Discover the oldest salt mine in Poland The Bochnia salt mine (located around 30km from Krakow) is one of the oldest mines in Europe. The mine was established between the 12th and 13th centuries after salt was discovered in Bochnia.
After nearly eight centuries of excavation, it resembles an immense, underground town, full of mysterious, unique places.
On the tourist route one may see ancient chapels hewn out in salt rocks, original tools and equipment employed in the mining industry as well as extraordinary salt chambers with preserved traces of excavation works.
The mines measure 4,5 kilometers in length and 468 meters in depth at 16 different levels.
It‘s also the only one in Poland to have an underground sanatorium, complete with its own, unique microclimate. It is said that spending a few days down the mine (there are 140 beds available in the co-ed, underground dorm) guarantees good health for years. While you are here, you could play billiards or even visit the chapel which is sculpted in salt.