Questions and answers

• Who should visit the graduation tower?

  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

• How does the graduation tower work?

  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.
  

• How big is the graduation tower?

  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

• Can I use the toilet while in the Graduation Tower?

  Yes, the Graduation Tower area offers toilets.

• Can I visit with small children?

  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.

• Can I bring a stroller with me?

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

• Can you come to the graduation tower on a bike?

  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.

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

  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.

• Do you visit the graduation tower with a guide?

  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.

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

  Yes, both photography and filming are permitted.

• How long can I stay in the graduation tower?

  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.

• How to dress for the Graduation Tower?

  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.

• Can I bring my luggage on the Graduation Tower grounds?

  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.

• Can I smoke in the Graduation Tower?

  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.

• Is there Wi-Fi access in the Graduation Tower?

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

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

  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.