The shaft is named after Mikołaj Daniłowicz, who served as the mine's administrator during the 17th century.
The shaft was once used as a primary ventilation outlet in addition to its role as a transport shaft for rock salt.
It is one of the few historical mine shafts in Poland that has remained in active use for tourism for over a century.
The surrounding Wieliczka salt deposits were formed during the Miocene epoch, approximately 13.6 million years ago.
The shaft entrance leads directly to the 'Danilowicz Level', situated 64 meters below ground level.
Szyb Daniłowicza serves as the primary entrance shaft for the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site located near Krakow. The shaft was originally sunk in the 17th century, between 1635 and 1640, to facilitate the extraction of salt and the transportation of workers. It reaches a total depth of 127 meters, although tourist routes primarily utilize it to descend into the first levels of the subterranean complex. The wooden headframe visible today is a reconstruction of the structure that historically supported mine haulage. It marks the starting point for the standard Tourist Route, which spans approximately 3 kilometers of chambers and corridors. The site is part of a deposit that was actively mined from the 13th century until the late 20th century.
The view from the base of the wooden headframe looking upward toward the surface opening.
Book your entry tickets online well in advance, as group slots fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Arrive at the shaft entrance at least 15-20 minutes before your scheduled tour time.
Prepare for a steep descent of approximately 380 stairs at the very beginning of the tour route.
Do not attempt to join the tour without a pre-booked reservation, as walk-in availability is rarely guaranteed.
Open daily throughout the year, but occasionally closed on major national holidays; check official status before traveling.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes with non-slip soles due to uneven, potentially slippery subterranean surfaces.
