Hallstatt is entering a new era: Europe's most modern funicular railway and the world's oldest salt mine

After 362 days of construction, the time is almost here: On August 29, 2026, the new Hallstatt funicular railway and the comprehensively modernized Hallstatt salt mines will resume operation.

With an investment of around 34 million euros, one of Austria's most significant tourism projects has been completed. Europe's most modern funicular railway will combine innovative technology, maximum comfort, and architecture that blends harmoniously into the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Hallstatt. At the same time, the world's oldest salt mine is also reopening its doors after extensive modernization.

With its reopening, Hallstatt begins a new chapter. After a record construction time of just 362 days, visitors will now be able to reach the salt mountain faster, more comfortably, and without barriers. There, they will not only find the new funicular railway, but also a completely renovated visitor experience in the oldest salt mine in the world – the place where salt history has been written and salt has been mined for more than 7,000 years.

Around €34 million were invested in this once-in-a-century project. Following the dismantling of the existing funicular railway, a completely new system was built on the same route. Numerous foundations were constructed under extremely challenging conditions in the steep terrain. Together with the Doppelmayr Group, Salzwelten realized the most modern funicular railway in Europe. The cabins were manufactured by Carvatech in Oberweis near Gmunden, while the cable car technology comes from the Swiss specialist Garaventa.

In addition to the new railway, the visitor facilities at the salt mine have also been completely renovated. The world's oldest salt mine presents itself just in time for its reopening with modernized areas and a contemporary visitor experience that conveys Hallstatt's unique history even more impressively.

The new valley station welcomes guests with a spacious flagship store for the salt mines. At the mountain station, the new bistro "Weitblick 7000" and a panoramic terrace invite visitors to linger. Generous glass surfaces offer spectacular views of Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt. The concept, developed by the Hasenauer architectural firm under the direction of Sigrid Aigner, blends sensitively into the UNESCO World Heritage landscape and combines modern architecture with the historical surroundings.

The new funicular railway also sets new standards in terms of technology. The glass cabins, whose design is reminiscent of a salt crystal, offer impressive panoramic views even during the ride. Thanks to barrier-free access and automatic leveling, the passenger compartments remain level throughout the entire journey, ensuring maximum comfort. With a capacity of 60 people per cabin, transport capacity has more than doubled – meaning waiting times are largely a thing of the past.

“With the new funicular railway and the modernization of our salt mine, we are not only investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, but above all in the future of Hallstatt as a tourist destination. Our goal was to preserve the unique natural and cultural heritage while simultaneously creating a visitor experience of the highest international standard. From August 29th, our guests can once again experience the salt mountain in all its diversity – more comfortably and impressively than ever before,” emphasizes Kurt Thomanek, Board Member for Mining and Tourism at Salinen Austria AG.

With its reopening, Hallstatt is sending a strong signal for the future. The new funicular railway and the modernized salt mine combine millennia of mining history with state-of-the-art technology, creating ideal conditions to continue inspiring visitors from all over the world with "white gold" for decades to come.

From August 29, 2026, it will once again be: “Welcome to the Hallstatt Salt Worlds – welcome to the oldest salt mine in the world!”