Wieliczka Salt Mine, Krakow

Wieliczka Salt Mine, Krakow

The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been used since the 13thcentury by Wieliczka Saltworks Castle, and is one of the world's oldest operational salt mines.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine has been used since the 13thcentury by Wieliczka Saltworks Castle, and is one of the world's oldest operational salt mines. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for illustrating the historic stages of the development of mining techniques in Europe from the 13th to the 20th centuries.

Formed nearly 14 million years ago during the Miocene Epoch, the deposits have 2 sections - the upper block comprises marly claystone and claystone with halite crystals interspersed with rock salt plugs, and the lower block consists of layers of rock salts alternating with interlayers of gangue. The deposits have been mined to a depth of 327 metres, with over 287 kilometres of tunnels with works of art, underground chapels and statues sculpted in salt.

Learn about the amazing history of the mines as well as the mining process, and explore the chambers of the beautifully lit labyrinth on a guided tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mines. A wooden staircase with 378 steps goes down to the 64 metre level, while an elevator brings people back up from the depth of 135 metres. There are several themed tours of the mines available –

• The Tourist Route is the most popular, taking visitors from Danilowicz Shaft through 20 chambers and the Krakow Saltworks Museum. See the Chapel of St Kinga, the patron saint of Polish salt miners, with a striking salt-crystal chandelier and other works of art in salt including Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper as well as a statue of Pope John Paul II. The Saltdiggers’ Horn, and light-and-sound show set to Chopin's music are other highlights.
• The Miners’ Route gives visitors the experience of being a miner for a day, complete with coveralls and mining equipment. Descend down the oldest existing mine shaft, Regis, and become a novice miner under an expert guide who teaches you tricks of the trade.
• The Mysteries of the Wieliczka Mine Route is a taxing 4 hour long journey through dark recesses, aimed at adventure seekers.
• The Pilgrims’ Route takes visitors around the Chapel of Saint Anthony, Golgotha of the Wieliczka miners, Chapel of Saint Kinga, and Chapel of St. John, all of which have magnificent works of art.