Wieliczka Salt Mine

Overview

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was worked from the 13th century until 1996, reaching a depth of 327 metres with 287 kilometres of passages, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It contains some 3,000 chambers, of which the Chapel of St Kinga is the most astonishing: in a hall 12 metres high, the floor, walls, altar and figures are all carved from rock salt, and even the chandeliers are made of salt crystal.

History

Salt has been mined at Wieliczka since the 13th century, and the revenue it generated helped fund the construction of Kraków's castles and churches. The mine was placed on the first UNESCO World Heritage list in 1978, alongside Kraków's old town. Mining ceased in 1996 because of flooding and falling salt prices, and the workings are now maintained solely for tourism and as a museum.

Highlights

• •The Chapel of St Kinga
• •The underground salt lake
• •700 years of mining history

Practical tips

• •Book in advance; the tour sells out in summer
• •There are many stairs, so wear comfortable shoes

Practical information

Best time

Year-round

Tickets

About PLN 89

Opening hours

7:30 to 19:30

Local food

Polish dumplings, smoked cheese and apple pie

Getting around

Zakopane is reached by bus, and the Tatra Mountains suit hiking and skiing

Visa

Poland is in the Schengen area and requires a short-stay Schengen visa. Book an appointment early with complete travel documents.

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