We offer You a unique opportunity to visit a salt mine operating constantly since the Middle Ages! It is one of the two such facilities in the world (another is located in nearby Bochnia). Amazing microclimate, huge chambers and chapels hallowed in rock salt as well as underground lakes – all these things You could see during our long escapade through the mining walks. Wieliczka Salt Mine delights tourists from all over the world and is one of the greatest attractions located near Krakow.
Salt deposits mined in Wieliczka are 15 million years old! The oldest traces of their exploitation by man comes from 3 thousand years BC. Initially, local people extract the salt by evaporating water from brine naturally flowing out of the ground. In the early Middle Ages (XII/XIII century) the first mineshafts were hollowed. Salt was one of the main riches of the Krakow region and Polish monarch surrounded the mines in Wieliczka and Bochnia with their special care. In the late 17th century the medical care of the miners was held by the real Polish Dr. Queen – Magdalena Bendzisławska, who took over the practice of her deceased husband and received a diploma confirming her competences as a surgeon from the King himself. It is only one of many fascinating stories associated with Wieliczka.
The Mine is really huge, its oldest preserved parts comes from the 13th century and the lowermost level is located at a depth of over 300 meters! There is no surprise in fact, that it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Morover, this is probably a place, that reminds Tolkien’s Moria most in the world. During the Wieliczka Salt Mine Tour we move along so-called ‘Tourist Route’, which includes all the most beautiful objects (among them the wonderful Chapel of St. Kinga). However, there are other possibilities. On the ‘Miners’ Route’ You could prove Yourself, exploring the less known corridors in special helmet and overalls, with pickaxe and a flashlight. On the ‘Pilgrims Route’ You will visit all amazing places of cult located in the mine chambers.
Among the guests admiring the wonders of Wieliczka Mine were Goethe, Mendeleev, Bill Clinton and Karol Wojtyła. It is high time to follow in their footsteps! Krakow Guide will help You with booking Wieliczka Salt Mine tour. We provide transportation from Krakow to Wieliczka and back. Join us and see the underground wonders!
