Bochnia Salt Mine

Like in nearby Wieliczka, in the 13th century Bochnia also mined salt (sources indicate 1248 as the beginning of commercial mining).
That said, the tradition of mining salt in these areas is much longer, as it can be traced back as far as 3500 BC. Initially, salt was obtained by evaporating it from the brine; brine wells were dug, and with time they were turned into mines.
Owing to the richness of this valuable mineral, Bochnia found itself among the most important economic hubs of Małopolska in the Middle Ages. It was the very mine in Bochnia which modernized the methods of salt extraction by means of – innovative for those times – technical solutions, including the so-called horse mills which served as hoisting machines.

The mine officially stopped mining in 1990 and since then it has been operating in tourism. At the time of ceasing operations, the mine reached a depth of 468 meters.
In 2013, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Bochnia Salt Mine offers a number of attractions, many of which may appeal to younger tourists, including underground train ride, boat rafting or an underground slide. The mine also offers night stays, during which, apart from sightseeing and accommodation, you can benefit from the underground sports field or spend time actively in a healing microclimate.