Tucked away 1,073 feet underground lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine – a salty kingdom located near the Polish city of Krakow.
The impressive site has more than 700 years of history and is spread across nine levels. It was once the largest source of salt in the country.
Salt extraction from the mine came to a halt in 1996. Although evaporated salt is still produced and collected, it now operates as a huge tourist attraction.
There are 150 miles of subterranean tunnels across the mine, and visitors can explore the site through two different avenues – the tourist or miners’ route.
It’s such an expansive mine that the areas open to guests only account for 2 per cent of the entire site.
The tourist route allows visitors to ‘discover the secrets hidden deep underground’ and witness first-hand beautiful chambers, saline lakes and St Kinga’s Chapel.
During the tour, there are more than 800 steps to climb and explorers are introduced to old mining tools and machines previously used in the mine.
The adventure ends at the third level, sitting 450 feet low.
Tucked away 1,073 feet underground lies the Wieliczka Salt Mine – a salty kingdom located nearby the Polish city of Kraków
The impressive site has more than 700 years of history and is spread across nine levels. It was once the largest source of salt in the country
There are 150 miles of subterranean tunnels across the mine, and visitors can explore the site through two different avenues – the tourist or miners’ route
Alternatively, the miners’ route takes guests on a ‘unique adventure’ where they can fully immerse themselves in the life of a salt miner and try out various tasks and challenges. It spans a depth of 187 feet and 330 feet.
The mine earned a spot on the first UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 and is described as a ‘priceless monument of world material culture’ on its website.
Deep inside, there is a salt labyrinth with corridors stretching 245km long.
The salt hallways are so complex that visitors are only allowed to venture around them with an experienced guide.
Aside from exploring the ins and outs of the mine’s history, the site has expanded to other attractions too.
There are two chambers that can be hired for private functions, CNN Travel reports, as well as a spa that specialises in respiratory treatments.
It still operates as a working mine, though not in the same way as it did originally.
Today, there are 380 miners who focus on maintaining the walls and protect the site from any water damage.
It’s such an expansive mine that the areas open to guests only account for 2 per cent of the entire site
The mine earned a spot on the First UNESCO World Heritage List back in 1978 and is described as a ‘priceless monument of world material culture’ on its website
Aside from salt walls and tunnels, the Wieliczka Salt Mine is also home to rare crystal caves.
They hide huge halite crystallisations 10 metres underground and were only discovered in the 1860s.
Halite crystals are the purest rock salt in the world. Few exist in the world that are as large and sparkling as the ones found at Wieliczka.
Tunnels, salt crystals and a rich history – this magical labyrinth has so much to offer.
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Inside the underground salt kingdom in Poland – with 150 miles of subterranean tunnels
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