The unique Wieliczka Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its salty structure, underground lakes, and chapels. The excavation of these underground caves dates back to the 13th century, and remarkably, the mines have been operational ever since.

About the Numbers

The regular tourist route involves navigating 800 steps, including 380 right at the start. Some visitors may feel a bit dizzy due to the descent along spiral stairs to a depth of 135 meters below the surface. However, there’s no need to climb back up the stairs, as visitors return to the surface by lift.

The total length of the salt mine is 245 km, with over 2000 chambers connected by corridors and labyrinths. All of this is situated on nine levels at depths ranging from 64 to 327 meters.

Down the Mine

Remarkable underground secrets are hidden within the unique salt interior of the mine. The path leads through magnificent chambers and amazing sculptures, all carved out of salt, depicting stories and legends. Displays narrate the tales of hardworking miners who excavated this place with their own hands, as well as significant Polish royal history featuring names like Fryderyk Chopin, Mikołaj Kopernik, and King Casimir the Great from the 14th century.

Highlight of the Visit

The most significant attraction for visitors is St. Kinga’s Chapel, considered the real highlight of the tour. St. Kinga’s Chapel is inseparable from the legend about Princess Kinga and how she brought the salt treasure to Polish land.

According to the legend, Hungarian Princess Kinga was about to marry Prince Boleslaw of Krakow when she accidentally dropped her engagement ring into Hungary’s salt mines. When drilling started in Wieliczka, miners found not only salt but the engagement ring itself.

The incredible aspect is that every detail in this chapel, even the smallest, is made out of salt. It’s almost impossible to believe until you see it with your own eyes – even the crystals of chandeliers hanging in the chapel are not vitreous but made of salt.