Hallstatt Salt Mine: Tickets, Tours, Slide – all Above the Village
Why Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine?
A Journey Into the World’s Oldest Salt Mine
If you’re coming to Hallstatt, don’t miss the Salt Mine. I’ve been there a couple of times—and every visit was just as exciting as the first. This isn’t just a museum; it’s an experience deep inside the oldest salt mine in the world.
The tour takes you underground, where miners worked over 7,000 years ago. You’ll walk through narrow tunnels, see ancient tools, and even pass the preserved remains of a prehistoric miner. It’s history brought to life—right under your feet.
What I love most? You don’t just read about the past—you feel it. You stand in the same spots as Bronze Age miners. Hear the stories, see the artifacts, and suddenly everything about Hallstatt makes sense.
There’s a reason this village became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Salt made Hallstatt rich. And exploring the mine shows you exactly why this little lakeside town became so important.
👉 Curious about Hallstatt’s ancient past? Dive deeper here:
Hallstatt history from prehistoric times to UNESCO heritage
Combining History, Adventure & Stunning Views
The salt mine tour isn’t just educational—it’s also a lot of fun.
You’ll ride a mountain funicular to get there, walk above the village with epic lake views, and then head underground. The best part? The 64-meter wooden miner’s slide. I still remember the thrill of racing down it. Yes, adults can do it too—and yes, it’s awesome.
Before the tour starts at Knappenhaus, there’s a Skywalk platform where you can look out over Hallstatt, the lake, and the Dachstein mountains. Bring your camera. This is one of the best photo spots in town.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, friends, or just exploring on your own, the Hallstatt Salt Mine adds adventure, beauty, and meaning to your trip. It’s the kind of place you’ll talk about long after your vacation ends.
How to Reach the Salt Mine
Salzbergbahn: The Scenic Hallstatt Funicular Ride
Getting to the Hallstatt Salt Mine is an experience on its own. The easiest and most scenic way? Take the Salzbergbahn funicular. It starts just a short walk from the village center and climbs up the mountain in just a few minutes. The views along the ride are stunning—you’ll see the lake, the rooftops of Hallstatt, and the towering cliffs all around.
Once at the top, you’re only a short walk from the mine entrance. On the way, you’ll also pass by the famous Hallstatt Skywalk, so you can tick off two must-see attractions in one trip!
👉 Here’s everything you need to know about the ride:
Salzbergbahn Hallstatt
👉 Want to buy your ticket ahead of time? I’ve got tips and booking links here:
Hallstatt funicular tickets, prices, tips & booking
👉 Thinking about visiting the Skywalk too? The skywalk platform is FREE and it’s worth it:
How much are the Skywalk tickets?
This route is perfect for families, travelers short on time, or anyone who wants to enjoy the best views with the least effort.
Hiking to the Salt Mine via the Panorama Trail
I’ve hiked this route myself several times, and it’s always peaceful, quiet, and incredibly rewarding. At the top of the trail, you’ll reach the Rudolfsturm restaurant, a perfect spot to rest and grab a meal with a view. Just a few steps away is the famous Skywalk, where you can stand on a platform high above the lake and take in one of the best panoramas in Hallstatt.
👉 Looking for food with a view? Check out Rudolfsturm – The beauty of Hallstatt lake with a delicious meal
👉 Want to know what the Skywalk is like? Here’s everything you need:
Skywalk of Hallstatt Lake and Village from Above
This trail isn’t just a hike—it’s one of the best half-day adventures in Hallstatt, combining nature, views, food, and history all in one.
Hallstatt Salt Mine Tickets & Prices
Ticket Options: Funicular, Salt Mine Tour & Best Combos
I’ve done this trip a few times—sometimes with family, sometimes solo. Whether you hike or ride the funicular, the salt mine is always worth it. But let’s talk tickets first, because there are a few options you should know about.
🎟️ Salzbergbahn Funicular – Round Trip
The funicular is quick, scenic, and gets you right to the top. I’ve walked it before, but when it’s hot, rainy, or you’re short on time—this ride is gold.
Here are the round-trip prices for 2025:
- Adults (16+): €24.00
- Children (4–15): €12.00
- Children with an accompanying parent: €11.00
- Groups (20+ people): €23.00 per person
- School & Youth Groups: €12.00
- Season Pass (Adults): €80.00
- Season Pass (Children): €55.00
👉 Read more about the ride here
👉 Tips for buying tickets online or on-site
Even if you take the cable car up, be ready for a 650-meter uphill walk along the nature trail to reach the salt mine entrance. The walk takes about 10–15 minutes and includes several information boards about the mine’s history. Along the way, you’ll also pass the Chapel of St. Barbara, the patron saint of miners.
🎫 Combo Ticket: Funicular + Salt Mine Tour
This is what I usually recommend. It saves time and money, and you get access to both the salt mine and the Skywalk. Here’s what you’ll pay:
- Adults (16+): €43.00
- Children (4–15): €21.00
- Children with an accompanying parent: €19.50
- Groups (20+ people): €41.00
- School & Youth Groups: €21.00
💡 If you’re already planning to visit the Skywalk and Rudolfsturm restaurant, this ticket is perfect. It’s a full Hallstatt experience bundled into one.
🚶♂️ Salt Mine Tour Only (No Funicular)
Prefer to hike up? I’ve done it, and the trail is peaceful and scenic. You’ll pass the Skywalk and reach the mine on foot.
- Adults: €28.00
- Children (4–15): €14.00
👉 Read about the hike and Skywalk route
Where to Buy Tickets
I usually buy mine at the Talstation—the base station in Hallstatt. It’s fast, and they’ve got vending machines too. But if you’re visiting in summer or on a holiday, book online. You skip the line and can choose your tour time.
📍 You can buy tickets:
- At the funicular base station (Talstation)
- At the upper station (if hiking up)
- Online on the Salzwelten website (recommended!)
Insider Tips & Seasonal Offers for Hallstatt Salt mine
Here’s what I’ve learned:
- Book online to secure your spot—especially during weekends.
- Look for combo deals—they’re always the best value.
- If you’re staying locally, ask your hotel about the Salzkammergut Card. It gets you discounts at the mine, museum, and even the Dachstein ice caves.
💳 With the Salzkammergut Card, the combo ticket drops to €39.00 instead of €43.00. That’s a nice bonus if you’re traveling as a family or group.
👉 Curious about the Salzkammergut Card and other discounts?
Check our tips here
🚨 A Quick Note on Parking near Hallstatt Salt mine
Driving to Hallstatt? Give yourself extra time. Parking in town can be tricky—especially in high season. I always tell friends: if you’re staying outside Hallstatt, take the ferry across the lake. The view from the boat is stunning, and it drops you close to the funicular.
🅿️ If you’re parking:
- Use P1 or P2, then walk 👉 See Parking Hallstatt
- Skip P3 and P4 unless you’re okay with a longer walk
🚆 If you’re arriving by train:
Get off at Hallstatt Train Station, then take the ferry or walk into the village 👉 See Hallstatt Train Station
Hallstatt Salt Mine Tour: What to Expect
I’ve done this tour a few times—and every time, I leave with a smile. It’s not just a museum or a walk through tunnels. It’s a real adventure. Whether you’re traveling solo, with kids, or as a couple, the salt mine tour in Hallstatt is a must-do.
Hallstatt Salt mine Tour Duration and Group Size
The guided tour lasts around 90 minutes—just the right amount of time to explore the underground world, learn about Hallstatt’s ancient salt trade, and enjoy a few unforgettable moments like the famous slides and underground lake.
Tours run every 20 minutes throughout the day, so it’s usually easy to find a time slot that fits your plan. But I still recommend arriving a little early—especially during weekends or holidays.
🕒 Opening hours (2025):
Last entry at 4:00 PM (in summer months)
First tour starts at 9:30 AM
Group sizes typically range from 20 to 40 people. Tours are offered in both German and English — in my experience, they were conducted in both languages simultaneously. If you’re joining during peak season or school holidays, I recommend booking ahead.
Highlights of the Hallstatt Salt mine Experience
This is where the fun really begins. The Hallstatt Salt Mine tour isn’t your typical history walk—it’s packed with surprises and cool moments from start to finish.
At the start of the tour, you’ll be given a special white salt mine suit and asked to lock your backpack in a locker. Tip: Snap some photos in your suit before the tour begins — it’s a fun and memorable part of the experience!
⭐ The Miner’s Slides – Two of Them!
Get ready to slide! You’ll ride not one, but two wooden miner’s slides during the tour. One of them is Europe’s longest wooden slide, stretching over 60 meters. It’s fast, safe, and adds a real thrill. I still remember the laughter echoing through the tunnel as everyone took their turn.
The second slide has a speedometer, so you can challenge your family or friends to a race — it’s a fun way to add some friendly competition. But don’t be too confident; the tour guide usually slides down at lightning speed, and beating her is nearly impossible!
🌈 Light & Sound Show in the Caverns
Deep inside the mountain, you’ll walk into a huge cavern where the walls light up in color. The sound, the lights, and the stillness of the salt layers create something magical. I’ve seen kids stare in awe—and adults too. It’s short, but memorable.
🌊 Underground Salt Lake, Wooden Stairways & Multimedia Tunnel Ride
This part blew me away. There’s a quiet, glass-smooth salt lake hidden inside the mine, reflecting the rock walls like a mirror. Wooden bridges lead you across, and there’s even a multimedia tunnel ride with visual effects showing how salt shaped Hallstatt over 7,000 years.
You’ll also board a tiny underground train at the end of the tour—fun for all ages and a nice way to wrap up the journey.
👉 Bonus tip: If you’re curious about the ancient side of this story, take a look at my post on Hallstatt’s history from prehistoric times to UNESCO heritage. It connects beautifully with everything you see on this tour.
Family-Friendly and Educational Aspects
This tour is great for kids, and it’s not just because of the slides. The guides make it easy to follow, even for younger visitors. There’s plenty of interactive content, storytelling, and hands-on elements throughout the tour.
Even better, kids get to wear miner’s outfits, which makes for some fun photos. The salt mine does a great job of mixing history and entertainment, so parents enjoy it just as much.
Don’t miss this: At the end of the tour, you’ll hop on a mine train that takes you to the exit. It’s not just a ride — for a brief moment, you’ll feel what it was like for miners in the past as they transported salt out of the tunnels.
If you’re traveling with your family, don’t skip this. It’s one of the best indoor experiences in Hallstatt—and a perfect option on a rainy day too.
Hallstatt Salt Mine Reviews
A museum where you can learn all about the oldest place where salt is mined. I recommend visiting. It’s long, a bit more expensive, but it’s not a tourist trap like the rest of the village
The Hallstatt Salt Mine is definitely worth a visit, the exhibition is very modern (I appreciate the projections and the conclusion with the preserved unique staircase) and the journey to the mine offers a lot of information about the life of people in Hallstatt throughout history (I recommend using the app, where you can find recordings by individual numbers).
The excellent guide Alexandr (to whom I thank you again) certainly played a role in the very positive experience, because despite the very large group, he managed to keep the group together and provide all the information in both German and English. What I do not rate positively is the sale of photos from the slide, which are probably sold by an external company for 8 euros, and that seems really high to me, especially considering the relatively high entrance fee (40 euros per person. I recommend parking at P2, which will cost you around 10 euros for 4 hours and is located in the immediate vicinity of the mine and the center of Hallstatt.
More reviews
I highly recommend visiting — it’s a fantastic experience. You can take the cable car if you prefer not to walk. The views over the village are beautiful, and as you head uphill, you’ll pass several interesting stations. At the top, you’ll receive a white suit and store your belongings in a locker — you’ll need the suit for the slides later. Inside the salt mine, you’ll walk a bit more, ride down two fun slides, take a short train ride, and watch a projection about the mine’s history. The tour isn’t physically demanding, but it might be a bit challenging for those with mobility issues. We were pleasantly surprised by the overall value for the price.
The salt mine is one of the places that you cannot miss as a tourist in Hallstatt. It is a really beautiful and interesting sight, and it will cool you down a lot on hot summer days. I definitely recommend visiting.
What’s Nearby? Perfect Add-Ons to Your Visit
Skywalk of Hallstatt: Views over the Lake
Don’t miss the Skywalk of Hallstatt for unbeatable views over the lake and village. Standing there, you’ll see Hallstatt from a whole new perspective. For more details and stunning photos, check out the Skywalk of Hallstatt Lake and Village from Above and learn more about the Lake Hallstatt.
Rudolfsturm: Eat with a View
After soaking in the sights, head to Rudolfsturm, where you can enjoy a delicious meal with a breathtaking view of Hallstatt Lake. It’s the perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery. Discover more about dining at the Rudolfsturm – The beauty of Hallstatt lake with a delicious meal.
Knappenhaus: Where Miners Once Lived and Now Entrance to the Salt Mine
Step back in time at Knappenhaus, the historic home of miners that now serves as the entrance to the famous salt mine. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Hallstatt’s mining past. Find out more on the Knappenhaus Halllstatt page.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit Hallstatt Salt mine
The Hallstatt Salt Mine and Skywalk are open year-round, offering visitors a chance to explore the world’s oldest salt mine and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views. However, please note that from September 1, 2025, until June 2026, the site will undergo extensive renovations. During this period:
- The Salt Mine and Skywalk will be closed.
- The Salzbergbahn cable car will be out of operation.
- Access to the Skywalk will be restricted.
To ensure you don’t miss out on this unique experience, plan your visit before August 31, 2025.
For more details, visit the official Salzwelten Hallstatt website.
If you need assistance with planning your visit or have any other questions, feel free to ask at the Hallstatt’s tourist information center!
Salt and Hallstatt’s UNESCO Status
Why Salt Made Hallstatt a World Heritage Site
Salt mining shaped Hallstatt’s history and culture for thousands of years. This unique heritage helped Hallstatt earn its place as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn more about the town’s rich legacy in the UNESCO Hallstatt: Exploring the World Heritage Town article.
Connecting the Salt Mine with the Hallstatt Museum
The story of salt continues inside the Hallstatt Museum, where you can dive deeper into the region’s archaeological finds, mining traditions, and local history. Don’t miss Welterbemuseum Hallstatt – The World Heritage Museum for a full cultural experience and other Hallstatt Museums around – Explore the area in depth.
For an unusual but fascinating look at Hallstatt’s past, check out the Hallstatt Bone House, a unique local tradition tied to the town’s history.
Extend Your Adventure in Hallstatt
Hike to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall
Take a refreshing hike to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall, a stunning natural spot just outside Hallstatt. The trail is scenic and perfect for nature lovers.
Explore the Plassen Peak for Epic Views
For breathtaking panoramic views, hike up to Plassen mountain. This challenging yet rewarding trail offers some of the best sights in the region.
Schneidkogel: A Guide to Hiking and Adventure
If you want a full adventure, don’t miss Schneidkogel. This hike combines stunning nature with an exciting experience. Check out the detailed guide: Schneidkogel – A Guide to Hiking and Adventure.
Discover Hallstatt Market Square (Marktplatz)
After your outdoor adventures, spend some time exploring the charming Hallstatt Market Square (Marktplatz). It’s the perfect place to enjoy local culture, cafés, and shops. Find out more here: Hallstatt Market Square Marktplatz.
FAQ and Final Thoughts on Visiting the Hallstatt Salt Mine
Is the salt mine worth it?
Yes! It’s one of the top attractions in Hallstatt. The tour is fun, educational, and offers great views and hands-on experiences like sliding down a miner’s slide.
How do I get to the salt mines in Hallstatt?
Take the Salzbergbahn funicular from the village to the top of the Salt Mountain. From there, it’s a short walk to the mine entrance. You’ll pass the Skywalk and Knappenhaus along the way.
How old is the Hallstatt salt mine?
It’s over 7,000 years old, making it the oldest known salt mine in the world.
How long is the slide at Hallstatt salt mine?
The wooden miner’s slide is 64 meters long. It’s safe, fun, and a highlight for both kids and adults!
Is it cold in the Hallstatt salt mine?
Yes, it stays cool all year round. The temperature inside is a steady 8°C to 10°C (46°F to 50°F), so bring a jacket!
Is the Hallstatt Skywalk free?
Yes! The Skywalk is free to enter. However, you’ll need a ticket if you want to take the funicular up to it.
How deep is the salt mine in Hallstatt?
The mine reaches about 400 meters into the mountain. The tour takes you through several underground levels.
How long is the salt mine tour?
The guided tour lasts about 90 minutes. You’ll learn about the history, explore tunnels, watch multimedia shows, and ride a miner’s train.
What is the temperature in Hallstatt salt mine?
It stays between 8°C and 10°C year-round. It’s best to wear sturdy shoes and warm clothes.
If you’re visiting Hallstatt, the salt mine is a must. You’ll experience the town’s rich history, incredible views, and a bit of adventure—all in one visit. Just make sure to plan your trip before August 31, 2025, as renovations will begin in September.