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FAQ
What is the temperature in the mine? 
The temperature in the Mine is constant and is about 14oC, so when you visit the site in summer, please be sure to bring warmer clothing.
How long does the tour take?
The tour of the Tourist Route, or 20 historic chambers linked by 2 km of galleries and the underground exhibition of the Krakow Salt Museum on Level III of the Mine lasts about 3 hours. It is also possible to go back to the surface after visiting just the Tourist Route, which takes about 2 hours.
Can I have a rest, use the toilets or have a snack during the tour?
The first break in sightseeing takes place about an hour after the beginning of the tour in the Drozdowice and Weimar Chambers. In the Drozdowice Chamber, a counter with sweets is located, and during the breaks you can also use the toilets. About 2 hours after the beginning of the tour, tourists rest in the Wisła-Warszawa-Budryka chambers, where the underground restaurant is located. Also toilets are found in the area.
What should I wear when going on a tour of the Mine?
The temperature in the Mine is constant and is about 14oC, so when you visit the site in summer, please be sure to bring warmer clothing. The tour takes 2-3 hours, and in the beginning tourists go down long stairs, so you should wear comfortable shoes. In the historic part of the Mine places of worship are to be found, so you should wear appropriate clothes.
Can I visit the Mine with young children?
Children under four years of age can visit the Mine free of charge. You will be going down and up approximately 700 stairs, so you are advised to leave your pram in the luggage storage on the surface.
Why aren’t the tourists obliged to carry helmets and lamps?
The underground tourist route is well lit, and also equipped with additional emergency lighting, so there is no need to take additional lamps underground. For the convenience of the tourists, we have obtained an exception from the mining regulations, which require helmets to be worn. In this way, you can enjoy your underground hike without having to carry mining equipment. The guides wear helmets primarily for representational purposes.
Can I give up using guide services and visit the Mine on my own?
The Mine is a mining site which can be accessed only under the care of a qualified employee, the Guide. All our guides have paramedical skills and are familiar with the safety regulations in force at the Mine. Under their care you will be completely safe in the Mine.
Is it true that the air in the Mine is healthy?
The air in the Mine is characterised by exceptional bacteriological purity and contains a high level of sodium chloride as well as magnesium and calcium ions. Therefore, the Mine also functions as a spa. Stays in salt chambers efficiently facilitate the treatment of upper respiratory tract conditions, asthma and allergies. The content of sodium chloride in the air is higher near the brine lakes.
Are there any diseases that are contra-indications for visiting the Mine?
The tour of the Mine lasts about 2-3 hours, and tourists come down stairs and ramps to Level III of the Mine 135 meters underground. Senior citizens, and especially ones with reduced mobility, should realistically assess their physical capabilities. Also those suffering from claustrophobia or chronic diseases should consult a doctor before going down into the Mine.
Can pregnant women visit the Mine?
Women who work and have an active lifestyle should not feel any discomfort during the tour of the Mine but it is worthwhile to assess your physical capabilities. The tour of the Mine lasts about 2-3 hours, and tourists come down stairs and ramps to Level III of the Mine 135 meters underground.
Can I go down to the Mine by lift, and not take the stairs like the other tourists?
You can, but only in justified cases (mainly for people with disabilities, or reduced mobility) and by booking in advance. An additional fee is charged.
Can I take photos and film in the Mine?
Tourists who wish take photos and film underground must pay an additional charge of PLN 10 when purchasing their tickets, and they receive a sticker with a symbol of a camera, which they should place in a visible spot. Tourists who before going down into the Mine have not purchased the mandatory permit for taking photos and filming, but take photos and film are automatically obliged to purchase such a permit from the employee at the terrace of the Saint Kinga Chapel.
Why cannot I touch and lick the salt sculptures?
The salt sculptures not only adorn the Mine, but are also very valuable historic monuments (the oldest ones along the Tourist Route date from the 17th century), so we protect them with particular care. The salt sculptures are exposed to the leaching process, or humid air dissolving salt. Tourists who touch the sculptures contribute to accelerating their destruction.
Can I buy gifts underground?
Underground, a number of venues are found where you can buy souvenirs. During the tour of the Mine, you can visit a kiosk in the Drozdowice Chamber. About 2 hours after the beginning of the tour, tourists rest in the Wisła-Warszawa-Budryka chambers, where the underground restaurant and a number of souvenir stands are located. In the Staszica Chamber even a post office is located, from which you can send a postcard with a special stamp confirming the fact that you have visited the Mine.
Can I deposit luggage in the Mine?
At the main entrance to the Mine, a luggage storage is located. It is open in the same hours as the Mine.
Can I smoke underground?
In the Mine, it is absolutely prohibited to smoke tobacco and use any source of open fire in compliance with mining and geological regulations.
Is it true that mobile phones work in the Mine?
The mobile phones can be used in the area of the Wisła-Warszawa-Budryka chambers. In the area, Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi) is available as well. In the Wisła Chamber, you can also use the multimedia stands from which you can send an electronic postcard from the Mine free of charge.
Can I take my pet to the Mine?
No animals are allowed underground.
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