We'll be 4 adults, 30's-50's, very to fairly active, and will be in the Salzkammergut (Upper Austria) region this fall. We were wondering if we should make time for a salt mine tour. Are they worth it, or are they too kitschy or kiddie oriented? Are some better than others?
I realize this is a subjective question, but wanted to hear your thoughts. Thanks!
Last year we went to the salt mine in Bertchesgaden and enjoyed it (my husband and I are in our late 20s and my mom, in her 50s was with us). We arrived late and were on an all German tour so we couldn't understand anything, but they played a few videos which helped fill in the blank. I didn't think it was kiddie oriented, but at the end we did get a mini salt shaker. I think if you've got the time it's something to see.
Based on prior experience working with a tour operator, a salt mine tour is often the highlight of a trip for high school or college groups, however, not that big a deal for more traveled adults.
We went to the one in Hallstatt. I would skip the tour (It was fun but nothing I would want to do again). The main reason to visit the mine is the view at the top.
Our first visit to Hallstatt the tour was on our list of "had to do". We enjoy these kind of tours (we loved the slate mine tour in Wales) However, it did have its draw backs. As stated earlier, the tour is in German and I did not get as much out of it as I would have liked. The slides are a lot of fun. My biggest issue with it right now is the cost. When we did in 2001 the dollar was worth $1.10 on the euro (which wasn't the official currency yet, but the always posted it on prices) Now these tours seem a bit expensive for what you get. If my time was limited and the weather was good, I would probably choose other things. If it was rainy, then a salt mine tour would be a great activity. (this is how I "feel" about it. Having said all that,I am going back to Salzburg in September with my sister and brother-in-law and husband and they definately want to do a salt mine tour- so maybe it is something everyone needs to do once. lol)
It's not kitschy. The salt mines consider their tours to be an educational look at what drove the region's economy for more than a century. We went to Berchtesgaden with kids (8-16). Everyone enjoyed it.
It helped that we had been to Rothenburg where the Nightwatchman told us how valuable salt was in medieval times. That seemed to impress the kids about the importance of salt.
i just recall having read somewhere that some have cheesy light shows or something.
We didn't do the salt mine tour in Hallstatt but now I wish that we had - it would have been a fun memory especially when I purchased salt to use at home
Krista
3 yrs ago we went. My friend thought it was wonderful and fun and I thought it was a waste of time and money. We are both in our 50's. Yes very subjective as you say. I would have preferred a boat cruise on the lake in Hallstatt as this area is so beautiful to spend 2 hours in a mine.
I liked a lot 35 years ago and remember it fondly (i have been to europe 25 times thanks for reminding me of nice memory )
Did the Salt Mine Tour with husband and 2 older kids (17 & 20). We love the picture we have of the 4 of us in our blue and green suits that you put over your clothes. It was a nice hike up to the mine, a beautiful view once you got there, and relatively cool (it was summer) inside. We ALL - even the "too cool" teens thought it was a great way to spend a short amount of time. Sure, some of it was kind of silly and yes, you could call it kitschy - but we were on vacation and it was a fun thing to complement all the time we spent in the "serious" museums!
Agree with Karen above. We did the one at Hastatt, and while it was clearly a touristy thing (and at times just plain weird), we were very glad we went, and it's one of our fond memories of that trip. I usually find "touristy" things cringe-worthy, but this was great fun and we were really glad we went.
I had been worrying about a splinter for weeks in advance....
They did do some lights and played music while we were crossing an underground lake (actually a former block of salt that was removed by pumping water in and out) on a barge. It wasn't the highlight and only lasted a few minutes. I had completely forgotten about it. I still remember the mining suits you don and the wood slides you use as an alternative to stairs (they look like bowling ball returns). The train ride through very low tunnels was also memorable.
juliette,
I took the Salt Mine tour in Hallstatt when I was there in May, and really enjoyed it! I also visited Berchtesgaden a few days prior, but didn't tour the Mine there as I figured one Salt Mine would be adequate. It's an important look at the history of the area, and I found it quite interesting to see the 'background' of such a commonly used material.
The Guide for my tour spoke German to begin with, but she was also using Italian for some of the guests (the language abilities of Europeans never fails to amaze me!). She knew there were some English speakers in the group, so used English for the most part. According to Rick's book "the Guide is required to speak English if you ask - so ask". As I can function to some extent in Italian, I was also enjoying that - it was good practise!
As someone else mentioned, another benefit of the Hallstatt tour is the view. There's a large Castle (Rudolphsturm) at the top of the Funicular, and the view from the restaurant patio there is incredible! Definitely a great place to stop for a pint (or glass of wine) and a meal if the sun is shining!
Incidentally, I'm in the mid '50s age group and I enjoyed the tour, if that's any indication. It wasn't "flashy" but I found it interesting.
Happy travels!
Interesting responses - people really do pick their vacation experiences by such preferences.
I consider these salt mine tours a MUST. Not only for the historical references (Salzkammergut, Salzburg and the various towns with Hall in their name are all related to that product) but also for the economic and cultural relationships so essential to knowing something about the region you visit. There are several salt mine tours, and for most visitors those of Bad Reichenhall and Hallstadt are close by. But don't forget about the Hallein tour south of Salzburg, and a personal favorite, Obertraun, around the south end of Lake Hallstadt. It has a nice ride on the train into the mine and more time spent underground. Touristy? What isn't in that part of the world?
Maybe these attractions need more English tours (or visitors need to ask for headphone services and ask questions) but where else in America can you take a mine tour? Salt Lake, perhaps?
Hi Juliette-My dad and I did the Bad Durrenberg Salt Mine tour outside Salzburg last year and both enjoyed it. I'm not sure if I would do it twice but it was fun and interesting to learn about the history. There is also an amazing mountain bobsled nearby in Hallein that was such a blast-really fast with lots of twists and turns. I would do that again in a heartbeat. The area is so beautiful too-have a great time.
We took the salt mine tour in Hallstatt 2 years ago (we are mid-50's & walk a lot). It was a great ride up in the funicular with a fantastic view and at the end we walked back down the trail into town. We found the tour fun (suits, sliding track) plus educational (colored salt due to different elements, historical and economic impact of salt). Our tour was in both English & German. Being so far underground was quite amazing. Well worth it!
