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Getting to Bochnia Salt Mine
Bochnia is a small town located approximately 40 km from Krakow, on the Krakow - Tarnow route. You can easily reach Bochnia by train from Krakow (travel time is about 40 minutes). The entrance to the mine is located 1.7 km from Bochnia train station, which takes around 25 minutes to walk for an adult.
Bochnia Salt Mine
Bochnia Salt Mine is the oldest and deepest salt mine in Poland. Depending on the age of young tourists, you can choose suitable tour routes:
Underground Multimedia Exhibition
This is the main tourist route, also suitable for families with young children. The tour takes you on a journey through time, with multimedia exhibitions along the way that introduce you to the history of the mine. A highlight for children is a ride on an underground train. During the tour, you also have the option to take a short wooden boat ride in a saltwater-filled chamber. It's worth noting that the boats in Bochnia Salt Mine are registered as sea vessels because they float on salty water!
Family Tour of the Treasure Keeper's Kingdom
This tour is specifically designed for families with children. Children will get to know the Treasure Keeper, the guardian of the salt underground, and learn about the legend while searching for the treasure he protects.
Nature Tour
This is an amazing attraction for older children, teenagers, and adults. It takes you along the "raw" corridors of Bochnia Mine. During the tour, you can observe the rocks and minerals that make up the deposit, as well as... glowing crystals! Special flashlights are provided for observing the crystals. The local salt crystals are extraordinary and many of them glow red-orange under ultraviolet light.
On the Nature Tour, you can also take a closer look at the salt formations hanging from the mine's ceiling, which look like long "macaroni" and are hollow inside! Although they can be very long, they are also delicate and almost crumble in your hand. Additional salt formations form around these macaroni-like structures. Interestingly, these beautiful salt formations and sculptures can only be observed in the mine's climate, as they crumble and melt when brought to the surface.
Overnight Stay in Ważyn Chamber
From time to time, Bochnia Salt Mine organizes overnight stays where everyone sleeps in a large chamber on bunk beds (please note that if you are a light sleeper, the conversations of your "roommates" may be bothersome until late at night). Underground, there is a sports hall where you can play paddleball or kick a ball around. There is also a restaurant. It is advisable to bring warmer pajamas, socks, and for those who get cold easily, even a light cotton hat, as the temperature in the mine is around 15 degrees Celsius.
Remember to bring a long-sleeved sweater and comfortable shoes when visiting the mine!
Publish Date: 2021-07-14
More in the Region Okolica Krakowa (The Surroundings of Krakow)
Total Length 280 km
