The White Gold Adventure - Salt Mines Guided Tour

Join us for an unforgettable journey to the oldest salt mine open to visitors with the White Gold Adventure - Salt Mines Package. Discover Salzburg’s Salt Mines, a journey deep into the Austrian Alps. Board our comfortable shuttle for a scenic ride to the Hallein salt mines from Salzburg’s city center. During this White Gold Adventure, you will get to know the fascinating world and history of salt mining. With the skip-the-line access, arrive at the salt mines where a guide will greet you and take you to the entrance. Your ticket includes a guided tour with a bilingual guide in German and English to explore the world's oldest show mine and follow the trail of “white gold” 2,600 years into the past. If you want a guide in other languages, download the free Salzwelten Destination Guide” app for the audio guide. You will travel back 2,600 years through ancient tunnels with expert guides. Ride the original mine train taking you into the mountain’s depths. Have a thrilling experience as you slide down wooden miner’s slides to explore the inner workings of the mountain. You can even float on an underground lake for a fascinating adventure. Glide across the underground Salt Lake on a raft. Also, marvel at the fascinating branch covered with salt crystals. The Hallein salt mines have been active for centuries. Today, they are a source of exciting adventures for visitors. 

 

Salt has an important history that goes back billions of years. About 250 million years ago, a large Salt Lake existed in what is now Austria and Germany. As the water dried up, it left behind valuable salt deposits. Tectonic forces pushed these deposits up into the Alps, and this process continues today. Humans first saw salt’s usefulness around 4,000 BC when they began using it to preserve food. By the 6th century BC, the Celts in Dürrnberg started mining salt and built a strong community around it. During the Middle Ages, Salzburg’s Prince-Archbishops saw salt as a major source of wealth and used it to fund the city’s impressive architecture. Today, you can explore this history at Salzwelten Salzburg, which is the world’s oldest visitor mine.

 

Remember to dress warmly, as the mine maintains a cool temperature of 50°F (10°C). You will be provided with a white miner's suit to protect your clothing and keep you comfy. After the tour, stop by the Salzwelten shop for unique salt-themed souvenirs. We will depart from the Salzwelten and return to Salzburg Mirabellplatz, leaving you with memories of an epic journey into the heart of history. Uncover the fascinating impact of salt, a mineral that has significantly influenced cultures, economies, and history across the globe.

Due to the year-round low temperatures of 7 to 10° Celsius (45° to 50° Fahrenheit) and the sometimes uneven ground, warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended! We will provide you with protective clothing on site.

Upon arrival at the salt mines, you will be greeted directly by a guide who will lead you to the entrance.

Please do not leave any personal belongings on the bus, as the return transportation may take place  in a different bus.