Salzburg Salt Mines (Salzkammergut)

Salzkammergut is in Austria’s Lake District, focusing on the lakeside town of Hallstatt. Beneath the region’s picture-perfect lakes ringed by snow-capped mountains lie miles and miles of salt mines.

After exploring Hallstatt’s fine market buildings, and its macabre Beinhaus ossuary with its rows of neatly stacked skulls (space for burials was at a premium in this tiny town), ride the funicular railway to the Salzbergwerk saltworks above the town.

Salt has been a highly valued resource in these parts since several millennia BC, and Hallstatt owes its fine buildings to the income raised by salt mining.

Practical Info

Buses run to the Salzkammergut region from Salzburg. The salt works are reached by funicular or scenic hiking trails.

Guided tours take you on a chilly underground tour of the world’s oldest salt works and its many tunnels. Wear warm protective clothing!