In the depths of the earth silence pervades and only from time to time the clatter of footsteps resounds in the undergrounds. A shimmering light coming from a miner’s lamp reveals from within the deep darkness an amazing landscape carved in rock salt by the forces of nature and human hands. The ancient chambers and corridors conceal many mysteries which still await to be discovered.

„Wieliczka” Salt Mine welcomes all those who search for thrills to participate in a tour exceeding the regular tourist route. The trip is organized for those who truly value an active way of spending their time combined with learning, eager to explore unusual places, and  always prepared to undertake new challenges.

The trip to the mine is an opportunity to feel like a contemporary explorer, a historian, an attentive observer of the underground oddities, an adventurer on the hunt. Guests equipped with helmets, mine lamps, and carbon monoxide absorbers enter the saline labyrinth descending into the mine in a lift installed in St. Kinga’s Shaft.

One can climb high mountains reaching the clouds, so noble by daylight, but one can also challenge the mountains hidden within the deep darkness of the undergrounds. The etymology of the Polish word górnik dervies from the word góra, i.e. “mountain”, as ages ago górnicy worked in the mountains, but well hidden underground. The discovery of the mysteries of the Wieliczka mine is similar to that of a mountain hike which at the same time is equally demanding. The mine does not reveal all its secretes immediately. To discover them one has to ascend and descend ladders and sometimes even crawl on all fours. The mine reveals its magnificence itself to all those who undertake the challenge, who will hold it in high esteem, and treat it with respect.

The mine teaches humility – along the route there are many tight passages and places where one has to bow his head. This route, not always comfortable, allows us to imagine how difficult it was for the miners in the past to drill and hammer away chunks of rock salt in the faint light of an oil lamp.

The route leads us along levels I, II and III of the mine. It runs through excavations considered as historically and geologically most valuable. The proposed visit is a fascinating trip through time. Each consecutive corridor and chamber is a representation of salt excavation during the past centuries. The route also includes one of the most ancient areas of the shaft in which the excavation of the rock salt deposit began in the 13^th century. Tourists will have the opportunity to become more familiar with the ways in which the mine was secured. Visiting outside the regular tourist route is also a encounter with the traditional religiousness of the miners.

The visit to the mine is an unforgettable experience – it’s a new way of discovering a completely magnificent world and an austere and fascinating realm. Only in the heart of the land one is convinced that salt may acquire many hues and forms, and experience absolute darkness and the blessings of a miner’s lamp. The undergrounds posses a magical power – whoever enters succumbs to their charm. It is not so difficult to understand why so many people, the generations of miners, devote not only their time, but also without a moment of hesitation, their hearts, travelling along the route of the Wieliczka mine mysteries.

Wandering outside the Regular Tourist Route is a fascinating escapade organized for groups who have to book visiting in advance. Please arrive 30 minutes earlier at the Events Organization Department at Daniłowicza Street before descending into the mine to fulfil all necessary formalities.

Prices

A prior tour reservation is required not later than two weeks before the scheduled date of the visit.

Tourists participating in the escapade “The Mysteries of the Wieliczka Mine” must be at least 13 years of age (minors taking part in the trip must be accompanied by an adult), fit and in good health allowing to wander in the underground excavations. Participants should wear mountain hiking boots. Hiking boots with disposable inserts can be rented. Each participant will receive a disposable uniform, a pair of gloves, a helmet, and a carbon monoxide absorber. The trip lasts about 4 hours.

“Wieliczka” Salt Mine full time employees have been selected as guides for “The Mysteries of the Wieliczka Mine” trip. These miners have been appropriately certified to act as guides and all of them have at least a 5-year experience in working underground.

Please read the declaration and all instructions pertaining to “The Mysteries of the Wieliczka Mine” trip.

A tourist equipped and dressed in protective clothing

• INSTRUCTIONS FOR VISITING „THE MYSTERIES OF THE WIELICZKA MINE” – INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS
• Declaration on Training, Fitness and Health
• Declaration of Responsibility for Persons Under Age

Contact:

Information Office
phone: +48 12 278 73 02
phone +48 12 278 73 66
fax:  +48 12 278 73 33
turystyka@kopalnia.pl