TravelAustria

Hi, travelling to Austria for the first time with my family in July 2014. We will be based in Salzburg for part of our trip and want to visit a salt mine. From my research, there are 2 close by but I don't know if we should visit both or if we decide to visit only one which one should we choose. Should we go to Salzwelten Salzburg in Hallein or Salzbergwerk in Hallstatt? We will have a car so transport is not an issue. Anyone been to either? Thanks

dugi_otok

Only been to the one at Hallein. It is a blast! Hallein is rated the best,but you would enjoy either.All have family tickets,Hallein and Hallstatt show senior tickets. Prices are similar.4 year olds are OK.



Hallein and Hallstatt
http://www.salzwelten.at/salz_en/ind...d=41&Itemid=28


Photo of slide and stairs Hallein
http://www.sallerhof.com/en-attraction-saltmine.htm

Area view of Hallein
http://www.rundertisch.com/durnberg.htm
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dugi_otok on Jun 4, 10 at 12:49am

Additional info. They all have miners clothes,slides, trains, and boats. Hallein duration is 75 minutes.Hallstatt requires going up a funicular, at extra cost, which you may consider a plus or a minus.

sparkchaser

The Hallein mine tour is pretty awesome. I would do it again in a heartbeat.

kja

I also enjoyed the one in Hallein very much. Can't speak to the other one.

TravelAustria

Thanks for the prompt replies!

To dugi_otok - thanks also for the website links.

Looks like Hallein is the way to go.

How did you find the walk up the steps.My knees are not the best but I am pretty fit.

bvlenci

I can only say that Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful towns I've ever seen. I was there in 1994, and at that time, there was a ferry that took you to the town from the train station. The approach over the water was like a fairy tale. There was also a very interesting museum of the Hallstatt (iron age) civilization. I realize that things might change a lot in 20 years, but I hope Hallstatt is still as pretty as it was then.

We didn't visit the salt mine; instead we took a fairly long hike on a trail that led to a different train station, to get back to Salzburg. That was also very beautiful.

sparkchaser

<i>How did you find the walk up the steps.My knees are not the best but I am pretty fit.</i>

You'll be fine. It's not like you're ascending 500 steps.

rosemaryoz

Another vote for Hallein (although I haven't been to the other one). It was really well set up and great fun for all ages.

TravelerKaren

We've also been to the one in Hallein and enjoyed it. But don't miss Hallstatt, it is indeed beautiful.

Bellarosa70032

I think the salt mine in Hallein is awesome, but I would also try to squeeze in a drive to Hallstatt. The scenery along the way, along with the beauty and charm of this town make it a must see, in my opinion.

TravelAustria

Thanks for all the advice.

The comments seem to agree with my conclusion that we should tour the salt mine in Hallein and also spend some time driving to Hallstatt and to see views of the Dachstein.

I really appreciate you all taking the time to reply.

By the way, has any one been to the ice caves in nearby Werfen? They look amazing!!

michele_d

Hi,
We have been to both the Salt Mines in Hallstatt and also to the Eisreisenwelt Ice caves near Werfen. It sound like the Salt Mines are very similar, and enjoyable.

The Ice caves are absolutely breathtaking and mind boggling as to the shear magnitude inside. There are a lot, 700 or so steps inside that you will climb back into the cave. You do not climb them all at once but they come in pretty rapid succession.

You will enter the cave in a group of 20 or so, with every fifth person carrying a small lantern to light the way. You walk on wooden walkways through the cave. At designated points the guide will venture off the walkway and speak to the group. He will then back light the ice sculptures with magnesium tape, which burns fast and bright. It is incredible to view these giant sculptures.

One thought: in order to arrive at the cave you must do a bit of walking/hiking. First you hike an easy up hill trail for 15-20 minutes and then ride the cable car up the mountain for a few minutes. From there you will hike another pathway, that skirts the cliffs overlooking the valley, for another 20-30 minutes. You will walk more uphill on the last section, so if knees are a problem, just be aware.

It is a magnificent experience that I HIGHLY recommend, but it is a bit of a challenge in spots. I can try to answer any other questions about the Ice Cave that you might have.

longhorn55

I've done the salt mine tours both in Salzburg and in Hallstatt. They are pretty similar, but I would say that the tour is Salzburg is slightly better.

There is also an ice cave you can tour in Hallstatt if you are going to be there anyway. It was really cool, no pun intended.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...r_Austria.html

And I agree that Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen.

TravelAustria

michele_d - thanks for your comments.

I am a little worried about the ice cave tour because I don't want to hold my family up but they look amazing and I don't really want to miss out.

I am sure if we allow extra time for the walk at the start I should be fine.

Thanks longhorn55 - the caves at Dachstein looks amazing but they also have 500+ steps.

My plan at this stage is to do the salt mine tour in Hallein one day and the ice cave tour in Werfen the next to try and space out the amount of steps and walking on my knees, with some nice country drives in between.

michele_d

Hi Travel Austria,
The walk/cable ride from the parking lot up to the cave is no problem. There are beautiful views from up there so you will all want to stop along the way to take them in. Just pace yourself.

What I would suggest for the cave is this: Once you arrive at the entrance you will be instructed to sit and wait for the next group that is leaving. At this time I would let the staff know that you would prefer, if possible, to be near the front of the group because it might take you a bit longer when climbing the stairs. Then, as you tour through the cave you can let others pass you if necessary. When you are stopped with the group with the staff lighting the ice you can again make your way to the front of the group in order to tackle the next set of stairs. The tour is not on your own but as a group. The cave is absolutely stunning inside and if there is anyway you can do it, I would.

TravelAustria

Thanks for the advice - that is what I will try to do!!