The Wieliczka Salt Mine Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre

The Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre independent healthcare facility is an organizational unit of the Wieliczka Salt Mine Tourist Route Sp. z o.o., (Kopalnia Soli Wieliczka – Trasa Tusrystyczna Sp. z o.o.) continuing 19th c. spa tradition started by Feliks Boczkowski, Ph. D., and the subterraneotherapy treatment through the influence of the special microclimate of Wieliczka Salt Mine on the human body, which was initiated in the 1950’s by Professor Mieczysław Skulimowski. The centre organises rehabilitation and treatment stays (during the day or at night, lasting one day or several days) in the excavations of the Wieliczka Salt Mine 135m underground. The Centre is the only venue in Poland, and one of very few in the world, which carries out a programme of active rehabilitation of the respiratory system in the special microclimate of salt excavations, while taking into consideration the latest respiratory gymnastics trends. In 2003, the programme was approved by the Regional Allergology Consultant, Professor Krystyna Obtułowicz, and the Regional Medical Rehabilitation Consultant, Wojciech Szwarczyk, Ph.D.; in 2005, by the National Balneology and Physical Medicine Consultant Professor Irena Ponikowska and the Regional Balneology and Physical Medicine Consultant Jerzy Pasadyn, Ph. D.; and in 2006, by the National Medical Rehabilitation Consultant, Professor Jerzy Kiwerski.

Patients benefiting from rehabilitation and treatment stays are also offered above-ground counsel of pulmonary and rehabilitation specialists as well as a wide range of physiotherapy treatments (kinesitherapy, electrotherapy, laser treatment, magnetotherapy, ultrasound, local cryotherapy, light therapy, massage, inhalations) and diagnostic tests: spirometry, electrocardiographic exams, glucose level tests, and injections).

The Centre also organises trips to the underground treatment base for organised groups along with preventive-recreational programmes (Health Lessons In The Wieliczka Salt Mine, Deep Relaxation, Preventive Night Stay, Enjoy Your Health, With Us You Breathe Easier and Deeper) which combine the elements of health promotion, prevention, recreation, education and leisure activities in the salt chambers. These programmes are directed both to children’s and adult groups. The Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre received the prestigious Odys 2004 award of the Krakow Chamber of Tourism for the best own offer in youth tourism for its "Health lessons in the Wieliczka Salt Mine" programme.

Apart from subterraneotherapy and above-ground treatments, the Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre proposes a number of additional attractions to patients benefiting from the treatment, including the tour of the historic tourist route of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and a visit to the underground exhibition of the Krakow Salt Mine Museum, as well as Sunday masses celebrated in the salt St Kinga Chapel 101m below the ground level. On request, we also offer a number of optional trips to attractive venues in Southern Poland: the tours of Poland’s old capital, Krakow, expeditions to the Ojców National Park, a ride in a carriage in the Niepołomice Primeval Forest with a tour of Niepołomice and all-day trips to the capital of the Tatra mountains, Zakopane, the home town of Pope John II, Wadowice, and the Kalwaria Zebrzydowska monastery. You can also enjoy the numerous attractions of Krakow Aqua Park or take a walk in the Zoo.

The Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre also organises conferences, training sessions and workshops for doctors and medical staff in the salt excavations of the Wieliczka Salt Mine and also participates in health prevention promotions.

White Saturday – Krakow’s Main Square

Health Days - Krakow’s Błonia meadow

Salt Feast - Wieliczka

In 2004, the Wieliczka Salt Mine Underground Rehabilitation and Treatment Centre received the International ISO 9001:2000 Certificate in the Quality Management in health care in the field of treatment respiratory system and allergic conditions in adults and children.

Thanks to the agreement signed between the Wieliczka Salt Mine, the Jagiellonian University Collegium Medicum and the Academy of Physical Education on co-operation in teaching, research and scientific activities, the Centre is a venue of research on the influence of the special microclimate of the Wieliczka Mine on the human body.

The scientific research conducted at the Centre is supervised by Professor Krystyna Obtułowicz – the head of the UJ Collegium Medicum Allergology department, as the Plenipotentiary of Collegiom’s Vice-chancellor for of Co-operation with the Mine.

Thanks to the uniqueness of the Wieliczka mine,
the high-quality services, the sense of security and most of all
the rehabilitation activities conducted in a special microclimate,
our patients are guaranteed great comfort and unforgettable impressions

A HEARTFELT WELCOME!