There is so much to see and do in the charming mountain town of Berchtesgaden!
The picturesque town of Berchtesgaden is located high in Germany’s stunning Bavarian Alps. Every year, thousands of travelers flock to the German municipality to explore the Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden, also known as the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines! The Salzbergwerk Berchtesgaden is the oldest active salt mine in the country, and visitors have the opportunity to experience it by train, boat, and slide! Dive into the depths of the Berchtesgaden Salt Mine with AESU!
History of German Salt Mines
While salt mining began in Germany as far back as the 1100s, the creation of the Berchtesgaden salt mine began in the 1500s. By the 1800s, the mine was considered a full-fledged state operation, and only workers and special guests were permitted to enter. The salt mining industry was the economic backbone of the Berchtesgaden Provostry, known to locals and beyond as “white gold.” Today, visitors can experience the mine on a guided tour through the Salzberg mountain!
Touring the Mine
Travelers slip into a pair of navy overalls and board the miner’s train, which takes them 2,122 feet into the mountain depths. The train disembarks at the mouth of wooden slides and drops down towards the “Salt Cathedral,” where guides explain the process of a salt extraction process called “wet mining.” The deepest part of the tour is over 420 feet below sea level and consists of a mile-long brine reservoir called Mirror Lake. A barge takes the tour across the lake, and a light show illuminates the water! Visitors can even slide down the very slides that the miner’s used to access the mountain depths!
Exploring Berchtesgaden
There is so much to see and do in the charming mountain town of Berchtesgaden! After you tour the salt mine, hike the alpine meadows and go sailing on Lake Königsee! Cool off after a day of adventure with a swim at the Watlzmann Therme. Savor a relaxing meal al fresco in the Berchtesgaden Markt, and enjoy the sounds of traditional Bavarian music!
Discover Germany with AESU!
AESU offers unique, thrilling travel programs for college students and young professionals at affordable rates. Each trip is action-packed and informal—designed just for people your own age. We are also able to design custom tours just for your group.
Experience an exhilarating adventure in Germany on the Great Escape and Euro Focus tours! Dress in miner’s clothes and enjoy a ride down the slides through the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines!
2020 tour dates are now available! If you have any questions or want help booking your European adventure, please contact AESU by calling 800-638-7640, or fill out the contact form found on our website. Follow AESU on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.