Question 1

Who should visit the graduation tower?

Accepted Answer

Inhalations are recommended for people suffering from recurrent or chronic respiratory diseases, e.g. rhinitis, inflammation of paranasal sinuses. Salt spray makes it easier to clear secretions in people with bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchial asthma, and after treatment of acute respiratory tract infections.

It is worth visiting the graduation tower even if you’re healthy, especially if you have daily contact with polluted air – a visit to the graduation tower has a relaxing effect and improves immunity.

List of indications for using the graduation tower:

various forms of chronic rhinitis
bronchial asthma and allergic respiratory diseases
conditions after treatment of acute respiratory tract infections
chronic inflammation of paranasal sinuses
chronic throat and syrinx inflammation
chronic tracheitis
chronic bronchitis and pneumonia
chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
occupational diseases and respiratory tract damage in the course of work

Question 2

How does the graduation tower work?

Accepted Answer

The principle of the graduation tower is very simple. The whole secret lies in its specific construction, and the aim of the whole process is to obtain at least 16% NaCl solution in water.

Of course, the Wieliczka graduation tower is supplied by Wieliczka brine. At the end of 2013, salt water from two underground outflows at levels VI and VII was certified as healing mineral water with indications for use in inhalation. The brine thickens when it flows down the blackthorn and breaks up against its individual branches – it partially evaporates, saturating the air around the building with salt spray. It has a special therapeutic value because its molecules have a significant ability to penetrate through the mucous membranes of the respiratory system and the skin.

Under the wooden structure of the walls and the tower of the graduation tower there is a reinforced concrete bowl collecting brine, from which it is gravitationally discharged to an closed underground tank located under the tower next to the pumping station. From the underground tank, the brine is pumped into a system of wooden trays located at the top of the wall and on the platform of the tower, from where it flows through wooden taps regulating the flow to smaller trays, which have incisions enabling even distribution of the brine to the blackthorn bushes spread underneath.

Brine streams drip down the blackthorn twigs, on which they “break” into a healing aerosol. The sun and wind increase the impact of the graduation tower. The best therapeutic effect is achieved at a distance of not less than 30 m, and the recommended duration of inhalation is half an hour.

Question 3

How big is the graduation tower?

Accepted Answer

The Wieliczka graduation tower is the largest structure of its kind in southern Poland – several dozen people worked on its construction for a year. Here are some numbers that show the size of a building:

22.5 m – height of the octagonal tower with a beautiful view of the Mine grounds
9 m – height of the structure
7,348 m² – investment area
3,200 m² – surface area of the blackthorn elevation
7,600 m³ – volume of the object
766 m³ – volume of reinforced concrete structure
275 m³ – capacity of brine tanks
about 500 m³ – that’s the amount of C24 larch structure lumber used

Question 4

Can I use the toilet while in the Graduation Tower?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Graduation Tower area offers toilets.

Question 5

Can I visit with small children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we encourage you to do so! The natural salt spray formed in the graduation tower is similar to that formed from the sea shore. Thanks to its therapeutic properties, it supports the treatment of selected respiratory diseases of recurrent and chronic nature. A visit to the graduation tower may bring relief to children who struggle with frequent respiratory infections.
Children under 4 years of age are admitted free of charge.

Question 6

Can I bring a stroller with me?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The ground floor part of the graduation tower is adapted for visitors with strollers.

Question 7

Can you come to the graduation tower on a bike?

Accepted Answer

We cordially invite all cyclists! There are bike racks in front of the entrance to the graduation tower where you can leave your ride. However, it is not possible to bring a bicycle into the graduation tower.

Question 8

Is the Graduation Tower adapted to the needs of wheelchair users?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the ground floor part of the Graduation Tower is fully adapted to the needs of people with limited mobility, with the exception of the observation deck and the observation tower, which require climbing stairs.

Question 9

Do you visit the graduation tower with a guide?

Accepted Answer

For greater comfort of all users of the graduation tower and due to the exceptional nature of the offer, visiting the graduation tower is individual in nature – it does not take place under the supervision of a guide and without the need to arrive at the meeting place at a specified time (during the opening hours of the facility). The recommended duration of a stay in the Graduation Tower is 30 minutes.
There is no schedule of entry into the Graduation Tower for any of the languages.

Question 10

Is it possible to take pictures and videos in the Graduation Tower?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both photography and filming are permitted.

Question 11

How long can I stay in the graduation tower?

Accepted Answer

Staying in the graduation tower is individual, i.e. not supervised by a guide and there are no time limits (during the opening hours of the facility). The recommended duration of a stay in the Graduation Tower is 30 minutes.

Question 12

How to dress for the Graduation Tower?

Accepted Answer

The Graduation Tower is a building located on the surface, in the vicinity of the Daniłowicz Shaft, so you should dress accordingly to weather conditions. The Mine shall not be held liable for damage to or soiling of clothing, in particular caused by contact with brine.

Question 13

Can I bring my luggage on the Graduation Tower grounds?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided it does not exceed these dimensions: 35cm x 20cm x 20cm.
Please leave your larger luggage in the storage room, which is located on the surface near the Daniłowicz Shaft.

Question 14

Can I smoke in the Graduation Tower?

Accepted Answer

Smokers are cordially invited to visit the Graduation Tower – salt spray purifies the respiratory tract, and smoking cigarettes is one of the medical indications to visit the graduation tower. However, please leave your nicotine addiction at the entrance – you cannot smoke cigarettes in the Graduation Tower, including electronic cigarettes.

Question 15

Is there Wi-Fi access in the Graduation Tower?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Graduation Tower is within range of free Wi-Fi.
You can also use mobile phones here.

Question 16

Is it possible to take an animal to the Graduation Tower?

Accepted Answer

Bringing animals into the Graduation Tower is prohibited, with the exception of service animals. We do not offer a facility where you can leave your pet.

Questions and answers

Didn’t find the information you need?