DISCOVER & EXPERIENCE
In the heart of the Salzkammergut: A journey to the origins of salt production
There’s no denying it: Salzwelten Hallstatt is a place of superlatives! It all starts with its spectacular location in one of the most beautiful parts of the Salzkammergut – the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hallstatt. Then there’s its 7,000-year history, making Salzwelten Hallstatt the world’s oldest salt mine. People were already living in the Hallstatt High Valley and mining salt as early as 5,000 BC. You can experience this fascinating past up close as you wander through the mine tunnels, run your hand along the roughly hewn rock walls, and race down the 64-metre-long miners’ slide. And last but certainly not least in this line-up of superlatives: Europe’s oldest wooden staircase was discovered in the prehistoric mine workings. Around 2,800 years ago, people carried the precious “White Gold” out of the mountain using these very steps. Today, this extraordinary archaeological treasure is the centrepiece of the Bronze Age Cinema, where a lifelike animation brings the miners’ hard daily lives vividly to life. Are you ready to experience the superlatives of Salzwelten Hallstatt? Then let yourself be captivated by a visit to the fascinating world of “White Gold.”
To the blogWhat you should know before your visit to Salzwelten Hallstatt
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Meeting Point: Please arrive at the Hallstatt Funicular valley station 45 minutes before the start of your guided tour.
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Duration: Please allow at least 3 hours for your visit. The guided tour of the salt mine takes approximately 90 minutes.
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Route: Travel comfortably and barrier-free aboard the world’s most modern funicular to the Hallstatt High Valley. From the panoramic lift, you can access the Skywalk. An approximately 15-minute walk then leads to the Knappenhaus, where your guided tour begins. Inside the salt mine, you will walk around 2 kilometres before leaving the mountain on the mine train.
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Children: The salt mine is suitable for children aged 4 and over. Children under the age of 4 are welcome to enjoy the uphill and downhill funicular rides and visit the Skywalk.
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Dogs: Dogs are welcome. A muzzle must be worn during the funicular ride. For the duration of the guided tour, free outdoor dog kennels are available at the Knappenhaus.
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Accessibility: The world’s most modern funicular and the Salzwelten Bistro are fully accessible. Please note that the salt mine is not wheelchair accessible.
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What to wear: Please wear sturdy footwear and warm clothing. The temperature inside the salt mine remains a constant 8°C (46°F) throughout the year.
High above, gazing down far below – the Hallstatt Skywalk in the high valley
In just a few minutes, the world’s most modern funicular takes you comfortably 360 metres above the rooftops of Hallstatt. Cross the panoramic bridge to the Rudolfsturm, and suddenly it appears before you: the Hallstatt Skywalk – a spectacular 12-metre-long viewing platform that extends dramatically out over the mountainside like the point of a star. Step right to the very edge and you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views. On some days, you'll look out over an endless sea of clouds and mountain peaks. On clear days, enjoy an unforgettable panorama of the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt, with its narrow streets, picturesque houses, and the sparkling deep-blue waters of Lake Hallstatt. It's a view that truly takes you above it all. To slow the pace afterwards, we recommend a leisurely walk in the footsteps of the prehistoric settlers, following the trail above Hallstatt’s world-famous prehistoric burial grounds.
More about the viewing platformExperience history up close: at an archaeological hotspot in the Hallstatt high valley
The Hallstatt high valley and the salt mine are absolute hotspots for archaeologists from around the world! Hardly surprising perhaps, since people were already living here in around 5000 BCE and an entire epoch of human history (ca. 800 to 400 BCE) was named after the famous burial grounds: the Hallstatt Period! Every summer, scientists from Natural History Museum Vienna specializing in Hallstatt, in collaboration with Salzwelten and Salinen Austria AG, continue their investigations of the gave fields and the prehistoric mine. One reason this site is so special: Due to the conserving effects of salt, much of the evidence of those early times has been preserved almost intact – a wealth of burial offerings, historic tools and even organic remains. And every summer, you can peek over the scientists’ shoulders as they go about their work. Incidentally: If you are looking for added adventure, you should consider joining a prehistoric expedition away from the regular routes toured by visitors – to places and treasures that are normally hidden in the darkness of the ancient tunnels.
To the blogFree Audio Guide
At our excursion destination in Hallstatt, you will find the audio guide in our new, free app – the "Salzwelten Destination Guide". For your absolutely unique Salzwelten experience, the audio guide is available in many different languages.
Click here to download the app for free.
More about the Salzwelten App
