VISIT THE SALT MINES FROM KRAKOW

Send

Today is probably the most complete day of the trip to Krakow in 5 days, since tomorrow we will visit the city's Jewish Quarter, one of the most interesting and also most touristic neighborhoods, and later in the afternoon visit the Salt Mines from Krakow, one of the best tours and excursions from Krakow in which we will discover a part of this incredible network of more than 300 kilometers of galleries, breathtakingly decorated rooms and lakes that make these spectacular Salt Mines possibly one of the most tourist and visited places from Poland.

This is why we decided to start the day at a fairly early hour, not as much as yesterday that we went to visit Auschwitz from Krakow, but it does allow us to have a morning wide enough to be able to see everything we have on today's itinerary .
So after we wake up at six in the morning, as usual and after having a coffee, we go down to the breakfast room of the Logos hotel, where when it is approximately 8:30 in the morning we leave again to the streets of the city, heading directly to the Jewish quarter of Krakow.

Visit the Jewish quarter of Krakow

Today's tour of the Jewish Quarter in Krakow or Kazimierz will take us to places like the Old Synagogue, the Remuh Synagogue, the Tempel Synagogue, the Isaac Synagogue, the Kupa Synagogue, the Wysoka Synagogue, the Nowy Square and the Basilica of the Corpus Cristi, in addition to enjoying a pleasant walk through one of the most essential areas of Krakow.

The hotel we are staying in these days in Krakow is about 2 kilometers from the Jewish quarter you can go by public transport, we decided to walk to discover in this way that part of Krakow that we did not see in the tour of Krakow in a day a couple of days ago.
It does not take more than 15 or 20 minutes to get to Nowy Square, the most tourist and most important square in this area of Krakow, we have to say that at this time of day it is not very lively, as it is too early and there no open position, so after taking some photos we decided that we will try to return throughout the day to see it with some more atmosphere.

Nowy Square

Today dawned a lot more cloudy than the previous days, but despite this, the high temperatures seem to remain, something that initially we did not think would happen to us in Poland, so we advise you to look before the trip the weather forecast , since we are currently exceeding 30 degrees, so coming with spring or autumn clothes can be a real ordeal with such a hot weather.

After this brief stop, we continue on a tour of today with a brief return of recognition in the area, and then continue our itinerary planned by the Jewish Quarter, heading to the first visit we will make of the day, which how could it be otherwise , is a synagogue.
A good option to learn more about the history of this neighborhood is to book this free tour of the Jewish neighborhood with a guide in Spanish. Free!
In Krakow, of the 7 synagogues that we can find in Kazimierz or the Jewish district of Krakow, there are only 6 that can be visited. In our case we will only visit the interior of 2, the Old Synagogue and the Remuh Synagogue, two of the most touristy.

Tempel Synagogue

The Tempel Synagogue, which we do not visit inside, since the idea is to visit only two of the nine we have in the planning.
This neo-Renaissance synagogue was built in the 19th century, making it the most current synagogue that we can find in Krakow.

Tempel Synagogue

Kupa Synagogue

This synagogue, built in 1643, was the last one built in the city and whenever you are lucky and find it open, something that does not happen often, you can enjoy its walls adorned with cities of the Holy Land.

Kupa Synagogue

Remuh Synagogue

This synagogue is the smallest of all, besides being the only one that currently maintains its activity. The entrance fee is 10PLN per person and they give access to both the synagogue and its cemetery, a place that retains many gravestones despite the ravages caused by the Nazis.

Remuh Synagogue

The best tours and excursions in Krakow in Spanish
If you prefer to forget about preparations or have little time, you can book the following tours in SPANISH
- Excursion to Auschwitz-Birkenau
- Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour
- Offer: Auschwitz + Salt Mines in one day
- Private guided tour of Krakow
- Free tour of Krakow Free!
- Free tour of the Jewish district of Krakow Free!
- Many more excursions and tours in / from Krakow here

Old Synagogue

This synagogue is considered the oldest, not only in Krakow, but also in Poland and is known today as the Historical Museum of Krakow, after being used by the Nazis as a warehouse.

Old Synagogue

Wysoka Synagogue

This synagogue is also known as the High Synagogue, since the location of the prayer hall is in the highest part of the construction, thus becoming the tallest synagogue in Krakow. location of the prayer room on the top floor of the building, which makes it the highest synagogue in Krakow.

Isaac Synagogue

This synagogue, considered one of the most beautiful, attracts attention by having an exterior that seems not to agree with the former, since we find a sober and austere building, which was built in 1644.

Isaac Synagogue

Our tour of the synagogues begins after a walk around the Jewish quarter, where we have to confess we stop every few meters, trying to keep all the details that we are crossing and above all, confirming that this is one of the Krakow areas that attract our attention and where we would not mind staying next time we come.

Streets of the Jewish Quarter in Krakow

Details Streets of the Jewish District in Krakow

Seeing that time passes faster than expected and of course what we want, we approach the Kupa Synagogue, the first of the synagogues that we visit in the Jewish Quarter and then approach the Remuh Synagogue, where after paying 10PLN per person We access what is one of the most visited synagogues in the Jewish quarter of Krakow and where we also find a cemetery.

Remuh Synagogue

After the visit, we cannot avoid getting lost again in the adjacent streets, where we continue to find ourselves in numerous details that do not stop calling our attention, reminding us that Krakow will be one of the cities to which we will surely return, but with more time , to taste it little by little.
In the arteries of the neighborhood we find many shops and stores full of charm that remind us of the moment when the boy who made the transfer from the airport to the hotel, when we went from the airport to Krakow, told us that this is one of the best neighborhoods for both breakfast and lunch or dinner throughout Krakow. So if you are in this area, at any of these times of the day, the truth is that it is very worth considering making a stop. And how could it be otherwise, it is already something we have planned for tomorrow.

Jewish Quarter of Krakow

Jewish Quarter

After this new walk through the streets of this amazing neighborhood we go to the Old Synagogue, the oldest in the Jewish district of Krakow, where we enter after paying 10PLN per person and after enjoying a rest time in one of the squares prettiest and most charming in the city.

Jewish Quarter

After this visit we approach the Wysoka Synagogue, a few meters from the previous one, from where we continue the journey through the Jewish district of Krakow heading towards the Isaac Synagogue, which we see from outside and with which we end the route by the synagogues the Jewish district of Krakow and we began to take a walk through the neighborhood aimlessly and without a map, getting lost again by several of the streets adjacent to the synagogues, all with restaurants and coffee shops full of charm, which as we said before, deserve worth enjoying. That is why we advise you to come to the neighborhood with enough time to be able to explore it with tranquility and, whenever you can, be in the moments of lunch or dinner, to be able to take advantage and enjoy some of them.

Jewish Quarter of Krakow

Details

The next stop in the Jewish district of Krakow is the Church of Corpus Cristi, one of the largest temples in the city, as well as being considered one of the most beautiful baroque temples in Europe.

Corpus Cristi Church

Interior of the Church of Corpus Cristi

How could it be otherwise, we take a few minutes to visit its interior, for free, which we have to say surprises us greatly and becomes another of our favorite corners of the city.
After the visit we return to the Market Square, a regular of this Krakow in 5 days, this time to approach for the third time these days to the ticket offices of the Basilica of Santa Maria, to try to climb the tower. Missing a few minutes to 12 noon, we understand that we should not have problems to be able to climb, but as if it were a hidden camera, we find that they already have a sign as they are all tickets sold. So we have no other to ask and explain what is happening to us, to listen to the recommendation that we come early in the morning, at 9 which is the time they open and thus ensure the visit, since the Tickets, allowing only small groups every 30 minutes, sell out very quickly.
With this explanation and seeing that today it is impossible, we will leave it for tomorrow, that we will try to come first thing and see if finally, for the fourth time, and being the last day we will be in Krakow, we can climb the tower.

More practical information to prepare your trip to Krakow
- 10 essential places to visit in Krakow
- 50 things to see and do in Krakow
- The 5 best tours and excursions in Krakow
- 10 restaurants to eat in Krakow cheap
- 10 essential tips for traveling to Krakow
- The best free tours in Krakow for free
- 10 essential tips for traveling to Poland

Seeing this and considering that it is still early to eat, we decided to stop at Café Szal, in the Plaza del Mercado, where you can access through the gallery that is just below and from where there are stunning views of the Marketplace.

Café Szal Terrace

We do not need more than two minutes to confirm that this is one of the best places in the city where you can stop to eat or have a drink and the views are incredible, in addition to having a very quiet and pleasant atmosphere , perfect for making a stop while touring the city. In addition the prices are not very expensive: a mocha coffee, with ice cream and caramel 16PLN or an American for 8PLN, prices that taking into account the location, seem very tight.
If you decide to come, you will see that at the entrance of the gallery they indicate that the entrance price is 16PLN per person, but even if it is the same ticket, to access the Café Szal you must not pay anything. You can go directly up the elevator to the 1st floor or by the stairs on the left and that will take you directly to the cafe.
We ask for a mocha coffee, with caramel and ice cream, plus a mango lassi, all for 30PLN, which we enjoy in front of incredible views and that give us energy to face the second part of the day's visits, which will be within a couple of hours and that will take us to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow.

Views from Café Szal

And it is at this point where we have to thank Gonzalo, from He makes his way to walk since thanks to him we discovered this place. Do not miss their photos, they are spectacular.

Market Square from Café Szal

From here and after this sweet moment in Krakow, we decided that today we will go to eat at another of the most recommended restaurants in Krakow: the Black Duck. And as it has happened to us with the tower of the Basilica of Santa Maria, we get a surprise again and that is to get there and find that they tell us that everything is full and if we do not have a reservation, we have to wait two hours. Seen this and not counting on that time, since in a while we started the Salt Mine tour from Krakowmine, we abort the Polish gastronomy mission again, and we look for another restaurant that is nearby where we can eat.
After looking at several restaurants we decided to go to the Cyclop Pizzeria, one of the most recommended pizzerias in Krakow, where we ordered a pizza and a plate of pasta plus lemonade from the house, beer and dessert for 96PLN.

Cyklop Pizza

All great, so if you are here and you want to try pizza or pasta, do not hesitate!
After a meal of the best, we went to the meeting point, where we were yesterday, to start the Salt Mine tour from Krakow, passing again through Florianska Street, one of the liveliest in the city, which at this time looks incredibly set.

Florianska Street

And so, at 15:35 in the afternoon, punctual as a clock, we start the moment of visit the Salt Mines from Krakow.

Salt Mine Tour from Krakow

With more than 300 kilometers of incredible galleries, which are accessed after going down more than 700 steps, surprising rooms await you, where you can see hundreds of sculptures made in salt, through which you can learn the history of the salt mine and even underground lakes, in front of which you will be totally impressed.

Visit Salt Mines from Krakow

Itinerary that is traveled on the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour

The Wieliczka Salt Mine tour It starts in Krakow, where a 15-kilometer transfer begins by bus to Wieliczka, where the Salt Mines are located.
Once there it will start to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow, in which the first section is made descending 380 steps, after which they begin to travel the more than 2.5 kilometers of total route through more than 20 rooms, all decorated with different sculptures made in salt, lakes underground, utensils typical of the work done in the mine, in addition to some shops and restaurants that are in the final part of the tour.
The most intense moment of the visit to the Salt Mines is the moment in which the upper part of the Chapel of St. Kinga of 54 meters is accessed, carved exclusively in salt, one of the most incredible places in the world.

Chapel of St. Kinga. Visit the Salt Mines from Krakow

Details of the excursion to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow

- The tour to the Salt Mines starts at 3:35 p.m., although the meeting time is 15 minutes before.
- The meeting point is in the Plaza de Matejko 2, very close to the Barbican.

- The duration of the tour is approximately 4 hours, although it may vary depending on traffic.
- The salt mine tour from Krakow takes place in Spanish.
- In this excursion you have to go down approximately 800 steps, in two phases, the first of 380 steps followed and the following between the routes through the different rooms. The return to the surface is done by elevator.
- The visit to the Salt Mines proper, is approximately 2.30h.
- The temperature inside the Salt Mines is around 16 degrees. Although they recommend wearing some coat, if you are not very cold, it is not necessary. At least in summer, this temperature is even appreciated during the time of the visit.

Salt Mines Room

What does the tour to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow include?

- Transportation from Krakow by bus to the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
- Spanish speaking guide during the trip and during the visit.
- Entrance to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines.
- Voucher to eat at the Beer House or Pub Crawl restaurant with 4 glasses.

Recommendations and advice for the salt mine tour from Krakow with a guide in Spanish

- They do not let in with backpacks or larger bags of a DINA4, so you have to leave them on the bus.
- The bus ride is about 30 minutes and at the entrance to the Salt Mines there are several shops, beverage machines and public toilets.
- You can take pictures throughout the tour of the Salt Mines, included with flash. Once you reach the impressive St. Kinga Chapel, 10PLN must be paid for the photo permit. It is not necessary to have it to take the photographs at the beginning of the tour, they can be made and make the payment later.
- In the bathing area, right next to the entrance to the Salt Mines, there are several places where you can buy water, coffee ... etc
- The arrival in Krakow is about 20:30 in the afternoon, so you can dine perfectly in the city.
- When you arrive at the entrance of the Salt Mines, they have a few minutes to go to the bathroom or buy water.
- The total time to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow is approximately 4-5 hours, depending on traffic for travel.
- Although photographs can be taken at all times, the visit to the Salt Mines is one of the most famous tours in Krakow, so there are usually quite a lot of people. We recommend you to do the tour with a lot of education and above all, trying to follow the group.

Details of the visit to the Salt Mines from Krakow

- Important: The excursion to the Salt Mines has the departure time at 15: 35h so it could be combined with the Auschwitz tour from Krakow that leaves at 7: 30h in the morning. This first ends at 3 in the afternoon so you would have time to eat something fast and leaving you at the meeting point, you would not have problems to fit both tours in the same day.

Extra from the Salt Mine excursion from Krakow

If you book the Salt Mine tour with Civitatis, they give you a bonus to spend on a meal at the Beer House restaurant, located on Floriańska Street, which includes a soup and a main course or a bonus for 4 drinks at the Pub Crawl in which 4 different bars are visited.
A good option if you have little time is to book the offer that includes the visit to Auschwitz and the Salt Mines on a day with a guide in Spanish.

Book your tour here to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow with a guide in Spanish
- Excursion to the Salt Mines

Salt Mine Passages

After this explanation we have made the tour to visit the Salt Mines from Krakow, we leave you a brief summary of our experience:
The first part of the visit to the Salt Mines from Krakow is the descent to the mine, so we have to go down 380 steps, in a spiral staircase, after which we reach the first rooms of the mine, made entirely in Salt.
Through the different rooms, the guide explains both the history and curiosities and the work that was done in the salt mines since its inception.
On the tour we pass through different rooms, underground lakes and even some shops and restaurants that we find at the end of the tour.

Lake in the Wieliczka Salt Mine

The most incredible point of the visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine It is the fabulous and wonderful Chapel of St. Kinga, a spectacular room of 54 meters, which is completely decorated in salt.

Chapel of St. Kinga

Details of the Chapel of St. Kinga

After making the most spectacular visit of the Salt Mines, the Chapel of St. Kinga, approximately, when we have a third of the visits and in one of the few moments in which we have connection, we get a message in which They make us aware of the terrorist attack that happened in Barcelona, so being honest, from that moment on, our attention is not so exclusive to the visit, since our mind is in what has just happened.

Salt Mines Room

And so, with our mind in Barcelona and what has happened, when it is 7:30 in the afternoon and with the visit to the Salt Mines from Krakow Once finished, we leave the x mine and return to the bus, which in 45 minutes leaves us again in Krakow.
Being almost 8:30 in the afternoon, and without too much hunger, we decided to return to Café Szal, where we were having a drink this morning after visiting the Jewish Quarter of Krakow, and where with incredible views of Krakow, we had dinner for a couple of Paninis more water and beer for 41PLN, a super tight price and more considering where we are and the incredible views we have been able to enjoy.