Ocnele Mari Salt Mine
Ocnele Mari Salt Mine
The Ocnele Mari Salt Mine is located in the town of the same name, 8 km from Râmnicu Vâlcea, in a picturesque area (close to the Olt Valley), with a tradition in spa tourism (Caciulata, Olănești, Călimănești) and religious tourism (Cozia monastery).
One of the horizons where exploitation ended was opened to the public and transformed into a tourist area in 2009, with access for visitors provided by minibus transport from the surface to the inside of the salt works.
| Schedule: | |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Saturday – Sunday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
How do you get to the saltworks?
Ocnele Mari can be reached on the DN 67 – the road connecting Râmnicu Vâlcea to Târgu Jiu, and then on the main street of Ocnele Mari – Alexandru Ioan Cuza. At about 200 meters from the intersection of the two mentioned roads there is a sign “Towards Salina”.
Ocnele Mari resort in Valcea is located near the resorts of Baile Govora (16 km), Olănești (22.5 km) or Călimănești – Căciulata (25 km).
The Ocnele Mari Saltworks is approximately 185 km from Bucharest, 110 km from Sibiu, 180 km from Brasov, 117 km from Craiova and 110 km from Targu Jiu.
There are countless accommodations: villas and cottages in Ocnele Mari or hotels and guesthouses in Râmnicu Vâlcea and the neighbouring resorts.
The minibus that takes tourists underground runs every 30 minutes. The minibus departs from and arrives at the Ocnele Mari salt works, a place specially arranged for tourists. The minibus takes 10 minutes from the saltworks to the tourist point.
Inside the saltworks the microclimate is constant, the temperature is approx. 13-15º C and the air humidity is about 50%.
Ocnele Mari salt mining began as early as the Neolithic and continued into the Bronze and Iron Ages, as evidenced by the tools found in the archaeological sites. The Dacian fortification of Buridava was also located here.
The Ocnele Mari Salt Mine offers optimal conditions for relaxation, recreation and treatment: volleyball, basketball, football, tennis, billiards, minicarting courts. For children there are playgrounds with swings, slides and swings.
There is an event hall, restaurant and wine cellar, a souvenir shop and a refreshment and fast-food shop in the salt mine.
Inside the tourist base there are areas for relaxation and gymnastics to enhance the therapeutic effects. The Ocnele Mari saltworks also has the largest underground church in Romania, dedicated to Saint Varvara and Saint George.
Activities Salina Onele Mari
Ștrand Ocnele Mari
The “bottomless” swimming pool is located in Ocnele Mari, 5 km away from Râmnicu Vâlcea and is set on the mouth of a former salt mine, whose depth exceeds 80 meters. For this reason, the waters that fill the pools have a very high concentration of salt. An unmissable attraction for the summer season!
Saltwater pools
The large pool is equipped with a special children’s area of 40 square metres with a progressive depth: from 0.3 m to 0.5 m. The small pool has a depth ranging from 0.5 m to 2.2 m.
Swimming pool programme and prices
Monday – Sunday: 08:00 – 20:00
Adult rates
- Access 1 entry: 35 Lei
- Access 2 entries/day: 50 Lei
- Access between 18:00 – 20:00 / Monday – Thursday: 20 Lei
- Canopy rental*: 30 Lei
Children rates
- Access 1 entry children 3 – 14 years: 15 Lei/day
- Access 2 entries/day 3 – 14 years: 25 Lei/day
- Access between 18:00 – 20:00 / Monday – Thursday: 10 Lei
- Children < 3 years: free of charge
A sun lounger is included in the entrance fee, * subject to availability.
Ocnele Mari swimming pool facilities
The complex is equipped with two saltwater pools, a mini freshwater pool for children, accommodation units with individual bathrooms, TV and mini-bar, sun loungers, umbrellas, canopies, showers, fine sandy beach, children’s playground.
The salt concentration in the two saltwater pools is very high, which is why irritated or sore skin areas will be subject to acute stinging sensations.
Therapeutic effects
Among the therapeutic effects, through repeated exposure to salt baths, we can mention:
- increased immunity
- rheumatic treatment
- anti-inflammatory effect on joints
- reduction of joint pain
- increased joint mobility
- relief of gynaecological problems
Food and drink
The on-site restaurant offers fresh, freshly cooked food at affordable prices. You’ll also find refreshments: mineral and still water, energy drinks and smoothies, coffee or alcoholic drinks: beer, wine.
Thanks Vâlcea Turistica for permission to use the photos and information.
