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The secret city beneath our feet: inside detroit’s epic salt mines, the history of the detroit salt mines.

Morgan Russ , Digital News Editor

DETROIT – If the residents of Detroit ever tried to dig a hole to China like I did when I was a kid, you probably wouldn’t have made it to China, but you might have eventually reached the secret salty city below the streets of Detroit.

ClickOnDetroit readers frequently submit questions about the salt mines through our 4YI form , so we decided to take a deep dive into the epic salt mines below our feet.

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According to the Detroit Salt Company , 400 million years ago, ocean water flooded into a large basin, an area known as the Michigan Basin. As the water evaporated it left behind large deposits of salt. These deposits were covered by dirt that was pushed by glaciers over the years. All of you sciencey folks out there, the Salt Company says this: “The basin was an arid area of Michigan’s lower peninsula separated from the ocean by a natural bar of land. As the basin continued to sink lower into the earth, salt-laden ocean water repeatedly poured into the depression, where it gradually evaporated, forming miles of salt beds.”

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The salt rock was first discovered in 1895. The only issue is that the deposits were located beneath hundreds of feet of stone and glacial drift. By 1906, the Detroit Salt and Manufacturing Company was ready to do, what seemed to be, the impossible.

Construction crews had consistent challenges come their way. Aside from the stone and glacial drift, there was also the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas. Six men were killed during the dig. This endeavor would ultimately bankrupt Detroit Salt and Manufacturing Company before reaching the buried treasure.

Detroit Salt reports that the company was eventually reorganized and able to finish the 1,060-foot shaft in 1911 with their new name, Detroit Salt Company. Two years later, with new management, the Watkins Salt Company, the company was able to sink the shaft another 100 ft. and miners were able to begin work on a second salt bed.

Productivity significantly improved, so much so that their competitor International Salt Company began to notice their success. To maintain their hold on the Midwest, the company strategically purchased the Detroit mine.

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By 1914, the mine was producing 8,000 tons of rock salt each month. The salt produced was mostly used for leather and food processing industries. New technology only pushed the mine further as physical demands of miners were reduced. More mine workers, more money, electric locomotives, mechanical shovels, and electric power were the keys to continued success.

In 1922, Detroit Salt explains, the company began to dig a deeper and larger second shaft. The goal was to increase the rate of hoisting rock salt to the surface. Within three years the second shaft was in operation. Due to narrow shaft openings, all of the machinery had to be lowered down piece by piece and reassembled once inside.

The mine remained in use until 1983, when International Salt closed the doors. Two years after the closure in 1985, Crystal Mines Inc. purchased the mine as a potential storage site. However, in 1997, the Detroit Salt Company, LLC, bought the mine back from Crystal Mines and began salt production in the fall of 1998.

Related: What happened to the big stove next to entrance of State Fair in Detroit?

Although the salt was used in leather production and food industries, road salt is currently the only product the mine provides.

In 2010, The Kissner Group purchased the Detroit Salt Company, LLC and the Detroit Mine, Detroit Salt says. Both companies now work together to provide the continent with a line of ice-melting products.

With the latest mining techniques, the mine is one of the safest, modern, and efficient mines in the world.

While many remember touring the salt mines decades ago, they are no longer available due to safety regulations. Try not to be salty about it.

Fun fact: the Detroit salt mines are featured and can be viewed in MINILAND Detroit, a Lego display with replicas of loved landmarks from Detroit at Legoland Discovery Center in Great Lakes Crossing.

Do you have a memory of touring the salt mines? Let us know in the comments below.

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Explore An Old Salt Mine 650 Feet Below The Surface On This Train Ride In Kansas

Courtnie Erickson

From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.

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No matter how long you’ve lived in the Sunflower State, you’ve likely heard of Strataca. This old salt mine in the Hutchinson area is a must-see destination and should be on every Kansan’s bucket list. However, to truly see what this old salt mine in Kansas was like and to go on an adventure hundreds of feet below the surface, you must take a ride on the Salt Mine Express.

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Also, keep in mind that children under the age of four are not allowed underground. It also is approximately 68 degrees Fahrenheit at all times underground so you may want to bring a jacket. All individuals inside the mine are required to wear hard hats.

To learn more about Strataca in Kansas and the salt mine tours, visit the Strataca official website.

Have you ever taken a ride on the Salt Mine Express? What did you love about these Kansas salt mine tours? We’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments. And, if you have another favorite place to visit in the Sunflower State or you have favorite things to do in Kansas, fill out this nomination form and tell us all about it. You may just see it in an upcoming Only In Your State article. And, if you are looking for a place to stay near this Kansas salt mine tour, book a stay in a nearby hotel .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Kansas salt mine tour.

What are some things I should know when visiting Strataca, Kansas Underground Salt Museum?

Strataca is an underground salt mine in Kansas that definitely deserves a visit. This mine is one of the world’s largest deposits of rock salts and features more than 150 miles of tunnels. Today when you visit, you’ll have a unique experience and to make sure you get the most out of this adventure, the following are a few things you should know:

• You will be transported more than 650 feet underground to begin your salt mine tour.
• There are years of historical artifacts underground.
• In addition to a ride on the Salt Mine Express, you can also experience the Salt Safari. This is a guided train ride through some regions of the mine where you will see the most unique salt formations.
• Children under the age of four cannot go on this underground Kansas salt mine tour.
• The tour takes approximately two hours to complete.

What are some other things to do in Kansas?

While many individuals feel that Kansas is a drive-by state, we know better. In fact, we know that the Sunflower State is one of the best places in the entire country and is packed with all types of attractions. Here are just a few of our favorite things to do in Kansas:

• Visit Cedar Bluff State Park during the winter
• Head on a road trip. Check out this itinerary that takes you to some of the best Kansas waterfalls .
• Visit this charming stretch of shops in Leawood .
• Hike to Heritage Lake near Oxford .

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Step Inside the Cargill Salt Mines Under Lake Erie

On Whiskey Island, a large, cage-like hoist travels 1,800 feet beneath Lake Erie at a four-minute pace — a rapid trip that feels like a hellish eternity to an outsider. For Cargill employees, the descent, which can reach a top speed of 500 feet per minute, is more akin to the mundane morning elevator ride, en route to one of Cleveland’s most unique workplaces: the underground mine, a cavernous world unto itself where the salt used to clear winter’s icy roads is harvested each day.

Encompassing a total of 16 square miles beneath the lake, the mine’s primary tunnel extends four miles north of the lakefront. From this central line, a growing number of tunnels running east and west are mined through a tried-and-true process used since the site’s earliest excavation, after the salt deposit was first accessed in the late 1950s and extraction began in 1962.

“It’s surprisingly similar to how it was mined 50 years ago, as far as the cycle goes,” says David Harris, an engineer in the Cleveland mine. “We have adopted some underground wireless things, but most of the technology above ground doesn’t work underground, because we can’t see satellites.”

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To begin the mining cycle, the salt deposit’s face is drilled with holes, which are “powdered,” or filled with explosives. These explosives are detonated through the process of “shooting,” which leaves a cleared space filled with salt and rock, just over 20 feet deep.

A bulldozer-like loader “mucks,” or clears, the area, and the deposit’s fresh faces are scraped for loose salt rocks. The ceiling of the cleared tunnel is filled with six-foot bolts, long enough to reach the layer of rock above the salt to secure the structural integrity of the newest stretch of the tunnel.

Twelve miles of conveyor belts and sorting machinery carry salt and rock from the heart of the mine, and usable salt is transported above ground through a production hoist, to be loaded on a shipping vessel or stored for later use. April begins Cargill’s boat-shipping season, which runs through the end of the year, during which two to three vessels, such as the “Mark Barker,” a 639-foot ship produced by the Interlake Steamship Co., carries 18,000 to 20,000 tons of salt per shipment.

Bob Nelson, an engineering manager who earned a bachelor's degree in mining engineering at Virginia Tech University and has worked in different Cargill locations for the last 15 years, says working in salt is pretty stable, at least when compared to other areas of the niche industry, such as metals and coal, where the demands fluctuate with the markets.

Given the inherent danger an icy winter poses to drivers in Cleveland and abroad, it’s no surprise that this local operation runs around the clock each day, as 223 employees coordinate to fulfill a daily average target of 12,000 tons of salt.

What is surprising? During my return from a tour of the mine, the chilly spring winds off the coast of Lake Erie nearly had me rushing back underground, where the temperature constantly hovers around 70 degrees.

Part of this environmental control is due to sets of sealed doors, which close off the primary corridor from the mine shaft  to separate the incoming fresh air, transported via the pull of the descending hoist, from outgoing fumes and exhaust. Anyone spending substantial time in the mine will carry a heavy gasoline scent upon exit, but breathing in the mine isn’t difficult or nauseating, thanks to its ventilation system.

Fresh air carries through the mine’s spine: the dark, central corridor from which each new extraction begins. After mining is complete, these spaces are back-filled with rock, unusable salt, and even retired equipment, before being covered by berms and curtains that better direct fresh air to the mine’s furthest depths.

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On the side of the path, mechanics and engineers can be found oiling up the heavy-duty machinery that remains operational due to the mine’s lack of humidity. Were the equipment to once again see the light of day, it would likely rust out of usability within a month. A central hub within the mine includes shops and vending machines, where Cargill employees can find spare parts and equipment for repairing all of the tools used below ground.

The headlights of vehicles akin to oversized golf carts, two rows deep, cut through the darkness of the mine, carrying Cargill’s workers the miles between entry and wherever they are stationed for the day’s shift.

While away from the stalks of floodlight found occasionally throughout the mine, my tour guide, Greg Jacknewitz, an eight-year employee of Cargill who has been the Cleveland mine’s manager for close to a year, cuts our cart’s headlights to introduce me to the special kind of darkness that exists within the mine — the kind where you can’t see your hand just a couple of inches away from your face.

For this reason, headlamps are an imperative for miners and visitors alike. Any person entering the mine begins the trip by taking one of many numbered, battery-powered headlamps, which can be tracked throughout the mine. A metal dog tag, with the headlamp’s number, is registered above ground and carried beneath, as an added measure of precaution.

The intricate, danger-filled mining operation requires a great deal of safety measures and clear communication among the miners. Color-coded reflectors line the central tunnel, guiding miners to exit paths in the event of a necessary evacuation. Over 100 FEMCO phones, used like walkie-talkies, are found in strategic locations. Each features a detailed map that shows where to find emergency breathing equipment and the mine’s safe rooms, which can sustain inhabitants for three days in a perilous situation.

For Nelson, it was the company’s “safety culture” that initially attracted him to Cargill when first entering the niche industry out of college.

“The most important thing to come out of the mine is the miner, so it’s one of the things that drew me to Cargill and has kept me here.”

8:00 AM EST

July 31, 2023

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Mighty Mineral

Real salt comes from an ancient sea bed in central utah. yes, really..

Written By Austen Diamond

A few salt shakers stand tall on a shelf at the nondescript Redmond Minerals office. The contents resemble terrazzo with pink, red and black specks amidst the abundant white granules. 

This magnificently tasty mineral — an artisanal sodium chloride — is mined some 370 feet under us. Unrefined and unprocessed, it’s aptly branded Real Salt . 

Above ground, the salt works encompass several towering structures where various grades of salt are crushed and screened. A dirt road leads to a yawning hole in the ground, the start of miles of salt tunnels.

Donning a hard hat, Kyle Bosshardt, the production manager and a great-grandson of one of the mine’s founders, saddles the driver’s seat of a pickup as our tour guide. We plunge into the depths of the earth. 

A blazing summer sun fades into a few rays in the rear-view mirror until only our headlights are piercing the pitch black. We descend below the layer of dirt quickly via 30-foot wide-and-tall-tunnels, navigating our way to the subterranean salt. 

This salt deposit is approximately two miles in length, a quarter mile wide and nearly a mile deep. Bosshardt estimates that Redmond could continue to mine at the current rate of 50,000 pounds per day for another 400 to 600 years. 

Real Salt is mined in Redmond, Utah, some 370 feet underground.

Photo: Austen Diamond

"Bosshardt estimates Redmond could continue to mine at the current rate of 50,000 pounds per day for another 400 to 600 years. "

The hue of Real Salt comes from more than 60 naturally-occurring minerals.

More than one million packages of Real Salt are sold annually. A once-family farm has become a multimillion dollar business. If you find yourself in Salt Lake City, you can pick up some Real Salt and other local products at the Redmond Heritage Farms Store .

All salt is technically sea salt, since it’s produced in three distinct ways from three different marine sources: evaporating brine from modern oceans, harvesting the dead seas and the excavation and mining of ancient sea beds. 

It’s logical to think that a Utah salt would be collected from the  Great Salt Lake  or the  Bonneville Salt Flats.  However, Real Salt is mined in Redmond, in Central Utah, from the remnants of an ancient inland sea.

Salt settled to the bottom of the Sundance Sea in the Jurassic Period of the Mesozoic Era, roughly 200 to 145 million years ago. Trapped under 5,000 feet of volcanic ash and bentonite clay, it stayed pristine for aeons. As time wore on, the salt vein was pushed up vertically by tectonic shifts — called diapir — in the Continental Divide, rousing it to near surface level. 

Indeed, Utah is famous for unearthed treasures from the Jurassic Period. Approximately 65 miles as the crow flies to the east at the Jurassic National Monument’s  Cleveland-Lloyd Dinosaur Quarry , archeologists have dug up pristine dinosaur bones, including Allosaurus, Utah’s state fossil. While you won’t find drawings of salt shakers on school lunch boxes like the towering prehistoric creatures, it sure does make those school lunches taste better. (Read:  “View Millions of Years of Geologic History in an Afternoon.” )

We park in a tunnel of culinary-grade salt. Picking up two pinkish softball-sized salt rocks,  Bosshardt illustrates how the company harvests Real Salt. He rubs the salt rocks together. Illuminated in the darkness by the truck’s headlights, flakes cascade from the friction. 

A track excavator powers a drum equipped with carbide teeth to provide a powerful amount of friction against the walls of salt. It piles more than 10 feet high. The salt is taken above ground to be crushed and screened — then it’s shipped to Heber  for packaging. 

Bosshardt holds a flashlight behind a salt rock, illuminating the many pinks, reds and whites. Without additives and chemicals (for anti-caking and shelf-stability) or further processing such as bleaching, the hue of Real Salt comes from more than 60 naturally-occurring minerals. These include calcium, copper, magnesium, potassium, zinc and more. 

Each variety of natural salt found around the globe boasts different mineral compositions, thus creating a unique flavor profile, which can vary from region to region. Real Salt is slightly sweet, which helps enhance subtleties in food. 

"Each variety of natural salt found around the globe boasts a unique flavor profile. Real Salt is slightly sweet, which helps enhance subtleties in food. "

Real Salt is mined in Central Utah from the remnants of an ancient inland sea.

Several fledgling salt mining operations existed in Redmond prior to 1959. That’s when, facing drought and uncertain times on their farm, the brothers Milo and Lamar Bosshardt noted that on either end of their land there were saltworks. Assuming they too were on top of salt, they took a gamble on purchasing excavation equipment, and began digging a very big hole. 

Approximately 30 feet below what were once corn fields, the Bosshardts hit salt. And not just a pinch. A whole berg of salt.

Production ramped up, with salt primarily sold to the state of Utah for de-icing roads, and to ranchers for their livestock. Culinary salt, under the Real brand, still constitutes just a fraction of total sales for the company. 

The Bosshardts were continuously told that this salt made for a healthy herd, and ranchers became such big believers they also used the salt on their family tables. Eventually, the family’s salt was branded and sold to the general public, and the business expanded quickly as health food became increasingly popular. 

Salt has a storied history with humankind. From wars to taxes to religious ceremonies, salt has been a large part of civilization, dating back to the first salt mining in 6,000 B.C.

Now, of course, it’s so commonplace that we take it for granted on every dining table across the world. But it tastes better when you know your salt, and when you know it’s really real. 

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About the Author – Austen Diamond

Austen Diamond is a commercial and editorial photographer based in Salt Lake City. Starry skies, sagebrush and endless red rock trails drew Diamond west from Knoxville, Tennessee, more than a decade ago. After earning accolades for his writing, he picked up a camera to tell stories of Utah's modern pioneers, subcultures and events. Now as a photographer, he blends craftsmanship and authenticity in telling visually arresting stories.

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Visit Redmond Real Salt Mine, Utah’s Other Mineral Masterpiece

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Thousands of pounds of salt are chipped off these walls every day. Better get some more potatoes

What’s saltier than a Caribbean pirate? Crustier than a cartoon clown? More exciting than a mineral-titled Angelina Jolie movie? A cave practically made of salt, of course. And we just happen to have one of those right here in Utah … of course. Located in Sevier County, the Redmond Salt Mine puts out 50,000 pounds of sea salt every day. That’s a lot of sodium.

Beyond the Shaker

Clearly, Utahns know how to use salt. We put it on our fries, our popcorn, our roads. Redmond Salt Mine originally sold its crystals to the state for de-icing winter roads, and now some 28% of Utah’s annual supply comes from there. It’s considered a high-performing salt, thanks to its naturally high calcium and magnesium. That means it melts ice at 0 degrees, 20 degrees lower than other salts. Like it’s a natural or something.

Just Eat It

Redmond also sells the salt to ranchers as a supplement for their livestock. Oh yeah, and we like to eat it, too. Although just a small fraction of the business, the sea salt is sold in many forms under the name Redmond Real Salt: fine salt, Kosher salt, coarse salt, powder salt, salt crystals and smoked salt. Is your mouth watering yet? Indeed, the all-natural food salt is popular among chefs and bakers around the world.

Good, Clean Salt

You know that movie version of miners? Sweaty, muscly, dusty dudes swinging pickaxes? Yeah, it’s nothing like that. In the food-grade veins of the mine, the salt is removed with a hydraulic, stainless steel rotary tool. There aren’t any grimy wheelbarrows, either. The crystals are transported to a mill in a food-grade lined truck. The mill itself is made of stainless steel. Once there, the salt is ground down but otherwise, there’s no processing. What you mine is what you get.

The salt is harvested year-round. If you stop by for a tour, you may see piles of the stuff just outside the mine. That’s the road stuff. The kind you eat gets much better treatment.

Salt of the Earth

Redmond Salt Mine founders, brothers Lamar and Milo Bosshart, originally grew corn on their property in the early 1950s. But hard times forced them to consider a more profitable way to feed their families. They knew salt had been harvested on their land once upon a time by Native Americans , and guessed there might still be some underneath the soil. They were not wrong. Using picks and sledgehammers, the brothers dug a little deeper and discovered salt. A whole lot of it. 

Just Keep Digging

They eventually purchased land from neighbors, giving them access to an entire cavern of salt. Discovered just 30 feet down from where they started, it was perfectly preserved under a layer of bentonite clay. The walls, the floor, the ceiling … pure salt. 

And because it’s been protected from the elements — natural and manmade — the salt is pure. Like, chip a chunk off the wall and eat it pure. Although, it’d probably be better to grind it up and moderately shake it onto your fresh catch from Fish Lake . For now, the mine is about 900 feet underground, but geologists think the deposit may extend thousands of feet into the Earth. 

Rocky Start

Although the Redmond Real Salt Mine is an underground cavern now, it’s actually an ancient seabed. Geologists suggest that salt from the Sundance Sea settled to the bottom, as it does, and was encased by prehistoric volcanic activity. Oh, and while that Sundance is no relation to Mr. Redford, you can visit Butch Cassidy’s hometown of Circleville, just one county south.

Check out the Redmond Salt Mine yourself. Tours are offered once a month for guests age 8 and older. You’ll walk through a maze of dark tunnels — although there are some lights so you can look around. If you’re claustrophobic, be aware you’ll be going 500 feet below the surface. However, the tunnels are large enough for 60-ton haul trucks, so it won’t be a tight fit. There is a $10 per person fee, which goes toward the Redmond Scholarship Fund to support local high school students. Kinda sweet.

Sign up online — openings are available first come first served. You’ll be required to wear closed-toe shoes and a hard hat, so be warned if helmet hair is something you worry about. Not that the locals would mind. It’s practically a fashion trend when you’re smack dab in the middle of ATV Country .

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Need something to counter all that salt? Make your next stop Big Rock Candy Mountain , just south of Richfield. Search for loads of other interesting things to do in Sevier County — rafting , biking , camping — right here on Utah.com.

Tour Redmond Salt Mine

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Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours

About wieliczka salt mine tours.

The expert curated wieliczka salt mine tour takes you to one of the oldest continually functional mines of the world. You will get a unique chance to dig into the 9 levels of mining history of this 13th century salt mine, which spans into a depth of a whopping 327 meters below the ground level. Though commercial mining has been stopped here since 1996, this site has been coverted into one of the most famous tourist hotspots of Poland.Once you are at this monument, a 800 years old elevator, dating back to the Middle Ages, will take you below the ground for your super thrilling wieliczka salt mine tour. You can explore a myriad of intriguing attractions, starting from the 22 chambers and sacred chapels to intriguing museums and teal-hued salty lakes. While you can explore many ancient reliefs in St Kinga’s Chapel , you will be left awe-struck by the huge size of the enormous Stanisław Staszic Chamber. The Krakow Saltworks Museum will offer you a deep insight of the history and geology of the mine, while the lake in the Weimar Chamber will stun you with its shimmering teal colour.To skip the ticket line, you are recommended to book your wieliczka salt mine tours online, in advance. You can choose from a broad spectrum of wieliczka salt mine tour tickets, including entry ticket, tours with transfers, group tours, and many more.

Why To Book Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours

• Experience getting inside an 800 years old elevator that will take you around 327 meters below the ground level.
• Check out the 22 underground chambers made up of different salt compositions.
• Learn about the ancient tools used in mining and get an insight of the various processes involved in salt extraction and transportation.
• Experience the microclimate inside the salt mine, which is incredibly beneficial for people suffering from allergies and asthma.
• Witness the breathtaking saltwater lake with water similar to that of the iconic Dead Sea!
• Shop for some unique rock salt souvenirs at the on-site retail store and carry them home as memories of your trip to this UNESCO listed, official historic monument of Poland.

Available Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours

Planning a wieliczka salt mine tour? Book Skip the Line Tickets online, in advance and get direct entry to the museum without having to wait in the long ticket queue. You can choose from a wide range of well-crafted tours, including entry tickets, guided tours, tours with hotel transfers, and many more. You can also find combo tickets that will help you pay less and explore more.

• Skip the ticket line and directly head for your wieliczka salt mine tour, at this UNESCO-listed official monument of Poland.
• Check out the 23 underground chambers made up of different salt compositions and dating back to 700 years old.
• Learn about the process of salt extraction and transportation from a highly professional and experienced guide.
• Visit the St. Anthony, Janowice, and Holy Cross Chapels and marvel at the sacred statues crafted 300 years back by salt miners.
• Experience your jaw drop as you see the salt chandeliers and a smooth salt flooring.

• Skip the ticket line and directly head for your wieliczka salt mine tour.
• Take a guided tour of the mine and get a deep insight of this UNESCO-listed salt mine.
• Known as the largest mining heritage museum in the world, this 800 years old mine will take you across a total of 9 levels, having you descend to about 327 meters below ground level.
• As you descend, you can see a number of salt shrines and monuments.
• Check out the underground salt lake with water similar to that of the Dead Sea.

• Reach the meeting point and get picked up in a super comfortable air-conditioned bus.
• Bypass the waiting queue and directly enter the 800 years old UNESCO-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• Take guided tours of wieliczka salt mine and have your instructor narrate fascinating facts to you about one of the most ancient salt mines of the world.
• Discover the 13th century labyrinth lying 327 meters below ground level.
• Witness the 22 salt chambers, chapels, a salty lake, and other salt monuments.

• Enjoy super comfortable and absolutely convenient tours of wieliczka salt mine, the world’s only operational salt mine, since the Middle Ages.
• Get picked up in a super comfortable air-conditioned minibus right from your hotel.
• Dive into the bygone days of this mine, as your local guide narrates to you unknown facts about this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Head into the depths of the mine in an elevator, dating back to the Middle Ages.
• Explore the salt monuments and shop for some unique rock salt souvenirs.

• Get picked up for the Wieliczka Salt Mines in a super comfortable air-conditioned minibus right from your hotel.
• Dive into the bygone days of the mine, as your local guide narrates to you unknown facts about this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• After your wieliczka salt mine tour, unwind and satiate your appetite with a delicious lunch, offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Get a convenient hotel drop off service in an air-conditioned minibus.

• Skip the ticket line and directly head to explore the two major landmarks of Poland - Auschwitz -Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• Start your tour from Auschwitz and visit the Nazi Holocaust, which is the largest concentration camp in Auschwitz-Birkenau.
• Learn about the ancient prisoners from your qualified local guide.
• Move to Birkenau and check out the original sites, where the prisoners were kept.
• Satiate your appetite with a delicious lunch, offering vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Next, head for your wieliczka salt mine tour to explore the UNESCO-listed mine, which is also one of the most ancient salt mines of the world.
• Shop for some unique rock salt souvenirs at the on-site retail store.

• Skip the ticket line and directly head to explore the two major landmarks of Poland - Auschwitz-Birkenau & Wieliczka Salt Mine.

• Pay less and explore more with this skip the line combo that lets you head directly to explore the two major landmarks of Poland - Schindler's Factory & Wieliczka Salt Mine.
• Enjoy guided wieliczka salt mine tours and explore this UNESCO-listed mine, which is also one of the most ancient salt mines of the world.
• Check out the 23 underground salt chambers and learn about the process of salt extraction and transportation from a highly professional and experienced guide.
• Head to the Schindler's Factory, where you can see the photographer's shop, enjoy the tram ride, and take a stroll through the streets of a Jewish ghetto.
• Witness the various shooting locations of Steven Spielberg's film "Schindler's List".

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours Highlights

On your tours of wieliczka salt mine, you will find a lot of attractions to explore. From intriguing museums and underground chambers to ancient chapels and saltwater lakes, there are endless things to look out for inside this monument. Here are some of the most recommended experiences to check out during your wieliczka salt mine tour.

Dedicated to the salt miners’ patron saint, St Kinga, the St Kinga’s Chapel is located around 101 meters below ground level. In this chapel, you will find a number of reliefs that depict instances represented in the Scripture, including the escape to Egypt and the wedding in Cana. You can also see a fascinating three-piece altar housed here.

Built back in 1951 and nestled on the third level of the salt mine, the Krakow Saltworks Museum is considered to be the largest underground museum of Europe. The museum is home to a myriad of intriguing artefacts, a geological display, and in-depth information about the salt mine. One of the major attractions of the museum is the 1534 Renaissance Horn of the Diggers' Brotherhood.

With a height of a whooping 36 meters, the Stanisław Staszic Chamber happens to be the tallest building in the Wieliczka Salt Mine. Owing to the huge area of this chamber, balloonist Krzysztof Rekas attempted a world record underground ballooning here.

The Wieliczka Salt Mine is home to a number of saltwater lakes, the most popular amongst which is the one nestled in the Weimar Chamber. This lake is considered to be the saltiest water body known on the earth. Due to the rich volume of sodium chloride present in its water, the lake has a teal color.

Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours FAQs

Do we need to book in advance for wieliczka salt mine tours.

Yes, you are encouraged to book your wieliczka salt mine tour online. Booking your slot in advance will let you skip the line of entry and head directly into the monument. It will also keep you from the worries of the tickets being sold out for your preferred date and time. Furthermore, you can even get instant discounts when booking your wieliczka salt mine tours online. Not to forget, making online reservations will also keep you backed up with dedicated customer support throughout your visit to ensure a convenient and hassle-free tour.

What is the minimum age required to book Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours?

There is no minimum age for booking the wieliczka salt mine tours. Children below the age of 12 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Will I get discounts on booking Wieliczka Salt Mine Tours online?

Yes, many exciting deals and discounts can be availed when making online booking for the tours of wieliczka salt mine. These exclusive offers can help you save on your ticket bookings and make your trip budget-friendly.

What is the best time to visit Wieliczka Salt Mine?

The most ideal time to take the wieliczka salt mine tour is between the months of November and March. During this time of the year, the crowd is less and you can experience a peaceful and comfortable tour inside the monument. Having said that, if you are looking for the ideal weather, consider planning your wieliczka salt mine tour between the months of May and September, which happens to be the high season for tourism.

How old is the Wieliczka Salt Mine?

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wieliczka Salt Mine is over 800 years old. As history has it, the mine dates back to the Middle Ages.

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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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KRAKOW SALT MINE TOUR

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Krakow salt mine tours to a unique centuries-old polish landmark, private car salt mine tours with a shared or private guide.

Our Private Salt Mine Tour from Krakow takes approximately 4 hours . We offer door-to-door pickup and drop-off , private, modern car and friendly, English-speaking drivers/tour leaders . The ride lasts for about 30 minutes each way. In the Salt Mine, you can either join a regular/shared guided tour or book a private guided tour . Private guided tours need to be booked at least 8 days in advance. The sightseeing takes about 2.5 hours . We will set up the pickup time based on the hour you have requested and fit it into the entry time options to the Museum to make It as comfortable for you as possible. You can also book Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau or  Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory in one day to experience more in one tour. After the trip, we will drop you off at your hotel or any other destination in the city centre.

Our special bonus for this Tour

If You decide to book our Tour, we have got something extra for you. Each day at 19:00, we organise an Evening Walking Tour , which you can join completely for free. It starts at the Jan Matejko Square under the “Grunwald Monument”. You will meet our professional city guide there, who will show you the best of Krakow Old Town. You will walk down the Royal Route and finish under Wawel Castle near the Dragon Monument. It takes about 1 hour. You can participate in this tour on any day of your visit in Krakow.

Shared Salt Mine tours from Krakow

Our Shared Salt Mine Tour from Krakow takes about 4 hours . We provide a modern, comfortable Mercedes Benz vehicle and a friendly English-speaking tour leader . We will schedule the pickup time according to the requested hour, as we aim to optimise the minibus route through the city to ensure maximum comfort for you. The journey to the Salt Mine takes about 30-40 minutes each way. A shared guided tour of the Salt Mine takes about 2.5 hours. You can also book Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau or  Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory in one day to get the most out of your holiday. After the tour, we will drop you off in Krakow city centre.

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Let's see Wieliczka Salt Mine with Krakow Direct

Organized guided tour from the city of Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine is very popular. Book a guided tour and visit the tourist route in the world-famous salt mine. An English-speaking guide or another of Your choice will tell you the interesting history of the place, answer questions of even the most inquisitive tourists and at the same time take care of your safety and transport from/ to the city of Krakow.

If necessary, you have the opportunity to take advantage of free cancellation for group tours up to 24 hours before departure. You do not lose anything, and the tours are organized all the time, so you can go with us another time. Together we will visit one of the most beautiful places in Poland, and our qualified service will take care of all your needs, tickets and transportation from Krakow.

The interesting history of the Wieliczka Salt Mine

It belongs to the unique and one of the oldest salt monuments of Poland. The Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest existing salt mines in the world and was established in the 13th century. Nowadays, salt is no longer mined in Wieliczka, but this original underground complex has been preserved in excellent condition, which makes it a world-class monument. The Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List for its breathtaking underground chambers carved entirely out of salt. An organized tour from Krakow to visit the Wieliczka Salt Mine is one of the most popular day trips and attracts over a million tourists each year. It is impossible to miss such an attraction when visiting Krakow.

Joint sightseeing tour of the Wieliczka Salt Mine from Krakow

Our joint Krakow salt mine tour takes about 4 hours. We provide a modern, comfortable Mercedes Benz car and a friendly, English-speaking tour leader. We make an appointment with you to pick you up at a pre-arranged time. The journey from the centre of Krakow takes about 30-40 minutes each way. The tour of the Salt Mine in English takes about 2,5 hours. You can also book organized combination tours. Krakow Direct offers guided tours , including the Salt Mine and Auschwitz Birkenau or the Salt Mine and Schindler’s Factory, in one day to make the most of your vacation. Of course, it will take more than 4 hours, but you do not have to worry about anything. After the tour from Krakow, we provide safe transportation to your hotel or accommodation in the centre of Krakow.

What’s more, in the event of unforeseen events or the need to cancel, you can take advantage of a free cancellation by informing us in advance. You lose nothing, and your guided tour from Krakow with Krakow Direct can be taken at another time.

Attractions for children in a Wieliczka salt mine tour

Discover solilandie – a tourist route for children.

While in the mine, during these 4 hours, we recommend that you take the whole family on a trip to the mysterious Solilandia – a land that was once discovered by accident by one of the miners working underground. According to legend, it is home to the Soliludki, the dragon Solizaurus, who you must be on your guard against, and the good spirit of the mine – the Treasurer. The locals believe that the Wawel Dragon from Krakow also came from this dragon family. During a visit to Solilandia, children will learn the habits of the Gnomes and enter a wonderful fairy-tale world. They must, however, carefully look around and creep on tiptoe so as not to awaken the evil dragon. Our guide is already experienced in this and the organized group will feel safe.

Playground underground in Wieliczka salt mine – the chamber of Wincenty Witos

An underground playground located in the Wieliczka salt mine is a great attraction for all the youngest visitors. In the Wincenty Witos’s chamber, a relatively young attraction was built with the smallest visitors to the mine in mind. Children can listen to stories told by Kryształek – the salt lamp which shows the history of the Mine and the miners working there, grab the telephone to hear about the ways of communication between them, or turn the crank and thus turn on the light at different levels of the Mine. This helps them understand more about the whole history and the work that was done there. While looking into a watchmaker’s magnifying glass, they will see a salt crystal magnified. After all, salt is not at the centre of our interest every day. What’s more, they will have a lot of fun using the interactive wall, creating art in the drawing corner and playing at various stations, such as salt, minerals or listening to fairy tales.

Playing together on an underground playground in a salt mine is a great adventure, perhaps even the adventure of a lifetime. After all, not every child has the opportunity to play 125 meters underground. By choosing an organized trip from Krakow to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, you can provide your kids with such wonderful experiences and memories.

Culture crystals in Wieliczka salt mine- beautiful St Kinga’s Chapel, slat mine to marry and world heritage site

The rich salt vaults host various types of events for visitors. The salt mine conducts comprehensive cultural activities, organizing concerts of classical and sacred music, exhibitions, dance tournaments, martial arts tournaments, as well as soccer matches. Interestingly, even bungee jumping has taken place here, others have flown in a basket balloon, thus gaining an entry in the Guinness Book of Records, and Mateusz Kusznierewicz, a multiple worlds and European champion in the Finn class, has sailed on the underground salt lake. The underground salt lake itself is an amazing spectacle, which is really worth seeing with your own eyes. In St. Kinga’s Chapel, many couples have said the magical I do. Perhaps someone of you will also decide to get married in Wieliczka Salt Mine? The chapel there is open to anyone interested. You can come here on Sunday for a holy mass and once a year for a Pasterka mass. It will surely be an even more magical moment.

Participation in the play

The underground salt lake, st. kinga’s chapel, and the whole unique space.

Wieliczka’s underground space delights not only tourists but also filmmakers. The corridors here have become part of the scenery of numerous Polish productions, including the famous film “Sexmission” about the last two men in the world ruled by women.

Time for rest – overnight stay in the Slovakian Chamber

If you like your visit to the Mine very much, you can stay here longer than other visitors. There is an attraction waiting for you which is even more fun than the pyjama party. It is an overnight stay underground. You will open your eyes with amazement, but in the Wieliczka underground there are no impossible things. In the Słowacki Chamber, exactly 125 m under the ground level, a recreation complex was created, where you can find comfortable beds, a TV room, games, a reading room, a restaurant, and convenient sanitary conditions. Staying overnight underground is an incredible attraction for the whole family. It will send shivers down your spine. Just don’t forget to bring your pyjamas.

Why you should choose a Wieliczka salt mine tour with Krakow Direct?

Extreme sports, weddings, concerts, playing in the underground playground, spending the night, and even licking the salt wall… And how would you like to spend your time in the Wieliczka Salt Mine? Our organized tour with an English-speaking guide will provide you with as much excitement and knowledge as all these attractions. What’s more, the salt mine tour with Krakow Direct provides you with safe transportation back to Krakow city in our luxury fleet, as well as the possibility to take advantage of a free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

Interesting facts about Wieliczka salt mine

Here are 5 of the most impressive and interesting facts about the Wieliczka Salt Mine that attract crowds of tourists and children’s tours from all over the world.

Basic facts about the Salt Mine

Wieliczka Salt Mine has a total of over 300 km of galleries, which is equal to the distance from Wieliczka to Warsaw. The tourist route itself, however, is 3.5 km long and includes 20 chambers, about 800 stairs and goes down to the third level of the mine – 135 meters below the ground level. The deepest level is 327 meters underground.

Most of the mine is made of salt alone

Although the scaffolding supporting the entire construction is made of wood, most of the tunnels along with walls, floors, roofs, and beautiful crystal decorations and statues were carved only in salt. Especially worth seeing is the chapel of St Kinga.

Wieliczka Salt Mine was inscribed on the UNESCO list- a world heritage site

Since 1978 the Wieliczka Salt Mine has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the official name ‘The Royal Salt Mines of Wieliczka and Bochnia’. It is one of the first 12 sites inscribed on the world list and is also one of the oldest salt mines in the world. According to official data, the oldest document confirming its existence dates back to 1044.

Underground, in the salt mine, hides more than you can imagine

Wieliczka salt mine tour provides many interesting attractions that make the visit more interesting. There is Europe’s only underground church – St. Kinga’s Chapel, where to this day masses are held on the occasion of St. Kinga’s name day, Christmas pastorals and weddings of young couples. You can also find there the world’s largest mining machine made of wood, crystals from crystal caves and many, many other attractions adorning the tourist route, delighting all visitors.

Salt Mine tour – interesting events

Contrary to what might seem impossible, in 2014 the first underground balloon flight took place in the highest chamber and lasted more than 4 minutes. In addition, it earned a record entered in the Guinness Book of Records for the largest number of participants in the polonaise dance and the largest lasagna. As you can see, people’s imagination and possibilities know no boundaries. It is not without reason that millions of tourists come on organized trips from Krakow to Wieliczka to see this monument with their own eyes. The Wieliczka mine has also hosted bungee jumping, soccer matches, and even windsurfing on an underground salt lake.

Practical information for tour participants

The temperature underground is 14-16 degrees C so it is better to take warm sweatshirts with you and replace flip-flops and sandals with comfortable shoes suitable for walking on stone and salt ground.

Our knowledgeable guides usually take breaks during their guided tours, when you can use the toilets free of charge. For parents with children, there are facilities such as baby changing facilities and highchairs in the underground Miners’ Inn and restaurant at the Grand Sal Hotel. If you have any questions to our guide, feel free to ask. He is not only excellent in Polish but he is also English speaking.

Do not worry that on the way back you will have to climb hundreds of stairs again. The trip will end in an elevator that will take you back to the surface. And we’ll take care of your safety and quick return to Krakow.

It is worth getting acquainted with the regulations of the Mine beforehand and listen to the guide attentively. What is interesting, in many places underground Wi-Fi is available.

After the tour of Salt Mine – come back to Krakow

The meeting point after the guided tour is at a previously agreed place with our English-speaking guide. The transport takes about 30 minutes from the meeting point to the centre of Krakow or directly to your hotel.

If you are interested in a salt mine tour from Krakow with Krakow Direct, just call us. You can book in advance  Salt mine tour from Krakow or in an emergency, use free cancellation. Just let us know up to 24 hours before the guided tour, and you can use free cancellation without any consequences.

Other trips with Salt Mine from Krakow city centre with KrakowDirect

Our company specializes in transfer services. We organize daily tours of the Salt Mine in Krakow and guarantee high quality at the best prices . Wieliczka Salt Mine tours with KrakowDirect are available in private or shared options.

If you are interested in a longer tour than just the Wieliczka Salt Mine, please check our website for other options. We also offer guided tours to Auschwitz Birkenau and Salt Mine, Salt Mine and Schindlers Factory . But not only salt mines are in our minds. Check the suggestions of an organized tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau and Schindlers Factory . Each tour is a day trip and includes comfortable transportation, safety, tickets and amazing excitement at great prices per person.

How long is the Wieliczka Salt Mine tour?

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GODERICH, ONTARIO

Mechanical evaporation underground salt mining.

Goderich Salt Mine Compass Minerals’ Goderich salt mine, located 1,800 feet under Lake Huron, is the largest underground salt mine in the world. The mine is as deep as the CN Tower in Toronto is tall. It has operated since 1959 and was acquired by Compass Minerals in 1990.

The rock salt produced at the mine is used to keep citizens in North America safe as they travel through winter snow and ice. The salt is shipped to hundreds of communities around the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Some of the salt is trucked to the Compass Minerals plant less than 4 kilometers away, to be packaged for distribution and sale at retailers in North America. The salt is also sold in bulk to manufacturers that make plastics, detergents, disinfectants and other important products.

300 North Harbour Road W Goderich, Ontario N7A 3Y9 519.524.8351

Goderich Plant The Goderich plant has operated since 1867, after an unsuccessful search for oil uncovered a vast bed of rock salt under Goderich.

Using mechanical evaporation, the plant produces high-purity, fine- and coarse-grained salt products in packages and in bulk for commercial, agricultural and industrial applications. The plant also packages rock salt from the mine that is used for deicing and water conditioning.

245 Regent Street Goderich, Ontario N7A 3Y5 519.524.8338

RELATED LINKS Mechanical Evaporation Underground Salt Mining About Goderich Huron County Museum 2014 TRA Public Annual Report and Public Report of Plan Summary 2015 TRA Public Annual Report and Public Report of Plan Summary 2016 TRA Public Annual Report and Public Report of Plan Summary

Berchtesgaden Salt Mine. Experience, Mysticism, Fascination.

Everything you need for a successful adventure .

Opening hours.

open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM

Admission prices

Current prices, discounts and combination options.

How you can best reach us.

Discover our interactive tunnel map.

The way through the  Berchtesgaden Salt Mine

On the trail of salt: An adventure mine for all the senses

The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine is the oldest active salt mine in Germany. Salt has been mined here in the depths of the Alps for more than 500 years. Dive with us into the world underground and look forward to many unforgettable impressions that you will not only experience during the guided tour, but experience with all your senses.

The Berchtesgaden salt mine has been active since 1517. Up to 1.000.000m 3 of brine are extracted annually.

Mystical adventure underground: The mine train takes you 650 metres into the salt mine.

Fun and action are not only promised by our two slides with a length of up to 40 metres.

"For us, the visit to the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine and the Bad Reichenhall Old Salt Works were each an immersion into a completely different world. Fascinating to be confronted with so many new sensations.”

Roland & Sandra , couple

"The dinner in the Berchtesgaden salt mine is really a very special evening event. Good food, atmospheric music deep in the mountain and an exciting guided tour around the topic of salt history - my friends and I were very enthusiastic. The friendly, attentive and fun staff also made the evening memorable.”

Sonja , dinner guest

Everything you need to know.

Your question was not answered? You can find more answers here.

Due to the 12 degrees Celsius below ground all year round, warm clothing (functional clothing) is recommended. Sturdy shoes are also an advantage due to the nature of the ground. Overalls to protect your clothes are available on site. The overalls are compulsory to wear and are available up to size 5XL and special sizes. Even young children receive an overall.

No, for safety reasons filming and photography is not allowed in the Berchtesgaden salt mine.

You will find the perfect photo stops with life-size miner figures or mining machines around the salt mine and on the salt experience trail.

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EXCURSION DESTINATION Hallstatt

Salzwelten hallstatt family adventure in the world’s oldest salt mine.

Gently, the wind caresses your face. The lake glistens far below you. Like the colorful pearls of an exquisite necklace, the houses along the shoreline stand side by side. You feel the breadth of the valley, squint into the sun and enjoy the warmth. A welcome blessing, indeed, after an expedition involving miners’ slides and subterranean salt lakes amid the cool depths of the mountain. An ancient-yet-modern world, hidden within tunnels and passageways. Realizing that you are walking along the same paths trodden by prehistoric miners some 7000 years ago, and that people once lived here for whom an entire age of human history was named. Things you might never have guessed …

In the heart of the Salzkammergut: a family adventure in the world’s oldest salt mine

Prices & Opening Times

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

Was ist los in Hallstatt: Sonderführungen, Kinderprogramm...

Group excursions to the salt mine - A day trip to Hallstatt

Easy arrival: The funicular to the salt mine is located right in the village Hallstatt. Our map here provides a description of how to travel here quickly and conveniently.

Parking area:   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 hour to find parking space). Due to the large influx of guests it can lead to time delays. We recommend arriving by public transport. 

Salzwelten Hallstatt Salzbergstraße 21 4830 Hallstatt | Österreich

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

The team of Hallstatt 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.

• Salzburg Salt Mines & Celtic Village Salina

Salzburg Salt Mines

Fun, fascination and mystical moments await visitors to the Salzburg salt mine. In addition to intriguing information about the arduous work done by miners in the past, visitors, big and small, will explore in the footsteps of the Ancient Celts, who were already mining salt here back in 400 BC.

• Ride the original mine train deep into the mountain!
• Slide down to a fantastic show on a subterranean salt lake!
• Follow in the footsteps of the Celts to the very heart of the mine!
• Marvel at prehistoric finds in the Hallein Celtic Museum !
• Sun terrace and viewpoint over the Salzach valley to the fortress Hohensalzburg 

At one time, “White Gold” represented the very foundation of the wealth enjoyed by Salzburg City and its surrounding lands. Nowadays, you are the one for whom the salt provides fun, relaxation and adventure. As you take an exciting ride on a mine train deep into the heart of the Dürrnberg, you penetrate a former world of fabulous wealth. And at the same time gain an impression of the fates of those people who toiled to bring it out into the light of day.

With every step you take deeper into the mountain, you discover evidence of the legendary Celts. The people who were already mining salt here 400 years before Christ. If you listen closely, you can still hear the voices of those brave, tireless men, who tore the white treasure out of this mountain with their bare hands. 

Just like the miners of old, you will slither down two long slides to a subterranean salt lake, one that immediately transforms into a magnificent stage.  Its surface reflecting a fascinating show of sound & light. As the grand finale, you will sail across the lake on a raft made of wood.

The Celts are often regarded as the great puzzle of early history. How did they live and work? In SALINA Celtic village on the Dürrnberg, you will find many of the answers, right where it originally took place. Look forward to buildings constructed true to the originals, their homes and their workplaces, which, in collaboration with the Celtic Museum in Hallein, were brought up to date with the latest scientific research. Enjoy a glimpse into the daily life of miners over 2500 years ago with the help of audiovisual installations. 

• What you should also know : Salzburg Salt Mine is open for explorers ages 4 to 99 throughout the year. For a perfect experience, we also offer you an audio guide (D/E/I/F/SLO/H/RU/CZ/JAP/Mandarin/ES) as well as free parking right in front of the entrance building. Don’t forget to come with sturdy shoes! Complete information about tour times, prices and special events can be found online at https://www.salzwelten.at/en/salzburg/

Opening times

The opening hours can be found on the official website .

Save valuable holiday time and book your fixed Salzwelten tour from home or on the go! The ticket arrives by SMS or email and opens the turnstiles on site at the time you have booked. Everything else on https://tickets.salzwelten.at/en

The prices can be found on the official website .

With the ticket from the salt mine, you can also visit the SALINA Celtic Village for free!

The Salzburg Card entitles you to a € 5 discount on admission for adults. We recommend booking tickets in advance by telephone, as the discount can only be granted at the ticket office.

Impressions

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Best of Mozart Concerts & Best of Mozart Dinner Concerts

Fortress Hohensalzburg: Culinary and musical delights high above the city's rooftops

Mozart in the Marble Hall of Mirabell Palace

Enjoy finest chamber music and orchestra concerts with compositions of Mozart and his contemporaries.

Plan your visit

Here you will find your ideal accommodations, sightseeing tours of Salzburg, special events and tickets, along with all the benefits of the Salzburg Card.

Book guided city tours and excursions in and around Salzburg online:

The many-and-varied cultural events represent the heart & soul of Salzburg. Book your tickets right here:

• Advent/Christmas/New Year's
• Congresses / Fairs / Workshops
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• Exhibitions
• Guided tours
• Religious events
• Theatre / shows / dancing / films

The Salzburg Card provides you with free or discounted admission to numerous sightseeing attractions, along with free use of public transportation.

• Interactive map
• Salzburg Magazin
• Book your hotel

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