Records of salt mining in Berchtesgaden reach as far back as the twelfth century. In 1517, Prince-Provost Gregor Rainer founded the salt mine in Berchtesgaden. Since then, salt has been mined here uninterruptedly, making Berchtesgaden Germany’s oldest active salt mine. To this day, the Bad Reichenhaller AlpenSalz is made from the brine won in this salt mine.

1816 saw the beginning of tours through the salt mine for select guests only. Since 1880, tours have been open to everyone. In 2007, the visitor center was reimagined and is now one of the most innovative salt mine experiences worldwide.In 1517, the first gallery was struck and in 2017, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine celebrated its 500-year anniversary.

The Salt Mine Berchtesgaden offers a range of highlights for visitors young and old:

After you have put on protective clothing, the mine railway takes you 650 m (2,100 ft.) into the mountain. First, you see the impressive Salt Cathedral which was dedicated to Emperor Franz Josef I., then emperor of Austria. Next is the first wooden slide, that transports you 34 m (110 ft.) downwards to the Stone Salt Grotto, which was named for King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Look forward to many interesting stations here, for example the salt laboratory which provides exciting insights into the history of salt mining.

The tour of the salt mine is completed with a breath-taking ride across the Mirror Lake on a raft. The lake owes its name to the reflection of the ceiling in the water’s surface.

The Salt Mine Berchtesgaden allows you to learn new and interesting information about the vital element salt and experience it with all senses.

Inside the salt mine, there is a constant temperature of +12°C (53°F) all year around. This is why warm clothes are recommended. Additionally, sturdy shoes are advised. At the salt mine, you will receive mandatory overalls to protect your clothes.

The tour inside the salt mine takes about 1.5 hours. The full duration of the Salt Mine Tour from departure in Salzburg back to arrival in Salzburg is 4 hours.

Children at any age can visit the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden. However, strollers, baby buggies and carrying frames are not suitable.

The easiest and most convenient way to get to the salt mine from Salzburg is with the Salt Mine Tour by Salzburg Panorama Tours. On the 4 hour tour, enjoy the drive to the salt mine via the Obersalzberg and afterwards, explore the picturesque town of Berchtesgaden at your own leisure.

Yes, the entrance fee to the Salt Mine Berchtesgaden is included in the tour price.

No, there is no long wait at the entrance because this tour includes Skip the Line Tickets.

The Salt Mine is open all year.

The Salt Mine is in Berchtesgaden, a picturesque town in the Bavarian Alps.

Address:
Salt Mine Berchtesgaden
Salzburger Straße 24
83471 Berchtesgaden