During our visit to the border area between Bavaria in Southern Germany and Tirolia in Austria near the city of Salzburg, we decided to take a tour to an underground salt mine. Salzburg earned its fame and fortune during the middle ages as a salt capitol, and the salt mine that we are about to tour started operation hundreds of years ago.
Salt was considerable very valuable to most cultures, especially more so for those regions withotut ready access to the sea. Salt was often used as a currency for trading purposes, and highly prized as a necessary mineral for humans.
The salt mine on our tour is underground, and small gauge railroads are used for transportation.
Every visitor has to put on coveralls on top of their clothing.
The journey to the underground salt mine started on the narrow gauge miniature train.
We have to descend deep underground on wooden rails, wearing leather protection to avoid being burnt. For those less adventurous, steps are provided to get underground.
We are now about 110 meters below ground level.
The tour was conducted in multiple languages for visitors from all over the world.
Since our viist was in June, many families with children are taking the tour with us.