Wieliczka Salt Mine

Wieliczka, Poland

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was built in the 13th century and produced table salt continuously until 2007, as one of the world's oldest salt mines still in operation. From its beginning and throughout its existence, the Royal mine was run by the Żupy krakowskie Salt Mines.

The mine's attractions include dozens of statues and four chapels that have been carved out of the rock salt by the miners. The oldest sculptures are augmented by the new carvings by contemporary artists. About 1.2 million people visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine annually.

The Wieliczka salt mine reaches a depth of 327 metres and is over 287 kilometres long. In 1978 it was placed on the original UNESCO list of the World Heritage Sites. Even the crystals of the chandeliers are made from rock salt that has been dissolved and reconstituted to achieve a clear, glass-like appearance. It also houses a private rehabilitation and wellness complex.

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Founded: 13th century
Category: Statues in Poland

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Birgit Tallmeister (31 days ago)
You can’t miss this experience! It is quite a walk - down about 800 steps to 110m down and 3,5km of tunnels. Thankfully a small and crowded lift will take you up in the end, which you will be very-very grateful for - believe me! The view are amazing though and the mightiness of it all. Also the trip takes you through 3 souvenir shops, but the biggest and best is in the end after you have taken the lift up - so no need to hurry and buy stuff in the first 2. ? I suggest buying tickets online (at least the night before) to make sure you get the tour in right language and also the groups tend to fill up quite fast.
Marianne Brabant (40 days ago)
Very fun activity to do in Krakow, no matter the age. It’s fascinating to see how vast it is. Expect to walk a lot, and the tour is quite long (almost 3h).
Greg Devisé (41 days ago)
An astonishing, impressive place, full of history and stories. We walk through only a few kilometers of the 300 kilometer-long galleries, but what a spectacle! The ratings over the different guides is globally positive, my opinion goes that way too with our French speaking guide (a Pole that grew up in France) who had meaningful answers to all our questions. Please book in advance. Once on site, everything is well organized, even if the visit is a bit "too fast" (they welcome an impressive amount of tourist each day and the groups follow each other).
Sam N (3 months ago)
The English tour was great, and the construction inside the mine is impressive to say the least. Be mindful that there are many stairs and some narrow passageways. A lift is available, for coming up as well, but stairs are the default when going into the mine. Can easily be reached by car or public transport. There is a lot to see in this mine, so I would recommend dedicating at least half a day for this activity. The tour can be run in many different languages, too. Overall, a great place for a day out near Kraków.
Klatser (3 months ago)
Wow...what an amazing experience. Easy to get there with public transport from Krakow, the buses go there like 3/4 times per hour. Really in love with the mine, deepest point we went was 130 meters below street level. Amazing art, really good guide speaking clearly and in proper English as well.
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