We will be visiting Krakow for a few days early June. We have read mixed reviews about the Wieliczka Salt Mines. Is this a site worth visiting or is it a tourst trap?

It was definitely touristy, but very interesting. I mean if you are touring a foreign country and learning new things, why worry its only for tourists. That doesn't make it invalid. Some of the sculptures were hokey, but the history of the place and thinking about working down there or being a horse and living your life down there made up for any of the "touristy" stuff. By the way, I bought salt rub there and it is the best facial I have ever had!

Places usually are "touristy" because they are worth seeing. Salt mines being one of them.

I remember when somebody said that she is avoiding the pyramids and archeological museum in Cairo because the are touristy.

Definitely worth seeing. The main part is an entire chapel carved out of salt. When we were there a wedding was taking place. It was beautiful. Imagine getting married in a church made from salt!!

It's a wonderful place.
Definitely, one of the most extraordinary places I've ever visited.
Thumbs up!

I thought it was an amazing place. To me a "tourist trap" is some attraction that was created entirely to suck in "tourists," like an over-priced bad restaurant with a gimmick.

These mines are centuries old and full of history. I'd go unless you have other priorities and limited time.

Thank you all for your advice. It is very helpful.

Touristy is an oxymoron! Wieliczka is unique in this world much less Poland. Read about it. Remember that salt was long a world currency! Salt used as a preservative allowed humans food through tough times. Salt is still being harvested in many locations around the world. I imagine your first surprize will be when you see the color of the salt. Enjoy...

Definitely worth it. My skeptical boyfriend ended up loving it. It was very interesting and if I had my choice, I would get married there. I only takes 2 to 3 hours to see.