For a fascinating and enlightening trip through time, visit the Bad Dürrnberg Salt Mine. It provides a glimpse into conditions for miners and educates visitors about the importance of salt to the region’s development. With a docent, ride the old mine train deep into the mountain.
Wander through the intriguing subterranean mine galleries and pass below Austria’s border with Germany. Learn about the historic salt trade and mining conditions through the various exhibits in the underground galleries. The museum also uses films and multimedia displays to tell the story of salt mining. Discover how the Ancient Celts mined these caves as far back as the 6th century B.C. Find out how miners dug the tunnels and caves with little more than their bare hands.
Rush down one of the two old-fashioned miners’ slides and climb aboard a raft that will take you across the subterranean salt lake. Decorating the walls around the lake is a spectacular light show, accompanied by soft music. Download the Salzwelten Audio Guide app for further information in the mine.
Note that some know the site as the Hallein Salt Mine, since it’s so close to the neighboring town of Hallein. The site opens daily from morning until late afternoon, with tours lasting about 80 minutes. Book tickets online and check out deals for families. Consider combining access with tickets for the SALINA Celtic Village and the Celtic Museum in Hallein.
The Bad Dürrnberg Salt Mine is a little south of Hallein, in the heart of Bad Dürrnberg. It is next to the German border in the center of Austria. From Salzburg, travel south by train to Hallein or drive south for 12 miles (19 kilometers) to get here in about half an hour. While you’re in the area, make sure to visit the ski slopes of Hintereben as well as the Celtic Museum and the Stadtpark Hallein.