Poland - Wieliczka

Just outside Cracow, 20 kilometres south-east of the city centre, Wieliczka is famous for its Europe's oldest salt mine, which has been in operation for at least 700 years. The Wieliczka salt mine is a unique tourist attraction; it is on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list (it is listed among the twelve top sites).

The mine has a labyrinth of tunnels, pits, and chambers, all hewn out by hand from solid salt, with beautifully adorned chapels, underground lakes, all found on the three upper levels of the mine located between 64 and 135 metres below ground level.

Tourists can enjoy the three kilometre long trail (one per cent of the total length of all the mine's galleries), representing all aspects of the mine interiors. The exhibition of the salt mine museum is very interesting; it holds an extensive collection of objects related to the mine and mining: old tools, mine machinery, geological finds, and historical mementoes. All visits are in guided groups; the tour takes about two and a half hours.

lowland spa
lowland climate, moderately stimulating
height 250 m above sea level

Health Spa

Main treatment areas: respiratory system diseases, particularly bronchial asthma, and rheumatic disorders.
Natural therapeutic features: therapeutic microclimate in a salt excavation site with salt particles in the air, in the salt mine at a depth of 200 m.
Location: Wieliczka lies on the border between Sandomierska Valley and Wielickie Upland, 15 km from Cracow. The town centre is in a hollow surrounded by hills. The development of the spa, famous for its historical salt mine, began in 1964, when the world's first underground anti-allergy sanatorium was established in the mine's chambers.
Treatment facilities: spa hospitals with 153 beds.
Attractions and cultural events: It is worth visiting the historical Salt Mine, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After 700 years of exploitation, the mine forms an extensive subterranean town. Sights include wonderful salt lakes, unique chapels with salt sculptures, and mining machinery and equipment. Banquets, concerts and seminars are held in the mine's underground rooms. In the town above ground, interesting sights include historical military stables with characteristic arcades similar to Cracow's Cloth Hall, and the architecture of Wieliczka's town centre.
Tourism and sports: indoor swimming pool, 3 tennis courts; numerous hiking and biking routes in the area. It is not far to Ojcowski National Park, which has a lot of unusual rock formations and old trees. Wieliczka is also a good base for sightseeing in nearby Cracow.