Nomad Notebook: Poland Update 7 (The Wieliczka Salt Mine)
Just a few more days left here in Poland and I can say now without a doubt it has been the best trip I have ever taken. I have seen so much of this great country, ate so much of their food, drank so much of their beer (and vodka), and even had time to climb a mountain and wander far below in a salt mine. Speaking of which, here are some pictures from my recent visit to the Wieliczka Salt Mine (which is about 15-20 minutes by car from Krakow’s town square):
Far below Krakow is the popular Wieliczka Salt Mine. For 40 zloty (or about $12 U.S.) you will be guided through this amazing UNESCO site. The tour last about 2.5 hours and is very entertaining and educational.
The miners would have to turn these machines in order to lift the salt above ground. The tour guide had a few people test it out...still works.
There are many stops along the way in which the tour guide will tell you a story about the history of the mine. This particular picture is of one of the miners proposing to his girlfriend after coming across a ring he had found while working in the mine. Legend has it that some other disgruntled gentleman tossed the same ring into a well in the Czech Republic and it found its way to the mines of Krakow.
Horses were used in the mines as a way to transport heavy equipment and the salt around the mine. Most of them lived 5-7 years, had stables built for them and even had their own caretakers. Horses were first introduced to the mines in the mid 1600s.
A picture of the stable that workers used to take care of the horses. Here the horses caretaker feeds and grooms the horse. Do not feel bad for the horses, as the tour guide said the healty air of the mines made it very comfortable for them to breathe and move about.
Miners hard at work.
The salty walls of the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Yes I put my finger on the wall and tasted it...such a tourist.
This amazing room can be rented out for weddings. For 2,000 zloty (or abour $600 U.S.) you can say "I Do" far below Poland. They even have a special elevator to bring down the bride and groom.
Chandeliers adorn the salty room.
The newest salt statue to be placed in the mine is of Pope John Paul II. In 1999 the Pope was to attend a special event in the mine, but due to a sickness had to cancel. Special tiles were placed in the mine around the statue to make it easier for the Pontiff to walk about. He would later attend a smaller event and get to see the sculpture made for him.
Statue dedicated to the hard work of the salt miners. Definitely check this attraction out when you are in the Krakow area.
Thanks for the great updates. Poland is such an amazing country and one that people just sort of forget about going to. You are so lucky. Hope you touched he Sigiesmond Bell with your left hand for good luck while you were up there.
Cheers,
Ray
I dont know why Poland has never been on my top list to travel to.. I always think of it as a place that I might see just along the way or something.. but great to know that it is fun.. intresting to know about the salt mines..
Salut!
Hi,
Ugh, I liked! So clear and positively.
Elcoj