist Route is shown with 08:00 to 18:00 and the Miners' Route with 09:00 to 17:00. Those are the hours of the route, not a list of tour times. You enter at a start time that belongs to your ticket and your language, so the practical question is which start you can book on your date.
Start with the day and the language, then pick a slot. The Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets page explains the price tiers and the booking shop, and the section below on start times shows what to expect.
Hours by route and area
The hours shown for each part of a visit in 2026.
| Part of the visit | Hours shown | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Route | 08:00 to 18:00 | Starts depend on your ticket, language and date. |
| Miners' Route | 09:00 to 17:00 | For the exact day, use the ticket times for that day. |
| Underground museum | 09:00 to 17:00 | This is the cash desk closing and the last group going in. Holy Saturday is listed to 15:30 and New Year's Eve 08:00 to 16:00. |
| Closed days | Closed | 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 November, 24 and 25 December. |
For most visitors the simplest plan is the Tourist Route in the language you speak, booked online for a specific start. The Miners' Route is worth adding only if you want the practical side of the mine, see the Miners' Route.
Our pick: a fixed start time
This tour sets the time for you, with a river cruise before the mine.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Wieliczka Salt Mine tours with a fixed start
Guided visits and transfers from Kraków, with live prices and availability for your date.
Closed days and short-notice changes
Five dates are fixed. Others can appear.
Fixed closed days
The mine is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 November and 24 and 25 December. Plan around them, especially around Christmas and All Saints.
Extra closures
The mine may close for organisational or safety reasons. The route can also change on the day. Check the booking shop before you travel.
Seasons
Hours change through the year. Check the timetable for your own date.
The photo shows the graduation tower in Wieliczka. If you arrive early, you can spend the spare time in town. The Tourist Route begins at the Daniłowicz shaft, and getting there has trains, buses and parking.
How start times and booking work
Closing time, last start and the time you must be out are not the same thing.
Starts follow the ticket quota
Tours start according to the tickets available for a given language. Starts are not guaranteed at the same times every day in every language, so always look at your date.
Online window
You can book online from 90 days before your visit until the end of the year. An individual booking must be made at least 1 hour before the tour.
On the day
Remaining tickets are sold at the cash desks, depending on availability. If you need a particular language, book ahead.
Languages
The Tourist Route runs in Polish, English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian. The Miners' Route runs in Polish and English.
Planning the day around your start
Allow time before and after.
Count 2 to 3 hours for the Tourist Route. The underground museum can add about an hour. For the Miners' Route, be there at least 15 minutes before your start. Keep the rest of the day light, because the walk includes about 800 steps.
If you come from the city, the train from Kraków Główny takes about 25 minutes, see Wieliczka from Kraków. To visit Auschwitz-Birkenau as well, read Auschwitz and Wieliczka first. For the season and weather, see the best time to visit.
Wieliczka Salt Mine opening hours: frequently asked questions
What time does the Wieliczka Salt Mine open?
The Tourist Route is shown with 08:00 to 18:00. Your own start time depends on your ticket, your language and your date.
On which days is the mine closed?
On 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 November and 24 and 25 December. Other closures are possible for organisational or safety reasons.
What is the last entry?
Closing time, the last tour start and the time you must be out are different. Look at the start times offered for your date and language when you book.
How early can I book?
Up to 90 days before your visit. An individual booking must be made at least 1 hour before the tour.
Can I buy a ticket on the day?
Tickets remaining on the day are sold at the cash desks, depending on availability. Booking ahead is safer, especially for languages other than Polish.
Is this the official website of the Wieliczka Salt Mine?
No. This is an independent travel guide. Check the current timetable in the booking shop before you go.