When I mentioned a trip to Krakow to a friend, they immediately suggested a trip to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest salt mines in the world. I had never heard of them before, and to be honest, a salt mine didn’t sound particularly interesting, but a quick google search showed photos that ensured me it would be worth the time.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine, about a 40 minute drive from Krakow has been on the World Heritage List since 1978. At one point, it was on their “Danger” list, as in danger of being destroyed, but thanks to significant preservation (made in part due to tourism) it has remained safely off of that list for almost 2 decades. You still never know when something like this, which has been used since the 13th century, could be gone forever so if you have a chance to make the trip, I recommend it.
If you have a rental car, the drive is an easy one from Krakow but if you are like I was, a tour may be the easiest way to go. Considering I knew nothing about the Salt Mines other than that a friend recommended I visit them, I appreciated having someone there to explain the history and art of what I was seeing.
As you walk through the halls and rooms, its crazy to think that the floors, walls, and sometimes ceilings are solid salt. To prove it, the guide suggested we lick the walls. I did not. Others did. They assured me it taste like salt. In fact some of the floors are cut to look like a beautiful marble.
While the tour guide is a wealth of knowledge and key to making the most of the trip, different areas along the way have salt sculpture built along with lighting and sound to help tell the history of these ancient mines.
Turns out these salt miners were pretty religious too because they built at least 5 chapels in the mines, one of which you can even be married in! This stunning room has the most beautiful chandeliers and art carved into the salt walls. It’s really quite magical!
Be prepared to walk 3 kilometers of corridors, 800 steps to climb – 350 have to be descended (they count for you too) to reach the depth of 135 meters underground (don’t worry — you get to take an elevator back up!) A bit off the city path but as one of the largest tourist attractions in Poland, if you have the time, well worth the trip in Krakow!
Looking to book a tour? You can find them here and here!
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Kali