Taking shelter on the coast of river Salzach lies one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Salzburg. Other than its immense beauty, it’s best known for its musical ties – it serves as the background for the iconic film ‘The Sound of Music’ and it’s the place of birth of the famous musician Mozart.

It’s more than ideal location allows travellers to take several day trips, within close proximities, that are more than worth it. A 1-3 hour journey by bus, car or train will lead you to striking destinations.

Of the many, one must do trip is the trip to Hallstatt and the Salt Mines.

Hallstatt

The quaintness coupled with the scenic location of this lakeside postcard-perfect village has long since attracted artists, photographers and tourists alike. The beauty of Hallstatt is bountifully sufficient to promise it fame! Although this town is only one street wide, it’s cosily settled overlooking the aquamarine waters of Lake Hallstatt and coheres to the base of a mountain.

It’s a village which has years of history dating to back to more than 4000-5000 years ago. Then, predominantly the region was used due to the Salt mines.

Today, visitors from all over the world come to Hallstatt to experience the town’s old world charm, captivating views, 500-600-year-old terraced homes, the Alpine scenery and the friendly locals with easy going and laid back vibes. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There’s plenty to do here:

• Go on a walking tour of Hallstatt
• Visit the stunning churches
• Take in the vibrant and lively Market Square
• Visit The Bone House where you can see real life skulls that have been decorated and painted
• Enjoy the serenity while on a boat ride on the Hallstatt Lake
• Ride the funicular to the viewing platform
• Visit the world’s oldest Salt Mine which is over 7,000 years old

Hallstatt Salt Mine (locally known as Salzwelten)

As stated earlier, this Salt Mine gained popularity because it’s one of the oldest salt mines in the world that has history which traces back to 7000 years ago. It is often said even before there was a Rome, these salt deposits are what helped Hallstatt prosper in the early days. Salt was so valuable back then that it was titled ‘White Gold’.

Did you know? – The early wealth of Austria and the entire existence of Hallstatt only came because of ‘White Gold’.

Starting from mid-April until the beginning of November, the secretive paths of the mine are open for exploration.

Today, as you enter this underground world, a tour of the salt mine will take you down one of the oldest staircases in Europe, through long tunnels, to an underground salt lake and also on a ride on a miner’s train. You will also get to see the famous ‘Man in Salt’ figurine. All through the tour, you will learn about the mine’s history, life of the daily workers, learn about how the salt was formed and how salt was extracted.

The salt mine tour is not only fun for visitors of all ages but also an educating experience.

Distance of Hallstatt and Hallstatt Salt Mine from Salzburg:

• By bus – 2 hours and 15 minutes approx. to the heart of the village
• By train – 2 hours and 30 minutes approx. to across the lake + a short ferry to reach the village
• By car – 1 hour and 15 minutes approx.

In essence, your day trip will be an excursion that is laden with history amid a beautiful setting which will take your breath away.

Interested to plan a trip to Hallstatt or Salzburg?
Explore our Austria holidays and choose a holiday that suits you best or let us help you customise your trip!