Have you ever imagined touring the oldest salt mine in the world, learning about its operations and fascinating details? This is possible at Salzwelten, located in Hallstatt, Austria. Just an hour from Salzburg and an hour and a half from Königssee in Germany.
Around 7,000 years ago, the Hallstatt mine was already in use! Over the years, the mine was equipped with tunnels that go 200 meters deep into the mountain and stairs to transport the “white gold.”
You’ll learn about the history of the salt mine through exhibitions and get to experience a bit of the past 400 meters underground. For example, by using the 64-meter-long miners’ slide.
How the Visit Works
The adventure begins with a change of clothes: all visitors don miners’ outfits, preparing for the descent into the underground tunnels. The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes and covers approximately 1 kilometer of walking. During the tour, you’ll pass through different mining eras, from the Celts to modern times, learning about techniques and the importance of salt throughout the centuries.
What to do in Saltzwelten
Tunnel Exploration
Travelers walk through the underground tunnels while learning about the history of salt mining. There’s also the experience of sliding down the miners’ slides and crossing the underground border between Austria and Germany.
Underground Lake
One of the highlights is crossing an underground lake on a raft, illuminated by salt lanterns that create a magical and unforgettable atmosphere.
Kelten.Erlebnis.Berg
This themed area recreates a Celtic village, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of ancient miners. Here, you can explore replicas of huts and see archaeological artifacts.
Salt Manufacturing
Visit the salt manufacturing area and see how salt crystals are formed and collected. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about the process and even taste pure salt.
Themed Playground
For children, there is a themed playground where they can play and learn about the history of salt in a fun and interactive way.
The Oldest Staircase in Europe is at Salzwelten
The staircase was discovered during archaeological searches in 2002. After various studies, it was concluded that miners constructed the staircase in 1344 BC, making it the oldest staircase in Europe!
Travel with Our Company
How about traveling with our company and exploring this and many other historical and special places? We create exclusive trips and experiences so you can experience the best of Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, ensuring a complete and unforgettable experience. Explore the wonders of Salzwelten in Salzburg and discover other incredible destinations in Europe.
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