Wieliczka Salt Mine Welcomes Its Millionth Visitor of 2026
July 23, 2026
The Wieliczka Salt Mine welcomed its millionth visitor of 2026 with a Golden Ticket, special gifts and an appearance by robot-influencer Edek.
One Million Visitors Reached Earlier Than in Previous Years
On 21 July 2026, the Wieliczka Salt Mine welcomed its one-millionth visitor of the year. The symbolic milestone was reached shortly before noon by Adriana and Krzysztof from Poznań, who arrived with their children, Kasia and Adaś.
The family expected a regular visit to one of Poland’s most famous attractions. Instead, they were greeted with fanfare, cameras, special gifts and a celebration organised at the Daniłowicz Shaft. According to the official announcement from the Wieliczka Salt Mine, this year’s event introduced several new attractions and surprises.
A Modern Welcome at a Historic Site
The millionth visitors were welcomed by Marian Leśny, President of the Management Board of the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and Vice-President Łukasz Sadkiewicz.
They were also joined by Edward Warchocki, known as “Edek” – a robot and social-media influencer. It was the first time that a robot had participated in the annual celebration of the mine’s millionth visitor.
Edek described the underground monument using three words: history, magic and wonder. His appearance added a futuristic element to an event held at a site whose history stretches back for centuries.
The First Golden Ticket to the Wieliczka Salt Mine
The main prize presented to the family was the mine’s new Golden Ticket. The honorary card provides free admission to the Wieliczka Salt Mine for an unlimited period.
This was the first time that the Golden Ticket had been awarded to the millionth visitors, permanently linking the family to the history of the UNESCO-listed monument.
Adriana, Krzysztof and their children also received salt-based cosmetics and souvenirs, a voucher for a stay at the Grand Sal Hotel and invitations to the mine’s New Year’s Concert.
One Million Visitors Reached Earlier Than Before
Reaching the one-million mark in July confirms the continuing growth in the number of people visiting the Wieliczka Salt Mine. In 2005, the millionth visitor did not arrive until December. Today, the same milestone is being reached in the middle of the summer season.
More than 1.9 million people visited the mine in 2025. Its representatives believe that, if the upward trend continues, the attraction could welcome two million visitors during a single year in the near future. The mine is also preparing for further development, including a new visitor service centre and improvements to the area surrounding the historic complex.
Take a half-day guided tour from Krakow to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine – one of the most unique and visited attractions in Poland.Travel in comfort with round-trip transport included, skip the queues with fast-track entry, and explore a stunning underground world carved entirely out of salt. Follow a local expert guide through 2.5 km of tunnels, salt lakes, chambers and chapels, including the breathtaking Chapel of St. Kinga. Feel the cool, mineral-rich air in this UNESCO-listed site and uncover 700 years of fascinating history, art and geology – all just a short drive from Krakow. Perfect for families, culture lovers and curious travellers looking for an unforgettable experience near Krakow.
Duration: 4h - 5hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Get your Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets in advance and skip the ticket office queues. This entry ticket with guided tour guarantees access to one of Poland’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with a local expert leading you through 2.5 km of underground chambers, tunnels and chapels – including the stunning Chapel of St. Kinga. Choose your language, select your tour date and preferred time, and enjoy a seamless experience without the stress of same-day availability or long lines.
Book online now to guarantee your entry to this unforgettable underground experience in Poland.
Duration: 3hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Maximize your time in Krakow with our specially curated 1 day tour, combining the essential visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. This one day adventure offers you a chance to experience two of Krakow's most significant and must-see locations: the historical Auschwitz Camp and the mesmerizing Salt Mine in Wieliczka. Our well organized tour ensures you don't miss out on what these sites have to offer, making your visit truly worthwhile. Book now to discover the best of Krakow in just one day trip!
Duration: 11hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
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International travellers accounted for 69% of visitors to the Wieliczka Salt Mine by the end of June 2026. The largest groups came from the United Kingdom, Italy and France, while visitors from Spain, the United States, Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Greece and Slovakia were also strongly represented.
Polish travellers continue to visit the site in large numbers as well. Almost one million visitors from Poland entered the mine during the preceding year and a half.
Since 1945, the Wieliczka underground chambers have been visited by nearly 55 million people. The latest milestone shows that the historic mine remains one of the most popular attractions near Krakow.
A Celebration for Everyone Visiting the Mine
The occasion was not limited to the winning family. Other guests visiting the Tourist Route that day could take part in a dedicated event zone with a commemorative photo wall, quizzes, information about the mine and a large map on which visitors could mark their countries of origin.
Edek the robot also met guests and posed for photographs, combining the mine’s historic setting with a modern and entertaining visitor experience.
Travellers planning to explore the underground chambers can book a Wieliczka Salt Mine tour from Krakow, including round-trip transport, advance entrance reservation and guided sightseeing. The complete trip usually takes approximately 4–5 hours, including travel from Krakow and around 2–2.5 hours inside the mine.
Get your Wieliczka Salt Mine tickets in advance and skip the ticket office queues. This entry ticket with guided tour guarantees access to one of Poland’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites, with a local expert leading you through 2.5 km of underground chambers, tunnels and chapels – including the stunning Chapel of St. Kinga. Choose your language, select your tour date and preferred time, and enjoy a seamless experience without the stress of same-day availability or long lines.
Book online now to guarantee your entry to this unforgettable underground experience in Poland.
Duration: 3hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Maximize your time in Krakow with our specially curated 1 day tour, combining the essential visits to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Wieliczka Salt Mine. This one day adventure offers you a chance to experience two of Krakow's most significant and must-see locations: the historical Auschwitz Camp and the mesmerizing Salt Mine in Wieliczka. Our well organized tour ensures you don't miss out on what these sites have to offer, making your visit truly worthwhile. Book now to discover the best of Krakow in just one day trip!
Duration: 11hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Take a half-day guided tour from Krakow to the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine – one of the most unique and visited attractions in Poland.Travel in comfort with round-trip transport included, skip the queues with fast-track entry, and explore a stunning underground world carved entirely out of salt. Follow a local expert guide through 2.5 km of tunnels, salt lakes, chambers and chapels, including the breathtaking Chapel of St. Kinga. Feel the cool, mineral-rich air in this UNESCO-listed site and uncover 700 years of fascinating history, art and geology – all just a short drive from Krakow. Perfect for families, culture lovers and curious travellers looking for an unforgettable experience near Krakow.
Duration: 4h - 5hLive guideSkip-theLineTransportation included
Book a private transfer from Krakow to Wieliczka Salt Mine and enjoy a smooth, comfortable journey without worrying about public transport or parking. Travel at your own pace and focus entirely on your underground experience.
Duration: 4h - 5h
Live guide
Skip-theLine
Transportation included
