What You Need to Know About Wieliczka Before Visiting
Wieliczka might not be the most popular destination in Poland, but it should definitely make it onto your holiday itinerary, especially if you have a few days to spare. Like any destination, there are a few things that it’s good to know before you set off, especially if you want to make sure you have the best time possible. Here are some essential tidbits that could help you to make the most of the time you spend in Wieliczka.
The salt mines are a must-see
If you’ve heard about Wieliczka, you’ve probably heard about the salt mines there. But why exactly are salt mines so exciting? Wieliczka’s salt mines are some of the oldest in the world, dating back to the 13th century when they were used to produce table salt. The mines were actually still in operation until 2007, but now they’re opened up to the public. Inside, you won’t find endless dark tunnels -instead you can expect to enjoy some beautiful chapels and an unforgettable underground lake. As Wieliczka’s most popular tourist attraction, you’ll want to book tickets online here before you go to avoid missing out.
It’s not too far from Auschwitz
The majority of people going on holiday to Poland want to pay a visit to Auschwitz. If you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the country, you might be reluctant to travel to other areas. Luckily, Wieliczka is only around 83km by car from the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum. This makes it possible to do both the salt mines and the museum in one day if you’re in a big rush. Otherwise, spread it over a couple of days and take your time.
It’s filled with culture
As a small, historic town, Wieliczka has preserved a lot of its culture and you can really learn a lot about life in Poland from its locals. In fact, if you’re in Poland around Easter time, you may be able to witness the tradition of Siuda Baba. This is a very old practice that not many places still observe in Poland, so you’d be witnessing a dying tradition. Siuda Baba is a character that a man dresses up as woman and walks between houses to collect donations. When local girls come to the door, he’ll put soot on their faces.
It’s twinned with other cities in Europe
Despite its small size, Wieliczka is twinned with places in Germany, France, Italy and the Czech Republic. This means that all these places have some kind of commercial or cultural connection, creating bonds between countries and communities of people.
The town centre is a national monument
Wieliczka’s town centre was declared a national monument in Poland in 1994, making it the perfect place to visit for anyone wanting to peer into the past and take in medieval architecture. You’ll also be able to find an impressive castle and church not too far away if you’re planning to stay in the town for longer.
