Glück auf! Venturing into the depths of the mountain in search of white gold

It's quite amusing: in a region of spectacular mountain scenery, one of the most fascinating excursions takes us…under the mountain! The salt mine is a genuine hidden treasure, and visiting it while it's still in operation is a rare opportunity. Of course, the tour doesn't pass through the work areas where the miners are at work, but this foray into the underground world is much more than just a museum visit. It's a true adventure.

Everything is meticulously organized. The tone is set even before entering the mine: you must put on a protective suit to shield your clothes. With temperatures only reaching 12°C deep underground, a light vest underneath is certainly advisable! Cameras are locked in a locker: there's no question of visitors leaning over dangerously to capture every nook and cranny.

Then comes the moment to board the little mining train. And off we go! We're propelled into the heart of the mountain, into the darkness, between the seeping walls. The journey only lasts five minutes, but it's enough to immerse us in the atmosphere and imagine what the miners must have felt as they plunged into narrow tunnels, with only the light of their lamps.

Our journey into the bowels of the earth continues… by slide! To descend even deeper, you have to take these amazing miners' slides. Until the early 20th century, they were used to transport materials and were obviously nothing like the slides in an amusement park. The descent is impressive, fast, and elicits a few bursts of laughter. Those who opted for the stairs almost immediately regret it upon hearing the joyful shouts of the daredevils!

As if by magic, the "salt cathedral" then opens, an impressive cavern named Kaiser Franz in honor of the Austrian emperor. 150 years ago, this vast chamber was filled with spring water used to produce brine. Today, this spectacular 17-meter-high cavern provides a magnificent backdrop for a multimedia show blending music, images, and historical scenes.

Throughout the tour, tools, machines, and videos tell the story of salt mining, from the mine's beginnings to the present day. The contrast is striking: in the past, miners could only advance six centimeters a day. It took thirty years to dig a 650-meter tunnel! Where miners once wielded picks with infinite patience, they now use heavy and complex machinery.

The job hasn't become easy, however. All the miners have undergone technical training and begin their day at 6:00 a.m. with a communal prayer before descending into the heart of the mountain. Breathing apparatus, CO₂ detectors, helmets, headlamps, and safety boots are part of their equipment. Despite technological advancements, the work remains demanding, and their courage commands respect.

A second slide later, another change of scenery. A true mirage awaits us: Mirror Lake. I suddenly doubt my senses. Where is up? Where is down? The perfectly still surface of the salt lake reflects the cavern ceiling, creating an astonishing impression of infinity. Light shows and sound effects further enhance the magic of the place. The raft ride, however, seems far too short!

Between the almost surreal salt caves, the multimedia installations, the scientific explanations, and the discovery of the laboratory, time flies by. Even gin has its own little corner: a space is dedicated to its aging in the depths of the mine!

It's already time to head back up. The mining train takes us back to our starting point. We change out of our overalls, collect our belongings, and, of course, take a look at the souvenir photos before visiting the salt shop. After discovering this "white gold" in the heart of the mountain, it's impossible to leave empty-handed!