Salzburg Salt Mines – Fascinating underground adventure tour
The Salzburg Salt Mines in Bad Dürrnberg near Hallein will take you deep into the history of salt mining. In a spacious show mine, you'll experience how the "white gold" was extracted over the centuries on a 90-minute guided tour. Exciting films, impressive chambers, slides, and a boat ride make the visit a varied excursion – especially suitable for families with children ages 4 and up.
Short info:
- Where is it located? Ramsaustraße 3, 5422 Bad Dürrnberg (municipality of Hallein)
- What is it? Show mine with multimedia tour through the history of salt mining
- How do you get there? By car via the A10 to exit Hallein, then about 10 minutes to Dürrnberg; free parking available
- How much time should I plan? Duration of the tour approx. 90 minutes, meeting point 15 minutes before the start
- How long is the journey? About 1 kilometer is covered underground on foot
- Is it suitable for children? Yes, but only allowed from 4 years
- How much does the entrance fee cost? Here you can find all Prices and opening hours
- What about animals and wheelchairs? Animals are not allowed, the mine is not barrier-free
- What to wear? Sturdy shoes and warm clothing – it is constantly around 7–10 °C underground
- Is there a restaurant? Self-service restaurant “Salzblick” open daily from 8:30 to 17:00
- Is there a shop? Yes, after the tour you will find a salt shop with products related to salt
This is how the tour through the Salzburg Salt Mines works
After purchasing your ticket, please be at the ticket office 15 minutes before the tour begins. There, you'll be given the typical miners' protective clothing – a white jumpsuit with trousers. The adventure then begins with a short film that provides an overview of the history of salt mining – entertaining, informative, and a perfect introduction.
The approximately 90-minute tour takes you through the tunnel system for about 1 km. After just a few minutes, you'll find yourself in a tunnel section that leads across the state border into Bavaria—a unique relic of a historic 19th-century agreement that allows Austria to mine salt on the Bavarian side.
Films, salt samples and slides for all ages
At several stations, you'll watch short, well-edited videos explaining, among other things, how salt was formed, why it's pink (due to iron), and which techniques are used today. A highlight is the first long slide—with speed measurement and a photo point. You'll then learn how salt was mined in the 17th century and even get to taste salt sole in a former wet mining chamber. This highly saline solution (27 %) is far more intense than normal seawater.
Boat trip on the salt lake & light show
Another highlight is the boat ride across the underground salt lake. As you glide approximately 100 meters over the mirror-smooth water, music, lighting effects, and animations on the walls create a special atmosphere. Shortly afterward, you'll learn more about the so-called Salzburg branches – small branches that were placed in salt water to crystallize and later given as gifts.
Lowest point, Celtic finds & return trip with the mine train
After a second slide, you reach the deepest point of the facility – 210 meters underground. Here, you'll learn that parts of the tunnel shrink by several centimeters each year, necessitating regular maintenance. Later, you'll also learn about the history of the Celts: In 1577, the bodies of workers preserved by the salt were discovered – an archaeological sensation at the time, which unfortunately was not preserved because the bodies were brought to the surface, where they began to decompose.
After a final film, a taste of salt flakes, and another tunnel section, an escalator takes you upstairs before you take a small mine train back to the exit – a successful conclusion to an impressive tour.
New: Interactive journey through four eras
Since the relaunch of the facility, the Salt World Experience has taken on an even more modern look. The new reception area sets the tone for an interactive journey through the eras of salt mining: From today's high-tech mining, the path leads through the Baroque and Middle Ages back to the time of the Celts. The new Salt World app with augmented reality features guides visitors of all ages through the facility – both underground and outdoors.
Celtic village Salina – addition to the tour
Right next to the entrance is the Celtic village of Salina, which is integrated into the overall experience. Here you'll find a reconstructed settlement, a playground, the salt factory, and various interactive stations. The program is primarily aimed at families with younger children. While we found this section nicely done, it was significantly less exciting than the impressive tour of the mine itself.
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| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 9:00 – 17:00 |
Close by
Untersbergbahn
- Dr.-Friedrich-Ödl-Weg 2, 5083 St. Leonhard
Salzburg Hellbrunn Zoo
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Hellbrunn Palace & the Water Games
- Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg
