Deep inside Austria’s breathtaking Salzkammergut lake district – straddling the borderlands of Salzburgerland, Upper Austria, and Styria – lies a magical alpine haven known locally as Ausseerland, or the Styrian Salzkammergut.
Famous for tranquil mountain hamlets, shimmering glacial waters, and soaring limestone summits, the heart of this region is the idyllic spa town of Altaussee. Sheltered at the edge of dark blue Lake Altaussee under the dramatic cliffs of the Dead Mountains (Totes Gebirge), the village became a celebrated summer retreat as early as the 18th century, drawing emperors, aristocrats, and literary luminaries. Theodor Herzl regularly summered here (the town museum even proudly exhibits the bicycle he rode through the valley!).
The Extraordinary History of Altaussee Salt Mine
Perched just outside town at the base of Mount Sandling, the Altaussee Salt Mine boasts a subterranean heritage dating back nearly a millennium. The first recorded mention of active salt extraction here dates to 1147, when operations were closely controlled by the local Catholic archdiocese. Over subsequent centuries, miners steadily tunneled deeper into the mountain, excavating miles of shafts and cavernous salt domes.
By the early 20th century, the mine had reached industrial peak with over 230 miners on shift. Today, Salzwelten Altaussee remains the largest operating salt mine in Austria: approximately 57 specialized miners still extract over 500,000 tons of high-grade rock salt each year. A dedicated historical section of this vast subterranean network is open for guided public tours, offering visitors an unforgettable journey through time, geology, and human heroism.
World War II – Hitler’s Secret Art Cache & The Heroic Miners
During the Second World War, the constant temperature and dry, microclimate-controlled chambers deep inside Altaussee’s salt mountain made it the ultimate bomb-proof vault. The Nazi regime requisitioned the mine to conceal thousands of Europe’s most valuable stolen cultural treasures, destined for Adolf Hitler’s planned grand “Führer Museum” in Linz.
As Allied forces closed in during the spring of 1945, Nazi Gauleiter August Eigruber ordered eight massive 500-kg aerial bombs placed inside the chambers to obliterate the tunnels under Hitler’s scorched-earth “Nero Decree.” In an act of extraordinary courage, local miners led by Alois Raudaschl secretly entered the mine under cover of night, disabled the detonators, and moved the bombs out – saving Europe’s greatest artistic heritage mere hours before the planned blast.
When the American “Monuments Men” arrived, they uncovered a staggering haul: over 6,500 priceless masterworks, including Jan van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece, Vermeer’s The Art of Painting, Michelangelo’s Bruges Madonna, and masterworks by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Titian, valued at over $3.5 billion at the time! This gripping saga was later adapted into the Hollywood movie The Monuments Men (starring George Clooney and Matt Damon) and the acclaimed Austrian docudrama Ein Dorf wehrt sich.
What to Expect on the Guided Mine Tour
The guided tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. It leads you through subterranean chambers carved out of shimmering pink and orange rock salt. You will descend up to 700 meters into the heart of the mountain.
- St. Barbara Chapel (Barbarakapelle): An awe-inspiring underground sanctuary consecrated in 1935, built entirely from luminous crystal rock-salt blocks by the miners in honor of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of miners.
- Two Wooden Miner’s Slides: Experience how traditional miners traveled rapidly between shaft levels! Visitors slip into protective miner jackets and slide down two authentic polished wooden slides (the longest stretches over 30 meters).
- Subterranean Salt Lake & Light Show: A crystalline subterranean salt lake (Brine Chamber) illuminated with a dramatic multimedia sound-and-light spectacle that bounces vivid reflections across the mirror-smooth mineral water.
- The Nazi Art Depot Chambers: Walk through the actual chambers where the looted masterpieces were hidden during WWII, complete with original wooden storage crates, replica artworks, and historic archival documentation.
This is What the Inside of Salzwelten Altaussee Looks Like
What to Wear & Practical Preparation
- Constant Temperature: The temperature inside the mountain stays around 8°C (46°F) year-round. Warm clothing, long trousers, and a warm fleece or jacket are strictly recommended even in the peak of summer.
- Footwear: The total walking distance inside the tunnels is approximately 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) over stone and gravel floor. Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes or trainers are required.
- Protective Overalls: All visitors receive complimentary protective miner suits (jacket and pants) at the entrance to protect personal clothing while sliding down the wooden slides.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Tour Schedule
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- Spring: 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00
- Summer / Autumn: Hourly tours from 9 AM – 4 PM
- Explore the 3D Virtual Tour of Altaussee Salt Mine
Meeting Point: Please arrive at the Steinberghaus visitor center approximately 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour start.
Accessability: The mine is not accessible for wheelchair users or strollers.
Ticket Prices
- Adult: €27
- Child (4-15): €13
- Family tickets and accompanied child discounts available
- Minimum Age: 4 years
Read more about the prices here and book your ticket online (recommended).
Audio Guide Languages
- Free Smartphone App
- Tours led in German; free audio guide app in English & other languages.
Getting There & Parking
The mine is located 3 km up the mountain road from Altaussee town center. It is best reached by private car. Free visitor parking is available directly in front of the ticket center.
Official Website
Address: Salzwelten Altaussee, Lichtersberg 25, 8992 Altaussee
Map:
Via Salis: The Salt Trail Themed Hike
If you visit during pleasant weather, you can complement your underground tour with the panoramic Via Salis (Salt Trail) family hike. This scenic 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) circular trail features 21 information stations explaining mining history, geology, and local folklore.
The walk begins at the central Kurpark in Altaussee. It then gently loops through alpine meadows, traditional wooden salt-miner cottages, and viewpoints overlooking Lake Altaussee. The full circuit takes around 3.5 hours at a leisurely pace. View the Via Salis trail map on Bergfex.
More Top Attractions in the Ausseerland Region
Salzwelten Altaussee pairs wonderfully with neighboring alpine highlights across the Styrian and Upper Austrian Salzkammergut:
Lake Grundlsee & Lake Toplitzsee
Just a 10-minute drive away, cruise Styria’s largest lake and embark on the famous 3-Lakes boat excursion to mysterious Lake Toplitzsee.
Bad Aussee
The official geographical center of Austria, famous for traditional Austrian Tracht folk fashion, the Mercedes-Benz Bridge, and panoramic hilltop vistas.
Hallstatt & Bad Ischl
Just 30 minutes west across Pötschen Pass lies postcard-perfect Hallstatt and the imperial spa town of Bad Ischl.
Salzwelten Hallein
If you are traveling west toward Salzburg, explore the historic Celtic salt mine at Hallein. You can experience an underground electric train ride there.
