Slănic: Salt history, Mina Unirea and salt lakes

Slănic combines the history of salt extraction with underground spaces, historical exhibitions and distinctive salt landscapes. Salt has been extracted at the Slănic Prahova Salt Mine for more than three centuries.

History and culture

The Muzeul Sării is housed in Casa Cămărăşiei, a historic monument and heritage building dating from the 18th century. The museum presents significant aspects of the history of salt extraction and salt processing.

Since 15 March 2018, the permanent exhibition has included a virtual journey through salt mines from the late 18th century. VR headsets and an electronically automated mining cart with four seats make this presentation a distinct exhibition element.

Salt also encounters cultural history in Mina Unirea. It contains a bust of Burebista carved from salt, as well as salt sculptures of Decebal and Trajan in the “Sala Genezei”. The sculptures are surrounded by elements characteristic of the Dacian and Roman peoples.

Underground spaces

Visitors reach Mina Unirea by minibus, descending to a depth of 208 m. The site has 14 chambers with a trapezoidal profile and an area of approximately 80,000 m².

Mina Unirea has sports courts, children’s play areas, a trampoline, go-kart tracks, table tennis, billiards, air hockey and mini-golf. The combination of sporting activities, games and the spacious underground chambers creates a clear contrast with the museum presentation at the Muzeul Sării. Opening hours and current visiting times for the museum and underground facilities should be checked before travelling. Current usage times may be relevant for the sports and play areas. For facilities with go-kart tracks, a trampoline or mini-golf, it is also advisable to check the current visiting times in advance.

Salt landscapes and lakes

Muntele de sare is a natural monument consisting of an exposed salt massif. Inside lies a former salt mine filled with water, known locally as Grota Miresei. The exposed rock and the former water-filled mine cavity belong to the same salt landscape here, but remain recognisable as different forms.

Baia Verde is located near the saltworks and consists of three salt lakes: the upper, middle and lower lakes. Baia Baciului is one of Slănic’s salt lakes, created for balneological purposes. The lakes complement the underground facilities and the museum with a landscape aspect, while Muntele de sare makes the geological side of the salt theme visible. For salt lakes created for balneological purposes, current information on opening or usage times may be important for planning. This applies to Baia Baciului as well as to the three lakes of Baia Verde. Such information can be checked separately for each facility before visiting.

Other destinations in the same regional area include Valea Călugărească, Provița de Sus, Breaza, Băicoi, Comarnic, Bughea De Jos, Cheia and Strejnicu.

For the broader travel overview: Prahova.