Wieliczka (Poland)

A few miles from Kraków lies the town of Wieliczka and its famous salt mines, which are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! There are many organised tours available, most of which are conducted in English. You have the choice of several different types of themed tour to pick from.

The visit begins with a descent down hundreds of steps, which takes you to a depth of 425 feet underground. The galleries excavated in the salt extend for around 60 miles across various different levels. The mines are not just a tourist attraction but a veritable subterranean town located beneath Wieliczka and consisting of various chambers and chapels. All the rooms, decorations/furnishings and sculptures are made from salt.

Taking a guided tour gives you the opportunity to learn about the legends associated with the mines and the secrets they hold, as well as providing an insight into the lives of the miners that once worked here. The highlight of Weiliczka is undoubtedly Saint Kinga's Chapel and its immense chandelier made from salt. Special bonus feature: when visiting the mines, be sure to take deep breaths as the air in the galleries is well-known for being very pure and contains very little pollution. Wieliczka is an enjoyable place to visit when staying in Poland.