The number of 2024 visitors to the Praid salt mine in Harghita County was slightly up, despite it being closed for a month, right at the beginning of the tourist season, due to underground infiltration.
According to salt mine director Sebestyén József, approximately 470,000 people entered the underground attraction last year, by about 5,000 more compared to 2023, making the tourist year quite acceptable taking into account that the mine was closed between May 15 and June 15.
As every year, the busiest months were July and August, but also the period of school holidays, that saw about 4,000 - 5,000 people descending in the mine daily.
Most tourists are Romanian, and half of the visitors come for treatment, which means they spend several hours underground, for about a week.
For 2025, the salt mine management set themselves as a target increasing the number of visitors by 5%, but there are fears that this figure will not be reached due to the value of holiday vouchers being slashed.
Statistics for this year show that 13,000 people have already ventured underground.
In the visiting gallery, located 120 meters deep, there are playgrounds and creative spaces for children, an adventure park, as well as a cinema theater, and those who wish have access to the Internet.
There is room for exercise too, as ping-pong tables are available, but also gymnastics classes with a trainer, which are very beneficial for patients, helping them breath in more salty air.
The mine also accommodates an ecumenical chapel, a small museum with the history of the mine, a café and a restaurant.