The world of Salt in Hallein

Salt mines near Salzburg

It was salt that gave Salzburg half of its name, and it was salt that made the city rich and famous. During the era of the prince archbishops, the salt trade flourished, and it is for this reason that salt was referred to as “white gold”.

Even today, salt deposits can be found in the mines near Dürrnberg in Hallein, just a few kilometers from Grödig. Here you can visit the labyrinth of tunnels which today make up the visitor’s portion of the mines. Dressed in the traditional garb of the local miners, visitors travel down deep into the mines. Here you will learn about how salt was mined and why working in the mines was so dangerous.

Already some 2500 years ago, the Celts searched after this salt. One sight not to be missed is the ride on the mine’s subterranean salt lake. Slide along the polished miner’s slide made of wood into the realm of this world of salt. Not to worry, though, you’ll see daylight again at the end of the tunnel.

Included in the admission price to the mine near Salzburg is a visit to the Celtic Museum and the Celtic village where you can get a glimpse into how the Celts lived on the Dürrnberg Mountain. Children over the age of 4 are permitted to visit the mines.

The mine tour takes about 70 minutes, and visiting the entire complex (mines and Celtic village) takes about 2½ hours.

Tours are available (upon request) in German and English (simultaneous), Italian, Spanish and French.

For more information: www.salzwelten.at