Without a doubt, the Hallein Salt Mine is one of the symbols of the Salzburg region.
The word “Salz” in German means salt, and “Salzburg” (Salt-burg) is essentially Austria’s ancient salt region. Salt was the primary reason for Salzburg’s prosperity, transforming it into a thriving commercial hub in ancient times. So, when you visit the area, it’s almost impossible not to learn a bit about the world of “white gold.”
The salt mine (known in German as Salzbergwerk Dürrnberg) is located near the village of Hallein, about 30 kilometers south of Salzburg city. In just a half-hour drive from the city center, you’ll arrive at a truly ancient world of salt. Salt mining has been taking place in this area for 7,000 years! Archaeological findings discovered in the mine reveal ancient civilizations that lived here and extracted salt from the earth. Some of these findings date back to the Celtic tribes who inhabited this land, and they are now displayed in the Celtic Museum of Hallein.
After the Celts disappeared, salt mining activity paused somewhat, and during Roman times, the mines were not widely used. It was only in the Middle Ages that the mines regained their crucial role in the region’s prosperity. The Archbishops of Salzburg revitalized the mining operations and grew incredibly wealthy thanks to salt – “white gold.” You can clearly see the immense wealth of the Archbishops as you stroll through the beautiful streets of Salzburg and admire its magnificent buildings.
For 800 years, the Hallein mine operated continuously, and it was only in 1989 that mining activities ceased completely. During its active period, the mine produced an astonishing 12 tons of salt!
Visiting the Hallein Salt Mine
Inside the mine, there are many tunnels with a total length of 65 kilometers. Approximately 13 kilometers within the mine are accessible for walking, and some of the tunnels are connected by long wooden slides! In fact, because of its immense size and proximity to the German border, some tunnels even cross from Austria into the Bavarian territory of Germany.
Since World War I, a museum has been open, offering a glimpse into the world of the salt miners. Your visit will last an hour and a half as part of a guided tour. Before entering the mine, you’ll put on special clothing to keep your own clothes clean while walking through the mine.
The tour covers one kilometer deep within the mine and includes a ride on an underground electric train, sliding down wooden slides between the mine levels, and a short boat ride on an underground lake deep inside the mine. The tour is tailored for children and is certainly an exciting experience for the little ones too!
Today, the Hallein Salt Mine is considered one of Salzburg’s most popular attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors, whether it’s a rainy day or a sunny one.
Experience the Mine!
Essential Information for Visiting the Hallein Salt Mine
Please note: Entry is for children aged 4 and above only. It’s advisable to dress warmly, as the temperature inside the mines is quite low (around 10 degrees Celsius or 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The tour duration is 90 minutes.
There’s an option to download an audio guide for use during the mine tour.
Google Play Store or App Store for download
Opening Hours:
- February 1 – March 28: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (last tour departure).
- March 29 – November 2: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last tour departure).
- November 3 – January 6: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (last tour departure).
Costs:
The entrance ticket includes a visit to the mine, as well as the option to visit the Celtic Village and the Celtic Museum in the area.
- Adult: 34 Euros
- Child (4-15): 15 Euros
Online Ticket Purchase:
Tour times are pre-scheduled. It’s recommended to book your tickets online for your most convenient time to avoid waiting upon arrival. To purchase tickets online: Salzwelten Hallein Online Tickets. Please note that on the mine’s website, Hallein is sometimes referred to as “Salzburg.”
Map:
Parking: Free parking is available near the mine entrance.
Address: Ramsaustraße 3, 5422 Bad Dürnberg
More Attractions in the Area
The salt mine is conveniently located near several other attractions. You can reach them with a short drive.
- Within a 5-minute drive, you can reach the Bad Dürrnberg Summer Toboggan Run complex and enjoy one of Salzburg’s most fun tobogganing tracks.
- Another attraction is nestled in the natural beauty of the Golling area. Just a 25-minute drive away are the magnificent Golling Waterfalls. You can read more extended information about them in the article we’ve prepared on the waterfalls.
- If you continue driving south for about half an hour, you’ll reach Werfen, home to the impressive Hohenwerfen Castle and the world’s largest ice cave.
- Of course, you can also drive north towards Salzburg city and visit the Open-Air Museum, which showcases about 100 ancient buildings from across the Salzburg region and the lives of rural villagers during the Middle Ages.
- On warm days, you can drive to the crystal-clear Lake Fuschl or continue to the wonderful Lake Wolfgang.
