Hallein Salt Mine (Salzwelten Hallein) Tours

The Hallein Salt Mine (Salzwelten Hallein) is an ancient salt mine carved into Mt. Dürrnberg, just south of Salzburg, in Austria’s Salzkammergut region. Perched above the town of Hallein, the mine is around 2,500 years old and open to visitors who explore the tunnels and learn how “white gold” contributed to medieval Salzburg’s wealth.

The Basics
The Hallein Salt Mine is one of the Salzkammergut’s top family-friendly attractions. Visitors begin by donning overalls before joining a guide and riding an electric train deep into the mountain. En route, they descend mining slides, ride rafts across a subterranean lake, and learn about long-ago mining processes. Back on the surface, they can then explore the Celtic Village—where reproductions of ancient houses illustrate how Celtic mining communities lived.

There are several ways to experience the Hallein Salt Mine. Prebook your tickets online to arrive independently and join an on-site underground tour (exploring on your own isn’t an option). Otherwise, book a tour of the region from Salzburg that includes a visit to the mines, along with other local highlights such as lakes and villages.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• The Hallein Salt Mine will appeal to nature lovers, history buffs, and families. 
• The mine is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.
• Wear warm clothing and comfy shoes: The tunnels are fairly cold, and tours involve significant walking.
• Wear long pants so it’s easy to put the provided overalls on over your clothes.
• Only children ages 4 and up are permitted inside the mine.

 
How to Get There
The Hallein Salt Mine lies about 10 miles (16.5 kilometers) south of Salzburg. Regular Salzburg trains run to Hallein, as do buses 160 and 170. From the Hallein train station, take bus 41 to the mine. If driving, take the B150 and B159 south from Salzburg, and just before Hallein, turn onto Dürrnberg Landesstrasse to reach the mine.

When to Get There
The salt mine is open year-round. Opening times vary through the year, with longer hours April to November and reduced hours at other times. Guided tours run every half hour or so. The mine gets very busy in July and August, so if visiting then, arrive at opening time if possible.

Activities at the Hallein Salt Mine
Many travelers cite the mine’s slides as the best part of their visit: Expect to slither down 88-foot (27-meter) and 138-foot (42-meter) wooden chutes into the depths. If you’re a history fan, be sure to explore the mine’s overground Celtic Village, and make a detour to visit the fascinating Celtic Museum in Hallein itself.