salt mine tours austria

Salzburg’s Salt Mines: A Day Trip Worth Taking

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There are three salt mines scattered around Salzburg, Hallein, Hallstatt, and Berchtesgaden, that you might want to visit. All three salt mines offer the same experience. What’s that experience?

When it’s time to delve deep into the mine, you’ll be provided with traditional miners’ clothes before you ride the mine train – just like a real miner! You’ll not only learn about the underground world of salt mining, but you’ll also have a blast. In the mines, you visit the underground lake and slide down the mines’ iconic slides.

But which salt mine is right for you if they all offer a similar experience?

As a local of Salzburg, I have had the pleasure of visiting the salt mines in our region countless times throughout my life. From my childhood adventures at the mine in Hallein to my recent visits as a tour guide and with Couchsurfers and friends, I have come to know and love each of these unique and fascinating attractions.

I have an idea of the benefits and drawbacks of each of the Salzburg salt mines. In this article, I will share my insights with you, so you can decide which Salzburg salt mine is the best fit for your trip.

Why is there even Salt in the Austrian Alps?

A long, long time ago, when the Earth was still new, it cooled down, and salty oceans were formed. As the water evaporated, layers of sediment were left behind on the bottom of the sea. Salt crystals formed and sank to the bottom. After all the oceans dried up, the layers were covered by dirt and clay. Then, about 100 million years ago, the land moved, and the Alps were created. The salt and rock layers mixed and pushed against each other to make the mountains we see today. Actually, the mountains are still moving, and this process is still happening. It’s just very slow. Isn’t it fascinating?

The History of Salt Mining: How was Salt mined in the Past?

Around 4,000 BC, people made a discovery. They found out that salt could keep meat fresh. They used salt from hot water that came from the ground. They poured the salty water over hot rocks, leaving the white mineral behind. As the climate got worse, salt became more critical for preserving meat. They started digging for salt in the ground, which was also the start of salt mining near Salzburg. But techniques evolved.

Later, people began to make holes in the salt rocks and fill them with water. They took the salty water, so-called “sole”, out of the mines and boiled it in big pans above ground. They heated the water until all that was left was solid salt.

Hallein Salt Mine: Sweet Childhood Memories

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• Ramsaustraße 3, 5422 Bad Dürrnberg
• +436132 200 8511
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First up, let’s talk about the mine in Hallein. This was the mine I visited most frequently as a child because I grew up in Hallein. The Hallein salt mine, of course, holds a special place in my heart. On a tour of the mine, you’ll learn all about the tools and techniques used by the miners throughout the centuries and also about the history of Salzburg. In addition, there is a replica of a Celtic village in front of the salt mine. You can also descend to Hallein to learn even more at the Celtic Museum and take a short stroll through Hallein.

A Brief History of the Hallein Salt Mine

Hallein historically was the actual salt mine of the archbishops of Salzburg and is, therefore, also known as the Salzburg salt mine. The other two salt mines we talk about were the salt mines of the Bavarians and the Habsburg empire, and Salzburg was not a part of either.

The Celts first mined salt in Salzburg 2600 years ago, but production stopped with the arrival of the Romans around 15BC. It wasn’t until the 12th century that the archbishops of Salzburg brought salt production back to life and re-discovered it as a source of wealth. Archbishop Wolf-Dietrich, who lived between 1559 and 1617, used the revenues from the salt trade to build impressive Baroque buildings in Salzburg. These buildings are still admired by people from around the world today.

Fun fact: When you are in the Hallein salt mine, you cross the border back into Germany for a brief period.

Why you would want to visit the Hallein Salt Mine

If you have an entire day to spare and want the most authentic experience, I recommend the Hallein salt mine. Besides offering the most authentic experience of the three salt mines, Hallein is one of the least touristy towns around Salzburg and well worth a short stroll on the way to the mine. During my childhood, the Hallein salt mine was mainly a popular weekend activity for local families, including mine. Times have changed, but Hallein still is the least touristy of the three Salzburg Salt Mines.

What is the best way to get to the Hallein Salt Mine?

That’s the downside of the Hallein salt mine. Despite being the nearest salt mine to Salzburg, the Hallein salt mine is not the easiest to reach by public transportation. If you’re driving, you’re in luck, but if you’re taking public transportation, take bus 170 or the S3 train to Hallein, where you can catch bus 41 to Bad Dürrnberg. Hallein’s salt mine lies on the side of the mountain in a village called Dürrnberg, not in the town itself. Just before the village of Dürrnberg, you get off at the Bad Dürrnberg Salzbergwerk stop.

INSIDER TIP: If you have an entire day to spend and the weather is nice, walk down to Hallein after visiting the salt mine. It’s an easy hike since it’s all downhill. Read this article to find out why Hallein might be worth visiting, even if I consider it the most depressing town around Salzburg.

Berchtesgaden Salt Mine: Adventures across the Border

• Bergwerkstraße 83, 83471 Berchtesgaden
• +49865260020

The Berchtesgaden salt mine is the most convenient to get to. The town of Berchtesgaden lies in Germany, across the border in Bavaria. It’s almost the same distance from Salzburg as Hallein. Salzburg is incredibly close to the German border.

The Historical Significance of the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

The history of salt mining in Berchtesgaden dates back to the 12th century. However, only by 1517 was the salt mine we visit today, the Petersberg-Stollen dug and the salt mine founded. Until 1803, Berchtesgaden was its own independent principality. In 1810 it became part of Bavaria, and in 1816 the mine began offering tours to select guests before, in 1880, it opened to the general public. In terms of history, the Berchtesgaden salt mine is the least impressive of the three, but it was the world’s first show salt mine.

When would I recommend the salt mine in Berchtesgaden?

If you have limited time or want to see other attractions in Berchtesgaden, too. There is a direct bus from Salzburg, which drops you at the entrance to the mine after a 50-minute ride. Suppose you don’t have a car and want to see many of Berchtesgaden’s attractions on the same day, such as Eagles Nest and Königssee. In that case, you can book a tour like Panoramas Super Saver if you want to see the salt mines in half a day.

But that’s also the crux: all the half-day salt mine tours from Salzburg also go there. That’s why it’s more of a mass-processing mine than the other two. I have only sometimes found their staff to be friendly and respectful, and the overall vibe is more touristy than in Hallein, but if you have limited time or wish to visit several of the attractions in Berchtesgaden, the pros outweigh the cons.

How to get to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine from Salzburg?

The Berchtesgaden salt mine is directly accessible from Salzburg. The most convenient way to get there is by taking bus 840 from Salzburg train station or Mirabell square. The stop is called “Berchtesgaden Salzbergwerk,” and the ride takes approximately 50 minutes.

If you travel by car, you can visit the salt mine and another nearby attraction, such as the Eagles Nest or Königssee. If you are short on time and only want to visit the salt mine, taking the bus 840 and spending half a day at the mine is recommended and works well.

However, if you have more time and want to experience the full range of Berchtesgaden’s attractions, combining the salt mine visit with a trip to the Eagles Nest or Königssee might be a good idea. If that’s your plan, you can look into a super saver tour from Panorama tours which will help you make the best use of your time in Berchtesgaden.

Hallstatt Salt Mine: The Most Touristy of the Three

• Salzbergstraße 21, 4830 Hallstatt
• +4361322002400

The Hallstatt Salt Mine is the most touristy of the three Salzburg salt mines, not because the mine is special but because Hallstatt is. Hallstatt is the most overcrowded, touristy town in all of Austria. I recommend the Hallstatt Salt Mine if Hallstatt is on your bucket list anyway.

The History of the Salt Mine in Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a small town with a big history. Until the end of the 19th century, Hallstatt could only be accessed by boat, but it has been inhabited for at least 7000 years. How is that even possible? There was a reason for it: salt. This precious mineral has been powering economies forever. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is considered the most ancient salt mine still in operation. Hallstatt is also one of the earliest archaeological sites of human civilization. It has been honored and recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Fun fact: Remember that salt was extracted by heating salt water? Due to the geography of Hallstatt, they didn’t have enough trees to burn and heat the brine. To transport the precious brine 400 years ago, the locals built a pipeline from 13,000 hollowed-out trees, which was still in use not so long ago!

Why you would want to visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine

Despite being overtouristed, Hallstatt is beautiful and unique. I would not have recommended the Hallstatt Salt Mine in the past because they charged almost twice as much as the other two. Nowadays, they adjusted the prices and are now nearly the same price. So why would I not recommend visiting the Hallstatt salt mine if you are not planning to visit Hallstatt anyway? For two reasons.

One is that Hallstatt is the most difficult and expensive to get to. Public transport takes almost three hours to get from Salzburg to Hallstatt. Read this article for details on how to go to Hallstatt !

The other is that Hallstatt is the most touristy place in Austria, and so is the salt mine experience. To illustrate my point. I grew up in Hallein and Salzburg and lived there most of my life, but I have been to Hallstatt for the first time at the age of 29 because a friend from South Korea visited me.

How to Reach the Salt Mine in Hallstatt from Salzburg

For a detailed explanation, read the article on how to go to Hallstatt, but in short, you take bus 150 from the train station in Salzburg or Mirabell square, take the bus to Bad Ischl, then take two more buses or a train to Hallstatt station from where you need to take a boat across the lake. While the journey is long, it is also very picturesque, crossing the Salzkammergut lake district.

My name is Gerhard, Founder of Free Walking Tour Salzburg. I am an intrepid traveler myself and understand the passion for adventure that independent travelers feel. I love to interact with travelers, share stories, answer questions, recommend places to eat, and offer ideas of things to see and do.

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Salt Mine Tour - Tour 3A

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daily at 8.45 am and 2.00 pm

English, German (Tour may be guided multilinugally)

Panorama Tours Bus Terminal , Mirabellplatz / Hubert-Sattler-Gasse 1, 5020 Salzburg Arrival information

free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to tour departure

This Salt Mine Tour takes you on an adventurous trip into the Bavarian Alps to the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden

Visit one of the most popular destinations in Berchtesgaden with our Salt Mine Tour: The salt mine in Berchtesgaden is more than 500 years old and features many highlights, such as the magic Salt Room, a raft ride across the Mirror Lake, the Salt Cathedral, and many more. Also part of this Salt Mine Tour is a stop in the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden.

The Salt Mine Tour

This 4-hour Salt Mines Tour takes the route from Salzburg via the Alpenstraße and along the Königsseeache up to the Obersalzberg, where once the leaders of the Third Reich resided.

Next, you reach the highlight of the Salt Mine Tour: the more than 500-year-old salt mine in Berchtesgaden . Learn exciting and informative facts about the world underground!

After your visit of the salt mine and before your return to Salzburg, you have time to explore the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden at your own leisure.

History of the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

Records of salt mining in Berchtesgaden reach as far back as the twelfth century. In 1517, Prince-Provost Gregor Rainer founded the salt mine in Berchtesgaden. Since then, salt has been mined here uninterruptedly, making Berchtesgaden Germany’s oldest active salt mine . To this day, the Bad Reichenhaller AlpenSalz is made from the brine won in this salt mine.

1816 saw the beginning of tours through the salt mine for select guests only. Since 1880, tours have been open to everyone. In 2007, the visitor center was reimagined and is now one of the most innovative salt mine experiences worldwide.In 1517, the first gallery was struck and in 2017, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine celebrated its 500-year anniversary .

Highlights of the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden

The Salt Mine Berchtesgaden offers a range of highlights for visitors young and old:

After you have put on protective clothing, the mine railway takes you 650 m (2,100 ft.) into the mountain. First, you see the impressive Salt Cathedral which was dedicated to Emperor Franz Josef I., then emperor of Austria. Next is the first wooden slide, that transports you 34 m (110 ft.) downwards to the Stone Salt Grotto , which was named for King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Look forward to many interesting stations here, for example the salt laboratory which provides exciting insights into the history of salt mining.

The tour of the salt mine is completed with a breath-taking ride across the Mirror Lake on a raft. The lake owes its name to the reflection of the ceiling in the water’s surface.

The Salt Mine Berchtesgaden allows you to learn new and interesting information about the vital element salt and experience it with all senses.

FAQs Salt Mine Tour

How should i dress for the salt mine tour.

Inside the salt mine, there is a constant temperature of +12°C (53°F) all year around. This is why warm clothes are recommended. Additionally, sturdy shoes are advised. At the salt mine, you will receive mandatory overalls to protect your clothes.

How long is the tour of the Salt Mine?

The tour inside the salt mine takes about 1.5 hours. The full duration of the Salt Mine Tour from departure in Salzburg back to arrival in Salzburg is 4 hours.

From which age is the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden suitable for children?

Children at any age can visit the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden. However, strollers, baby buggies and carrying frames are not suitable.

How do I get to the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden?

The easiest and most convenient way to get to the salt mine from Salzburg is with the Salt Mine Tour by Salzburg Panorama Tours. On the 4 hour tour, enjoy the drive to the salt mine via the Obersalzberg and afterwards, explore the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden at your own leisure.

Is the entrance fee to the salt mine included?

Yes, the entrance fee to the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden is included in the tour price.

Is there a long wait at the entrance?

No, there is no long wait at the entrance because this tour includes Skip the Line Tickets.

When is the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden open?

The Salt Mine is open all year.

Where is the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden?

The Salt Mine is in Berchtesgaden, a picturesque town in the Bavarian Alps.

Address: Salt Mine Berchtesgaden Salzburger Straße 24 83471 Berchtesgaden

Please notice:

We are not able to offer a pick-up service from the hotel . Please make your own way to meeting point, 15 min. prior departure.

Only Salzburg Panorama Tours is responsible to schedule the tour vehicles.

Infants up to 4 years are not entitled to their own seat.

In case of border controls, please make sure you carry a valid passport !

This tour may be operated in combination with tour 3 / Bavarian Mountains tour .

Pets are not allowed in the tour.

Stefan Herzl

Hello, my name is Stefan Herzl and I’m really looking forward to show you my beautiful hometown Salzburg. I am a native Salzburg offering since 1976 various sightseeing tours in Salzburg & surroundings.

Is included in the following combinations and also available as Private Tour

Super Saver: Original Sound of Music Tour® & Salt Mine Tour - Tour 3A+1A

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Austria ‎ > Hallstatt > Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour

Hallstatt Suggested Itineraries | Getting To Hallstatt

• Top 10 Things To Do
• Old Town Walking Tour
• Ice Cave & 5 Fingers
• Salt Mine Tour
• Best Side Trips
• How To Get To Hallstatt
• Suggested Itineraries
• Luggage Storage & Bag Lockers

Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour:

Oldest In The World : The salt mining in Hallstatt dates back to 5,000 BC, making it the oldest in the world.

Location : Hochtal High Valley, which is over 1,150 feet (350 meters) above lakeside Hallstatt.

Time Required : Around 3 hours is required for the roundtrip funicular lift, trail walk, and Hallstatt Salt Mine tour.  Add an extra hour for Rudolph’s Tower & Skywalk for a total of 4 hours.

Seasonality : The Hallstatt Salt Mine tours are available daily all year except for four weeks in the Winter when they close from mid-January to mid-Febraury.  The funicular lift and Skywalk lookout stay open all 365 days a year ( outside of scheduled maintenance ).

Fun Scale : 9 out of 10

Salt Mine Overview:

Salt Mining in Hallstatt has been going on for 7,000 years, so having the chance to tour the mine while in town is a real treat.  Salt was so vital to life before modern refrigeration we often take it for granted today, but it is what put Hallstatt on the map.  While the tiny village may be quite sleepy today, Hallstatt’s Celtic influence on early Europe thanks to white gold  ( salt ) led to an entire period of the Iron Age ( 800-400BC ) to be known as the Hallstatt Era.

If you are in Hallstatt for at least two days, you need to make sure to tour the Salt Mine!  If you are only in Hallstatt for one day, however, you’re going to have to make a tough choice between visiting the Ice Cave or the Salt Mine before strolling the village as both of them are about a half-day experience.  In our suggested itineraries for Hallstatt , we have tips on how you can see both.

• Common Questions
• History Of The Salt Mine
• Salt Mine Tour Attractions

Important Visitor Tips & Questions

1. Is The Hallstatt Salt Mine Worth It? : Yes, the mine is 100% worth your time and effort.  It is the oldest salt mine in the world and one of the best things to do in Hallstatt .  In addition to the entertaining tour and miners’ slides, you’ll also get unmatched views from above the village from the funicular and skywalk during your visit.

2. How To Get To The Salt Mine? : The Hallstatt Salt Mine sits over 420 meters ( 1,378 feet ) high above the village, so some advanced planning is important for your visit.  Knowing the proper logistics will allow you to see all of the salt mine area sights, including your tour and the skywalk, in under 4 hours.

There are essentially two options to get up the mountainside for the salt mine:  Either you can take a strenuous one-hour-long hike from the center of Hallstatt, or you can take the painless funicular lift up from the Salt Mine Visitors Center which is a 15-minute walk ( 1 km ) from of the heart of town.

If you are arriving to Hallstatt from Salzburg, you can save yourself the extra walk to reach the lift by taking the bus into town as it drops you off nearby at Hallstatt Lahn stop.  Alternatively, if you take the train to Hallstatt, you’ll need to take the ferry over from across the lake and will be dropped in the heart of town.  The bus is faster, cheaper, and drops you much closer to the Salt Mine Visitors Center.  The P2 parking lot is also right in front of the Visitors Center if you arrive by car.  We have a separate full guide here covering How To Get To Hallstatt , including a video and detailed map.

3. How Long Does The Tour Last? : The normal Salt Mine tour is 2 hours in length ( VIP Private Tour is 4 hours ).  Also adding your ride on the lift ( 3 minutes ) and the hike to the entrance ( 15 minutes ), you’ll need to account for around 3 hours to tour the Salt Mine.  You need to make sure you start your assent to the Salt Mine at least 30 minutes before your tour time so you aren’t late to account for the lift and hike.  It is also a MUST to visit the Sky Walk and Rupold’s Tower Restaurant as well ( highlighted below ) which adds an extra hour on average ( 4 hours total ) as we recommend stopping for a drink.

4. Winter Closure Hours : During the Winter, the Hallstatt Salt Mine Tours are closed for four weeks starting in early January, but the funicular lift and skywalk stay open all year.  The only salt mine in the area that stays open all Winter is in Berchtesgaden, Germany.  We will give an overview of the other local salt mines you can tour below.

• Hallstatt Salt Mine Tours : Closed for 4 weeks from early January until early February.
• Funicular Lift & Skywalk Lookout : Open Daily all year, excluding planned maintenance.

5. Can Children Visit The Mine? : Yes, it is family-friendly as children ages 4 and up can do the Hallstatt Salt Mine tour, but the tour is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs.  Younger kids will love the miner slides ( with an adult ) and riding the underground train, but ultimately you know your own kids the best.  It may be a lot of walking for some non-school-age children, and there isn’t a good way to exit the tour if they get difficult, but it’s fun for most kids.  The funicular lift, bridge, trail, and skywalk are all barrier-free and accessible for strollers or wheelchairs, so don’t have any hesitation with your kids for that portion of the visit.

6. What Should We Wear On The Tour? : The inside of the mine stays around 46F ( 8C ) all year with constant humidity ( 67% ), which is quite comfortable during the tour.  We recommend a long sleeve shirt, pants, and close-toed shoes suitable for light hiking as all you will need to wear.  You will be issued “miners clothes” to slip on over your shirt and pants as part of the tour, which is fun and adds an extra thin layer.  The real consideration is what the local weather is at the time, as it is a gradual 15-minute walk outside from the top of the funicular lift to the Salt Mine entrance.

7. Other Salt Mines Near Hallstatt : The Hallstatt Salt Mine is our favorite in the region to tour as it is the oldest in the world and you can also pair it with a visit to the Skywalk.  While you plan your itinerary for Austria, however, it is worth noting where other nearby salt mines are in case one fits in your schedule better to free up time for other activities in Hallstatt, like hiking or visiting the Dachstein Ice Cave if needed.

• Hallien, Austria : Also called the Salzburg Salt Mine, this operation was once a fierce rival with Hallstatt.  Today it is popular as it has a full recreation of a Celtic village with costumes staff and, during the mine tour, you cross the Austrian/German border underground.
• Berchtesgaden, Germany : Located just 13 miles south of Salzburg this mine is very popular with regional visitors as it also has a stop on Bus 840 as you enter Berchtesgaden from Salzburg.  This mine is also the only one to remain fully open all year and through the winter (e xcluding holidays ).  We love staying in this town and have a full Berchtesgaden travel guide section.
• Altausee, Austria : Normally requires a car to visit and is closed in Winter, but this is where the real-life Monuments Men happened in WW2 as Hitler hid precious artwork in the mine.

Hallstatt Salt Mine History:

About The Hallstatt Salt Mine History : If visiting the gorgeous lakeside village of Hallstatt wasn’t amazing enough, just above the village is the oldest salt mine in the world, dating back to 5,000 BC!  Evidence has shown that the Neolithic mine in Hallstatt was very well organized by 1,300 BC but then stopped for unknown reasons just 200 years later.

In the Bronze Age, the Hallstatt mine came back strong and was painstakingly dug down by early hand tools over 650 feet (200 meters) below ground over centuries.  Because salt was so important before refrigeration, this white gold helped Hallstatt become very influential in early European culture, and the entire period of the Bronze Age from 800-400BC has become known as the Hallstatt Era .  During this period, the Celtic influence of Hallstatt was the predominant material culture in Central Europe, spreading from France in the West to the Baltic Sea in the East.

The ancient mining settlement in Hallstatt was unfortunately buried by a huge landslide in 350 BC and took a while to recover.  The center of regional salt mining eventually shifted toward Hallein near Salzburg, but Hallstatt came back.  By Medieval times, it was under Hapsburg rule, and local mining became strong again thanks to raised lake water levels from a dam and easier transportation of the salt brine through an innovative pipeline.

While the current section of tunnels of the Hallstatt Salt Mine you get to tour today was established in 1791, it was a series of discoveries that gave insight into how old mining here really is.  In 1734 our favorite discovery happened when they found when the body of a former miner known as the Man In Salt .  Perfectly preserved in salt with skin and hair, the flattened body from the 1000s BC has some features worn away by stone but has his unusual clothing and tools completely intact.

In 1838, the most astonishing discovery happened at the mine when workers found a pickaxe ( adze ) presumably used for mining made of staghorn from the Neolithic Age dating back to 5,000 BC .  The next big round of discoveries followed in 1846 when mining director Johann Georg Ramsauer found the Hallstatt miners’ burial ground.  That finding led to the discovery of nearly 2000 graves and countless artifacts from 1200 BC to 500 BC.  These artifacts included concrete, daggers, swords, a leather backpack, textiles, and decorative bronze bowls.  The finds keep happening, including in 2002, with the oldest preserved wooden staircase in Europe being unearthed which was dated back to 1344 BC.  Many of these items you will see next during your tour of the Hallstatt Salt Mine, and a lot of finds are also on display in a large section of the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria.

1. Salt Mine Visitor Center :

About The Salt Mine Visitor Center : Opened in 2016, the Salt Mine Visitor Center is where we will begin our journey to the Top of Hallstatt.   As you approach the building, you will catch your first glimpse of the Funicular Lift, which will take you over 1,150 feet ( 350 meters ) up Salt Hill ( Salzberg ).  While the Visitor Center is a 10-15 minute walk from the heart of Hallstatt, it is located right next to the main parking lot and quite close to the Hallstatt Lahn bus stop.  If you’ve read our How To Get To Hallstatt guide , you are already likely arriving to town from Hallstatt by bus so you’ll be starting off close by.

Inside the Visitor Center, you’ll great get a sneak peek at the Hallstatt Salt Mine tours.  There are some introductory exhibits on the history of the world’s oldest salt mine and interactive displays of illuminated blocks of salt that are fun to take photos with.  They also have a huge on-site gift shop full of excellent salt-themed souvenirs, and we like that they stock things that will actually fit in your luggage.  Save your shopping for after your salt mine tour, as you’ll be back here after plus, there is another gift shop at the mine entrance.  Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll be given a small souvenir salt shaker at the end of your tour.

There is a ticket desk inside the Visitor Center, but we highly suggest booking ahead of time online HERE .  Booking online through the website will save you time and ensures you get your preferred tour time slot to best fit the 3-4 hour commitment into your day.  If you want to skip the salt mine tour and just take the lift up to the Skywalk, you can do that also at a reduced rate but it needs to be bought in person.   The Visitor Center also has bag lockers, and is only two places in Hallstatt where you can store your luggage while visiting the town.  For more info, see our page on where to store your bags and luggage in Hallstatt .  They also have bathrooms and free wifi in case you want to download their audio guide.

Center Hours :  The Visitor Center stays open until 1 hour after the funicular lift.   Lift Hours : Open daily early February-March 9am-4:30pm; April-September 9am-6pm; October-early February 9am-4:30pm.

2. Panorama Funicular ( Salzbergbahn ):

About The Panorama Funicular : The glass-walled funicular lift ( Salzbergbahn ) leaves from the back of the Visitor Center and majestically glides you up Salt Hill.  It turns what would be a 1-hour steep hike up the 1,148-foot ( 350 meters ) mountainside into a 3-minute relaxing experience .  As you can imagine, the views as you ascend high above the lakeside village surrounded by the Alps are truly amazing.  Many visitors who have no intention of visiting the Salt Mine still make the quick trip up the funicular simply for the unbelievable panoramic views .

The Funicular cars depart roughly every 30 minutes and are barrier-free, making them accessible for both wheelchairs and strollers.   This is such an excellent enhancement as it creates full access up the mountain and to the Skywalk, even for people with limited mobility that can’t do the Salt Mine tour ( not accessible ).  Having accessibility in mind isn’t as common in Europe as in America due to the historic nature of many buildings.

Our favorite transportation option is to take the funicular lift up to do the Salt Mine tour and see the Skywalk but then hike back down on the Panorama Trail ( 30-45 minutes ) directly into the heart of Hallstatt afterward.  We cover the options for hiking back down in more detail later in this guide and in our video, so hopefully you will consider it.

Funicular Hours : Departs every 30 minutes daily early February-March 9am-4:30pm; April-September 9am-6pm; October-early February 9am-4:30pm..  ( Current Schedule ).   Cost : The full cost for the lift with Salt Mine tour is 40€ round trip for Adults or 26€ for children.  They also have lift-only tickets available in person at the cash desk for 50% off.  Online Ticket Website : Here .

Very Important : You must get on the funicular at least 30 minutes prior to your Salt Mine tour slot in order to make it up in time.  This is because you’ll have a 15-minute walk remaining from the top of the lift to reach the Knappenhaus where you check in for the tour.  If your tour is late in the day, you need to keep a close eye on the time afterward so you don’t miss the last funicular back down the hill.  If you do miss the last descent, it is a very enjoyable 30-45 minute hike back to the heart of the village on a wooded path ( see Panorama Trail info below )

3. Salt Mine Trail & Graveyard ( Salzweg ):

About The Salt Mine Trail & Graveyard : As you reach the top of the funicular lift, you’ll want to head right to the trail that leads to the mine entrance, so you aren’t late for your tour.  The hike takes 15-minutes and you can get to the trail either by the steps on your left or with the handy elevator.  It can be tempting to walk across the stunning elevated footbridge bridge toward Rudolph’s Tower, but have plenty of time to see it and Skywalk on the way back after your tour.

As you head up the gradual incline of the paved Salt Mine Trail, you are entering the Hochtal, or High Valley, where Hallstatt’s ancient mining settlement was.  By the Bronze Age, the settlement was a couple of hundred people which was actually one of the largest in all of Europe outside of Greece.  Thanks to the value of salt, Hallstatt also became very influential as the predominant material Culture in central Europe.  This led to an entire period of history from 800-400 BC to be known as the Hallstatt Era.  Unfortunately, it was buried by a landslide in 350 BC and the ancient roots were fully realized until a vast graveyard was discovered in the 1800s.

One of the best things along the short Salt Mine Trail are the stations where you can learn about the archeological finds from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages on the top of the hill.  We suggest downloading the audio guide ahead of time and then listening along in reverse order as you take the trail back after your tour.

The best station along the trail is a hut with an exhibition grave containing pottery fragments and a human skeleton dressed in ancient clothing.  Pay special attention to the early Celtic-style bronze clothespins near the skeleton’s shoulders.  This swirled design was quite popular in early Hallstatt, and you can still buy similar jewelers in the souvenir shops down by the lakefront.

4. Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour ( Salzwelten ):

About The Hallstatt Salt Mine Tours : Touring this pre-historic salt mine today is thrilling as you learn about the 7,000 years of history while exploring many underground levels, including some reached by wooden miners’ slides.  The sections of the mine that you can tour part of today were established in 1791 and has 12 underground levels ( called horizons ) numbered in reverse order, with level 1 being the deepest.  There is a wide range of family-friendly activities during your guided tour, which starts with everyone getting suited up in miners’ clothes before a covered walkway takes you into the mine.

As you explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine with your guide, you will learn about how this area of the Salzkammergut district was once a primordial sea that led to the salt deposits in the bedrock.  You even get to interact with large blocks of raw salt rock and see them lit up with decorative lights to show off their variations in color.   The more iron present in the unprocessed salt rocks makes them glow more orange because of rust.  You will also see an underground lake with a projected light show illustration of activities in the Neolithic days of the mine.

The undoubted highlight of the Hallstatt Salt Mine tour is a thrilling ride down the two sets of double-lane miners’ slides .  Through Medieval times the salt miners really used the slides to quickly get between levels, although the mine eventually modernized to adding elevators.  The first slide station is the shorter practice run at 79 feet ( 24 meters ), and you’ll whizz down from the 7th to the 6th floor of the mine.  A traffic light tells you when it is your turn, sliding down is tons of fun, and you can even go down two at a time to race each other.  For those who do not want to do the slide, there are also stairs you can descend at your own pace.  The second miner’s slide is the main event!  It is the longest wooden slide in Europe at 210 feet ( 64 meters ), it tracks your speed, and it takes a commemorative photo for you to purchase afterward.

As you leave the Hallstatt Salt Mine, you get to see the stunning 3000-year-old Bronze Age wooden staircase on display.  A wonderful light show display shows you how the early miners built and used the ancient staircase.  After taking in this final station, you exit in style with a ride on the single-file miners’ train !  The ride on the open-air scooter train is a delightful way to end the tour, and they even have a special gift for you as you leave.  Overall, visiting the Hallstatt Salt Mine is fun for the entire family and is by far the best rainy-day activity in town.

This was one of the thousands of finds in the upper valley near the mine, with the most famous find being The Man In Salt.   This pre-historic miner was discovered in 1734, and although he died in the 1st millennium BC, you can still make out pieces of skin and hair.

Time Required : The tour lasts 70 minutes, but with getting on your miners’ gear and downtime, your total visit will be around two hours.  With the funicular ride and walk required to reach the mine entrance the average time required in all is 2.5-3 hours.

Salt Mine Tour Hours : Two hour-long tours run Daily the first week of February through late September, departing from 9:30am-4:30pm; mid-September through October from 9:30am-3pm; November through early January from 9:30am-2pm; and are CLOSED for one month from early-January until early-February; ( Current Schedule ).   Salt Mine Tour Cost : The tour by itself is 24€ for Adults or 34€ for a tour with a round-trip funicular ride; children 50% off; family passes available.  For the funicular only, the cost is 18€ round trip or 10€ one way.  Online Tickets :  Buy your tickets online to avoid waiting in line or having a tour group take all the spots  HERE .  This is very important if you are taking a late tour.

Very Important : You must get on the funicular at least 30-45 minutes prior to the last Salt Mine tour departure in order to make it up in time including the hike and getting changed into your provided miner clothes.  On the way back, if you miss the last funicular, it is a steep 30-45 minute hike down to Hallstatt on the steep, but enjoyable Brine Trail ( see info below #6 ) through the woods.  Since the Hallstatt Salt Mine tours take 2 hours, having to hike is common toward the end of the day.

Alternative Tour In Winter : Remember that the Hallstatt Salt Mine tours are closed in the Winter for one month from early January until early February.   In our information at the top of this page we have suggestions on our best alternative Salt Mines to visit during the winter, but keep in mind that the Funicular and Sky Walk in Hallstatt are every day of the year.

5. Panoramic Footbridge :

About The Panoramic Footbridge : As you walk back down the salt trail after your mine tour, you’ll be greeted with sweeping views of the upper valley toward Lake Hallstatt.  Adding to the beauty of the view is a stunning 74-meter-long ( 242 feet ) steel footbridge spanning the width of the small gorge like an industrial piece of art.  This modern bridge was made to resemble a classic railroad lift bridge and has made barrier-free access possible by connecting the funicular station to Rudolph’s Tower and the Skywalk, which we will visit next.  While the salt mine itself isn’t mobility friendly for visitors, it is excellent that the bridge allows for a seamless visit to some of the attractions on Salt Hill with a stroller or even a wheelchair.  There is a handy elevator connecting the funicular station to the bridge for extra convenience to make it fully barrier-free to visit .

The bridge is officially named after Dr. Hannes Androsch, who was a driving force behind both it and the development of the nearby Hallstatt Sky Walk, which it connects to.  He is a well-known businessman that is currently the co-owner and CEO of the Salinen Company, which runs the Hallstatt Saltworks.  Dr. Androsch is also famous for having served as the Austrian Finance Minister ( 1970 to 1981 ), the Vice Chancellor ( 1976 to 1981 ), the general director of one of Austria’s largest banks, and an advisor to the World Bank.

6. Rudolph’s Tower Restaurant ( Rudolfsturm ):

About Rudolph’s Tower : Rudolf’s Tower Restaurant greets all Salt Mine visitors from a commanding perch above Lake Hallstatt.  The tower was first built in 1284  by Duke Albrecht I of Austria ( future King of Germany ) as a defense for the Hallstatt mineworkers.  The Duke had received the mine as a dowery ( Ischl ) from his marriage to Elisabeth of Carinthia (House Babenberg), which was just years earlier.  He named the tower after his father, Rudolph I, who was the King of Germany and the first leader of the Hapsburg empire.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as shortly after the tower was built, there were bloody Salt Wars ( 1291 and 1297 ) due to aggressions by the Prince-Archbishop of Salzburg.  Essentially Salzburg, who controlled the mine in Hallien, also wanted to take over Hallstatt.  Luckily the Hapsburgs had realized the Hallstatt mine was like a license to print money as they named the region “Kammergut” or Good Chamber, meaning it was part of the royal treasury in 1254.

In 1313, the tower became the residence of the mine manager and remained so for more than 640 years.  During this time, many famous people of the day visited the tower such as Emperor Maximilian.

Johann Georg Ramsauer, the discoverer of the Hallstatt cemetery in 1833, renovated the tower and expanded the grounds after a fire claimed much of the area in the 1800s.  The current restaurant was opened in 1960 and it is a great place to grab food with a view either before or after your Hallstatt salt mine tour.

Getting To The Tower : You can either do a strenuous hike up 1 hour from the center of Hallstatt, or the easy option is to take the funicular in just 3 minutes.  Rudolf Hours : Open depending on the weather February & March; daily April through July 15th from 9am-6pm; July 16th through November from 9am-4:30pm; and CLOSED most days Early-December until February. Rudolf’s Tower Website : Here .

7. Hallstatt Skywalk Lookout ( Welterbeblick ):

About The Hallstatt Skywalk : One of the most impressive lookout points in Hallstatt is the patio section of Rudolph’s Tower that hangs over the cliffside called the “World Heritage View” Skywalk.  The V-shaped walkway hangs 40 feet ( 12 meters ) over the cliffside and juts out 1,181 feet ( 360 meters ) directly above the roofs of Hallstatt’s village.

Since the Skywalk opened in 2013, it has been a smashing success with views rivaling the 5 Fingers Lookout , which is 5,000 feet up nearby Dachstein Mountain.  If you are brave enough to walk the Skywalk, you’ll experience unmatched open-air Alpine views of Lake Hallstatt, the village below you, and the surrounding mountains.  Even if you don’t have time to do the full Hallstatt Salt Mine tour, a ride up the funicular is worth it for most people to see the views from the Skywalk.

Cost :  Free.   Hours : While Salt Mine tours are closed for one month of winter, you can visit the Sky Walk lookout point any day of the year via the lift from 9am-4:30pm ( 6pm in Summer ).  You can also hike up from town any day of the year from dawn to dusk as long as there isn’t snow on the ground.  Keep in mind that if you are hiking it is a 1-hour long steep path up ( 30-45 minutes down ) the Panorama Trail, so you need proper shoes and enough time to get back down before dark ( see trail info below ).

8. Salt Brine Trail Hike ( Soleweg ):

About The Salt Brine Trail : If you are looking to do some extended hiking while in town, then the Salt Brine Trail is one of the best options.  The trail follows the world’s oldest brine pipeline ( built 1590-1602 ), which sent salt brine down to Hallstatt and to a processing station in Ebensee to be turned into pure salt.  Essentially brine is made by leeching the salt out with water into a liquid that is 30% salt (the ocean is 3.5% ) to more easily transport it for processing.  Prior to brine innovations, the salt had to be hauled away for processing, rock and all.

The medieval brine pipeline from Hallstatt to Ebensee was 25 miles long ( 40km ) and originally made out of 13,000 hollowed-out tree trunks  ( now metal ).  This flow made transportation of the soupy mix of salt and water extracted from the rocks in Hallstatt’s mine much more efficient.  While Lake Hallstatt had been deepened by a dam to allow easier boat access in 1511, the transportation options into or out of the village were very limited.  The train line across the lake didn’t come until 1877 with Hallstatt Station ( across the lake ), and the ferry opened in 1881, but it wasn’t a real road into town until the 1890s, so you can see why the 400-year-old pipeline was so important.

Hiking the Salt Brine Trail today is a lot of fun.  In addition to gorgeous wooded paths and stunning views , you’ll also pass by the Franz Joseph Tunnel and the impressive Mühlbach ( mill brook ) Waterfall, which cuts through the heart of town.  While the full trail heads North of Hallstatt for another 40km, the local section ends at the parking lot near the Catholic Church and Bone House.

Time Required : The main route of the Brine Trail takes about 45-60 minutes to get to Hallstatt, including from backtracking.  If you want a longer hike, the trail continues North along the West side of Lake Hallstatt to the towns of Bad Goisern, Bad Ischl, and all the way to Ebensee.

Shortcut :  You can knock off 5-20 minutes getting down to Hallstatt ( 25-35 minutes total ) by taking the steeper Panorama Trail from the base of the Skywalk.  With a series of switchbacks through the woods, you will descend right over the rooftops of Hallstatt with panoramic views most of the way, and come out at the upper parking lot below the waterfall not far from the Bone Chapel ( see map above ).

9. Panorama Trail ( Hallstattweg ):

About The Panorama Trail : You can knock off 5-20 minutes by getting down to Hallstatt ( 25-35 minutes total ) by taking the steeper Panorama Trail from the base of the Skywalk.  With a series of switchbacks through the woods, you will descend right over the rooftops of Hallstatt with panoramic views most of the way, and come out at the upper parking lot below the waterfall not far from the Bone Chapel ( see map above ).

10. Mill Brook Waterfall ( Mühlbach ):

About The Mühlbach Waterfall : Did you know that there is a roaring waterfall cutting right through the heart of Hallstatt from the Salt Mine? The Mill Brook Waterfall drops in a series of tiers from the upper valley with the largest drops being 20 and 35 meters tall ( 65 and 114 feet ).  The entire height of this iconic waterfall is very visible as you approach Hallstatt by boat from the train station, but you can also get up close while on the Panorama Trail.

There are three different places where the Panorama Trail huts out in front of the majestic Mill Brook Waterfall.  The highest one is a dead-end steel catwalk but our favorite one-second viewpoint along the Müllerstiege.  This upper viewpoint fully transverses over the waterfall with a viewing terrace and a unique red statue that feels inspired by ancient Rome.   We love how you can see the rooftops of Hallstatt fan out in a half-circle on a delta created over thousands of years from the upper valley.

As you make your way further down the Panorama Trail, you can almost stand right at the bottom of the waterfall from the short-term parking lot.  This lot was created in 1966 with the waterfall ripping right through it shortly after the traffic tunnel through town was opened.  You can really feel the power of the water from the parking lot which is only a 10-minute walk up from the heart of the old town.  We also like cutting across the parking lot and taking the covered stairs on the Northend as it leads to the photogenic cemetery and bone chapel at the Catholic Church.

It’s also worth noting that the large mansions near the waterfall were once the grain mills that produced Hallstatt’s very limited supply of flour.

Other Nearby Salt Sights:

11. world heritage museum ( welterbemuseum ):.

About The World Heritage Museum : Outside of the Salt Mine tour itself, the next best place to learn about the history of Hallstatt is the centrally located World Heritage Museum.  This museum covers the entire 7,000-year-old history of the village and has tons of bronze-era artifacts that were found during the excavations of the salt mine graveyard.   There are well-preserved swords, salt-carrying salts, tools, and jewelry from the famous period of the mine from 800-400BC .  They even have the skull of the pre-historic cave bear found in Hallstatt’s Ice Cave on display. the artifacts are cool to see up close, and you’ll recognize similar-looking, Celtic-style jewelry being sold around town as souvenirs.

While there has been a museum in Hallstatt since 1844, the current location is very fitting as it was once the location of the vast Salt Pan House Building ( Pfannhausbühel) .   This pan building was directly connected to the salt mine above since medieval times and received watery salt brine for processing via a pipeline.  The core was a megalithic iron pan that spanned 400 square meters over a huge fire that was used to evaporate the water from the brine, leaving workable salt behind.   The amount of wood needed to heat the pan each year was a staggering 4 meters high, 4 meters wide, and 5 kilometers long.  This huge evaporation pan house was burned down during the great fire of 1750, which started in Market Square.

Along with all of the historic salt mine showpieces, more details of the tragic Fire of 1750 are displayed at Hallstatt’s World Heritage Museum.  If you are also traveling to Vienna during your time in Austria, we highly suggest seeing the Natural History Museum .  At the NHM, you will find an entire section dedicated to the finds at the Hallstatt Salt Mine and the wide-reaching impact on Celtic culture in early-day Europe.  The team at Vienna’s NHM is also the one that leads the current research and excavations in Hallstatt each summer to this day.

Before leaving the Hallstatt Museum, make sure to check out the hidden details in the front courtyard.  There are stone steps with the word “time travel” written in over 10 different languages, which lead you up to the “Door of History’.   Near the door is also a wonderful monument to Georg Ramsauer , who systematically excavated and documented a majority of the Salt Mine graves for decades following his discovery in 1846.  We also love the courtyard’s elevated art piece straight out from the museum entrance, which is a replica of the oldest wooden stairs in Europe that are on display in the Salt Mine today.  Near the wooden stairs, you can also find a playful oversized chees board.

12. NAVIA Salt Boat Rides :

About NAVIA Salt Boat Rides : Before the Salt Bine Pipeline was completed in 1604, the only way to get salt out of Hallstatt was with traditional, hand-carved, wooden Plätte boats.  There wasn’t even a road to Hallstatt until the 1800s, only a trail, so transporting not just salt but also people and other goods primarily needed to be done by boat.  Even after the road opened, and later a railroad line, the village would get cut off by landslides, so traditional barge boats remained very important over the centuries.

The main advantage of a Plätte boat’s style is that they were shallow with wide bottoms, which made them perfect for both carrying heavy loads and navigating the rivers to the north.  In 1511 a lock damn helped to give the boats a bit of a boost on their journey to the north.  Although Lake Hallstatt was already Austria’s 2nd deepest at 120 meters ( 393 feet ), the lock could raise it by one more meter ( 3 feet ) and then release the extra for hours in a deluge downstream.  This allowed up to 1,200 ships a year to leave Hallstatt with goods at its peak.

Today, you can still get a taste of the traditional Plätte boats thanks to the local operator called NAVIA.  They have regularly scheduled trips across the lake from Hallstatt to Obertraun and back from April through October.  It takes 30 minutes each way for the group boat tour, but we also love booking a private breakfast on the lake tour with advance notice as it is quite romantic.

Website : Here .  Ride Schedule : Daily at various times from April-October. Duration : 30 minutes each way or 1 hour for private.  Cost : 10€ each way ( min 8 people ) or 180€ for a private tour for up to 12 people ( 220€ up to 20 people ).  Food Tour : private ride for 2 people for 1 hour with food for 180€.

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Important Information: Children are allowed to visit the salt mines from the age of 4 years.

Important information:   Salzwelten Hallstatt does not offer visitor parking spaces. Please allow plenty of time to find a parking space when you arrive in Hallstatt ( minimum 1.5 hour to find parking space). Due to the large influx of guests it can lead to time delays.  We recommend arriving by puplic transport.

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Hallstatt Salt Mine

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Hallstatt Salzwelten: Welcome to the oldest Salt Mine in the world!

Risk a "World Heritage View" from the Skywalk 

Travel 7000 years in time!

Enjoy a cinema experience 400 meters below!

Join a pre-historic exhibition!

Visitor Center & Salzwelten-Shop at the valley station of the Salzbergbahn

SALZWELTEN HALLSTATT & SKYWALK

An Unforgettable Trip to the Oldest Salt Mine in the World The wind gently brushes your face. Far below, the Hallstättersee sparkles. The houses along the shore are brightly lined up. You feel the vastness, squint into the sun, enjoy the warmth... and think about how you recently explored the tunnels deep within the mountain. You slid down wooden miner slides and walked in the footsteps of millennia-old history – in the Salzwelten Hallstatt, the oldest salt mine in the world!

Before you can explore the tunnels of the world's oldest salt mine, you first take the funicular steeply uphill. In just a few minutes, it takes you 360 meters up to the Hallstatt high valley. Did you know that people were mining salt here 7,000 years ago? This makes Hallstatt the oldest salt mine in the world! Evidence of this long-past era is the burial ground in the Hallstatt high valley. At several stations – such as the walk-in show grave – you can learn a lot about the prehistoric settlers and the world-famous place that gave an entire epoch its name.

Underground: Miner Slides, Bronze Age Cinema & Co.

After a short walk through the Hallstatt high valley, the Salzwelten Hallstatt greets you with a hearty "Glück Auf!" In the Knappenhaus, your exciting journey into the mountain begins: First, you walk into the mountain on foot, where you and a Salzwelten guide roam through the tunnels, slide down the miner slide, and learn exciting stories and facts about salt mining. There is also a record in the world's oldest salt mine: The oldest wooden staircase in Europe was found in the prehistoric Hallstatt tunnels – built 2,800 years ago! Today, the staircase is the star of the "Bronze Age Cinema" 400 meters underground. This is probably the deepest cinema in the world. A rapid ride on the mine train brings you back to daylight.

After exploring the depths of the mountain, another highlight awaits you – in the truest sense of the word: the Hallstatt Skywalk! A twelve-meter-long platform that juts out into nothing! Do you dare to go all the way to the tip? If you do, an unforgettable view awaits you, including an adrenaline kick – over the world-famous Hallstättersee, the UNESCO World Heritage site Hallstatt, and the surrounding mountain landscape!

Opening hours

Aktuelle Öffnungszeiten: 23.3.2024 - 26.10.2024: 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.* 27.10.2024 - 6.1.2025**: 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.* *last exit 30 minutes before the start **24.12 and 31.12 closed Exact opening hours & prices can be found at: www.salzwelten.at Children are allowed to visit the Salzwelten from 4 years on! We recommend sturdy shoes and warm clothing (8° in the mine)

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by car from Salzburg: Exit Thalgau via federal road B158 towards Bad Ischl, in Bad Ischl drive onto Salzkammergut Street B145 towards Bad Goisern, in Bad Goisern turn right onto B166, at the Gosaumühle junction turn left towards Hallstatt from Linz: Exit Regau via federal road Salzkammergut street B145 towards Gmunden and Bad Ischl to Bad Goisern, in Bad Goisern turn right onto B166, at the Gosaumühle junction turn left towards Hallstatt from Vienna/Graz: Exit Liezen via federal road B320, in Trautenfels drive onto Salzkammergut street B145 towards Bad Aussee, turn onto Koppen street via Obertraun to Hallstatt from Villach: Tauern motorway to exit "Eben im Pongau", via B166 Pass Gschütt federal road through Gosau, at the Gosaumühle junction turn towards Hallstatt   by train Attnang-Puchheim – Stainach-Irdning lines arriving at "train station Hallstatt", take the ferry to Hallstatt by bus bus 542/543 arriving at bus stop “Hallstatt Lahn”   Detailed information on the respective train and bus times can be found at https://www.oebb.at/en/ (train) and https://www.postbus.at/en (bus).

P1/P2/P3/P4 Short term tariffs 15 minutes free 1 hour: 4.00 Euro 2 hours: 7.00 Euro 3-4 hours: 9.00 Euro 5-6 hours: 9.50 Euro 7-12 hours 10.00 Euro From the 13th hour: daily tariff 15.00 Euro Lost ticket: € 30 Bus fee: € 80.00 per day For buses: Please contact Hallstatt PEB GmbH - www.peb-hallstatt.com

Bus shuttle to the hotel in the centre

Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Guided Tours: The temperature in the mine is around 8°C, so warm clothing and sturdy footwear are recommended. The visit to the Salzwelten is WEATHER-INDEPENDENT, eliminating any planning uncertainties! Duration of the underground tour: approximately 90 minutes For your travel planning, please allow at least 3 hours for your stay! Maximum group size: 70 people per tour INFO for bus groups: If you are arriving in Hallstatt by coach, it is essential to book a bus slot at www.hallstatt-parking.com. Unfortunately, without a bus slot, it is not possible to travel to Hallstatt. For more information, visit us at www.salzwelten.at

Adults: € 40,00 Children (4-15 years): € 20,00 Children are allowed to visit the mine from the age of 4 years. (The cable car is already included in the price)

• Children 4-15 years: € 20,00
• Student groups with school class € 20,00 per person
• Families Children with accompanying parent: € 18,00
• Groups from 20 persons: € 38,00 per person

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Salzwelten: Visiting the Oldest Salt mine in the World near Hallstatt

Posted on September 10, 2017 February 24, 2020 Author Priya 7 Comments

Did you know that the names of the city of Salzburg and the region of Salzkammergut come from Salt – which is one of the most important raw materials in Austria?  Dubbed as the “white-gold”, it plays such an important part in the history of the region and Salzwelten in the oldest salt mine in the world.   Hallstatt is more than a pretty lakeshore village although it has become a favorite destination for people(especially Photographers and Instagrammers) from all over because of its extremely striking position right on lake Hallstatter. Home to less than 1000 people, Hallstatt has been inhabited for thousands of years because it has bountiful deposits of natural salt that people living there always mined.  A region in China has even built a full-scale replica of it but you will be better off to visit the real town for some unique adventures.

We arrived at Hallstatt after a picturesque drive from Salzburg, the clouds covering up most of the hills made for a rainy yet dreamy day.  We decided to visit the Salt mine first and we’re hoping the rain would clear up by the time we got to visit the town center.  We have seen so many pretty pictures of the stacked wooden houses of Hallstatt and wanted to see them for ourselves. We took the Funicular up the mountain, the glass-walled funicular turns what would be a 1-hour steep hike up the 1181 foot mountainside into a 3-minute scenic ride.  The panoramic views down on to the lakeside village surrounded by the Alps are truly amazing while the funicular climbs up.  Many visitors who have no intention of visiting the Salt Mine still make the quick trip up the funicular simply for the unbelievable views.  You can take the funicular up the hillside then after the Hallstatt Salt Mine tour, follow the Salt Trail to hike back to the city center. The hike down takes 40-60 minutes or like us you’ll want to take the funicular round trip if you are short on time or if it is raining.

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Rudolf’s Tower Restaurant near Salzwelten 

Once you get off the funicular and take an elevator up, a pretty yellow greets all Salt Mine visitors.  1181 above Lake Hallstatt sits Rudolf Tower Restaurant with some amazing patio view.  Walking to the tower itself is fun as you get to cross the  Lookout Bridge  spanning a small gorge sitting hundreds of feet below you.  The tower, built in 1282, was constructed by Duke Albrecht I of Austria as a defense for the mine workers on Salzberg ( salt mountain ).  He named the tower after his father Afder Rudolf I, the first leader of the Hapsburg empire.  In 1313, the tower became the residence of the mine manager and remained so for more than 640 years.  During this time many famous and important people visited the tower such as Emperor Maximilian.  Johann Georg Ramsauer, the discoverer of the Hallstatt cemetery in 1833, renovated the tower and expanded the grounds after a fire claimed much of the area in the 1800s.  The current restaurant was opened in 1960 and it is a great place to get some food before or after the Hallstatt salt mine tour.

The Viewing Platform “Welterbeblick” 

One of the most impressive lookout points in Hallstatt is from the patio of Rudolph’s Tower that that hangs over the cliff side.  The V-shaped walkway juts out 1148 feet directly above the roofs of Hallstatt’s village and promises a World Heritage View and delivers much more.  We walked up to the platform for some vertigo causing views of the lake, village, and surrounding mountains.

Salt Mine Tour at Salzwelten 

A peek at the  Man in Salt was  our first stop before heading to the Salt mine tour.  The Man in Salt was discovered in 1734 when the body of a former miner was found, perfectly preserved in salt.  Records describe the corpse as being “pressed flat as a board and features worn away by stone. Clothing and tools quite unusual, but completely intact.”  You would think that the discovery of concrete in the mine from 1,500 BC would make this an old salt mine, but it’s actually much older.  In 1838, workers found a pick made of staghorn from the Neolithic Age dating back to 5,000 BC.  This find makes Salzwelten the  oldest salt mine in the World at over   – about 7,000 years old!!!  These discoveries, along with other finds from the early Iron Age, have led historians to call the period from 800-400BC the  Hallstatt Era .  Once we made our way up the line to enter the Salt mine, we changed into our miner clothes that were provided.

Some 50 millions of millions of tons of salt are in our seas. Salt has many uses, and the world population consumes about 150 million tons per year .  The tour guide talked about the history of the Salt in Austria and how it was formed millions of years ago when Earth shifted and Hallstatt mountains were formed from what used to be an ocean.  Until the early Middle Ages, salt was mined exclusively as rock salt. Then, solution mining took over. Its principle is simple: fresh water is introduced into the saliferous mountain, the water will dissolve the salt while the non-soluble parts will sink to the ground of the leaching chamber. The saturated brine, i.e., the water containing about 26% of salt, is then conveyed out of the mountain.  Originally, the brine was scooped from the leaching chamber with buckets by the aid of a winch. Later, an outlet box was used to control the flow of the brine to the gallery level underneath. Nowadays, the brine is pumped upwards. Until 1964, further processing took place in Hallstatt’s brine coppers, since then the brine has been worked in the modern salt plant at Ebensee .

We visited the mine’s underground lake, learned about the mining process, saw some large salt blocks and even went on a thrilling ride down the old  wooden miners’ slide and a   ride on cool old miner train.   There are two slides at the Salzwelten Hallstatt just like the ones the miners used for moving from one level to the one below.  Although a little intimidating at first, it was fun to slide on them and have our speed clocked using a radar. We even a saw bronze age cinema that shows  the oldest staircase in the world   that was also discovered in the mine .   Visiting the salt mine was fun for the entire family and we learned so much about the salt formation in the mountains and the mining process.

The Salt Brine Trail 

If you are up to some hiking and looking for some stellar views of Hallstatt, then the Salt Brine Trail is a wonderful alternative to the funicular for heading back down the hilltop to town.  The trail follows the world’s oldest brine pipeline , established in 1607, which sent salt brine down to Hallstatt and surrounding towns to be processed into pure salt.  In addition to gorgeous wooded paths and stunning views, you’ll also pass by the Franz Joseph Tunnel and the impressive Mühlbach ( mill brook ) Waterfall which cuts through the heart of town.  The large mansions near the waterfall were once the grain mills that produced Hallstatt’s flour.  While the full trail heads North of Hallstatt for another 40km, the local section ends at the parking lot near the Catholic Church and Bone House.  We skipped this since it was raining and headed back down on the funicular and stopped for coffee in Hallstatt town center.

Additional Information

You must get on the funicular at least 30 minutes prior to the last Salt Mine tour departure in order to make it up in time including the hike and getting changed into your provided “miner” clothes.  It was a good 15 to 20-minute hike from the funicular to the entrance of the Salt mine tour. On the way back, if you miss the last funicular it is a steep 45 to 1-hour hike down to Hallstatt on the steep, but enjoyable Brine Trail.  The Hallstatt Salt Mine tours take about 90 minutes, but we recommend to plan about 2.5 hours in total (salt mine tour with the funicular railway, walk to the salt mine entrance and back and to visit the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick”)  You can buy tickets  online to avoid waiting in line.

If you don’t have a car and want a tour option then there is a private tour of Hallstatt from Salzburg  that follows a similar itinerary. 

Tip :  Apart from the view of the village and the lake from the funicular, there are a couple of places to get the classic Hallstatt shot.  One is from the “Classic Village Viewpoint”. This is along the Gosaumühlstraße just a little north from the Hallstatt Lutheran Church in the center of the village. There aren’t that many roads and paths, walk along this road and you can’t miss it. The other is along Seelände , where you’ll get a completely different perspective from the south.

Salt Mine Tour Cost:  Tour by itself is 22€ for Adults or 30€ for a tour with the round trip funicular ride; children 50% off; family passes were available.  For the funicular, only the cost is a 16€ round trip or 9€ one way.  Salt mine tours are two hour-long tours and run Daily the last week of April through late-September departing from 9:30am-4: 30 pm. Check their site for winter hours.

Couple of other things to see near Hallstatt

5 Fingers, a viewing platform in the Dachstein Mountains a ten minutes drive from Hallstatt, on Mount Krippenstein.

Krimml Waterfalls, the highest waterfall in Europe.

Lammerklamm, a Gorge that you can hike into to see rushing waters between steep canyons.

You might also like:   Top Day Trips from Salzburg , Family-Friendly Guide to Vienna  & 2 week Road trip Itinerary through Austria and Switzerland

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7 thoughts on “Salzwelten: Visiting the Oldest Salt mine in the World near Hallstatt”

Priya, thanks for the great article and reminder of our trip to Hallstatt! Did everything you mentioned here and it was probably our best village we visited anywhere in Austria!

This post brought back fond memories of my visit to Hallstat. What a stunning region. I am glad I had time to go to the salt mine tour as it was one of my favorites. The mine ride was definitely a highlight. I can’t wait to bring my boys there some day. Like you said, it is fun for the whole family.

I’ve been to Austria but only to Vienna. I love seeing photos of Hallstatt and would love even more to visit one day. We visited a salt mine in Poland last year. It was super cool!

Francesca – Hallstatt is very picturesque, we wish we have planned a couple of days there instead of just one. Hope you get to visit soon.

It’s a gorgeous place! We went a few years ago and have our own pics of us in those pajama like uniforms, plus the viewing platform etc. I thought it was a great day out. We have reports of it on our blog too! My daughter also recently went to Austria, to Zell am See, and she visited the Grossglockner then and wrote about. This whole area is so delightful. Austria is a beautiful place, but then again, I’m a sucker for mountains and lakes.

I’ve been to Halstatt but only for a few hours so I didn’t get to visit the salt mine

Tanja – The salt mine visit took half a day, hope you get to visit next time.

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Salt Mine Tour

A journey to the origin of “white gold”: During the Salt Mine Tour, you will get to know the fascinating world and history of salt mining.

Salzburg’s White Treasure

Deep within the mountains which surround Salzburg, the former riches of the region still slumber: salt, known as “white gold”. The mines in Hallein and Berchtesgaden have been active for centuries. Today, they are a source of exciting adventures for visitors. Testimony to the distant past, they still tell the tale of the salt mines and the miners who toiled there.

Enthralling Ride into the Mine

Having arrived at the entrance to the salt mine, you will first be outfitted in the traditional overalls that are worn by miners. A small mine train will now take you deep inside the Salzberg. An experienced guide will show you the mine tunnels and explain salt-mining methods. This tour is an adventure for the whole family: long slides and a raft ride across a subterranean salt lake are absolute highlights of the tour.

Important Notice for Mine Visitors

Even in the summer months, you should come equipped with sturdy shoes and warm clothing. Deep underground, the temperatures always remain cool and the tour will last from one to one-and-a-half hours. If you are going on a tour to the salt mine in Berchtesgaden in Bavaria, always remember to bring along your passport, just in case it is requested by authorities at the German border.

Added Program Highlights

Depending on the tour operator, afterwards you might also have the opportunity to explore Lake Königssee or Berchtesgaden. During a stroll through this market town, you will be able to soak in the romantic atmosphere and sample a few Bavarian specialties.

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HALLSTATT + LAKES & MOUNTAINS DISTRICT + THE OLDEST SALT MINE IN THE WORLD

Views from Hallstatt Skywalk

Hallstatt Village Views

Hallstatt for all Seasons

Salt Mine Shop at Hallstatt

Hallstatt Tour

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Hallstatt Center

Way to Hallstatt Salt Mine

Hallstatt Salt Mine Ticket Center

Salt Rocks at Hallstatt

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Hallstatt Skywalk

Description

On this tour you will not only explore one of the most picturesque parts of Austria with Hallstatt and Lake Hallstättersee – the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Committee wrote: “… nature of extraordinary beauty added to scientific import …” but also the oldest salt mine in the world. The spectacular findings even gave a culture and epoch its names.

Important Info

Please note that children younger than 4 years are not admitted to the mines. You will get special protective cloths. Nevertheless, as the temperature is app. 8° C proper shoes and warm clothes are necessary. Salt mine visit not possible on 24th Dec and 31st Dec.

Inclusions:

• Free Salzburg city/hotel pick-up
• Drop off near Mirabell garden
• Knowledgeable chauffeur guides
• Tour flexibility upon request

Exclusions:

• Food and drinks
• Entrance fees, cable cars, boats etc. (where applicable) not included in the tour price
• Tips for guide ( up to you)

Tour schedule & availability

Important Info a) Additional hours if possible upon request. Extra hours Euro 95,00/h b) Some of the tours cross the border Austria/Germany. Please take the passport with you, it could be checked. c) Please inform us in case you want to take a baby with you (necessary for the proper child seat).

HALLSTATT + the LAKES & MOUNTAINS DISTRICT SALZKAMMERGUT + the OLDEST SALT MINES IN THE WORLD

You will never forget what many guests have called the most beautiful lake village in the world.

This salt mine is something so unique in the world that you should not miss it. 7,000 years of salt mining: Actually inconceivable but yet possible to experience now due to venturesome pioneers and the work of present-day professionals.

In kilometres of tunnels and chambers a fascinating world displays itself: The places where miners once did their heavy labour. Ancient relics like pine wood torches which miners held in their hands thousands of years ago. The oldest staircase in the world. A salt lake midmost the mine. A Time Spiral covering 7,000 years of mining and the history of the probably most important find: The Mann im Salz (man in the salt), an obviously by salt well-preserved corpse of a man discovered in 1734 by miners.

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THE ORIGINAL BAVARIAN-EDELWEISS-TOUR – BERCHTESGADENERLAND

THE LAKE DISTRICT + HALLSTATT ( St.Gilgen, St.Wolfgang at Salzkammergut)

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• Salt Mines Hallein

Visit the Hallein Salt Mine

You can visit one of the oldest salt mines in the world at Hallein near Salzburg. Its salt provided a livelihood for local people, brought riches to the archbishops, and built the magnificent city of Salzburg we admire today.

Visiting the Hallein Salt Mine

Your journey into the history of Hallein Salt Mine begins with a comfortable train ride into the mountain, where experienced miners guide you and explain the mining process. You will also enjoy a raft ride across an underground lake and an exciting descent on two mining slides. The tunnel system is maintained to prevent the mountain from sinking. Of the original 65 km (40 mi) of mining tunnels, which pass through 21 underground levels, known as horizons, some 12 km (9 mi) and 9 horizons can still be accessed today.

• Winter season: open daily from 10am to 3pm
• Summer season: open daily from 9am to 5pm

Ticket prices:

• Adults € 23 (£ 20), children € 11.50 (£ 10), family discounts available

The world of salt mines

So-called “white gold” made the Salzkammergut district rich. Visitors travelling on the old salt route through this exciting region follow in the footsteps of historic figures: miners from the grim and distant past, an old emperor in his villa, and courageous mountain-dwellers who foiled the Nazis. But what does George Clooney have to do with all this?

Salzwelten Hallein / C. Bergauer media_content.tooltip.skipped

A Visit to the Salt Mine

When Helmut Tucek guides visitors through his “Salzkammer” shop in St. Wolfgang and tells them about salt, the urge to immediately sample from the salt mixtures in the small, ornamented wooden drawers is nearly irresistible. “Natural salt is more than just sodium and chloride”, says Herr Tucek, holding up a gleaming stone that represents the origins of all the salt here. “This Bergkern salt from Aussee contains no fewer than eighty-four minerals. These are all elements that are also present in our bodies, which is why this salt has such a soothing effect on our organism”. Unlike its commercially produced counterpart, this transparent, reddish-gold salt does not have a negative impact on our blood pressure or circulation, and due to its many minerals, it also tastes much better.

A Spectacular Region

Austria's Salt Trail is truly one of the most spectacular areas in all of Europe. From tranquil St. Wolfgang, where Herr Tucek sells his “white gold”, not far from the famous Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl , the journey leads over hills and mountain passes into the heart of the salt region to Hallstatt, where millennia ago people were already mining salt and delivering it throughout Europe. On the way, visitors can experience first-hand the charm of the Salzkammergut, where one romantic lake follows directly on the heels of another. This allure comes from the contrasts; the pastoral meets the untamed, and the soft encounters the harsh. This is a region full of history, especially around the darkly sparkling Lake Hallstatt, nestled in a high valley some 300 m (984 ft) above sea level. Here, on the famous Salzberg, one finds the world’s oldest salt mine. The Salzberg Valley offers visitors an astounding 7,000 years of cultural history.

Bergkern Salt Salzkontor.at / Peter Burgstaller media_content.tooltip.skipped

Slide Down into the Mine

Today, salt continues to be mined in Hallstatt. But for modern-day visitors to the Hallstatt salt mine, the focus is on fun and adventure. The descent into the mine via two miners’ slides, complete with a speed check and photograph, is a favourite attraction. By seeing the mine, visitors can finally find out - and really understand - how the salt got into the mountain. When the supercontinent Pangaea broke apart some 240 million years ago, the Salzkammergut lay on the coast of a turbulent body of land. Over millions of years, dried-out salt seas were moved around by volcanic eruptions, formation of mountains, and shifting rock plates. They were forced upward, pressed together, and covered with a layer of limestone. Inside these new mountains, the salt rested until it was discovered by humans several thousand years ago.

A Bit of Salt History

Even at that time, salt was shipped from Bad Ischl via the Traun River to the Danube , where it was transported on as far as Hungary, Bohemia and Slovenia. Today Bad Ischl is known as a resort with a particularly healthful climate, and as a Mecca for people nostalgic for the days of the monarchy. This was, after all, something of a second home for the emperor. Francis Joseph I spent eighty-two summers of his eighty-six-year-long life at the Imperial Villa. Bad Ischl is also the site of Austria’s oldest brine bath. Today, it is an ultramodern wellness spa whose saline water benefits the respiratory organs, the musculoskeletal system, and the cardiovascular system.

Make It a Double: Altaussee Salt Mine

From this small town at the confluence of the Traun and Ischl Rivers, the traveller crosses Pötschen Pass to reach the area known as Ausseerland and continues on to the most remote, quietest corner of the region, Altaussee. The Sandling towers over the village as the region’s most salt-rich mountain. A tour of the Altaussee Salt Mine takes visitors even deeper into the world of salt. One travels 700 metres into the mountain, and after 350 metres the salt line is reached, recognisable by the shimmering purple salt crystals in the rock.

Hallstatt Austrian National Tourist Office / Sean Byrne media_content.tooltip.skipped

Hollywood Comes Calling

That the salt works even still exist today can be attributed to several courageous miners from not so long ago. In 1944, the Nazis stored more than 30,000 artworks from all over Europe here – the most valuable art storeroom of all time – and at the end of the war, they intended to destroy the treasures by blowing up the mine. But the miners of Altaussee foiled their plans. In May 1945, in an act of resistance, they secretly removed the four 500 kilo (1102 lbs) aircraft bombs from the mine and defused them. The did this not only to protect themselves, but also to safeguard the future of the salt works. Only a few days later, American soldiers arrived and secured the billion-dollar art depot.

It’s a heroic little story, and it's no wonder that it even came to the attention of Hollywood. George Clooney made a film version of this episode in history under the title “The Monuments Men” - starring himself.

Hallein's History

Hunter-gatherers first discovered these salty mountain springs, and underground salt mining in this region dates back to the Celts. Salt enabled people to preserve food and give it flavour. Centuries later, the archbishops, rulers of Salzburg , took over the lucrative salt trade. With its profits, they developed it into an opulent, Baroque residence.

Since 1994 the historic salt mines in Hallein have only been open as show mines. Austria's salt supply still comes from these mountains, but from Altaussee, where the source from an ancient sea has lasted for more than 250 million years.

Salzwelten Hallein

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5422 Bad Dürrnberg

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EXCURSION DESTINATION ALTAUSSEE

SALZWELTEN ALTAUSSEE The mountain of treasures in rock salt

Do you feel it, too, that whisp of history, as your fingers brush across the cool, shimmering orange-and-red tunnel walls of pure rock salt? Do you sense the boldness of courageous miners? Do you taste the “spice of life”? No wonder! You will discover all of this and more, hidden away inside this “Mountain of Treasures”! Beginning with the medieval mine, followed by the rescue of inestimably valuable art treasures from destruction by the Nazis, and finally, the mining of “white gold” as it is done today. Can you hear it? Laughter, too, echoes through the tunnel as the mine duck, Sally, glides down the miners slides with the kids. As it should be, because Altaussee is an adventure for all!

Join us for an adventurous treasure hunt in the Altaussee salt mine!

Prices & Opening hours

Here you can find the prices and opening times of the Altaussee Salt Mine.

Group excursions to the salt mine - Your excursion destination in Ausseerland

What's going on in Altaussee: Special tours and events, etc.

Hidden in the Rock - The mountain, the salt & the art

Graphic Novel by Simon Schwartz  

More about the exhibiton

Easy arrival: The Salzwelten Altaussee can only be reached by car, taxi or on foot and is located approx. 3 km above Altaussee. See our map here to find detailed travel directions, so that you can reach your destination quickly and easily.

Parking area:   Free parking is available at the entrance to the mine. Salzkammergut Shuttle: Find the information here .  

Salzwelten Altaussee Lichtersberg 25 8992 Altaussee | Österreich

• Phone: +43 (0) 6132 200 2400
• E-mail: [email protected]

The team of Altaussee Salt Mine is always more than happy to answer your questions.

Salzwelten Destination Guide & Audio Guide

Hier können Sie sich Ihren Audioguide für die Salzwelten herunterladen. Es sind die Standorte Hallein, Hallstatt und Altaussee auf dieser App zusammengefasst.

Home Overview Sights Salzwelten Salt Mines of Hallstatt

Salzwelten Salt Mines of Hallstatt

Summer promotion until mid-September: Treasure hunt on the Salzberg in Hallstatt

Whether it's a trip to the mine or a trip to the Skywalk of Hallstatt this summer. From 6 July 2024 to 08 September 2024, the motto on the Salzberg in Hallstatt is: He who seeks, finds. In the Hallstatt Salt Mine, there is a "treat" for all families during the holidays. Together with Eri and Udlo, you will embark on an exciting treasure hunt in the Hallstatt high valley. If you find all 6 chests, you will get a salty reward in the Salt Mine Shop!

Skywalk & Salt Mine The Salzberg - a True Family Experience

The Salzberg in Hallstatt is one of the most popular excursion destinations during a visit to the World Heritage town. The funicular railway takes you effortlessly up to the high valley at 838 metres above sea level. The ride takes about 5 minutes. Once at the top, a mountain full of possibilities awaits you: Whether it is the Skywalk or a visit to the oldest salt mine in the world, a delicious meal in the old Rudolfsturm or a trip to see the archaeologists - you'll find the right leisure activities here. In addition, the high valley is also the starting point for numerous hikes. We have summarised an extensive range of offers for you below. We hope you enjoy browsing and look forward to your visit to the Hallstatt Salzberg.

More from Mount Salzberg in Hallstatt

A winters walk to the skywalk.

Fairytale landscapes high above Hallstatt. With thrills on the Skywalk and culinary delights in the Rudolfsturm. For all those looking for short excursion routes. A "must" during your wintry Hallstatt visit.

Shop & Visitors center in Hallstatt

The flagship store at the cable statiom in Hallstatt offers year-round a wide assortment of souvenirs and salt products such as the natural salt line of the Salinen Austria "Spirit of Salt".

“Skywalk“ of Hallstatt

Hallstatt | Salzberg: Everyone needs a bit of excitement! 350 meters above the rooftops of Hallstatt: The spectacular viewing platform "World Heritage View" on the Salzberg (salt mountain). A must to be experienced! 

Restaurant in the Rudolsturm in Hallstatt

Sweet tooths will find everything their heart desires high above the old salt mining town. Double pleasure at a historical place ...

Themed tour ”Burial grounds“

The year is 1846, when the salt mine manager Johann Georg Ramsauer discovered the Hallstatt burial ground on the Salzberg high valley.

Daily tours through the Salt Mine "Salzwelten" in Hallstatt

Feel the magic of bygone days and immerse yourself in a magical realm of glistening salt crystals, mysterious mine tunnels, where history comes alive.

Mon, Sep. 9, 2024 Salt mine (Salzwelten) Hallstatt , Salzbergstraße 1 Hallstatt

Archaeologists & Restorers Live in Hallstatt

Follow the path of archaeological finds from the mine to the showcases in the "Alte Schmiede" archaeological centre at the Hallstatt salt mine.

Mon, Sep. 9, 2024 10:00 — 16:00 Salzberg , Hallstatt

Search and Book

Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.

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Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

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Secrets Of The Hallstatt Salt Mine

Published: September 8, 2024

by Tana Crawley

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the picturesque village of Hallstatt in Austria? Hidden deep within the mountains, the Hallstatt Salt Mine offers a unique glimpse into ancient history and breathtaking underground landscapes. This mine, one of the oldest in the world, has been in operation for over 7,000 years. Visitors can explore tunnels carved by hand, see ancient artifacts, and even slide down wooden slides used by miners centuries ago. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an unforgettable adventure, the Hallstatt Salt Mine promises an experience like no other. Ready to uncover the secrets of this subterranean wonder? Let's get started!

The Rich History of Hallstatt Salt Mine

Hallstatt Salt Mine, located in Austria, is one of the oldest salt mines in the world. Its history dates back over 7,000 years, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. Let's dive into some of the most intriguing spots within this ancient mine.

The Oldest Wooden Staircase

• The Oldest Wooden Staircase : Discovered in 2002, this staircase is over 3,000 years old. It offers a glimpse into the engineering skills of ancient miners. Walking down these steps feels like traveling back in time.

The Salt Man of Hallstatt

• The Salt Man of Hallstatt : In 1734, miners found a perfectly preserved body of a prehistoric miner. The salt had mummified him, providing valuable insights into the life and work of ancient miners. This discovery is a highlight for many visitors.

The Salt Cathedral

• The Salt Cathedral : This vast underground chamber is a marvel of natural beauty. The walls and ceiling sparkle with salt crystals, creating a magical atmosphere. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

The Salt Lake

• The Salt Lake : Deep within the mine lies an underground salt lake. The still, clear water reflects the surrounding salt formations, creating an otherworldly scene. It's a serene and surreal experience.

The Miner’s Slide

• The Miner’s Slide : Originally used by miners to quickly descend into the depths of the mine, this wooden slide is now a fun attraction for visitors. Sliding down it is an exhilarating way to experience the mine's history.

The Salt Cinema

• The Salt Cinema : This unique cinema inside the mine shows films about the history and significance of salt mining in Hallstatt. It's an educational and entertaining way to learn more about this ancient practice.

The Salt Mine Museum

• The Salt Mine Museum : Located at the entrance of the mine, this museum houses artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Hallstatt's salt mining history. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of the region.

The Salt Miner’s House

• The Salt Miner’s House : This reconstructed house shows how miners lived centuries ago. It offers a glimpse into their daily lives, complete with period furniture and tools.

The Salt Mine Train

• The Salt Mine Train : This small train takes visitors on a journey through the mine's tunnels. It's a fun and convenient way to explore the deeper sections of the mine.

The Salt Crystal Chamber

• The Salt Crystal Chamber : This chamber is filled with stunning salt crystal formations. The crystals come in various shapes and sizes, creating a dazzling display that will leave you in awe.

Why Hallstatt Salt Mine Should Be on Your Bucket List

Hallstatt Salt Mine offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. Walking through the ancient tunnels, you’ll feel the weight of centuries of mining history. The underground slides add a touch of fun, making it an exciting experience for all ages. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, giving you a stunning perspective of the Austrian Alps and the picturesque village below.

The interactive exhibits and guided tours provide a deep dive into the mining techniques and the lives of the miners. It’s not just a visit; it’s a journey through time. Whether you’re a history buff, an adventure seeker, or someone who loves stunning landscapes, Hallstatt Salt Mine has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience. Add it to your travel plans now!

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