The Wieliczka salt mines have a long and storied history. They have been in operation for centuries and have witnessed the turn of mining technology. The mines have undergone several transitions, from being a mine to being converted into an armory during World War II, and eventually opening to the public as a tourist site. Inside the mines, you will find passages carved out by the miners of yore and beautiful rock salt carvings completed by miners as well as contemporary artists.
Two underground lakes and a spectacularly designed chapel are also part of the underground mines. The chapel is dedicated to the Blessed St. Kinga, who is revered as the patron saint of miners in and around the capital region.
700 wooden steps are taking you down the mines. You will walk for a stretch of 3km to tour the mines, where a guide will share informative details about the place's history and the people connected with it. An elevator will bring you back to the ground level, where you can visit a souvenir shop or stop briefly for a snack at the snack bar.
• The temperature in the mine is from 14 to 17 celsius.
• There is an elevator ride to the ground level on exit
• Prepare to walk about 3km of underground routes, and 750 steps to go down
