The Altaussee salt mine is best known as the wartime hiding place for thousands of Nazi-looted artworks, including pieces by Jan van Eyck, Michelangelo, and Vermeer. Austrian salt miners sabotaged the planned 1945 demolition, saving the collection. The show mine tour covers the salt chambers and underground geology; the WWII art-storage chapter is presented separately. Altaussee is in the Ausseerland, approximately 85 km from Salzburg; a car is the most practical option. Book ahead in peak season. The Altausseer See lake below the mine is worth combining in the same visit.
mine in Alt-Aussee
Salzwelten Altaussee
The Altaussee salt mine carries a specific historical weight that sets it apart from the other Salzwelten show mines: in 1945, it was the hiding place for thousands of artworks looted by the Nazis from across occupied Europe, including works by Jan van Eyck, Michelangelo, and Vermeer.
- Type
- mine, museum
- Destination
- Alt-Aussee
- Cost
- Paid entry
- Address
- Lichtersberg 25, 8992 Altaussee
- Coordinates
- 47.6514, 13.7392
- Official website
- Visit website