For over a thousand years, salt has been mined from here. Tourism started in the 15th century.
In 1978, it was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Today, 3 of the 9 levels are open to visitors. The route covers 3.5 km and down to a depth of 135m.

For first time visitors like us, the downward progression was a pleasant surprise. The descent starts as a narrow shaft and opens up at each level. At level 2, we saw the impressively decorated St. Kinga’s Chapel. At level 3, we arrived at a tourist center completed with meeting rooms, food court, and souvenir shops. The ride on the fast but cramped elevator back to the surface was breathtaking.