Rezerwat przyrody Groty Kryształowe, Nature reserve with crystal caves in Wieliczka, Poland.
Groty Kryształowe is an underground nature reserve featuring two main chambers covering approximately 1 hectare beneath the surface. The caverns contain natural halite crystal formations located at varying depths between 70 and 114 meters.
The crystal caves were discovered between 1894 and 1895 during mining exploration work. The area was formally protected as Poland's first underground nature reserve in 2000.
This reserve forms part of the geological heritage of the Wieliczka region. It connects with the neighboring salt mines, which show how mining has shaped the local landscape and traditions.
Access to the caves is restricted to scientific and educational purposes to maintain the specific microclimate needed for crystal preservation. Plan ahead as availability is limited and visits require special arrangements.
The upper chamber spans about 1000 cubic meters while the lower chamber measures roughly 706 cubic meters. Both caverns preserve salt formations in their completely natural original state.
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