Just 13km southeast of Kraków’s city center, in the town of Wieliczka, the salt mine 327 meters (1,073 ft) into the salt rock veins of the earth below and extends via horizontal passages and chambers for over 287 kilometers (178 miles). The Slavic settlers of medieval Poland first discovered the presence of rock salt in Wieliczka in the late 1200s, now hailed as the world’s longest-active salt mine. In 1978 the Salt Mine was placed on the original UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
The Wieliczka Salt Mine has three visitor levels with varying depths:
The entrance chamber is a dark and cool shaft called Daniłowicz Shaft, it is about 380 steps to reach Level I of the mine, about 64 meters deep. the beginning point of the tour.
Level I - 64 meters (210 feet) underground: This is the uppermost level accessible to visitors and includes the entry point, ticketing area, and the Saltworks Museum.
Level II - 135 meters (443 feet) underground: This level features the majority of the tourist route, including salt chambers, sculptures, and underground lakes. It also houses the stunning Chapel of St. Kinga, carved entirely from salt.
Level III - 205 meters (672 feet) underground: The deepest visitor level offers more exploration and additional salt chambers and artwork. It provides a deeper perspective on the mine's history and architecture.
Visitors can access and explore these levels during guided tours also available in Engish, and delve into the intricate labyrinth of salt chambers, sculptures, and underground lakes. Witness the stunning beauty of salt-carved artistry that dates back centuries. Take a journey through time as we walk the same paths that miners once did, immersing ourselves in the rich history of this extraordinary mine. Learn about the legends, myths, and incredible tales that have unfolded within these salt-carved walls.
Time stamps
0:00 - Entrance chamber
0:36 - Daniłowicz Shaft 380 steps
04:40 - Level I - 64 meters (210 feet) underground
14:35 - How rock salt was discovered
16:30 - Labyrinth
21:54 - Level II - 135 meters (443 feet) underground
33:10 - Level III - 205 meters (672 feet) underground
40:00 - Exit via Elevator
Don't forget to hit the like button, subscribe for more virtual travel adventures, and leave your thoughts in the comments below. Share this unique journey with your fellow explorers! 🌍✨
#WieliczkaSaltMine #Krakow #VirtualTour #TravelFromHome"
Thumbnail credits: Bulat Gimboev gomboev.bulat.98?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
Links:
krakowmonamour.com/wieliczka-salt-mines/
www.wieliczka-saltmine.com/
visitkrakow.com/the-wieliczka-salt-mine/
whc.unesco.org/en/list/32