Wieliczka is a short train ride, tram ride, or mini-bus ride (for 2 zlotys, less than 50 cents) from Krakow. Wieliczka is famous for its salt mine, which UNESCO has named a World Heritage Site (and also designated it as one of the most priceless monuments in the world).
For an entrance fee of 23 zlotys (less than $5; 30 zlotys if you want to take photos), you can descend steps to 110 meters below ground and have a guided tour of 20 chambers in the mine. If you have the chance, go for an English guide - there is one at 12:30 in June, and five a day in July and August.
The miners carved many intricate sculptures from the salt. Highlights of the tour were the Kunegunda Chamber with its sculptures of gnomes, the Erazm Baracz Chamber with the salt lake, and finally the impressive St. Kinga Chapel - a most spectacular chamber that is made up to look like the inside of a sizable cathedral, and at 60 meters long, a place where mass could easily be held (as is likely done on occasion because there were benches stacked in one corner).
At the end of the tour you can shop in the souvenir shops, sit down at a picnic table in the cantina, mail postcards, and ride the elevator back up to the top.
Kinga Chapel
Kinga Chapel
Mining diarama
