Wieliczka Salt Mine

UNESCO underground cathedral and tunnels carved from salt

One of the most remarkable places in Poland, the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been operating since the 13th century and descends to a depth of 327 metres across nine levels. Guided tours follow roughly 3.5 kilometres of tunnels past lakes, chambers, and sculptures all hewn from salt — including the extraordinary Chapel of St. Kinga, a full underground cathedral used for masses and concerts to this day. The tour lasts around two hours and is conducted in groups; English-language tours run frequently. Allow time to queue in high season.

The mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and receives well over a million visitors a year — it is genuinely spectacular and the crowds are warranted.

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A story
The Chapel of St. Kinga, 101 metres underground, was carved entirely from salt by miners over three generations. The chandeliers hanging above the nave are made from salt crystal, and if you lick the walls, they taste exactly as you'd expect.