Salzbergbahn Hallstatt

Salzbergbahn Hallstatt

The Hallstatt Salzbergbahn cable car takes you directly to top station, situated at an altitude of 838 meters. The ride lasts about three minutes.

At the bottom, you’ll pass through the Hallstatt Salzbergbahn Shop, which leads you to the cash registers. Once you’ve purchased your ticket, hop on the cable car for a quick ride to the top. After arriving at the top station, you have two exciting options. You can either take the short uphill walk to the salt mine for a fascinating tour, or you can head to the nearby Hallstatt Skywalk—a must-see attraction.

The free-floating Skywalk is located 360 meters above the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hallstatt and offers a unique view of the historic city center, the lake and the World Heritage Dachstein Salzkammergut region.

If you’re looking to relax first, the Rudolfsturm restaurant is right next to the Skywalk. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a refreshing drink while taking in the panoramic views of Hallstatt and the surrounding Alpine scenery.

Arrive early in the morning to avoid long lines for the funicular. During peak hours, especially in the summer or on weekends, the wait can be quite long.

Pricing and tickets Salzbergbahn Hallstatt

For October 2024, the pricing details for the Salzbergbahn Hallstatt and the salt mines are as follows:

  • Salzbergbahn (Funicular) round trip:
    • Adults: €22
    • Children (4-15 years): €11
    • Children with an accompanying parent: €10
    • Groups (20+ people): €21 per person
  • Combined Ticket (Funicular + Salt Mine Tour):
    • Adults: €40
    • Children (4-15 years): €20
    • Children with an accompanying parent: €18
    • Groups (20+ people): €38 per person

For those interested in hiking up, there’s an option to visit the salt mines without using the funicular. The Salt Mine Tour alone costs €28 for adults and €14 for children.

How much are the skywalk tickets? The Skywalk itself is free of charge and is accessible anytime. However, most visitors choose to take the funicular to reach the Skywalk due to the steep climb, and that’s where the ticket cost comes in. If you’re up for a hike, you can reach the Skywalk on foot without paying for the funicular, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views at no cost.

How to reach Salzbergbahn Hallstatt

If you’re driving to Hallstatt, there are several parking lots available, but the closest to the Salzbergbahn is Parking Lot 2. For those arriving by train, take the ferry ride to Hallstatt Lahn station, and from there, it’s just a short walk across the street. Follow the Echerntalweg directly to the Salzbergbahn bottom station for easy access.

Rudolf’s Tower and History

At the top station, you’ll find the historic Rudolf’s Tower, constructed between 1282 and 1284 by Duke Albrecht I. Initially used as a strategic point during the Salt War, the tower later became a resting place for mine workers from 1313 until the mid-20th century. Today, it houses the Rudolfsturm restaurant, where you can enjoy delicious meals while soaking in panoramic views of Hallstatt and the Alpine peaks.

Rudolfsturm Hallstatt

Hallstatt Skywalk by foot

Hallstat skywalk by foot

If you’re up for a bit of exercise, you can also hike up to the Skywalk by foot, which typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. The hike offers several historical information boards, benches and interesting views from the trail.

Salzbergbahn Hallstatt Opening Hours:

Rudolfsturm Restaurant: Usually operates during the same hours as the cable car, making it a great spot for refreshments after your Skywalk visit. Reviews and Experiences

Salzbergbahn (cable car): 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM from October 27, 2024, to January 6, 2025.

Salt Mine Tour: Generally open from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM.

Salzbergbahn Hallstatt Reviews and Experiences

Visitors rave about the convenience and smooth ride of the Salzbergbahn, praising the incredible views from the Skywalk and the historical significance of the salt mines. One traveler noted, “The ride was quick and the views from the top were absolutely worth it. The salt mines are a must-visit!” Another reviewer mentioned, “Hiking to the Skywalk was such a rewarding experience. The Salzbergbahn was the perfect way to get back down and rest my legs!” The restaurant also receives high marks for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious food.

Great experience, the cable car goes very steeply! A little patience is required when waiting in line (approx. 15-25 min). We didn’t have anything booked, but the cable car ride on the spot without any problems. The price of the ride up only €12, both rides €22. These are mainly salt mines, so the full price of €40 includes a visit to the mines. They were letting 25 people into the cable car. The way down is also a nice experience, it takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also enjoy the view at the waterfall on the way.

An absolutely unforgettable experience driving up and down. I definitely recommend early in the morning, otherwise you’ll be queuing up before you even leave. For those who like to lie down, this queue is really worth it. Before noon there are usually quite a lot of people.

Exploring the Hallstatt Salt Mines

At the top station of the Salzbergbahn, you’ll find the entrance to the Hallstatt Salt Mines (Salzwelten) at the Knappenhaus. After riding the funicular up, there’s still a short walk to the entrance, so be prepared for a bit of a stroll.

At the top station of the Salzbergbahn, you’ll find the entrance to the Hallstatt Salt Mines (Salzwelten), one of the oldest salt mines in the world. After riding the funicular up, it’s just a short walk to the mines. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Guided Tours: A fascinating 90-minute tour takes you deep into the mountain, where you’ll learn about the history of salt mining in the region. The tour includes a ride on a wooden miner’s slide, a highlight for many visitors, and a boat trip on an underground salt lake.
  • Opening Hours: The mines are open most of the year, but it’s good to check the schedule in advance, as operating hours can vary based on the season.
  • Clothing: Inside the mines, the temperature is a cool 8°C (46°F), so bring warm clothing. They also provide protective gear for your visit.
  • Combo Tickets: If you’re planning to visit both the Skywalk and the Salt Mines, consider getting a combo ticket, which includes both attractions at a reduced rate.

Visiting the salt mines is a fun way to combine history, adventure, and culture, making it a must-see when you’re at the top station! The tour includes a ride on a wooden miner’s slide, a highlight for many visitors, and a boat trip on an underground salt lake.

Discover More from the Top Station

Discover More from the Top Station

From the top station of the Salzbergbahn, you can enjoy various attractions. Visit the Skywalk, explore the salt mines, or take in views from Rudolfsturm. You can also hike down to Hallstatt. The descent takes about 30 minutes and covers 1.9 km to the Hallstatt Marktplatz. Along the way, you’ll see stunning views of the Hallstatt Alps.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to Plassen Mountain or Schneidkogel Mountain. For a refreshing break, stop at Rossalm in Gosau, or embark on a longer trek to Gosausee. Alternatively, if you plan to return to Hallstatt, consider the scenic route around Waldbachstrub Waterfall and the Glacier Garden. Each option offers beautiful scenery and an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Alps!

Plassen Mountain (1953 m) is a stunning peak located near Hallstatt, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The hike to Plassen is moderately challenging, making it a rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the Hallstatt Alps and the serene waters of Hallstatt lake. The summit is a perfect spot for photography and soaking in the natural beauty of the area. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a casual nature lover, a trip to Plassen Mountain promises an unforgettable experience.

Rossalm in Gosau is a charming mountain hut at about 1,500 meters. It’s a popular stop for hikers and nature lovers. Surrounded by stunning alpine scenery, Rossalm offers a cozy atmosphere and serves delicious regional dishes. It’s the perfect spot to refuel after a day of exploration.