Most of us have a regional product in front of us every day: salt. And one of the best-known varieties in our country is “Bad Reichenhaller AlpenSalz.” Anyone who has ever been to Berchtesgaden may also know the secret behind this famous salt: it comes directly from our region! The Berchtesgaden Salt Mine is the oldest active salt mine in Germany and produces our popular Alpine salt. You can visit it, which makes the mine one of the most spectacular destinations in Bavaria.
Visiting Germany’s oldest salt mine
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The salt mine has been in operation since 1517. At that time, Berchtesgaden was an independent prince-provostry, i.e., a tiny ecclesiastical state. The salt ensured the monastery’s economic independence from its powerful neighbors Bavaria and Salzburg, which were also in the salt business.
In 1817, the famous engineer Georg von Reichenbach built a pipeline over 20 km long to Bad Reichenhall. He invented a powerful pump to lift the water over the mountains to this town – hence the name that the salt still bears today.
The first “strangers” were allowed to visit the mine as early as the 19th century . At that time, it was still an exclusive adventure for nobles and wealthy travelers, who were guided through the tunnels by torchlight. Even the Bavarian fairy-tale king Ludwig II visited the mine and had himself rowed across the underground lake. You can do the same today!
Adventure deep underground
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Today, the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine is a mixture of adventure and high-tech museum. During the tour, you will ride a small train about 650 meters deep into the mountain. You will wear traditional miner’s suits to protect your clothing.
You then slide even deeper into the tunnels via two 40-meter-long wooden slides – just as the miners used to do, and now a real highlight of your visit. Once you reach the bottom, the Spiegelsee lake awaits you. You cross this underground salt lake on a raft. In the salt cathedral, you really begin to appreciate the dimensions of mining.
A visit not only provides you with a wealth of knowledge and adventure, but also has positive health benefits. This is because the air underground is extremely pure and salty, which is particularly good for the respiratory tract. There is even a special area for respiratory therapy. Book your visit early and get ready for one of the most exciting adventures Bavaria has to offer!