Hallein Salt Mine
Salzburg
The Hallein Salt Mine, also known as Salzbergwerk DĂĽrrnberg, is an ancient underground salt mine located on the DĂĽrrnberg plateau above Hallein, Austria. It has been mined for over 2600 years, dating back to Celtic times, playing a crucial role in establishing Salzburg as a powerful trading center. The mine features several historic tunnels named Obersteinberg, Untersteinberg, Jackobberg, Rupertsberg, Wolf Deitrich, and Dr. Nusko, some dating back to the 15th century. Early mining methods involved extracting solid salt crystals by hand and later using fresh water to dissolve salt for processing. Today, it serves as a mining museum famous for its unique wooden slides that transport visitors between levels. Guests experience a guided 90-minute tour covering about one kilometer, including a 400-meter electric train ride, two 42-meter wooden slides, and a boat trip across an underground lake. The mine also offers a glimpse into ancient mining life with a small Celtic village open-air museum above ground. Its historical significance, thrilling visitor attractions, and well-preserved mining heritage make it a unique destination for tourists interested in history, geology, and adventure.
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Tip: Visit during spring to early autumn for optimal weather and accessibility. Book tickets in advance, especially for weekends, to secure a spot on the popular guided tours. Wear comfortable shoes and prepare for cool temperatures underground. The mine provides protective white coveralls. Free parking and electric vehicle charging stations are available on site. Public transport and hop-on-hop-off buses connect Salzburg city with the mine for easy access.
Interesting facts
- •The mine has been worked continuously for over 2600 years, since Celtic times.
- •The Bavarian–Austrian Salt Treaty of 1829 allows up to ninety Bavarian farmers to work in the mine despite it crossing the border.
- •Visitors slide down two 42-meter wooden slides inside the mine, a unique and thrilling experience.
- •An underground lake inside the mine is crossed by boat as part of the tour.
- •Ancient human feces found in the mine's older tunnels have been studied to understand resource sharing between cultures.
History
Salt mining in Hallein dates back over 2600 years to the Celtic tribes, making it one of the oldest salt mines in the world.
The mine's extensive tunnel system developed over centuries, with significant expansions like the Obersteinberg tunnel opened in 1450.
The Bavarian–Austrian Salt Treaty of 1829 acknowledged cross-border mining rights, allowing Bavarian farmers to work in the mine.
After World War I, the mine transitioned from an industrial site to a museum, preserving its mining heritage and opening to visitors with unique attractions such as wooden slides and underground boat rides.
Place Guide
Obersteinberg Tunnel1450
One of the oldest named tunnels in the mine, opened in 1450, showcasing historic mining engineering and techniques.
Wooden Slides
Two sets of 42-meter-long wooden slides allow visitors to slide down quickly from upper to lower mine levels, replicating historic miner transport methods.
Electric Train Ride
A 400-meter electric train transports visitors deep into the mine, providing a comfortable and scenic entry to the underground tour.
Underground Lake and Boat Trip
Visitors cross an underground salt lake by boat, highlighting the mine's unique geological features and natural beauty.
Celtic Village Open-Air Museum
A small museum above ground recreates the life and culture of the Celtic miners who originally worked the salt deposits over 2600 years ago.
Contact
Phone: 06132 2002400
