How many steps does the Eiffel Tower have, and how many can you find in the “Wieliczka” mine? Check out our comparison

Do you know how many steps the Eiffel Tower has and what it has in common with the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine? Many people are not aware that both sites share similar heights and depths. Is it true that the entire Eiffel Tower could fit in the depths of the mine? Check out the facts and figures about these sites! 

Go to paragraphs: 

• How many stairs does the Eiffel Tower have? A guide to floors
• The “Wieliczka” Salt Mine – how many steps are down below? 

How many stairs does the Eiffel Tower have? A guide to floors 

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous buildings in the world; enough so that it is often referred to as the Heart of Paris – every year millions of tourists make the trip to see it with their own eyes. It was built in 1889 to commemorate the Exposition Universelle held in Paris that year. The international fair commemorated the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution, which brought about numerous significant changes, including the abolition of the monarchy and an effort to make all French citizens legally equal. 

According to the plans at the time, the Eiffel Tower was supposed to be dismantled after the fair. In spite of this, it very quickly became an object of contention among artists and critics of the time, with some – including the famous writer Alexander Dumas – wishing for its quick demolition. He was assured by Gustave Eiffel, the designer of the tower, that it would be taken down within 20 years, despite the fact that he did not want to allow this to happen. Eiffel had also established a meteorological and aerodynamic laboratory there. A telegraph and antennas were placed at the top, and thanks to successful experiments in television signal transmission, the structure was saved. 

At the time of its opening, the Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world – this did not change until 1930 when it was superseded by the Chrysler Building in New York. Initially, the tower was 312 metres tall, but its height changed over time with different antennas mounted on top. In 1957 its total height was estimated at 320 metres, and since 2000, it has been measured at 324 metres. 

  
How many stairs does the Eiffel Tower have? Turns out that the number is exactly 1,665! The first level is located at a height of 57 metres. To get to it, you can use the stairs or take the elevator. As soon as you get to that level, you will notice that the floor is made of glass. There is a spacious outdoor terrace where visitors can relax and have a snack thanks to cafés offering beverages and food. 

After climbing or riding to that level, you can also relax at the famous Michelin 3-star restaurant. You might want to think about booking your seat in advance since it is a popular destination among tourists from all over the world. While there, you will also find a historical exhibition detailing the history of the structure and the process of its construction. 

Climbing the stairs is hardly the only way to get to the top. To get to the second level, you need to get 276 metres above ground, but after you do, you will be rewarded with a beautiful panorama of the city and a view stretching for 65 kilometres. What other secrets does the Eiffel Tower have?  How many stairs do you have to climb to reach the second floor? The way up is quite a challenge thanks to the 704 steps leading up – get ready for a longer hike! In order to get to the very top, you will need to hop on the elevator – there are no stairs leading there. The platform at the top is also glazed – up there, you will find Gustave Eiffel's restored office. 

It is also a good idea to see the light show, which takes place after sunset. Illuminations are set off every 60 minutes from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. – the entire show lasts about 3 minutes. You will have the best view from Champ de Mars, right in front of the tower. 

The “Wieliczka” Salt Mine – how many steps are down below? 

What does the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine have to do with the Eiffel Tower? For starters, as we already mentioned, the tower is 324 metres tall. This means that it would easily fit inside Wieliczka’s vast underground network of chambers, with a total depth estimated at 327 metres – this excellent comparison aptly shows the enormous size of both the tower and the mine. 

This is not the only amazing figure that the “Wieliczka” mine can boast of. Do you wonder how many steps you can find in there? In order to get to the very bottom, you need to traverse 800 steps – more than when climbing the Eiffel Tower. Of course, going up the stairs is much harder than going down, but there is no doubt that the height of both structures is impressive. It is also worth bearing in mind that going underground evokes completely different feelings than climbing a tall structure. Rest assured – spending time 135 metres below the surface is a truly unforgettable experience! 

 The Tourist Route goes all the way to a depth of 135 metres – in order to get there, you need to traverse 372 steps. The mine features 2,391 chambers and more than 245 kilometres of galleries in total. Interestingly, only about 2% of the Wieliczka underground is open to tourists. Some of the chambers are 700 years old at this point! 

The mine comprises nine levels, as well as several interlevels. However, the deepest level, which used to be located at a depth of about 327 metres, has been backfilled. A small section of the mine has been opened to tourists as the Tourist Route. The chambers located alongside the scenic tour are filled with interesting sights and monuments – when planning a trip, make sure to leave some time to learn about the history of the Wieliczka underground. The Tourist Route has a total length of 3.5 kilometres and encompasses 20 chambers – all of this means that you will spend about 2-3 hours touring the mine. 

One of the main attractions is Europe's only underground church. We are talking about St Kinga’s Chapel, devoted to the patron saint of salt miners, located at a depth of 101 metres. The chamber, which houses the unique chapel, is adorned with salt crystal chandeliers. The chamber itself is 54 metres long, 12 metres tall and 18 metres wide. What is more, it is available for hosting dream weddings – there is no better way to leave a lasting impression on your guests. 

Another must-see attraction in the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine is the underground brine lake in the Barącza chamber, not far away from St Kinga’s Chapel. The lake is about 9 metres deep and filled to the very brim with saturated brine containing 320 grams of salt per one litre of water. 

 What makes the mine stand out is also a Guinness World Record. Interestingly enough, the record was set in the Staszica chamber, which is located alongside the Tourist Route. With a ceiling height of 36 metres, it is also the tallest chamber available to tourists. In 2000, volunteers from the Tarnów Aviation Association decided to make an attempt at setting a new record. They jumped into their hot air balloon and climbed to an altitude of 213 centimetres – this was enough to qualify the event as the first underground balloon flight. The same chamber also hosted a bungee jump. 

Another unique attraction awaits visitors in the Słowacki chamber – overnight stays at a depth of 125 metres. Sleeping in such a unique place offers much more than just deep relaxation and an opportunity to forget about the daily hustle and bustle. The air in the chamber is characterised by a unique microclimate, which is similar to that at the seaside. The air is free of harmful pollutants, as well as allergens. That is why such healthy sleep is especially recommended for people suffering from allergies and respiratory conditions. What is more, healthy compounds also boost your immune system! 

What is very important is the fact that the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine has been appreciated not only by tourists from all over the world but also by UNESCO. The mine has been on the World Heritage List for 43 years! That is why it is a must-see for children and adults alike – and everybody will find a route designed with their needs in mind.