Introduction
The mine is located in Wieliczka, just outside Kraków in Poland. Also known as the “Underground Salt Cathedral of Poland,” its history that spans over 700 years. It was established in the 13th century and was one of the world’s oldest salt mines still in operation until it ceased commercial mining in 1996. Over the centuries, miners carved out an extensive labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and underground lakes, transforming the mine into a masterpiece of art and engineering.
The Mining Legacy
Salt, often referred to as “white gold,” was a highly valuable commodity during the Middle Ages, essential for food preservation and seasoning. The Wieliczka Salt Mine became a cornerstone of the Polish economy, contributing significantly to the wealth of the nation. As mining techniques evolved, the mine expanded deeper into the earth, reaching a depth of over 327 meters (1,073 feet) and stretching for more than 287 kilometers (178 miles).
A Journey Through the Mine
In their webside you will find everything and it is possible to buy tickets in advance (highly recommended).
https://www.wieliczka-saltmine.com
We bought our ticket for 08:00am and it was super smooth, the check-in and the route (8 is the first tour of the day). But when we finished around 11, lines were huge. To enter and to buy tickets. So plan a little bit in advance you save you time and reduce the stress.
They offer 2 tours that is super detailed on their website. We choose the Tourist tour as this was the first mine we visited and also because by reading and checking the Miners tours, it seems to be something more interactive to make children more interested.
Also be aware:
Be prepare to walk and take with you warm clothes!
With the ticket you can also access the museum that in our opinion is worth visiting even if is not a popular choice. In our group we were the only ones that join the visit to the museum.
Health Benefits of Salt
There is this think that we didn’t know is that Wieliczka Salt Mine is also renowned for its therapeutic properties. The microclimate of the mine, rich in minerals and devoid of pollutants, is said to have health benefits, particularly for respiratory conditions. The mine’s underground sanatorium offers therapeutic treatments, attracting visitors seeking relief from ailments such as asthma and allergies.
Other blogs about Weiliczka
http://stoneartblog.blogspot.com/2010/09/daniowicz-shaft-mikoaj-kopernik-chamber.html
