Everyone in Germany knows them: the blue and yellow salt packages from Bad Reichenhall. Salt has been mined there from the depths of the Alps since the Bronze Age. This year, however, the city is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the “Neue Saline”. And you can even take a tour of it.
Salt is essential to life. First and foremost, of course, for the body, but also as a flavor enhancer and a natural preservative. In a time when humanity didn’t yet have refrigerators—which was quite a long time—it was therefore invaluable to many people. This is also evident in Bad Reichenhall in the Alps, where there is evidence that salt has been mined since the Bronze Age. That is, for nearly 4,000 years.
Salt in the Modern Era
In the early 20th century, a time of upheaval and technological progress, the extraction facility had to be adapted to the demands of the modern era. Consequently, the “Neue Saline” was built on the outskirts of Bad Reichenhall’s old town in 1926. And it remains in operation today, 100 years later. The hydroelectric power plant subsequently built near Jettenberg ultimately ensured that the plant’s production capacity could be increased even further. Salt production had entered the 20th century. Today, salt from Bad Reichenhall finds its way not only onto German supermarket shelves but also around the world as a top export.
And that will be celebrated this summer in Bad Reichenhall. On June 27, visitors will have the unique opportunity to tour the production facilities during an open house as part of a guided tour. These areas are not normally open to the public—after all, work is in full swing there. And since it’s a celebration, there’s also a program for children on the schedule. Plus, there will be coffee and cake available, as well as a festival tent.
Go Underground
But don’t worry—even for those who can’t make it on June 27, a trip to Bad Reichenhall is well worth it. The “Alte Saline“, which extracted salt from the depths from 1836 until the “Neue Saline” was built, is open to visitors year-round. And it’s a real sight to behold.
The charming brick building literally exudes history. And inside, the two waterwheels continue to turn, signaling each rotation with a bright chime every few seconds. A 45-minute guided tour of the old facility takes you 14 meters underground, after which young and old “cave explorers” alike can learn all about “white gold” at the Salt Museum. And to top it off, Bavarian delicacies await at the Salin Restaurant. Guaranteed not to be too salty.
👉 Click here to visit the tourism website for the city of Bad Reichenhall.
