The Bochnia Salt Mine is one of the oldest and most authentic mining sites in Poland — some chambers lie as deep as about 250 metres underground, and the temperature inside stays around 15–17°C. That means walking underground can be cooler than on the surface, yet comfortably steady all year round. The descent by mining elevator and a ride on the underground train are experiences that surprise even visitors who have seen other mines.
Check descent times and buy tickets online in advance — online tickets are often cheaper than at the ticket office and save time in high season. Note that visiting the mine involves climbing stairs along the tourist route (roughly up to 700 steps), although descent and ascent are by mining elevator. If you have health limitations (for example, circulatory or respiratory insufficiency, claustrophobia) consult your doctor and contact the mine’s tourist office before booking.
Most tour options start at the Campi shaft (ul. Campi 15). In some options — especially when taking the Końska Droga route — the start can be at the Sutoris shaft (ul. Solna 2), which is close to the Market Square in Bochnia (about 800 m on foot). There is an unattended paid car park near the Campi shaft (different rates for cars and coaches). There is no luggage storage at the mine, so it’s best to bring only essentials.
A visit along the tourist route with the Multimedia Exhibition usually takes about 3 hours (depending on the option it can be 3–4 hours). Here is an example timetable to help organise your day:
09:30 — Arrival in Bochnia, quick look around the Market Square and walk to the Campi or Sutoris shaft;
10:00 — Prepare for descent (ticket office, pick up audio guides if needed), descend by mining elevator;
10:15–11:00 — Stay and short break in the Ważyn Chamber: a rest area, food point and recreational space;
11:00–12:30 — Route with the Underground Multimedia Exhibition: multimedia shows, St. Kinga’s Chapel, Mysiur Stable, rides on the underground train on selected sections and, in some options, a short boat crossing (about 120 m).
12:30–13:00 — End of the route and ascent to the surface by elevator; time for coffee or lunch in town.
For families: there is a special offer “Family visit to the Skarbnik’s Kingdom” — a route with educational and playful elements for children, lasting about 3 hours. The Ważyn Chamber often hosts attractions for the youngest visitors, and the route is paced for families.
For visitors with limited mobility: the mine offers routes and special tour times adapted to guests with disabilities — advance contact with the Tourist Service Office is required. Audio guides and multimedia presentations make the history easier to follow for people with various needs.
For history and architecture lovers: choose a route that highlights miners’ chapels in Bochnia — you’ll visit preserved underground chapels and devotional niches, showing how important faith was in miners’ lives.
Layered clothing works best — the mine’s stable temperature is about 15–17°C with high humidity. Bring a warmer sweater or a light jacket. Shoes should be closed and comfortable — avoid sandals and high heels. Remember documents entitling you to discounts (if applicable), your phone and perhaps a small backpack or belt bag — there is no luggage storage underground. If you plan to take many photos, bring an extra battery or powerbank.
Parking: there is an unattended paid car park at the Campi shaft — fees vary by vehicle type. Spaces can be limited in peak season.
Tickets: you can often buy tickets online (usually cheaper) or at the ticket office before descent. In high season it’s better to reserve in advance. Some tour options and guide languages require prior booking through the Tourist Service Office.
Toilets and breaks: there are toilets along the tourist route, and the Ważyn Chamber has a food point and places to rest — usually there is about a 30-minute stop there. Use the break, as amenities may be limited further along the route.
After your visit it’s worth returning to the Market Square to try local cafés and patisseries — places often recommended by visitors include Cafe Espresso (Rynek 12) and Ciachomania Cafe (Plac Św. Kingi). For dessert or a quick snack try a local ice cream place such as Lodowa Manufaktura. If you need accommodation near the centre and the Sutoris shaft, consider a hotel close to the Market Square for quick access to attractions.
The Ważyn Chamber is not only a tourist space — it contains an underground food point, a sports pitch and a playground for children, which makes it unique compared with many other mines. In some parts of the route you can ride a special underground train, and in selected sections there is a short boat crossing — these details often make the strongest impression on visitors.
Not booking tickets in advance in high season — this can lead to long waits or no availability. Book online if you can.
Inadequate clothing — people often leave home too lightly dressed and then feel cold underground. Take an extra layer.
Wearing uncomfortable shoes — avoid open footwear and slippery soles; choose sports or hiking shoes.
Bringing oversized luggage — there is no luggage storage in the mine, and the route has many stairs and narrow passages. Bring only what you really need.
Is the visit safe for children? Yes, there are special family options, but make sure children wear comfortable shoes and are supervised by guardians; some routes have age limits, so check requirements before you go.
Can I explore the mine on my own? Visits are guided or take place at designated tour times — independent exploration is not allowed.
Are audio guides available in foreign languages? Yes — audio guides are usually offered in several languages (English, German, Spanish, French, Italian), but if you need a specific language check availability in advance and reserve if necessary.
If you want a comfortable, stress-free visit — plan your day so you have some time after leaving the mine to stroll around Bochnia’s Market Square and have coffee at a local café. For a more personalised experience you can use the services of private guide Małgorzata Kasprowicz — contact details are available on the guide’s page. If you found this article helpful, share it with friends or on social media — you’ll help others better plan their trip to this extraordinary place.
