Chełmskie Podziemia Kredowe

About the museum

Chalk was mined beneath the castle hill and the centre of Chełm from the Middle Ages. A multi-level labyrinth of corridors developed, which also served as a shelter during raids and wars. Extraction peaked in the 16th–18th centuries, and in the 20th century it was banned for safety reasons. The first tourist route was opened in 1936; after collapses in the seventies, part of the workings was secured and filled in.

The route of today leads through corridors and chambers hollowed out in the white chalk. The most interesting places include four chambers formed by collapses, some of them up to 5 metres high, and a town well that was used from the 14th/15th to the 18th century. Visitors learn about the history of mining, geology, archaeology and urban legends, especially the story of the spirit Bieluch, guardian of the underground. The temperature here is around 9°C all year round.

The entrance is at ul. Lubelska 55A. Visits are only with a guide and last about 50–60 minutes. The site has been entered in the register of monuments since 1994.

Highlights

• Guided tour through the chalk workings beneath the Old Town
• Chambers formed by collapses, up to 5 metres high
• Legend of the spirit Bieluch
• Constant temperature of around 9°C
• Additional entries every hour in July and August

Permanent exhibition

• Podziemna trasa turystyczna – Route through the chalk workings with an exhibition on geology, archaeology and the history of the town, and the legend of the spirit Bieluch.

Admission & discounts

Tickets sold online cost PLN 35 (standard) or PLN 29 (concession), plus a 5% service fee. Holders of the Chełmska Karta 3PLUS or the Karta Dużej Rodziny pay PLN 25.73 (standard) and PLN 21.32 (concession). Children under 5 and veterans enter free. Groups of more than 30 people should register by phone. An English-language audio guide can be purchased in addition.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visit takes place along narrow corridors on a fixed route. The organiser does not recommend it for people with claustrophobia or for some people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

Children under 5 enter free.

Getting there & parking

The Old Town centre is closed to car traffic.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit