Bochnia Salt Mine Kraków
Explore ancient underground worlds at Bochnia and Wieliczka, UNESCO-listed salt mines near Krakow, offering art, history, and adventure.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace
Bochnia Salt Mine Kraków
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed pace

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient underground worlds at Bochnia and Wieliczka, UNESCO-listed salt mines near Krakow, offering art, history, and adventure.
"A truly unique underground adventure, from artistic chapels to thrilling slides and boat rides!"
Bochnia vs. Wieliczka
Bochnia is older, less crowded, and more interactive (slide, boat). Wieliczka is known for its art and sculptures .
Book English Tours Early
English-speaking tours are popular and can sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Boat Ride
Bochnia Salt Mine
Navigate a subterranean lake on a small boat, a unique and thrilling experience in the depths of the mine .

The Great Slide
Bochnia Salt Mine
Experience the thrill of sliding down a 140-meter salt slide, a fun and memorable way to descend into the mine .

Saint Kinga's Chapel
Wieliczka Salt Mine
Marvel at an awe-inspiring chapel carved entirely from salt, featuring chandeliers and intricate reliefs .

Mining Equipment Displays
Bochnia Salt Mine
Explore multimedia exhibitions showcasing historic salt-mining technology and the importance of salt in Polish history .
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Choose Your Salt Mine Adventure
Book in Advance & Prepare for Stairs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bochnia vs. Wieliczka
Bochnia is older, less crowded, and more interactive (slide, boat). Wieliczka is known for its art and sculptures.
Book English Tours Early
English-speaking tours are popular and can sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs! Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the mines.
Consider a Day Trip Combo
Some tours combine the salt mines with Auschwitz for a full day of historical exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Bochnia vs. Wieliczka
Bochnia is older, less crowded, and more interactive (slide, boat). Wieliczka is known for its art and sculptures.
Book English Tours Early
English-speaking tours are popular and can sell out. Book online in advance to secure your spot.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking and stairs! Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are a must for exploring the mines.
Consider a Day Trip Combo
Some tours combine the salt mines with Auschwitz for a full day of historical exploration.
Audio Guides Available
If your tour isn't in your preferred language, audio guides are often available.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find both Bochnia and Wieliczka salt mines to be fascinating and unique experiences, though they cater to different interests. Bochnia is praised for its interactive elements like the slide and boat ride, making it great for families and those seeking adventure. Wieliczka is lauded for its artistic beauty, particularly Saint Kinga's Chapel. Some reviewers noted that tours can be long and that language barriers can occur if not booking an English-specific tour.
"First off, I didn't realize there were 2 salt mines in Krakow. When I booked, I thought I booked the Wieliczka Salt Mine. I have to say I was slightly disappointed, but it was my error. This tour was more educational and felt like a school trip, not that that's a bad thing, it just wasn't what I wanted. The tour lasts 3 hours and it has a lot of steps, so wear appropriate shoes. The boat guide was very funny, I kept thinking it was going to capsize, but he assured me it wouldn't. There is a cafeteria and toilets when you get a break, the food I have to say was delicious as we were hungry from walking. All in all, a good day, I just wanted to see more sculptures."
Trishysnaps
"Amazing experience. Great multi media information displays. The headphone recording device worked well. The tour guide spoke only Polish to the guests so make sure you get the translation headphones. The place is huge. I enjoyed seeing all of the students arriving with backpacks to spend the night inside the mines. What a great experience for them. There is a lot of walking and stairs, so not for people who are not used to walking for hours. Just to let you know. The other tourists and I agreed that this was a super experience which would be a beautiful day trip away from Krakow. The small town of Bochnia was lovely. Make sure you go inside the beautiful cathedral. These are the kind of old architectural structures that remind us of what builders are capable of... Beauty.. Majesty... The Sublime! It was a perfect day trip"
Joe Klepadlo
"Visit to the Bochnia salt mine was interesting but not impressive. We went down to a depth of over 200 meters in a mining elevator. Another attraction was a ride in a mining train. Mrs. Beata (the guide) was very nice and she had a lot of knowledge. Interesting multimedia presentations and mining props. The boat ride took about 5 minutes so a relative attraction for 20 PLN. If I can suggest a trip for a pair of adults, it will be the basic option without a boat "crossing".
Our visit to the Wieliczka mine left much better impressions and memories."
Witold Chwirot
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a regional train from Krakow to Bochnia (direction Tarnów) and then a short taxi or bus ride to the mine. The journey is about 50 km.
Public transport buses from Krakow are also an option.The most convenient way is by MPK public transport bus number 304 from Krakow's Main Station (West bus stop) to 'Wieliczka - kopalnia soli'.
Taxis and organized tours are also readily available.Yes, both mines are accessible by public transport from Krakow, though Bochnia might require a train and then a local bus/taxi. Wieliczka is more directly served by buses from the city center.
Yes, both mines have parking facilities available for visitors who choose to drive. However, parking fees may apply.
Absolutely! Many tour operators in Krakow offer guided day trips to both Wieliczka and Bochnia, often including transportation and skip-the-line tickets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary between Bochnia and Wieliczka, and also between Polish and foreign language tours. Foreign language tours are generally more expensive.
Check the official websites for the most up-to-date pricing.It is highly recommended to book tickets online in advance, especially for English-speaking tours, as they can sell out.
This also helps avoid long queues.No, free-ranging is not permitted. You can only enter the mines as part of a guided tour.
Opening hours vary by season and mine. It's best to check the official websites for the most accurate and up-to-date information on tour times and operating hours.
Discounts are typically available for children, students, and seniors. Polish citizens often have access to lower prices than international visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tours typically last between 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the mine and the specific route chosen.
Yes, expect a significant amount of walking and numerous stairs. Comfortable, sturdy footwear is essential.
The temperature in the mines remains constant year-round, typically around 14-16°C (57-61°F). It's advisable to bring a light jacket.
Yes, both mines are generally child-friendly. Bochnia, with its slide and interactive elements, is often recommended for families.
Yes, there are designated rest areas with restrooms and cafes or snack bars available during the tours.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but sometimes there are restrictions in specific areas or for professional equipment. Always check with your guide.
Saint Kinga's Chapel in Wieliczka is a highlight for photos.
In Bochnia, the underground lake and historic mining equipment offer great photographic opportunities.For personal use, a permit is usually not required. However, commercial photography or the use of tripods might require special permission and fees.
The mines are lit with artificial lighting, which can create dramatic effects. Some areas might be darker, so a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
While not as common as standard tours, some operators might offer specialized photography tours, especially for Wieliczka, allowing more time and access for photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💍 Couples & Unique Experiences
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Bochnia vs. Wieliczka: A Deeper Dive
Bochnia, on the other hand, is the older and less crowded of the two, also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It offers a more adventurous and interactive experience. Visitors can enjoy a thrilling ride down a salt slide, navigate an underground lake by boat, and explore multimedia exhibitions that detail the history of salt mining. This makes Bochnia a fantastic choice for families or those seeking a more hands-on, less purely aesthetic experience. While Wieliczka might impress with its artistry, Bochnia captivates with its unique activities and historical immersion.
The History and Significance of Salt Mining
These mines are more than just historical sites; they are living museums that showcase centuries of human ingenuity and perseverance. The techniques and tools used for extraction have evolved over time, and visitors can learn about this evolution through various displays and guided narratives. The UNESCO World Heritage status of both mines underscores their global significance, preserving this unique underground heritage for future generations to explore and appreciate.
Unique Experiences: Weddings and Overnight Stays
Beyond weddings, Wieliczka also offers the rare opportunity for overnight stays in its underground chambers. Imagine sleeping in a historic salt mine, surrounded by unique geological formations and a profound sense of history. This experience is often geared towards school groups or special events, providing a truly immersive adventure. While not a standard tourist offering, it highlights the multifaceted nature of these underground wonders, extending beyond typical day tours.
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