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Dürrnberg: A Historic Salt Mining Village

Discover the ancient salt mines, Celtic history, and scenic beauty of Dürrnberg, a charming village near Salzburg with activities for all seasons.

Dürrnberg, a village in Austria, is known for its rich history tied to salt mining, dating back to Celtic times. Today, it offers visitors a unique glimpse into this past with the Hallein Salt Mine, along with scenic views and outdoor activities.

A brief summary to Dürrnberg

  • Dürrnberg, AT

Local tips

  • Wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes when visiting the salt mine, as the temperature inside can be cool and the tour involves some walking.
  • Consider purchasing a combo ticket to access both the salt mine and the Celtic Village for a comprehensive experience of Dürrnberg's history.
  • Check the operating hours and tour schedules for the salt mine in advance, especially during the off-season.
  • In winter, take advantage of the family-friendly ski area at the Zinken lifts, offering slopes for various skill levels.
  • During summer, experience the thrill of Salzburg's longest toboggan run for a fun-filled adventure.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Salzburg, take Bus 170 from Salzburg Rathaus towards Hallein. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes to Hallein Stadtbrücke. From Hallein Stadtbrücke, transfer to Bus 41 towards Bad Dürrnberg Salzbergwerk. This bus will drop you off near the Hallein Salt Mine. The combined journey takes about 1 hour. A single bus fare from Salzburg to Hallein ranges from €3 to €6. The local bus fare within Hallein is approximately €2-3.

  • Taxi

    From Salzburg city center, a taxi to Dürrnberg takes approximately 20 minutes, covering a distance of about 18 kilometers. The estimated taxi fare ranges from €30 to €40. Note that fares may vary depending on traffic conditions and time of day.

  • Driving

    From Salzburg, drive south on the A10 Tauern Autobahn. Take Exit 16 (Hallein) and follow signs towards the city center. Continue following signs for Bad Dürrnberg. The drive is approximately 18 kilometers and takes around 20 minutes. Parking is available at Dürrnberg, with day passes costing around €10. Please be aware of the vignette obligation on Austrian freeways.

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Discover more about Dürrnberg

Dürrnberg, also known as Bad Dürrnberg, is an Austrian village that's part of the municipality of Hallein, located in the Tennengau region of Salzburg. The village's history is deeply intertwined with salt mining, which began as early as 2500 years BC when nomadic hunters utilized the area. Celtic tribes later mastered underground mining around 600 BC, marking the start of Dürrnberg's long tenure as a significant salt production center in Central Europe. Salt mining on the Dürrnberg significantly contributed to the wealth of the Salzburg region. The area's saltworks even overshadowed those in Bad Reichenhall through strategic maneuvering. Mining activities saw a resurgence in the Middle Ages and continued until the late 1980s. Today, visitors can explore the Hallein Salt Mine (Salzbergwerk Dürrnberg), an underground mine that has been active for over 2,600 years. Visitors can explore the depths of the Hallein Salt Mine, journeying through different eras of salt mining history. Tours often include highlights such as riding a mine train, sliding down wooden slides, and a raft ride across an underground salt lake. The mine also crosses the subterranean border between Austria and Germany. In addition to the salt mine, Dürrnberg offers other attractions such as the SALINA Celtic Village, which provides insights into the life and culture of the Celtic people who once inhabited the area. Beyond its historical and cultural offerings, Dürrnberg is also a destination for outdoor activities. In the winter, the Zinken lifts provide access to ski slopes suitable for families, and the area is also popular for ski touring and snowshoeing. During the summer, the Dürrnberg boasts Salzburg's longest toboggan run, as well as hiking and mountain biking trails.

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