The mine’s origins date back to mid 1248 when layers of salt were discovered here but already from around 3500BC this area was known for extracting salt by evaporation (evaporated salt). In the Middle Ages brine wells became the nucleus of the mine shafts where salt began to be extracted by mining methods. The Sutoris Shaft is still used today but limited resources do not allow for an industrial scale operation.

The route that has been opened to the public can be covered in about 3 hours. Part of the trail involves crossing a saltwater lake by boat and also a train ride along rails that used to carry salt from the mine. The route reaches a depth of 212m and allowing access to many sites. It passes through unique salt chambers and old workings with original mining tools and equipment.

There are also chapels carved from salt of which the most interesting is the Chapel of St. Kinga. There is also a model depicting the old miners at work. Among the mining equipment is the efficiently functioning and occasionally activated lift machinery in the mine shafts driven by a steam engine. This is a unique working monument to technology.

Salt Mine in Bochnia (woj. Malopolskie)

www.kopalniasoli.pl