The Salt Mine near Krakow is a world-class, Unesco-listed underground landmark. Small amounts of salt are still occasionally extracted. This makes it one of the oldest mines in Europe and in the world. Traces of sodium chloride are from the Neolithic period about 6,000 years ago. At the beginning of the 13th century, salt production began at the Wieliczka mine and continued until the 2000s. During WWII, Germans used the mine as an underground facility for war related manufacturing.

Mike and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour, but I’m tired! Wieliczka Salt Mine tour starts with a descent of about 50 flight of stairs with a total of just under 400 steps for the entire tour. I felt like Jimmy Stewart in Vertigo! Nine levels in all and the tour lasted two hours. I was the oldest person on the tour. I did ok but it wasn’t easy. Underground gallery and corridors form this amazing labyrinth, 245km /152 miles in length.

The mine reaches a depth of 327 meters. It is so deep that it would easily fit the Eiffel Tower. We went to the third level of the mine 135 meters deep. Our route was 2(ish) miles long.

Next few pictures are of our walk from the train station to the mine.

As most miners spent a lot of time working in the mine, they began constructing numerous chapels and carved and decorated chambers, from the floor to the ceiling. So, when you step into the salt mine, there is an unusual world in front of you. There is a labyrinth of corridors with wooden timbers, the salt walls, the chambers and sculptures most made of salt. They say you can lick any wall to be sure that you are in a real salt mine—I didn’t try it though. ; )

Sorry this was so long. I promise to be brief for the next few days until Galway. : )