A fantastic afternoon out (Salzburg Salt Mine)

Member Name: initiation7

Product:	Salzburg Salt Mine
Date:	30/05/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Something different, interesting.

Disadvantages: I imagine harder to get to without use of a car

Me and a friend decided to make a visit to the Salzburg salt mine at the beginning of last September while on our way around Europe. Getting to the mine was easy as we had access to a car, you do have to pay for parking which is just across the road from the mine. The location here is beautiful, set in the stunning Austrian/Bavarian Mountains. Entry was a reasonable 9 Euro for students, upon paying you are directed to a changing room where you put on a large all-bodysuit to keep your clothes clean from some of the dirt and salt in the mine.

You then 'board' -really straddle a bench on a carriage- an electric train and head of down the tunnels. Some of the tunnels themselves are very narrow being only just big enough so you don't bump your head. A welcome relief from the 32 degree Celsius heat outside was the much cooler temperatures inside the tunnel, be warned as you could end up being a bit chilly if you came down in shorts and t-shirt.

After a 5-10 minute train ride you climb of and start to wonder with your guide through the tunnels. You also reach 2 slides, these a large wooden runners which you in groups of 2-4 you sit on and slide down some 140ft, it is very surprising how fast you can go. Stairs are available for those who don't wish to use the slides.

The guide does a talk in German and English showing how the salt was extracted historically and how now it is extracted and pointing out some of the interesting geological features present. A cavern has numerous exhibits showing information on why we need salt. A short boat trip is taken across one of the underground brine lakes, here you can taste the salty water - brine - they use to extract the salt crystals, it is very salty!! A lift takes you back to the train which then takes you back outside. All in all takes about an hour and a half.

Overall I would thoroughly recommend this trip for adults and children alike as something very different from what you would normally do in the area.

Summary: Definitly recommended.