How to Plan Your Tour to Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau in Krakow

If you’re planning a trip to Krakow, chances are that visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum are on your list. These two sites are essential pieces of world history and a must-see while in Poland. However, visiting these sites independently can be a bit overwhelming as it requires a lot of transportation planning. This is where the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau day tour comes in handy! Here’s everything you need to know to plan your tour.

Overview of the Tour

The Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau day tour is an excellent option if you want to save time and visit these two dispersed cultural sites with ease. The tour includes round-trip transfers from Krakow, as well as admission tickets to each site, allowing you to avoid the long ticket queues. You will also have a professional licensed English-speaking guide during the tour who will give you a deeper understanding of each site’s significance.

What’s Included?

The tour includes the following:

• Licensed English-speaking local guides
• Entry fees to Wieliczka Salt Mine, Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II Birkenau
• Headsets to hear the guide clearly
• Transportation to and from Krakow
• Insurance and taxes

Please note that food and drinks are not included, but there are plenty of options available at each site to purchase food and refreshments.

Tour Schedule

The tour starts at 8:00 AM and lasts for approximately 10 hours. The first stop is the Wieliczka Salt Mine, where you will spend roughly 2.5 hours, followed by a break for lunch. After lunch, you will head to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, where you will spend about 3 hours with the guide. The tour includes plenty of free time at both sites, and you can also visit the souvenir shops.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour offers convenient pickup from any hotel or apartment in Krakow, making it easy for you to get to the departure point. The pickup time is usually around 7:30 AM, depending on your location.

What to Expect

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The first stop on the tour is Wieliczka Salt Mine, which is located 10 km southeast of Krakow. The salt mine is a fascinating underground world of chambers, passages, and sculptures carved in salt. The guide will take you underground, where you will stroll through the breathtaking salt chambers, admire the salt sculptures, and learn about the mine’s history. The highlight of the visit is the Chapel of St. Kinga, a magnificent underground church that is entirely carved out of salt. The visit to the salt mine takes around 2.5 hours, and only 1.5 km out of over 300 km of tunnels are available for the public.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum

The next stop on the tour is the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum. Auschwitz was the largest Nazi concentration and extermination camp during World War II which became a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. Visiting Auschwitz-Birkenau is a powerful and emotional experience, but it’s also a chance to learn about the history of the Second World War and the atrocities committed. During the tour, you will see the prisoner barracks, gas chambers, crematoria, and learn about the various methods of extermination employed by the Nazis. The visit takes around 3 hours, and you can comfortably ask the guide any questions that come up.

Booking the Tour

Booking the Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau day tour is easy. You can book the tour directly from Viator at book the tour here, which is the authorized provider.

Conclusion

The Wieliczka Salt Mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau day tour is an excellent way to visit two of the most significant cultural sites in Poland in a single day, without the hassle of public transportation, and the long lines that come with it. The tour is well organized, and the guides are knowledgeable, ensuring a great experience for visitors. Make sure you arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, bring a water bottle, and plan on an emotional but educational day.

Frequently Asked Questions about Krakow

Krakow is a beautiful and historic city located in southern Poland. It is considered one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe due to its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. However, before you plan your visit to Krakow, here are some of the most commonly asked questions that you should know the answers to.

1. What is the best time to visit Krakow?

The best time to visit Krakow is during the spring (March to May) and the fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. However, if you don’t mind the crowds, the summer months (June to August) can also be an excellent time to visit. The winter months (December to February) can be bitterly cold, but they offer a unique and beautiful atmosphere with the Christmas markets and stunning winter scenery.

2. What are some must-see attractions in Krakow?

Krakow has many must-see attractions that you should include in your itinerary. These include:

• Wawel Castle and Cathedral
• The Main Market Square
• St. Mary’s Basilica
• The Kazimierz district – the former Jewish quarter
• The Wieliczka Salt Mine
• The Krakow Cloth Hall

3. What is the best way to get around Krakow?

Krakow is a very walkable city, and many of the top attractions are located within a reasonable distance from each other. However, if you prefer to use public transportation, you can take one of the many buses, trams or taxis that are available throughout the city. There is also a bike-sharing system called Wavelo, which is a great option for exploring the city on two wheels.

4. What is the local currency in Krakow?

The local currency in Krakow and Poland, in general, is the Polish Zloty (PLN). ATMs are widely available throughout the city, and most establishments accept credit cards. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash with you, especially for small purchases and at outdoor markets.

5. What is the local cuisine in Krakow?

Polish cuisine is hearty, filling, and delicious. Some of the most popular dishes that you should try while in Krakow include:

• Pierogi – dumplings filled with meat, cheese or vegetables
• Zurek – a sour soup made with fermented rye flour
• Kielbasa – Polish sausage
• Bigos – a stew made with sauerkraut and meat
• Obwarzanek – a circular bread similar to a bagel

6. Is it safe to visit Krakow?

Krakow is considered a safe city to visit for tourists. However, like any big city, you should always take the appropriate precautions to stay safe. This includes being aware of your surroundings, not carrying too much cash, and avoiding any secluded or poorly lit areas at night.

7. How far is Auschwitz from Krakow, and can I visit it?

The Auschwitz concentration camp is located about 70 kilometers west of Krakow. It is a harrowing but important site that you can visit on a day trip from Krakow. You can book a tour, which includes transportation to and from Krakow, a guided tour of the museum and the prisoner barracks, and a chance to pay your respects at the memorial.

8. What is the nightlife like in Krakow?

Krakow has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs and live music venues to suit all tastes. The most popular areas for nightlife are the Kazimierz district and the Main Market Square, where you will find everything from cozy pubs to lively dance clubs.

9. Where can I find the best views of Krakow?

Krakow is a beautiful city with many stunning viewpoints. Here are some of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city:

• The top of St. Mary’s Basilica
• The bell tower of St. Anne’s Church
• The Krakow Skyline observation deck
• The Wawel Castle ramparts
• The Bernatek Footbridge over the Vistula river

10. Can I visit Salt Mines while in Krakow?

Yes, you can visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines on a day trip from Krakow. The mines are located about 15 kilometers southeast of the city and are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Poland. The guided tour takes you deep underground, where you can see the stunning salt chambers and elaborate salt sculptures.

Conclusion

Now that you have the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Krakow, you can plan your trip with confidence. From exploring the city’s historic sites and museums to enjoying its vibrant nightlife and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in Krakow. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

How to Spend your Time as a Tourist in Krakow

Krakow is a city located in the southern part of Poland and is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. It is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors every year. In this article, we will guide you on how to spend your time as a tourist in Krakow and explore the best attractions that this city has to offer.

Getting around Krakow

Getting around Krakow is relatively easy, whether you choose to walk, cycle, or use public transport. One of the best ways to explore Krakow is on foot. There are many walking routes in the city center that take you through some of the most important historical landmarks. The city also has an extensive network of trams and buses that can take you to other parts of the city.

Top Attractions in Krakow

1. Wawel Castle

Wawel Castle is one of the most iconic landmarks in Krakow and is a must-visit for every tourist. The castle was the residence of kings and queens of Poland for hundreds of years and is now open to the public as a museum. The castle’s architecture is a stunning blend of Renaissance, Gothic, and Baroque styles.

2. Main Square

The Main Square is the heart of Krakow’s Old Town and is one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. The square is surrounded by historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it the perfect place to sit back, relax, and people watch.

3. Kazimierz

Kazimierz is the Jewish quarter of Krakow and has a rich history and culture. The district is home to many synagogues, museums, and restaurants that serve Jewish cuisine. This area is also famous for its street art and is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll on a sunny afternoon.

4. Krakow Cloth Hall

The Krakow Cloth Hall is a Renaissance-era monument located in the Main Market Square. The hall was once the center of international trade and is now home to stalls selling local handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional Polish products.

Where to eat in Krakow

Krakow has an excellent food scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars that cater to all tastes and budgets. Here are some of the top places to eat in the city:

1. Domowe Przysmaki

Domowe Przysmaki is a popular restaurant in Krakow that serves traditional Polish cuisine. The restaurant’s interior is designed to look like a traditional Polish home, and the menu includes dishes like pierogies, potato pancakes, and hearty soups.

2. Kazimierz Restaurant

Kazimierz Restaurant is located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter and serves traditional Jewish cuisine. The menu includes dishes like gefilte fish, matzoh ball soup, and brisket.

3. Milkbar Tomasza

Milkbar Tomasza is a popular cafeteria-style restaurant that serves traditional Polish dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant has an array of vegan and vegetarian options, including pierogies and beetroot soup.

Tips for Travelers

Here are some tips for travelers visiting Krakow:

1. Plan ahead

Make a list of places that you want to visit and plan your itinerary ahead of time. This will help you make the most of your time in Krakow and ensure you don’t miss out on any important landmarks.

2. Learn some basic Polish phrases

Krakow is a tourist-friendly city, but knowing some basic Polish phrases can be useful when interacting with locals in markets, restaurants, and shops.

3. Dress appropriately

Krakow is a conservative city, and it’s important to dress appropriately, especially when visiting religious sites.

4. Be aware of your surroundings

Krakow is a safe city, but like any other tourist destination, it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against petty theft and pickpocketing.

Conclusion

Krakow is a beautiful city with a rich history and vibrant culture. Whether you are interested in art, history, or simply want to experience the city’s food scene, there is something for everyone in Krakow. By following our guide, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in this stunning city.