The 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine, located at 10 Danilowicza Street in Wieliczka, is a true treasure trove of underground wonders. The tour begins with a ride down the Danilowicza shaft to a depth of 64 meters. The elevator ride itself is an exciting experience, especially for the youngest! After going underground, a tourist route of about 3 kilometers awaits us, during which we will see the most beautiful chambers and the most fascinating salt sculptures.

One of the most impressive places is the Chapel of St. Kinga, often called the underground cathedral. This huge chamber, entirely carved in salt, impresses with its wealth of ornamentation and salt reliefs. Children are sure to be delighted by the 'salt' chandeliers and the floor, which looks like an ice rink!

Another spot that will delight little explorers is Wessel Lake. It's an underground brine lake with a mysterious mist hovering over it, creating an eerie, fairy-tale atmosphere. There is also an interactive multimedia exhibition near the lake, where children can learn more about the process of salt formation and the work of miners in a fun and engaging way.

For lovers of legends and stories, Queen Kinga's Grotto will be an extremely interesting place. It is here that guides tell the fascinating story of the ring thrown into the mine by the Hungarian princess, which was to give rise to the salt deposits in Wieliczka.

Important practical information:

• The mine is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
• Entrance tickets are best purchased in advance through the official website of the mine
• Ticket prices (as of 2023): adults - PLN 89, children and teenagers (4-18 years old) - PLN 69, children under 4 years old - free.
• The temperature in the mine is consistently around 14-16°C, it is advisable to take warmer clothing with you
• The tour is suitable for families with children, but it is not recommended to take baby carriages (you can rent baby carriers)
• The tour time is about 2-3 hours

Remember that the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine is not only a tourist attraction, but also a health resort. The microclimate in the mine has therapeutic properties, especially beneficial for people with respiratory problems. This is an additional advantage, which means that a visit to the mine can be not only fascinating, but also healthy for the whole family.

After a fascinating journey underground, it is worth supplementing your knowledge of the history of salt mining with a visit to the Saltworks Castle - the Cracow Saltworks Museum Wieliczka. This medieval castle, located at 8 Zamkowa Street in Wieliczka, is an integral part of the mine complex and is also on the UNESCO list.

The museum offers a rich educational program for children and teenagers, including interactive workshops and museum lessons. Here the youngest can see what the tools used by miners centuries ago looked like, as well as learn about the daily lives of mine workers. The exhibition also presents an impressive collection of salt shakers from different eras, which is sure to interest not only small but also large visitors.

Important information:

• The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Admission tickets: adults - 30 zlotys, children and teenagers - 18 zlotys (2023 prices)
• On Saturdays admission to the museum is free

After visiting the Zupny Castle, head to the nearby St. Kinga Park, which is just a few minutes' walk from the mine. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy tour. The park offers not only shade and benches, but also a playground for children and a picturesque pond with ducks.

One of Wieliczka's newer attractions that is a must-visit is the Brine Graduation Tower. Located in Kingi Park at 1 Park Kingi Street, the graduation tower is not only a tourist attraction, but also a place with healing properties. Brine inhalations are particularly beneficial for people with respiratory problems, but also for anyone who wants to strengthen their immunity.

Information about the Brine Graduation Tower:

• Open daily from 10:00-20:00 (during the summer season)
• Admission ticket: PLN 7 per person (2023 price).
• It is recommended to spend about 30-45 minutes here for optimal inhalation effect

For families with children, we also recommend a visit to the Pinocchio Children's Park, located at 9 Mikołaja Wierzynka St. This is a playground with many attractions, including inflatables, a monkey grove and a mini zoo. It's the perfect place for children to let off steam after a day full of excitement and education.

When planning a visit to Wieliczka, it's worth remembering that the city is well connected to Krakow. You can get here by bus (line 304 from Krakow), train (Wieliczka Market-Mine station) or car (about a 30-minute drive from the center of Krakow). There is a large parking lot next to the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine, which makes the visit easier for families traveling by their own transportation.

When planning a family trip to the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine and surrounding attractions, it is worth taking into account some practical tips that will help make your adventure even more successful and comfortable.

1 - Planning your visit:

• It is best to book tickets to the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine in advance, especially during the summer season and weekends.
• Consider buying a combined package, which includes a visit to the mine and admission to the Cracow Saltworks Museum in the Saltworks Castle.
• Check the opening hours of each attraction - some may have changed hours depending on the season.

2 What to bring with you:

• Comfortable, flat shoes - there are a lot of stairs and uneven surfaces in the mine.
• Warm clothing - the temperature in the mine is consistently around 14-16°C.
• Water and a small snack - the tour can last several hours.
• Camera - you can take pictures (without flash) in most places in the mine.

3. touring with children:

• The tourist route in the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine is adapted for children from 4 years old.
• Special routes and educational programs are available for the youngest, it is worth asking about them at the ticket office or checking the mine's website.
• Baby strollers are not available at the mine, but baby carriers can be rented.

4 Accessibility:

• The 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine is partially adapted for people with disabilities - it is worth contacting the staff in advance to arrange a visit.
• The brine graduation tower and St. Kinga Park are accessible to wheelchair users.

5 Gastronomy:

• There are several restaurants and cafes in the vicinity of the mine where you can have lunch or a snack.
• In the mine itself, at a depth of 125 meters, there is a restaurant where you can try traditional Polish dishes.

6 Accommodation:

• If you're planning a longer stay, there are plenty of lodging options in Wieliczka, from hotels to guesthouses and apartments.
• We recommend the Grand Sal Hotel, which is located right next to the mine and offers family packages.

7 Additional attractions:

• It's worth checking the calendar of events in Wieliczka - there are often festivals, concerts and other cultural events.
• For active families, we recommend renting bicycles and exploring Wieliczka's surroundings - the area offers scenic bicycle routes.

Remember that a visit to the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine and surrounding attractions is not only a lesson in history and geology, but above all an unforgettable adventure for the whole family. Underground passageways, salt sculptures, interactive exhibitions and beautiful landscapes above ground create a unique blend that is sure to leave a lasting mark in your memory.

Wieliczka is a place where every member of the family will find something for themselves - from fascinating legends for the youngest, to educational exhibitions for older children, to relaxing inhalations in the graduation tower for adults. It is an ideal destination for a day trip from Krakow or a longer weekend stay.

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover or just looking for an unusual experience, the 'Wieliczka' Salt Mine and its surroundings are sure to meet your expectations. Get ready for a journey through time and space that will remain in your memory long after you return home.