Wieliczka Salt Mine

While we still had the car, we decided to visit the Salt Mine near Krakow. Everyone said this was a must-do, and it really was. The rock salt deposit in Wieliczka and Bochnia has been mined since the 13th century. Apparently, most of southern Poland is built on salt! The underground Wieliczka Salt Mine boasts kilometres of walkways and ramps, magnificent chambers, lakes and breathtaking salt statues.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine was one of the first among 12 sites from all around the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most frequently visited tourist sites in the world, drawing nearly 2 million visitors per year.

The miners built Chapels near the current workings for thousands of years. There are over 9 chapels across the site, but only two are still accessible to the public. There is a service every Sunday morning in the main chapel.

It’s hard to describe the size of the mine; it is over 9 levels, and we visited the levels 110 meters below ground. Conferences and weddings are now held underground. All the sculptures have been created by miners, and this practice is still encouraged today.Read more