Bochnia Salt Mine

Why visit?

The Bochnia Salt Mine is the oldest salt mine in Poland and one of the oldest in the world — the deposit was discovered here in 1248, and extraction continued uninterrupted for more than seven centuries, making Bochnia older than its famous neighbour at Wieliczka. In 2013 the mine was inscribed on the UNESCO list as an extension of the 1978 Wieliczka entry, under the joint name of the Royal Salt Mines. Shafts and chambers reach 468 metres below ground, and a whole different world awaits below: chapels, salt sculptures and corridors hewn by generations of miners. The tourist route runs through chambers with a multimedia exhibition, and its most popular version includes Europe's unique underground boat crossing over the brine-filled workings (open to children from age 3). Older kids can take the 140-metre slide (from age 9), and everyone enjoys the narrow-gauge mine train and the shaft elevator ride. The heart of the mine is the Ważyn Chamber with its exceptional microclimate, home to a sports field and a playground — and you can even spend the night underground here. A route adapted for visitors with disabilities is also available. Bochnia lies 40 minutes' drive from Kraków, and a visit with underground transport takes 3–4 hours. The mine is open daily except 1 January, Easter, Corpus Christi, 1 November and 25–26 December. Online tickets are cheaper than at the box office, and online sales close an hour before the descent — booking ahead is wise, as the number of places on each descent is limited. Bring warmer clothing: underground the temperature stays steadily cool all year round.

What you’ll see

• Najstarsza kopalnia soli w Polsce — wydobycie od 1248 roku
• Podziemna przeprawa łodzią po słonym jeziorze
• Zjazd 140-metrową zjeżdżalnią i przejazd kolejką górniczą
• Komora Ważyn z boiskiem, placem zabaw i noclegami pod ziemią
• Trasa dostosowana dla osób z niepełnosprawnościami

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