Bochnia, Historic salt mining town in Lesser Poland, Poland.
Bochnia sits along the Raba River in southern Poland, positioned between Tarnów and Kraków within the Lesser Poland region. The town spreads through a landscape shaped by centuries of salt extraction and mining activity.
Salt deposits discovered in the 13th century sparked mining operations and led to the town receiving city rights shortly after. This industry became the foundation for the town's growth and economy for hundreds of years.
Salt mining shaped how people lived and worked here for centuries, and this heritage remains visible in the town's layout and local traditions. Visitors can sense how the industry influenced the community's daily rhythm and identity.
The town connects well by car or train, with Kraków about half an hour away and regular rail service available. When walking around, sturdy shoes help on uneven ground, especially if you plan to explore the mining areas or older neighborhoods.
One underground chamber in the salt mine is among the largest hand-carved spaces in Europe and was developed as a health resort with bedrooms and sports facilities. Visitors can see firsthand the scale of mining operations and how deep workers excavated into the earth.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
