Salt Mine in Wieliczka, south east of Cracow

The salt mines of Wieliczka are a rightly popular place to visit. They are found south east of Cracow - a 20 minute journey away. You can get there either by bus, taxi, or during the summer there is a steam train service that leaves from the main railway station (beside the bus station) in Cracow.

Anyone who has any interest in art cannot fail but appreciate the love that gone into carving sculptures, friezes, and an underground cathedral including the chandeliers from rock salt.

The tunnels are miles long and the route is varied from time to time. Guides escort people in groups according to language. They used to permit people to wander individually which was better because it allowed more time to 'stand and stare'.

Wear comfortable shoes and something warm. You will need to be able to navigate stairs and walk fairly briskly to really enjoy this.

An underground restaurant serves good soup, snacks and drinks. There are a few gift shops if your guide will give you enough time to make a purchase.

The lift that takes visitors back to the surface is an unforgettable experience.

Own car park if you plan to drive there.

• Visit the Wieliczka website here to find out more.
• Click here to find out about staying in self-catering holiday rentals in Poland
• There is another smaller salt mine to visit in Bochnia - east of Cracow, plus several others.

As you walk through the tunnels

Try wetting your finger and tasting the salt on the walls of the mine.

The Wieliczka salt mine used to be considered the eighth wonder of the world.

Photography is supposedly allowed with a permit but people have told me that no one checks. Most parts of the mine are very dark so it's not easy to get decent images, even with a flash.

It's supposed to be a good environment for anyone with asthma so breathe deeply. The Wieliczka salt mine is just one of around 200 salt spas in Poland. Scientists in the 19th century discovered that salt miners have fewer respiratory problems than the general population. It is possible to arrange a stay in Wieliczka or indeed one of many others for health reasons.

There is the usual gift shop to walk though before departure that sells salt of varying types in tubs as souvenirs, books about the area, crystal, and lots of other things.

Self-catering holidays in Poland

Self-catering holiday home to rent, sleeps six-ten + cot
Half an hour from Zakopane in Rabka Zdroj - a small town with 3 ski slopes and a micro-climate of benefit to people with respiratory problems.

Tel: 0044(0)1245 325273