Bochnia, one of the oldest towns in Małopolska, was already an important economic centre before 1200. It was granted town rights in 1253, four years before the royal city of Kraków. It owed its heyday to salt, one of old Poland’s most important raw materials. The 'oil' of the time brought fabulous profits, and not without reason, was also called white gold. The Salt Mine, which has been operating here since 1251, is the oldest Polish salt mine and the longest and continuously operating Polish industrial plant.  Today, it is also a great tourist attraction!

Bochnia also boasts an outstanding work by one of the most original Polish Art Nouveau and Historicism architects, Teodor Talowski, known as the Polish Gaudi, who executed one of his most beautiful works here – the Villa Pod Kozłem, the likewise beautiful name of Koci Zamek (Cat Castle). While in the town it is also worth visiting the impressive Butterfly Museum with the largest permanent exhibition in Poland, with over 5,000 specimens from almost all continents. Bochnia also captivates with the amount of greenery – kilometres of walking paths, playgrounds and sports fields. It is worth staying here for a while...

The Tourist Information Centre in Bochnia will help you choose attractions, sightseeing routes, and resting places. It is located in the beautifully renovated Kuźnia (Forge) building on Planty Salinarne (near the brine graduation tower).

As at any point of this type, you can obtain specific and reliable information on the sights and attractions of Bochnia and its surroundings, and receive free maps and guides. The staff not only provides information on cultural events, accommodation, and dining facilities but can also – at the tourist’s request – make appropriate bookings. Of course, the information centre also offers souvenirs, guidebooks, and many publications about the region.

The Centre’s staff also participate in tourism fairs, initiate inspiring events such as ‘Holidays with CIT’, ‘Winter Holidays with CIT’, ‘Autumn walk with CIT’, ‘Meeting with tourist song’, and even organise family workshops for making folk Christmas tree ornaments.

The Tourist Information Centre in Bochnia operates as part of the Małopolska Tourist Information System – an integrated network enabling coherent and comprehensive activities.

It is also a Bicycle Friendly Place – MPR.

More about Bicycle Friendly Places and VeloMetropolis can be found at narowery.visitmalopolska.pl