Salina Slănic: Romania's Underground Salt Wonder

#hellohalloween #salinaslanic Nestled in the scenic hills of Prahova County, about 100 km north of Bucharest, Salina Slănic (also known as Mina Unirea) is one of Romania's most captivating salt mines. Dating back to 1685, when nobleman Mihail Cantacuzino discovered the vast salt deposit, mining began in earnest in the 19th century. The site features a massive salt massif stretching 5-6 km long and 2-3 km wide, with crystals forming stunning underground formations. Closed for extraction in 1970, it reopened as a tourist haven, drawing over a million visitors yearly. Descend 208 meters via a thrilling minibus ride into a cool 12°C microclimate, ideal for respiratory health—many come for speleotherapy sessions in its salt-laden air. Explore 14 towering trapezoidal chambers, some 54 meters high, spanning 53,000 sqm. Highlights include the grand "Mihai" hall, a chapel carved from salt, and interactive exhibits on mining history. For fun, try karting tracks, tennis courts, a bowling alley, or kids' playgrounds—all underground! Guided tours reveal geological marvels and tales of industrial innovation, like adopting Polish trapezoidal methods in 1860. Open year-round (check seasonal hours), entry starts at ~40 RON (~€8). A must-visit for adventure seekers and wellness fans—breathe easy in this subterranean paradise. Perfect for Halloween tricks!