Constructed in the mid 13th century it is the oldest still-operational shaft in Poland. Its history is linked to the legend of how St. Kinga miraculously brought the rock salt from Hungary to Poland. In the immediate vicinity of the shaft is a modern hotel which is part of the spa complex of Bochnia Salt Mine Ltd.

Connecting levels III and IV is a 320 metre long staircase. The stairs were constructed in stages over a long period of time. The oldest section, located below the Passionis Chapel, was built in the late 14th or early 15th century. The remainder was built in the 18th century.

The August Level, running in an east-west direction, is the main communication and transport route within the mine. It connects the Sutoris, Campi and Trynitatis shafts in a straight line. Between the Sutoris and Campi shafts is an underground railway; the ride is a unique experience for visitors.

A stable for the mine’s horses constructed in the second half of the 18th century. The interior has remained unchanged and an interesting feature is the roof supported by four hewed wooden pit props connected in the so-called dovetail fashion. There is also a model depicting miners at work. The stable is used for hosting meetings of small groups.

This is located 20 metres above the August Level. There is an exhibition depicting the work of “penitents”. This unpleasant and exceptionally dangerous job entailed the ignition of pockets of methane gas. At first the task was undertaken by the most experienced miners but later prisoners facing the death sentence were “recruited”. If, after several years of work, the prisoner managed to survive he would be granted his freedom.

This is one of the most characteristic features of the mine, with a unique shape resulting from the almost vertical bed of salt. Because of its similarity to the high towers of Gothic churches it was called the underground cathedral by the miners. In the highest part of the chamber can be seen the original bridges built by the miners. On the pit props are well-preserved remains of work done by hand-tools.

These were constructed in the mid 18th century and are located above the slightly older Ważyn shaft. Here you can see a large treadmill of the Saxon type with well-preserved original features. This device was used for hoisting rock from the lower levels. In the transverse one can see a ventilation machine which was used to bring fresh air to the remote parts of the mine.

This is the largest of the chapels in the mine. Initially the chapel was a small cavity dug in 1747, but later enlarged several times. Marks and inscriptions on the ceiling and pit props illustrate the progress of the works. Masses are still celebrated here, for example on December 4th “Barbórka” (Miner’s Day - in Poland St Barbara’s Day )and the blessing of food before Easter.

In this 17th century chamber is a water treadmill called “gapel”. The unit served the Rabsztyński shaft and was used for dewatering the mine. Particular attention should be paid to the shape of the chamber which resembles an inverted basket; hence the name!

This incline has a length of 139 metres. In the past it was used for transporting salt between the Ważyn Chamber and the August Level. When the mine was adapted to tourism a 140 metre slide was installed with stairs alongside. This is an incredible attraction, not only for children!

It is located at a depth of 248 metres. Due to its unique microclimate, characterised by an almost constant temperature (14-16°C), high humidity, favourable level of ionisation and air saturated with sodium chloride and other valuable micronutrients, it is part of an Underground Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Centre. It has a length of 255 metres and is divided into 5 segments; a sports field, a restaurant, a conference venue, a disco and dormitory accommodation for 250 people.

A small chamber connected to the Ważyn Chamber. It is equipped with rehabilitation facilities and is used for exercises during therapeutic stays.

Located at a depth of 223 metres the level was named in honour of the great Polish Nobel prize-winning novelist Henry Sienkiewicz. Here you can see a waterwheel that was used for pumping brine out of the mine.

Located at a depth of over 230 metres, the chamber was started at the end of the 19th century. Salt was removed by various methods including wedge and pickaxe method and blasting, and in the mid 20th century attempts were made to remove the salt by a wet method. For over 3 years, starting August 2004, renovation and conservation works were carried out to preserve the excavation. Currently the chamber is flooded which allows boating, one of the mine’s biggest attractions.

This was excavated in the 1990s and used for storing explosives. Currently it is used as a sanatorium. Ryszard Kołdras was a former chief executive of the mine and the first promoter of tourism within it. In this chamber are 42 beds in separate compartments and a fitness room.

The name derives from the Latin word “campus” meaning field, because the shaft was sunk in a field that at that time was outside the town. The shaft was constructed during the years 1556-1566 and over time has been repeatedly modernised.

In the building at the top of the Campi shaft is a steam engine which was fully operational from 1926 to 1996. The machine was manufactured in 1909 by Vereinigte Königs & Laurahutte. Despite its age, the engine is still in full working order.

In the immediate vicinity of the Campi shaft is a reconstruction of a medieval village called VI Ploughman village. Its name is taken from a document dated 1234 in which Theodore of the Griffin family (the Governor of Cracow) gives the village to the Cistercian monastery in Ludźmierz. One of the places listed in the document – alongside Bochnia (Bocheno) - was Villa VI Aratorum (VI Ploughmaen village). The site was in Bochnia where Oracka Street and the Campi shaft are now located.