Salt mines in Hallstatt

We enjoyed the salt mine last year, the 2 slides & train back were fun. It was rainy that day and the view looking down on Hallstatt & mountains were beautiful.

We really enjoyed the salt mine. There's a part of the tour where you slide down like the miners and they time you; DH still kids me about being slower than everyone including the elderly grandma on the tour. We had a coffee on the patio with a view overlooking the lake afterwards and it was wonderful.

Before I went to the salt mines, I couldn't imagine how the tour could be so interesting- and exciting- but it was quite worthwhile.
The funicular ascends about 4000 feet, and the view is incredible. [Last APRIL, there was still 3-4 ft of snow on the ground at the top.]

For the tour, they supply you with a coverall suit, to protect your clothes when you slide down the "horizontals", as miners would. [You may even purchase a picture of yourself flying down the log.] You tour deep into the mines, and there are several short movies explaining aspects of the salt trade, and the history from the Bronze Age onward. Our tour guide was animated, informative, and personable. The tour was well worth the cost and time.

Thank you all for your responses. I am sorry to ask this but is it scary to slide down? What if you just want to take the tour minus the sliding down?

the speed you go down the slides is dependant upon you, as you control it with your legs. can't remember if there was steps as well?? we had a great time.
there is a reasonable walk from the top of the funicular up to where the salt mine starts. so leave some time.
hope this helps.

There are steps beside the slides. But the slides are fun, not scary. Salt mine tours have been a highlight of each of my Austrian trips. I’ve done Hallein twice and Hallstatt once.

yes there are stairs but believe me .. you'll be scared at the 1st short one then excited that there's another one :-) You can go down as a pair as well.

sally,

If you're visiting Hallstatt as a day trip, I'd suggest getting an early start so that you have as much time as possible there. It's an incredibly beautiful spot!

To reach the Salt Mine, you'll have to walk to the opposite end of town from where Stefanie arrives at the dock. Take the Funicular to the top and then walk uphill (10-15 minutes) to the building where the Salt Mine tour starts. You'll be issued with coveralls so that your clothes don't get soiled.

I don't find the slides to be "scary" at all, but rather a lot of fun. This will give you an idea what the short slide is like - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfYFIQGXhSo . There's a longer slide also, but it's possible to control the speed to some extent. As others have mentioned, there are stairs alongside the slides.

The tour will exit the mines downhill from where it originated, so you'll have to walk back uphill to return the coveralls. On you way back to Hallstatt, you can stop at Rudolfsturm for a "cool one" or a fine meal, and to enjoy the incredible views - https://goo.gl/images/4Jo4UD .

My 5 year old did the slides. Not scary.

Thanks a lot. Ken, the video of the slides looks fun.

The Salt Mines, and their slides, were so much fun and fascinating! My 70 MIL went down and when she got off she had joy on her face. Do the Salt Mine tour and have fun on the slides! I also recommend seeing the museum's exhibits about the areas celtic heritage.

We visited last year and my 4 year old LOVED the slides and wanted to do them again. It is very easy to control your speed. The view is amazing.

Thanks a lot. We are excited to try it.