The Bochnia Salt Mine is the greatest treasure of the Bochnia region. Thanks to the salt deposits, the town of Bochnia became one of the most important economic centers of Medieval...
The Bochnia Salt Mine is the greatest treasure of the Bochnia region. Thanks to the salt deposits, the town of Bochnia became one of the most important economic centers of Medieval Malopolska. The mine shafts measure 4.5 kilometers (2.8 mi) in length at about 330–468 meters in depth below the surface, at 16 levels.
The beginnings of the Salt Mine date back to 1248. For over 700 years salt was being extracted, which was enriching the crown and helping with the development of the region.
Currently, the mine links tradition with modernity. It’s the only salt mine in Poland, which offers an underground boat ride. Wooden boats floating in a chamber, filled with salt spring, are registered in Polish Ship Registry, just as ships on the sea. One of the tourist attractions is a ride in an underground train and sliding down 140 meters on the longest slide, joining 2 levels. There’s also a Multimedia Exhibition about the history of the mine, the tough work of a minor and the history of Poland.
The amazing scenery and unique values of Bochnia’s Salt Mine were acknowledged by world experts from UNESCO - on 23 June 2013, the decision was made to add the mine to that prestige list as an extension of the Wieliczka Salt Mine inscription of 1978.