Hallein Salt Mine
Journey 2,600 years into the past at the Hallein Salt Mine, experiencing thrilling slides, an underground boat ride, and crossing borders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoids morning rush
Hallein Salt Mine
Best Time
Avoids morning rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey 2,600 years into the past at the Hallein Salt Mine, experiencing thrilling slides, an underground boat ride, and crossing borders.
"A great experience from slides to boat trips to crossing borders, videos (4) and more."
🧥 Wear Layers
It's 10°C inside! Provided overalls help, but wear comfortable layers underneath. :shirt:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Recommended to secure your spot and avoid potential queues. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Miner's Slides
Inside the mine
Experience the thrill of sliding down two long wooden slides, a fun and unique way to descend deeper into the mine.
Underground Salt Lake Boat Ride
Salt Water Lake
Glide across a serene, highly saline underground lake on a raft, a truly unique and memorable part of the tour.
Crossing Borders Underground
Mine tunnels
Journey through tunnels that traverse the border between Austria and Germany, a fascinating geographical quirk.
Miner's Train Adventure
Mine tunnels
Ride a special miner's cart deep into the mountain, an exciting and immersive way to begin your underground exploration.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Deep
Book Ahead for Smooth Entry
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Wear Layers
It's 10°C inside! Provided overalls help, but wear comfortable layers underneath. :shirt:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Recommended to secure your spot and avoid potential queues. :admission_tickets:
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and sliding, so wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Phones Allowed
You can bring your phone for photos, but use lockers for other valuables. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Wear Layers
It's 10°C inside! Provided overalls help, but wear comfortable layers underneath. :shirt:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Recommended to secure your spot and avoid potential queues. :admission_tickets:
🥾 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking and sliding, so wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Phones Allowed
You can bring your phone for photos, but use lockers for other valuables. :iphone:
🗣️ Bilingual Tours
Tours are typically in both German and English. :speaking_head:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Hallein Salt Mine, calling it a 'must-visit' and 'worth every cent.' The engaging tours, unique experiences like slides and boat rides, and the historical insights are consistently praised. Some mention large group sizes can occasionally make it hard to hear.
"Great experience and amazing tour. A must visit place when you are in salzburg. Great walk through of how mining evolved and lot of cool facts. The train and short boat ride inside the mine is a cool experience for kids. The slide inside the mine is highly recommended. It was very fun."
Satish Venketachalam
"We joined the 2:20 tour yesterday (20/8) and would like to appreciate the enthusiasm of and the interesting content shared by our tour guide (sorry I don’t know how to type his name). He really did a great job and we enjoyed it a lot!!!!
This tour includes riding a miner’s cart (thanks for the extra legroom😆), getting to know more about the history of salt mining, riding a boat on the salt lake, and moreover sliding down over two long sliding boards. At the end of the tour, a small bottle of salt will be given. Can’t wait to try it when I back to my home!^^
The temperature inside is constantly 10 degree, yet I think a short t-shirt and a jacket with the clothings provided by the counter is already enough.
All in all, the tour is engaging and worth joining (can’t believe we could experience that much in a tour of £34😭)!"
Mango
"We had an amazing tour! This mine is 2600 years old and during the tour you ride sled trains, boats, slide down wooden slides, and get to learn a ton of interesting facts. My favorite part were the slides and the fact that you go so far and deep that you cross over the German border in the mountain and then back again to Austria. We were in a very large group, that I wish would have been smaller because it made it hard to hear at points.
When you arrive you will put your personal items in free lockers, phones are allowed, and then will put on a full body outfit which will preserve your clothes and help you slide. The tour was in English and German, which was nice. Also it’s a steady 65 degrees down there but I would not dress too warmly because you will get warm walking around.
Pricing is fair and the drive up the mountain to get to the location was a fun bonus as well. I honestly loved the tour and would recommend to anyone. It’s great for all ages too."
Zan Lee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hallein Salt Mine (Salzwelten Salzburg) is accessible from Salzburg. While one Reddit user mentioned the road being closed, it's generally reachable by car or public transport. The drive up the mountain itself is noted as a fun bonus. Check local transport schedules for the most current routes and potential road access information.
Yes, parking is typically available at the Hallein Salt Mine. The drive up to the location is often described as scenic and enjoyable.
Absolutely! The Hallein Salt Mine is a popular and highly recommended day trip from Salzburg, offering a unique underground adventure.
Many visitors opt for a scenic drive, but public transport options are also available. Confirm current road conditions and public transport schedules before your visit.
Yes, the drive up the mountain to the Hallein Salt Mine is often highlighted as a pleasant part of the overall experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are considered fair by visitors, with one review mentioning a 34 Euro price point as being worth the experience. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure entry.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended to guarantee your spot and avoid potential waiting times, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Hallein Salt Mine website for the most up-to-date information on operating times.
Information on specific discounts for groups or families is best found on the official website. School groups have visited and found the experience excellent.
Your ticket typically includes the guided tour, the use of provided miner's overalls, access to the underground train, boat ride, slides, and a small bottle of salt as a souvenir.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The temperature inside the mine remains a constant 10°C (50°F) year-round. Visitors are provided with overalls, but wearing layers underneath is advised.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. While overalls are provided, a t-shirt and a light jacket are usually sufficient. Comfortable walking shoes are essential.
The guided tour typically lasts about 1.5 hours, offering a comprehensive exploration of the mine's history and features.
Yes, the tour is highly recommended for all ages, including children. The train ride, boat trip, and especially the slides are a big hit with younger visitors.
Yes, phones are allowed inside the mine for taking photos. Lockers are available for personal items.
Yes, free lockers are available to store personal items during your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, you are permitted to bring your phone or camera inside the mine to capture the unique underground scenery.
Key photo spots include the underground salt lake, the miner's train, the unique geological formations, and the thrilling slides. The border crossing point also makes for an interesting shot.
While generally allowed, be mindful of your surroundings and other tour participants. Avoid using flash photography in areas where it might be disruptive.
You can take photos before and after the slides, but it's unlikely you'll be able to safely take pictures during the slide itself. Your speed and picture can be captured afterwards.
Given the low light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be beneficial. However, most smartphone cameras will suffice for capturing the experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Guides are known for their enthusiasm and ability to engage younger audiences with interesting facts and stories. The provided miner's outfits add to the sense of adventure. It's a fantastic way to combine education with pure entertainment, making it a perfect family outing. Remember to dress in layers, as the mine is a cool 10°C year-round, and wear comfortable shoes for walking and sliding.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, consider packing your own snacks and drinks, as gift shop items can be a bit pricey. The journey itself, whether by public transport or a scenic drive, can also be factored into your budget. Visiting on a weekday can sometimes mean fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience, potentially enhancing the value.
💑 Couples
Exploring the ancient tunnels together, learning about the history of salt mining, and even crossing the Austrian-German border underground provides a bonding experience. It's an engaging and slightly adventurous outing that offers a break from typical city sightseeing, making it ideal for couples looking for something a bit different.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Salt Mining in Hallein
The mine's strategic location in the Dürrnberg area, near Hallein and Salzburg, was crucial to its success. The salt deposits here were rich and accessible, fueling the prosperity of the region. The historical significance of salt mining is deeply intertwined with the cultural and economic development of Salzburg. Understanding this history adds a profound layer to the visitor experience, connecting you to generations of miners who toiled beneath the earth. The insights shared by guides often highlight the ingenuity and resilience of these early workers.
Today, the Hallein Salt Mine operates not just as a historical site but also as a living museum. It offers a unique educational experience, demonstrating the geological processes that formed the salt deposits and the technological advancements in mining. The journey through the mine is a narrative of human endeavor, resourcefulness, and the deep connection between people and the earth's bounty. It's a chance to walk in the footsteps of ancient miners and appreciate the legacy they left behind.
Experiencing the Underground Adventure
The adventure continues with a boat ride across a stunning underground salt lake. The water's high salinity creates a unique visual and sensory experience. Following this, the highlight for many is the exhilarating descent down two long wooden slides – a thrilling way to cover ground and add a dose of fun to the exploration. For those who prefer, stairs are also an option. Afterwards, you can even view photos and your speed from the slide! The tour also includes crossing the border into Germany and back into Austria, a geographical novelty that adds another layer to the experience.
Throughout the tour, engaging videos are shown, and guides share fascinating facts about the history of salt mining, the geology of the region, and the lives of the miners. The experience is designed to be educational and entertaining for all ages. At the end of the tour, you'll receive a small bottle of salt as a souvenir, a tangible reminder of your underground journey.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit