open today: 9am-5pm
open today : 9am-5pm
From June 6 to 8, 2025, the Inaugural Forum of the new Cultural Route entitled “Historic Salt Production Sites in Europe” was held in Wieliczka, Poland. The event brought together representatives of salt mines, saline works, salt museums, and heritage institutions from across the continent, united by a common goal: to create a European network of places where salt was and still is produced — and where this unique heritage is preserved and shared with the public.
This initiative aims to establish a recognized Cultural Route of the Council of Europe. Wieliczka — the world's oldest operating salt mine and the first technical monument inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 — was a natural and symbolic choice for hosting the forum. The nearby Żupny Castle, also part of the UNESCO listing (since 2013), served as another key venue.
The Forum provided a platform for mutual introductions, exchange of expertise, and above all, for the joint shaping of the route’s structure and identity.
Project leader:
Monika Dziobek-Motyka
Director Representative for International Cooperation
+48 12 289 16 26; +48 601 366 195
m.dziobek@muzeum.wieliczka.pl
The Forum provided a platform for mutual introductions, exchange of expertise, and above all, for the joint shaping of the route’s structure and identity.
Project leader:
Monika Dziobek-Motyka
Director Representative for International Cooperation
+48 12 289 16 26; +48 601 366 195
m.dziobek@muzeum.wieliczka.pl
Significance of the salt forum
The initiative to establish the Cultural Route ‘Historic Salt Production Centres in Europe’ was born at the Cracow Saltworks Museum in Wieliczka. Its aim is to connect European salt production sites - mines, saltworks, salines and museums - into one well-organised network. The Route is intended not only to promote the unique cultural, technical and natural values associated with salt, but also to enable international cooperation, exchange of experience and joint educational projects.