ALTAUSSEE IN THE STYRIAN SALZKAMMERGUT REGION

If you spend your vacation at the IMLAUER Hotel Schloss Pichlarn and have some time, you should take the opportunity for a trip to Altaussee. You can reach Altaussee by car in just 40 minutes and have the opportunity to visit various excursion destinations.

The traditional architecture of the houses and the beautifully situated Lake Altaussee invite you to take a stroll. If you decide to take a boat trip on Lake Altaussee, you are guaranteed magnificent views of the surrounding mountain landscape.

For even more stunning views, you can take the Loser Panorama Road up the Loser, the local mountain of the Altaussee residents. Or you can take the new Panorama Cable Car—which is electric and wheelchair-accessible—up to an elevation of 1,610 meters.

Altaussee Salt Caves

An exciting destination for all weather conditions and for all ages are the Altaussee Salt Worldsare an exciting destination for any weather and for people of all ages. It is Austria’s largest active salt mine, featuring a network of tunnels spanning 18 levels. Hourly guided tours give you an up-close look at the world of salt and the mine.

First, you’ll descend 700 into the tunnels. Along the way, you’ll learn interesting facts about salt mining and can admire the various rock formations. Please note: The temperature in the mine is a constant 8° C. So be sure to bring a warm jacket and sturdy shoes.

Salzwelten Altaussee rock salt layers © Kernmayer

Salzwelten Altaussee exhibition on looted art © Schmid

The tour lasts around 90 minutes, which will fly by. You will learn more about the types of salt mining, visit the Barbara Chapel in the mountain and can whizz down two slides into the next tunnel like the miners once did.

The tour also takes you to an exhibition in the mountain, which is dedicated to a special chapter in the history of the mine. During the Second World War, looted art from all over Europe was stored in the mine’s tunnels by the National Socialists. You can find out how these works of art were almost destroyed from exciting stories told by contemporary witnesses and on informative display boards.

The tour ends with a visit to a beautifully designed cave in the mine, which is used for events and will enchant your senses.

Pure Nature from the Mine

A unique feature of the Altaussee salt mine is the extraction of natural salt. It is the only mine in Austria where the salt is so pure that it can be extracted without leaching the rock.

The natural salt is mined by hand and requires only superficial cleaning. It contains over 40 minerals and trace elements, making it particularly valuable.

At the IMLAUER Hotel Schloss Pichlarn, we use Altaussee natural salt and enhance it with premium herbs such as thyme, rosemary, cilantro, and chives. You can also purchase these enhanced natural salts in our shop.