Salzwelten Hallstatt — Attraction in Hallstatt

Visitor centre, shop and the funicular station is located in Hallstatt Lahn. 3-4 min walk from the bus stand. You have to buy a ticket and go up to the mountain behind, in the funicular which is about a 3 min ride. From the top funicular station you can see the skywalk lookout which is called the top of hallstatt. From the top funicular stop, you have to walk along the uphill paved road for 10-12 mins to the entrance of the salt mine. Even during the mine tour you have to climb up on stairs few times so be prepared. You can buy tickets only for funicular ride or including salt mine tour. Online tickets were all inclusive only. Online tickets are sold for every half an hour and 60 per slot. But funiculars are running more frequently, say every 10 min like. There are 2 funiculars running up and down continuously. Mine tour lasts about 90 mins and operated first come first serve basis. One tour they can handle up to 70 people. You can see skywalk lookout first and go to mine later or do the mine first. Rather than taking the funicular, there is a paved road running up to the mountain. You can even walk up to reach skywalk before the first funicular to avoid crowds. Its about 250m elevation gain. There is usually a long QUEUE to funicular in the last two hours of the day to get back. Be mindful of that too. If you are staying for more than 3 nights in Hallstatt you will get free WINTER/SUMMER CARDS from the hotel. You get a DISCOUNT for that at the salt mine. This is when you buy tickets in person. I did not see any option to add winter card discount in online booking. Card payments accepted.

Tour After you go in to the mine entrance building, you need to wait in a queue until the next mine tour is ready. Then you will be taken into a room and asked to wear an overall. There is a FREE LUGGAGE LOCKER in this room. Then you will be guided to tunnel entrance. You have to walk along the tunnel into the mountain for about 300m. Then guide will give details of the mine. Highlights of this tour are the two MINERS SLIDES and miners train. First slide is 12m and the second is 65m. Both of them are smooth and nothing to worry about. If a member of your family is afraid to slide alone, please make that person sit behind you and hold you tight. Then you can slide. Second slide has a camera which takes a picture of you whike sliding down. Dont forget to looke left-up at the latter part to face the picture. This picture is printed and sold for EUR 8.00. This should be paid in CASH. For those who do not like to slide, there are stairs. Other activities in the mine are short explations by the guide, movie shows of the mine history etc. and light shows. Even this is an active mine with 50 workers, we dont see them. But you can see how inside a mine looks like, the tools/equipment used and how miners life would have been. Lastly, you will be taken out of the mine in a MINERS TRAIN. You need to sit on bench like wheeled carriages and engine will pull you out. This is an experience one must get.

Getting there Nearest airport is Salzburg. You can use ÖBB app to find times and purchase public transport tickets online. It’s super easy this way coz Apple Pay can be linked and purchase tickets straightaway. Trolley bus 2 comes to the bus stop located straight ahead after crossing the road in front of the airport exit. It’s a direct bus to Salzburg main train station (Haputbahnhof). Central bus stop is also outside the Central station. It’s around a 30 min ride from the airport. Buses available every 20 min. Charge is 3 EUR pp. Tickets can be bought from driver paying in CASH. Or else, can be purchased online via ÖBB app and show the ticket to driver.

From the central bus stop, take bus 150 to Bad Ischl. It’s a 90 min bus ride. You can take tickets up to Hallstatt from this bus. From Bad Ischl, need to get to Hallstatt Lahn (town centre where all buses stop). From Bad ishl take bus 541 and go to Hallstatt Gosaumühle. This will connect to bus 543 to...

During my recent visit to Hallstatt, Austria, I had the pleasure of exploring the Salzwelten Hallstatt, renowned as the world’s oldest salt mine with a history spanning over 7,000 years.

The adventure began with a scenic ride on the funicular, which swiftly transported us up the mountain, offering panoramic views of the picturesque village.

The 90-minute guided tour was both educational and entertaining. Our guide, Sarah, was exceptional—her enthusiasm and knowledge brought the rich history of the mine to life. She detailed the evolution of salt mining from ancient times to modern techniques, highlighting significant locations within the mine. The tour was enhanced by video presentations including captivating light shows and informative videos that provided deeper insights into the mining processes and the cultural importance of salt in the region.

A highlight of the tour was the opportunity to experience two traditional wooden slides, once used by miners to navigate between levels. The first slide was shorter and gentler, serving as an introduction, while the second was longer and steeper, offering an exhilarating descent that added a sense of adventure to the historical exploration.

Additionally, we visited a subterranean salt lake, where a mesmerizing light show illuminated the tranquil waters, creating a surreal and memorable experience.

The tour concluded with a ride on the mine train, which transported us back to the surface. After the tour, we visited the Hallstatt Skywalk. The platform extends like a needle over the valley, providing breathtaking, unobstructed views of the UNESCO World Heritage site, the surrounding mountains, and the serene lake—a truly surreal experience that shouldn’t be missed.

For those interested, the combined ticket for the guided tour and the round-trip funicular ride was priced at €40 per person.

In summary, the Hallstatt Salt Mine tour is a captivating blend of history, adventure, and natural beauty. It’s an experience I highly recommend to anyone visiting Hallstatt, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s rich heritage and the timeless allure of the...

Definitely worth a visit. The price of 40€ is a bit steep but what can you do. The wait was a bit long between the tickets, the ride, the prep for the tour and the way down. The tour is 90 minutes. There is a lovely view and small sites shopping the walk. Plan 3 hours start to finish. There is a bit of walking and many steps and somehow they all seem to be uphill =) Everything is organized. Upon arrival you get a white top and bottom. The girl handing them out is an expert at size estimation because she hands them out before you get to the counter. Everything has to be hidden under the outfit before you go in the mine. They have free lockers. There are interesting signs to read as you are walking to the waiting area. Read them while you wait for the group because you don't go back. **The toilet at the entrance is 1€. Wait until you get to the top where it is free. There are two wood slides to take and the pants and ankles have material that facilitates that. Of course there is a camera on the 2nd one and they sell your photo with speed written on the way out for 8€. There are stairs of you don't want to take the slides. It is a nice walk. The guide was excellent. She spoke in German and English. Two of the stops were films and one was a 'light show'. I would have preferred the guide explaining more things directly and taking questions. There were things I waited for her to tell us and we just walked by them which was a shame. It was a good speed for children. You do see the old staircase through a screen. You can taste salt and brine of you want. It is 8°C inside so des accordingly because the outfit is not warm. You can take pictures with a flash. You ride out on a wooden train which was either real or a reconstruction. It was cute. Overall a visit you have to do. **The close parking lot has 28 spaces, the next 36. We had to go to the 3rd lot (only 10h30) and it is a 1.5km walk =) Be careful to get your ticket. They don't always come out. No one answers the phone on the machine and the replacement ticket is an all day fee of 32€. Or ask someone else if you can ride out close on their...