The Salzwelten are the main attraction at Salzberg, just above the centre of Hallstatt.

A tour of the world’s oldest known salt mine will take you through the history of salt mining, which dates back some 7,000 years in Hallstatt.

It is certainly not a traditional museum with display cases. During the tour, you’ll walk through historic tunnels, slide down miners’ chutes, see an underground salt lake and the oldest surviving wooden staircase in Europe, and take the mine train back out of the mine.

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How long does it take?

Set aside at least 3 hours for the whole trip.

If you also want to take your time visiting the Skywalk, walking through the Hallstatt Valley and stopping at the archaeological site, you should allow around 5 hours.

How the visit works

The trip begins at the Salzbergbahn lower station on the southern edge of Hallstatt (near the centre).

The new ground-level cable car will take you 360 metres higher up into the Hallstatt Valley in about 3 minutes.

From the top station, there’s a roughly 15-minute walk to the Knappenhaus, where the mine tours begin.

On the way, you’ll pass a historic burial ground and can also visit the Skywalk, which offers views of Hallstatt and the lake.

The tour itself lasts about 90 minutes and covers a distance of approximately 2 km on foot. The temperature in the mine is around 8 °C all year round, so even in summer, make sure to wear sturdy shoes and a warmer layer of clothing.

Tours are conducted in German and English.

Is it worth visiting Salzwelten?

The combined ticket isn’t cheap, but it includes the cable car and the full tour of the mine.

A single return ticket for the cable car costs 29 eur, whilst the full trip to Salzwelten 49 eur.

If you want to go up to the Skywalk, you’ll pay an extra 20 eur for the mine tour alone.

For families with children, the slides and the mine train will be the highlight of the visit.

If you’re mainly interested in the views and aren’t particularly keen on the history of salt mining, you can buy just a cable car ticket and stick to the Skywalk and other attractions on the Salzberg.

The mine is also a good choice in inclement weather. On a clear day, however, you’ll get more out of the trip thanks to the views from the cable car and the Skywalk.

So, in my opinion, it’svery good value for money. You’ll see world-famous views, take a ride on the cable car and explore the oldest salt mine in the world.

Admission

Prices for Salzwelten Hallstatt are as follows:

• The mine and a return cable car journey – adults 49 eur
• Mine and return cable car ride – children aged 4 to 15 23 eur
• The mine itself without the cable car – adults 33 eur (but you’ll have to walk along a very steep path from the centre of Hallstatt)
• The mine only (without the cable car) – children aged 4 to 15 16 eur

Children under 4 are not allowed into the mine, but they can travel on the cable car for free and visit the Skywalk.

Do I need to book tickets in advance?

Yes. During peak season (and especially at weekends), buy your tickets well in advance – ideally 4–7 days beforehand. Places are limited and tickets may be sold out on the day.

• Tickets are available online attickets.salzwelten.at

💬 If prices have changed, please let us know in the comments below the article and we’ll update the text. Thanks!

Opening hours

Open every day from 9.30 am.

Closing time varies by season: at 16:30 or, in winter, at 15:00.

The last cable car ride up departs 30 minutes before the start of the last tour.

Opening hours vary throughout the year, so please check them on the official website before your visit.

Parking

Salzwelten does not have its own car park. The nearest paid car park, P2 , is about a minute’s walk from the lower cable car station.

From the larger P1 car park, it’s about a 7-minute walk.

During peak season, both car parks may be full.

Particularly on summer weekends, parking may be unavailable throughout Hallstatt, so it’s much more reliable to arrive by bus or a combination of train and boat.

👉 How to get to Hallstatt and where to park

Where to stay near Salzwelten

Staying overnight in Hallstatt itself means you can catch the first cable car in the morning and avoid the biggest crowds and any parking problems.

The Fenix Hall Boutique Hotel Hallstatt is in the most convenient location, just a 3-minute walk from the lower cable car station.

If you’re travelling by car, do also check out Im Echerntal.

The accommodation is about a 10-minute walk from the cable car and offers free on-site parking.

Find accommodation in Hallstatt near the cable car

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Hallstatt.