Descend deep into the salt mines
and discover their unique history
Salt mines around Obertraun
- Have fun discovering the salt mines’ unique history
- Guided tours for young and old
- Visit the salt mines in Hallstatt, Hallein or Altaussee
Obertraun and the surrounding area are famous for the impressive salt mines. Salt was extracted in the mountains as early as the Middle Bronze Age. In the 18th century, mummies were found of prehistoric miners killed during an accident. Some 250 million years ago, there was a huge lake at the site of the salt mines, which evaporated. The salt dried up and was later discovered and used. Salt was a valuable commodity at the time and was sometimes called the “white gold from Austria”.
In the present day, a visit to the salt mines is one of the most interesting day trips in this region. There are three salt mines, all definitely worth a visit, close to Dormio Resort Obertraun. Read about our tips below!
Tip 1: The oldest salt mine in the world in Hallstatt
It only takes 10 minutes from Dormio Resort Obertraun to get to Hallstatt, where you will find the oldest salt mine in the world, the oldest wooden staircase in Europe and the free-floating Skywalk at 360 metres above the ground, with breath-taking views of the UNESCO world heritage site! The salt mine is now open to visitors; here you can discover how salt was mined in the past.
Adventurous visit to the salt mines of Hallstatt
Dressed in overalls you go on a journey of discovery, back to the beginning of salt mining some 7,000 years ago. Using the latest multimedia technology, including 3D projections, holograms and a cinema 400 metres under the ground, you experience the history of the Bronze Age during your stay in Obertraun. You will see the long slides the miners used to move underground from one salt layer to another. Slide down one of these slides yourself and check on a speedometer how fast you are going. The tour concludes with an exciting trip on the mine train!
Tip 2: A salt mine full of surprises in Hallein
The salt mine in Hallein in the Salzburg region was the first mine in history to open its tunnels to the public. These salt mines have attracted a large number of visitors from all around the world. The visit to the Hallein salt mine is full of surprises and is highly recommended during your stay in Obertraun! The place where once upon a time salt was extracted from the mine now offers an exciting journey of discovery for the whole family.
Go down deep into the salt mine with the whole family, guided by the duck Sally.
Take the mine train to go down deep into the coal mine of Dürnnberg. You will go through the tunnels to reach the first miners’ slide. The slide will quickly take you down more than 50 metres! You will then sail on a subterranean salt lake, where you will be treated to an impressive light show. Meanwhile, you will also pass the German border. A visit to the salt mines in Hallein during your stay in Obertraun is quite an experience in itself! During an adventurous day, you will learn more about the history of salt and the wealth of the bishops in Salzburg. Especially for families with children aged 4 to 10, the duck Sally provides guided tours geared at children.
Tip 3: The largest active salt mine in Austria
In Altaussee, which is less than half an hour’s drive from Obertraun, you will find the largest active salt mine in Austria. A visit to this salt mine, also called Schattenberg, will make a great impression. The salt mine is in the Steiermark part of Salzkammergut; it features tunnels carved from pure salt, a mineral chamber, a salt lake and several historical milestones. The mystical St Barbara Chapel, which sparkles in red, yellow and orange, is a very special place. A stunning colour display!
Admire authentic collections from the wars in the Altaussee salt mine
The salt mine in Altaussee played an important part in World War 2 and was designated as a storage place for important art objects in 1943. By the end of the war, more than 6,500 paintings, sculptures, weapons, coin and jewellery collections were stored here. One storage room from that time has been restored and reflects the ambience from that period. A special place to visit and admire during your stay in Obertraun!
Explore the salt mines dressed in a miner’s suit
You must wear an authentic miner’s suit during the guided tours in the different salt mines. You must wear this to protect your clothes, as the salt mines are very damp.
Tip: It is only 7 to 10 degrees in the salt mines, so warm clothes and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Visit the salt mines during your stay at our resort
The salt mines are within easy reach from Obertraun. At the reception desk at Dormio Resort Obertraun you can get more information about the salt mines, how to get there and where to park. NB: The salt mines are open to children aged 4 and over.
Thanks to the extensive facilities we offer, you can also have a great time at our resort. For example, go for a swim in the swimming-pool, visit our restaurant or unwind in the wellness centre!