Historic mines in Krakow and its surroundings

Mining in Poland has a long tradition. Its heyday was during the Middle Ages when the most valuable raw material extracted was salt. During the reign of Casimir III the Great, the proceeds from its sale accounted for as much as one-third of the state budget. The two most magnificent "white gold" mines can be admired in the vicinity of Krakow.

Currently, the most exploited raw material in Poland is coal. Silesia has been famous for its coal mining since the times of the People's Republic of Poland, although mining in this region has a much longer history. Additionally, within an hour and a half drive from Krakow, there is a silver mine. If you want to learn more about the world of underground corridors, below you will read about the attractions that mines in the Krakow area have to offer.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is undoubtedly the most famous object of this type not only in the vicinity of Krakow but also in Poland as a whole. For tourists from all over the world who visit Krakow, it is a mandatory point of the trip. It must be admitted that this is not without reason. The mine is a true gem hidden underground. Visiting Wieliczka is a huge dose of over 700 years of history and the possibility of seeing unique interiors that create a real underground city. The uniqueness of the mine is confirmed by its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List already in 1978.

This unique underground world is located just under 20 kilometers from the center of Krakow. The museum offers several sightseeing routes. All necessary information about the mine can be found in the articles on the blog.

Bochnia Salt Mine

This cousin of Wieliczka, located 40 kilometers from Krakow, is a less-known but equally interesting place. Despite the similar specificity and age of the facility, visiting Bochnia is a completely different experience than a visit to Wieliczka - a little more fun, less pomp, but a more realistic encounter with history and an intimate atmosphere. Additionally, the mine offers the opportunity to go on an underground boat trip. Many sightseeing routes await tourists, including a night route that includes overnight accommodation and an underground breakfast.

The Historic Silver Mine and Black Trout Adit in Tarnowskie Gory

We move from Małopolska to Silesia. The historic mine in Tarnowskie Gory is a one and a half hour drive from Krakow. However, this is not a salt or coal mine, from which Silesia is famous, but a silver mine. The first mentions of metal extraction in this area date back to the 12th century, and archaeological research shows that mining activity was carried out in Tarnowskie Gory already around the 3rd-4th century.

The sightseeing route starts on the surface, where there is a steam engine museum that can be visited by a historic train. Nearby is a mining museum. Over 40 meters underground, visitors can explore a network of corridors. The raw conditions allow you to feel the atmosphere of the mine. The tour is diversified by a boat ride on a flooded corridor. The object is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

If the underground boat ride turns out to be too short, the Black Trout Adit is about five kilometers from the mine, which offers the longest such crossing in Poland.

Guido Coal Mine - Zabrze

The second Silesian mine on the list was dedicated to coal mining, which is inseparably associated with Silesia.

The Guido Coal Mine is much younger than the previously mentioned ones, as it was founded in 1855 by Count Guido Henckel von Donnersmarck. It was intended to be a response to the growing demand for coal during the industrial era, which was generated by emerging factories and steam engines.

While visiting the mine, you will learn about the history of mining and see how coal mining techniques have developed. Some of the sightseeing route is covered by an electric suspended railway - interestingly, it is the only mining railway of this type in the world accessible to tourists.

In addition to the typical tourist route, the mine also offers a route called "The Darkness of the Mine," during which tourists visit the last exploited wall. It remains in exactly the same condition as the miners left it more than 20 years ago. As the museum staff points out, people choosing this route should be physically fit (the effort resembles mountain trekking) and have appropriate footwear - preferably trekking shoes.

The second extreme option for sightseeing is "Szychta," during which daredevils go to the deepest parts of the mine. There, they learn what the titular "szychta" is. To do this, they receive a full set of equipment, protective clothing, and - yes, you guessed it - descend into the mine to learn about the hard work of a miner. This route is only available to adults.

During your stay in Zabrze, it is worth visiting the Queen Luiza Adit, where there is, among other things, a route that can be covered by boat. Tickets for all routes should be booked online.
The adit and the mine are part of the Coal Mining Museum in Zabrze - one of the largest attractions in the region.