I usually love underground tours. On this same vacation, we went to the 'Big Pit' in southern Wales, and enjoyed it immensely. Not so Bochnia!
We were really looking forward to seeing another UNESCO world heritage site. I went with my 8-year old son. When I found out the tour was 3 hours, I was excited, thinking it must be a very detailed and intricate journey.
We boarded the elevator, then the mini-train, then started walking. As we travelled throughout a section of the mine (carefully timed to minimise conflict with other tour groups), we were shown a series of videos and animatronic history displays. All slightly interesting and creepy.
The highlight of the tour was the 'salt chapel', but it's really just a room with a chandelier and some statues - interesting, certainly, but not fascinating, even for someone who loves underground tours.
I was willing to accept all this as just a poor decision, but the final hour of the tour turned it from mediocre to poor. We descended a huge flight of steps to reach the underground basketball court (basically a cavern with a wooden floor added), and given an hour of 'free time'. That means we were trapped underground (could not leave without the guide) with the only activity being to buy food or gifts at the conveniently-located cafe and shop. Imagine being on another tour where the guide forced you to spend an hour in the gift shop! Of course, they don't tell you this, and I hoped that we would end the tour on a high note, but no... At the end of the 'gift-shop-hour', we had to walk back up the same steps, and proceeded immediately to the exit.
We plan our vacations around World Heritage Sites. This one just isn't up to the standard.
This salt mine was in operation until 1990, and that is clearly visible. The expositions are not as flash as in Wieliczka, but it is a much more relaxed, intimate and positive experience. Our guide was a man who was passionate about the mine and though we did not always understand the Polish explanation, it was clear that he did his utmost to involve the children as much as possible. Though we knew we had joined a Polish tour, our guide was so kind to start the English version of some displays and had the whole group wait for three people. And yes, Wieliczka has much more exiciting displays, but this is the 'real thing'. The boat trip was only very short, but here also, our guide ensured that one of the boatsmen spoke English, and made an effort to put us in a separate boat, so that we had our private English tour on the water. Dziękuję!!!
Thank you for your visit, greetings from Salt Mine Bochnia :)
We enjoyed our visit a lot. It was our first tip to the Salt mine in Poland. We learned a bit about the history of Poland and the importance of the mines to the wealth building in the past. We enjoyed the mltimedia presentations and the train ride a lot. The guests are requied to take stairs )up and down) - for parents who cary smaller children or older guests with joint problems this may be an issue.
The cons:
Parking is a challenge - now I understand wy it is recommended to arrive 45 minutes ahead of the scheduled tour - you need to hunt for the parking space.
The waiting time at the register could be reduced by offering separate assistance to a groups and individual guests
The are free and clean restrooms, but several stalls lacked tissue paper when we visited.
The 45 minutes long stop-over at the cafeteria/gym (part of the trip) area was to long and could be made optional for guests who wish to eat in the mine.
A great experience!
That the mine has been converted into an attraction is innovative. Not only did we tour the various tunnels with their displays with the aid of very competent guides. But we stayed overnight in the mine.
Fantastic facilities - contemporary conveniences - showers and toilets. There was a TV for those who could not resist the urge to follow the Football World Cup, there is a basket ball court and table tennis for the sporty. Also tables and chairs who prefer table games.
Meals were included in our package, supper and breakfast. Whatever your dietary requirements they can cater to your need. Our group was mainly vegetarian and we all enjoyed the meals especially the salads.
Bochnia salt mine is worth visiting as a day trip if you are unable to sleep 250-300 meters below ground.
Put this attraction on your list of things to do when in south Poland!
It's a great place to visit. The oldest mine in Poland, even older than more famous Wieliczka mine. Three different routes, underground boat trip optional. One can eat, play, sleep ca. 300m below ground. Ride with mine train is exceptional. During march weekend spot was not overcrowded so quite convenient for sightseeing. Didn't try a possible slide ride but looked interesting (polished wood in descending corridor).
