Lexi Webster
Austria is home to several salt mines that are open to the public. The main salt mines are located in Berchtesgaden and Hallstatt, with the latter being the oldest in the world, dating back to 5000 BC. The Hallstatt Salt Mine has a visitor centre, which is the starting point for tours, and the site also includes the Skywalk and Rudolf's Tower, a restaurant overlooking Lake Hallstatt. The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine is also one of Bavaria's top attractions, with an innovative visitor experience that includes a train ride into the Salzberg mountain, a Salt Cathedral, and a Stone Salt Grotto. The Salzburg Salt Mine in Hallein is another option, which includes a recreated Celtic village and two 42-metre-long slides.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Salt Mine Name | Berchtesgaden Salt Mine |
| Location | Above the village of Hallstatt, Salzburg |
| Distance from Salzburg City | 20 kilometres |
| Transport | Bus No. 840, get off at the "Salzbergwerk" stop |
| Temperature | Constant +12° C |
| Tour Duration | 1 hour |
| Distance Covered | 1400 meters |
| Area | 6,000 m² |
| Artifacts Found | Neolithic pickaxe, Hallstatt miners' burial ground, wooden staircase, concrete, daggers, swords, a leather backpack, textiles, decorative bronze bowls |
| Other Attractions | Salt Cathedral, Stone Salt Grotto, Mirror Lake, Salt Laboratory, Celtic Village |
| Tour Availability | Year-round, fewer tour times in low season |
| Peak Season | July and August |
| Tour Recommendation | Book in advance, especially during peak season |
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What You'll Learn
Hallstatt Salt Mine: the oldest in the world
The Hallstatt Salt Mine in Austria is the oldest in the world, with a history spanning 7,000 years. It is located in the Salzkammergut region, which is recognised as the oldest industrial and cultural region in the world, with salt production continuing for millennia. The mine is situated in the gorgeous lakeside village of Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a unique opportunity to explore ancient mining traditions and their impact on early European culture.
The history of the Hallstatt Salt Mine is both fascinating and intricate. Evidence suggests that salt mining in the area dates back to 5000 BC, with the site experiencing various periods of prosperity and stagnation. By 1300 BC, the Neolithic mine was well-organised, but for unknown reasons, operations ceased just 200 years later. The Hallstatt mine regained prominence during the Bronze Age, and the entire period from 800 to 400 BC became known as the Hallstatt Era due to the site's influence on early European culture. Salt, often referred to as "white gold," was highly valued before refrigeration, and the mining and trade of this commodity contributed to Hallstatt's significance.
The mine has yielded numerous significant archaeological discoveries over the years. In 1838, a Neolithic pickaxe made of staghorn and dated to 5000 BC was uncovered. This was followed by the discovery of a burial ground in 1846, leading to the unearthing of nearly 2000 graves and artefacts from 1200 BC to 500 BC. One of the most remarkable finds is the oldest preserved wooden staircase in Europe, dated to 1344 BC. This staircase now serves as a central exhibit in the "Bronze Age Cinema," where modern technology brings to life the challenging work routines of Bronze Age miners.
A visit to the Hallstatt Salt Mine promises an immersive journey through time. The funicular, located in the village of Hallstatt, provides easy access to the mine. Visitors can explore the roughly hewn tunnel walls, slide down the 64-metre-long miner's slide, and ride the mine train. The site also offers a skywalk, connecting to the bridge named after Dr. Hannes Androsch, a prominent businessman and former Austrian Finance Minister. The Hallstatt Salt Mine is not mobility-friendly, but the bridge and elevator ensure seamless access to some attractions on Salt Hill for those with strollers or wheelchairs.
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Salzburg Salt Mine: the oldest open to visitors
The world's oldest salt mine, located in Hallstatt, Austria, dates back to 5,000 BC. However, the oldest salt mine open to visitors is the Salzburg Salt Mine. This mine has been in operation since 400 BC when it was worked by the Ancient Celts.
The Salzburg Salt Mine is located about 20 kilometres from Salzburg City and can be easily reached by public transportation. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothing, as the temperature inside the mine is a constant 10°C to 12°C. The experience begins with visitors donning white miners' overalls before embarking on a journey through time, spanning four epochs of human history and 2,600 years of salt mining on the Dürrnberg.
The mine offers a variety of attractions, including a subterranean salt lake with a fascinating show of sound and light, two long miners' slides, and a raft ride. Visitors can also explore the SALINA Celtic Village, which provides a glimpse into the daily life of miners over 2,500 years ago through audiovisual installations. The nearby Celtic Museum in Hallein houses prehistoric finds and artefacts related to the salt mine's history.
The Salzburg Salt Mine also features the BAD ISCHLER Salt Manufactory, the only showcase saltworks in Austria. Here, visitors can witness the creation of unique, pyramid-shaped salt crystals and learn about the process from a master salt-maker. The Salzwelten app enhances the experience, offering a playful and interactive way to discover the history of salt and the world of the Ancient Celts.
The mine is open year-round for explorers aged 4 to 99, offering a blend of fun, fascination, and mystical moments. Visitors can book their tickets in advance online or by telephone, with discounts available for certain ticket types.
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$3.58
Berchtesgaden Salt Mine: one of Bavaria's top attractions
The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, located in the Bavarian Alps, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Germany. With a history dating back to 1517, it is the oldest active salt mine in the country.
A visit to the mine offers a unique and adventurous experience. Before entering, visitors are provided with functional overalls to protect their clothing from the constant temperature of 12 degrees Celsius inside the mine. The journey into the depths of the mountain begins with a ride on a miner's train, which takes you 650 meters underground.
The mine tour lasts about an hour and covers a distance of approximately 1400 meters. During the tour, you will encounter impressive multimedia installations, a gigantic salt cathedral, and an underground salt lake. The highlight for many visitors is the two slides, one of which takes you 40 meters deeper into the mine. The other slide is part of the exit route, leading you back out through the gift shop.
The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine provides a fascinating insight into the history of salt mining, often referred to as "white gold". The mine has been in operation since 1517 and is easily accessible by public transportation, making it a must-see attraction for visitors to Bavaria and the surrounding areas.
In addition to the mine itself, there are plenty of other attractions nearby. Above ground, a saltwater pipeline leads down a 150-meter tunnel to the town center of Berchtesgaden, where various other experiences await. The town of Berchtesgaden itself is also worth exploring.
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Altaussee Salt Mine: Hitler hid precious art here in WW2
The Altaussee Salt Mine is located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, nestled in the shadow of the mountain "Loser". It is remarkable for being one of the oldest and largest active salt mines in the country, with evidence of salt extraction dating back to the 7th century BC. The mine has a complex system of tunnels, with almost 67 km of routes spread across 18 levels, of which 24 kilometres are open to the public.
During World War II, the Altaussee Salt Mine played a significant role as a storage facility for Nazi-looted art. The remoteness of the Alpine region made it an ideal hideout for the Nazis, who funnelled stolen artwork into the area. The tunnels, located deep underground, provided protection from aerial bombing and offered a stable climate perfect for art conservation. The mine became a repository for artwork looted from important public and private collections across Europe, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other valuable artefacts.
Among the notable pieces of art hidden in the mine was the Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, also known as "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb". This 15th-century masterpiece had been transported through various locations before finally being sent to Altaussee. Other famous artworks stored in the mine included paintings by Vermeer, Breughel, and Rembrandt, the monumental bible from St. Florian's Monastery, the Rothschild family jewels, and Michelangelo's Madonna of Bruges.
As the war drew to a close, Hitler issued the Nero Decree, ordering the destruction of German infrastructure, including the art hidden in Altaussee. However, the local mine administration, repository officers, and miners prevented the destruction of the artwork. In May 1945, the Monuments Men, a group of Allied personnel, arrived at the mine and began evacuating the artwork. By July of the same year, thousands of paintings, drawings, sculptures, and other artefacts had been removed from the mine and rescued from potential destruction.
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Salzwelten Hallstatt: easy to get to, but not mobility-friendly
Salzwelten Hallstatt is the oldest salt mine in the world, dating back to 5,000 BC. It is located in the gorgeous lakeside village of Hallstatt, about 43 miles (70 km) from Salzburg. The funicular to the salt mine is conveniently located in the village, making it easy to get to. However, there is no visitor parking available, so it is recommended to arrive by public transport. It takes a minimum of 1 hour to find parking, and due to the large number of guests, delays are common.
The Hallstatt Salt Mine has a rich history. In 1838, a pickaxe made of staghorn from the Neolithic Age (dating back to 5,000 BC) was discovered. In 1846, the mining director, Johann Georg Ramsauer, found the Hallstatt miners' burial ground, leading to the discovery of nearly 2000 graves and countless artefacts. Many of these artefacts can be seen during the tour of the salt mine, and some are also on display at the Natural History Museum in Vienna.
The mine offers a fascinating insight into the world of salt mining. Visitors can learn about the history of salt extraction and sample some raw, unrefined salt. There are also train and boat rides, slides, and a skywalk. Rudolph's Tower, a restaurant perched above Lake Hallstatt, offers stunning views and greets all visitors to the mine.
However, it is important to note that the salt mine itself is not mobility-friendly. While there is an elevator connecting the funicular station to the bridge, making it barrier-free, the mine may still pose challenges for those with limited mobility.
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Frequently asked questions
The Hallstatt Salt Mine in Hallstatt, Austria is the oldest salt mine in the world, dating back to 5,000 BC.
The Hallstatt Salt Mine offers a skywalk and funicular, which is a steep cable railway. There is also a visitor centre, which opened in 2016. The mine itself is not mobility-friendly, but there is a bridge that allows for a seamless visit to some of the attractions on Salt Hill with a stroller or wheelchair.
The closest salt mine to Salzburg is the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine, which is about 16 miles (25 kilometres) away.
