Salzbergwerk

Photo by flickr user xoque

Rock salt mining was once a dangerous and mysterious occupation, if a very necessary one. The famous Bad Reichenhall 'salzbergwerk' in Berchtesgaden is more than five centuries old, and one of its most historic sections was transformed into an intriguing museum in the 1800s. After donning a protective overall, visitors are sent down into the chilly tunnel network via a real mine shaft lift, and are then led through some impressive and unexpectedly beautiful structures left behind by the mining process, such as a vast, glistening 'salt cathedral' and a magically lit 'mirror lake', so still that you can't tell up from down. There are also exhibitions revealing the technology and chemistry associated with the industry, as well as the history of the mine itself, which is still very much in operation and stretches kilometers into the surrounding mountain. Don't forget to test out the restored forty-metre pit slides on your way round, and pick up a piece of shimmering, pale peach rock salt at the gift shop on your way out!

Salzbergwerk.

Written by  larapiegeler.

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