Salt. Salzburg. Salzwelten. Or, how salt from the Dürrnberg brought wealth to the city of Salzburg
What links the architectural splendor of Salzburg to a subterranean adventure? You’ve got it! Salt, a.k.a. “white gold.” In this article, you will learn what a stroll through Salzburg’s historic Old Town has to do with the new “White Gold Adventure Tour” inside Salzwelten Salzburg – and why those magnificent building facades might never even have existed if it weren’t for salt from the Dürrnberg.
Picture this: You are strolling through Salzburg’s marvelous historic district. The sun glints off the golden domes of the city’s countless ornate churches. The lively buzz of street cafés fills the air with a summery lightness, while the baroque facades stand like silent witnesses to a golden past – a time of grandeur and radiance that few cities or regions of that time were fortunate to enjoy. But where did that wealth actually originate? How could the people back then afford such opulence, such beautiful buildings, and so many churches? What were the roots of the aura and magic of this unique city nestled on the banks of the River Salzach?
Your walk takes you from the prince-archbishops’ Residenz on famous Residenzplatz Square in the heart of Salzburg’s Old Town, along the bustling Getreidegasse and past Mozart's Birthplace towards the Salzach and across the river to the other side of the city. At Cafè Bazar , your gaze wanders once more across the historic district and up to the fortress which towers above. From there, you are also just a stone’s throw from the magical Mirabell Gardens.
Right in the middle of Mirabellplatz, your eyes suddenly land on a sign:
“The White Gold Adventure – Salzwelten Salzburg”
What’s the common thread?! We can assure you. It’s an intriguing one… 😉
White Gold – the source of all wealth
Deep in the Dürrnberg – just a few kilometers from Salzburg’s Old Town – hidden inside mystical tunnels, lies the white gold that once brought the city its wealth. Not a fairytale – a true piece of history.
Quick historical fact-check:
The history of Salzburg is closely interwoven with the Dürrnberg, where salt has been mined since the Neolithic period. The Celts mined there from around 600 BCE on, and after a long hiatus, mining activities resumed yet again in the Middle Ages under the Prince-Archbishopric of Salzburg. But it was only with the vigorous salt trade conducted under Prince-Archbishop Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau (1559 – 1617), especially via the River Salzach, that great wealth and power were amassed. He transformed the small medieval town of Salzburg into a modern, prestigious city of the late Renaissance and early Baroque periods. Wolf Dietrich had new streets and wide-open squares laid out. Grand façades and elaborate portals gave the city its refined appearance. In place of the old bishop’s court, he had the opulent Residenz built as the seat of power and official residence. He also commissioned a spacious court stables complex – today’s internationally famous Festival Hall) – as well as Schloss Altenau, which later became known as Schloss Mirabell.*
Speaking of which, let’s return now to Mirabellplatz…
Now that you have experienced the magic of this “city of salt” firsthand and learned the real source of its wealth, it’s time to explore the actual origins of this story as you participate in an unforgettable adventure.
The new “White Gold Adventure” guided tour takes you on a fascinating journey back in time into the world of salt mining – and to the place where it all began. An unforgettable experience beyond compare, for families, couples, and explorers alike:
Your adventure awaits
📍 Set out from Mirabellplatz in Salzburg
📍 Comfortable, convenient ride on the Salzburg Sightseeing shuttle to and from Salzwelten Salzburg
📍 Perfect for a day trip, part of your holiday program, or a weekend outing
Book your Online Ticket now for the “White Gold Adventure” tour through Salzwelten Salzburg, including round-trip shuttle:
Have we whet your appetite for more? Read our Salzburg Sightseeing Blog or check out our Website – to see what’s in store for you during the new “White Gold Adventure Tour” at Salzwelten Salzburg.
*Source: SalzHOCHburg Hallein - Baumgartner, Schatteiner, Strobl, Wintersteller
About the author
Magdalena Geistlinger
Magdalena has worked at Salzwelten since 2017. She is responsible for online marketing and has a personal connection to the mine due to her own family history – her great-grandfather worked shifts deep inside the Dürrnberg mine for 40 years. Even as a child, as she played in her garden at the entrance to a magical “mine” of her own imagination, she discovered her first love for the world of salt mining…
