JOINT CROATIA-POLAND EDITION, Bochnia Salt Mine, Poland

Bochnia Salt Mine, Poland The Bochnia Salt Mine is the oldest rock salt mine in Poland operating continuously since 1248. The traditions of salt mining in the Bochnia area may be traced back 3,500 years B.C. The salt mine is the largest treasure of Bochnia lands thanks to its salt deposits which gave rise to one of the most significant economic centres of the medieval Malopolska region. Today the Bochnia Salt Mine is one of largest tourist centres of the region. Guests who arrive to the mine can travel along the Tourist Route leading from the August Level IV to the Sienkiewicz Level VI. The unique attraction of the Bochnia Salt Mines is the Underground Multimedia Exposition. The specific athmosphere of the austere, but thus authentic undergrounds, seems to transport the visitor to distant centuries. The Underground Multimedia Exposition allows to present the salt mine and general history in an unprecedented manner. The mine tour is a journey in time, beginning in the era of Prince Boleslaw the Chaste and Princess Kinga. Visitors explore the route on foot and can cover a part of the distance by a tourist train or by boat. Many tourists consider boat crossing of an underground chamber flooded with brine is without a doubt the biggest attraction of the Bochnia mine. Tourist cross the distance of 120 m in chamber flooded with brine, accompanied by two raftsmen who spin colourfull tales of the mysterious recesses of the Bochnia mine. The crossing is made in 12 – passenger boats. During the trip, tourist can admire the raw beauty of the salt chamber. Wooden boat operating in the Bochnia mine were made specifically for the needs of the underground crossing and are registered in the Polish Shipping Register, just like vessels travelling the seas. The mine tour ends up with a stay in the largest chamber, the Ważyn, where the “Ważynek” restaurant, a sports field, a children's playground, and a salt playground and beach area are located. The greatest treasure of the Bochnia mine is its unique therapeutic microclimate. It possesses therapeutic properties essential for treating allergies, rhinitis, throat catarrh and laryngitis, recurrent upper respiratory tract infections and skin allergies. The Bochnia Salt Mine was entered onto the UNESCO List of World Heritage on 23 June 2013.