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Mine · Berchtesgaden, Baviera
Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden
The oldest active salt mine in Germany, in operation since 1517. The guided tour goes down by a small train into the mountain, uses wooden slides and crosses an underground lake by boat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden
The Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden is the oldest active salt mine in Germany, in continuous operation since 1517. For centuries salt was the basis of the wealth of the monastery and the prince-provosts who ruled Berchtesgaden. Today the brine extracted from underground is pumped to the salt works in Bad Reichenhall.
The tour is guided and begins with a change of clothing: everyone puts on a miner's jumpsuit. A small train goes about 650 meters into the mountain. Inside, two wooden slides, 34 and 40 meters long, lead to the lower levels; those who prefer can take the stairs.
The route passes through a large chamber excavated more than 250 years ago, a grotto of illuminated salt blocks and old pumping machines. The deepest point is the Spiegelsee, a saline lake about 130 meters deep, crossed by boat.
Inside the mine the temperature stays around 12 °C year-round. Photos are not allowed during the visit, but a short trail around the mine has spots for photographs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour guided tour, plus 30 minutes to put on and take off the jumpsuit.
Best time
Open every day, year-round, which makes the mine a good option for rainy days. On those days it gets very busy: buy the ticket online. When online tickets sell out, there is no extra sale at the box office.
How to get there
It is about 1 km from the center of Berchtesgaden, around a 15-minute walk from Berchtesgaden Hbf station. There is also a local bus and paid parking.
Tip
Arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring a warm layer under the coverall. Strollers are not allowed, and the route is not wheelchair accessible.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden
Is the salt mine open year-round?
Yes, every day. Check opening times and buy tickets online, especially on rainy days.
Do you have to use the slides?
No. Anyone who doesn't want to slide can use the adjacent stairs.
Can I take photos inside?
Not during the guided tour. There are photo points in the outside area and on the trail around the mine.
What is the temperature inside the mine?
About 12 °C year-round. Bring a jacket.