Accessible in the Berchtesgaden district of Bavaria, the Salzburg Salt Mine is one of the region’s most popular attractions. Dating back more than 7,000 years, a visit to the mine gives you the opportunity to explore the inner depths of the mountainous land and find out how and why this ‘white gold’ became so important.
What is the Salzburg Salt Mine?
Operational since the 1517, the salt mine has been a critical element of the area’s infrastructure for centuries. Since 2007, the mine has been open to the public for tours and adventures, so you can delve into the past and discover just why the mine is such an important part of local history.
Things to Do
Upon arrival, you’ll be kitted out in white overalls, just like the miners used to wear, before they descended beneath the ground to tour the mine. You’ll work your way through four historical periods and learn how the Salzburg Salt Mine adapted to innovative new mining techniques as technology developed.
You’ll walk around 1.5 kilometres during your tour, so study shoes are a must! However, you won’t be on foot for the entire time. The mine train will help you descend further inland, while two miners’ slides will show you how workers used to navigate the hidden spaces inside the mountains.
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there. You’ll also take a ride on a raft as you traverse the salt lake buried deep within the land. Don’t forget to visit the on-site photography lab to pick up some snaps of you and your loved ones as you travel through the mine.
What You Need to Know
Each tour lasts around 80 minutes but there’s plenty to see above ground too, so be sure to leave enough time to explore. As well as wearing sturdy shoes, make sure you wrap up warm as temperatures in the mine are typically around 10-12 degrees Celsius, regardless of the time of year.
A trip to Salzburg Salt Mine is fun for all ages but children must be aged four years or over to enter the mine. As you might expect, animals aren’t permitted at this particular attraction, so you won’t be able to bring pets with you.
You can pick up tickets upon arrival but do be aware that this is one of the most popular local attractions. From April to October, tours typically start every 10 minutes but there can be long wait times during peak hours. To avoid disappointment, you might prefer to buy tickets in advance.
Experience the Magic of Salzburg Salt Mine
Situated around 20 minutes outside the city of Salzburg, the mine actually takes you across the border from Austria to Germany. With a Movie Corner, Salt Shop and delicious Bavarian cuisine at Restaurant Bergschänke, a visit to Salzburg Salt Mine is a fantastic day out for all the family.
Whether you’re fascinated by history or you simply want to spend time in one of the region’s most hidden gems, a trip to the salt mine is sure to surprise and delight.
