Kopalnia soli Wieliczka

The Wieliczka Salt Mine (Kopalnia soli Wieliczka) lies south-east of Kraków in Poland (about 14 km according to Lonely Planet) and, per Lonely Planet, has welcomed tourists since 1722; more than a million people visit each year. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has almost 300 km of tunnels and chambers on nine levels, the deepest 327 m underground. Only a small part is open to visitors.

The best-known sight is the Chapel of St Kinga: a chamber 54 m long, 18 m wide and 12 m high in which everything, down to the chandeliers and altarpieces, is carved from salt. Miners worked on it for over 30 years; sources name two or three men. Other stops include the Erazm Barącz Chamber with an underground salt lake and the 36 m high Stanisław Staszic Chamber. The Kraków Saltworks Museum on the third level is included in the entry price.

For the standard “Tourist Route” allow about two hours at 14 °C underground; depending on the source the walking distance is given as roughly 2 to 4 km. The “Miners’ Route” takes three hours. Trains and buses run regularly from Kraków and take about 30 minutes. Check tour times and booking in advance.