Sel Des Alpes Salt Mines - Lake Geneva (Vaud)

Fascinating salt mines deep within the mountain

Available: all year

Example travel costs - book locally

All prices are per person, in 2nd class (where relevant)

Swiss Travel Pass: FREE

Lake Geneva Regional Pass and Villars Free Access Card: FREE to Bex, then 5 Sfr

Half Fare Card: 14 Sfr from Villars

Entrance to the Salt Mines is payable locally: 26 Sfr per adult and 13 Sfr 6-15 years. Discounts available when pre-booked online or with the Villars Free Access Card.

A unique attraction in Switzerland! According to the legend, 500 years ago a flock of goats led the people of Bex to the Sel des Alpes via a salty spring. Ever since, the precious 'white gold' has been mined from the area. Today this is the last active salt mine in Switzerland and it produces a variety of pure salt products which are enjoyed around the world. 

On a visit to the museum and the mine, visitors learn about the various techniques of salt mining from the year 1684 to the present. A small mine train takes you into the amazing subterranean world and to the restaurant located in the mountain at a depth of 400 metres. The mines can be explored further on foot. Unusual adventure tours offer treks into the mines and the tunnels that date from the 17th century.

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

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Contact us to book your holiday

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com

A visit to the mines

Between 200 and 60 million years ago, the Rhône Valley was a shallow sea; the salt deposits of in the mines at Bex are derived from the salt of this ancient sea. A 50km labyrinth of passages and tunnels still yields 30,000 tons of salt per year.

Several areas of this vast underground labyrinth are now open to the public. The tour includes a ride on the mine train and fascinating exhibitions telling the stories of the incredible effort put in the underground search for salt springs and the desalination techniques used from 1684 to the present day. For children there is an exciting underground slide in the mine. The tour lasts 2 hours with a SmartGuide app in English. Comfortable footwear is recommended. 

Refreshments

During the high season you can enjoy light meals such as crêpes, ramen and burgers at Le Petit Mineur. 

If you prefer to picnic, there is a pleasant area situated next to the reception building and at the edge of the forest. 

Special events at the mines

Special events take place at the mines from time to time.

Past events have included a photo exhibition of alpine flowers and a series of brunches.

Sainte Barbe is the Fête des Mineurs (Miner’s Day). It takes place every year on the first Saturday in December and must be pre-booked. Discover old galleries not included on the regular tours; a traditional raclette meal is included in the price. 

Good to know

• Sturdy shoes and warm clothing are advisable as the temperature inside is 18°C throughout the year.
• Rooms/chambers are well ventilated and well lit
• The miners’ train and some galleries are accessible to visitors with disabilities (please enquire in advance)
• Average length of visit is around two hours
• Audio guides are available in English
• It is recommended that you pre-book your tour online at the Sel des Alpes website

The Salt Mines boutique

In the visitor centre you will find a souvenir shop where you can purchase your very own Sel des Alpes salt to take home and enjoy. There are a variety of products on offer including the famous 'Fleur des Alpes'. This is an authentically traditional salt, extracted by hand and dried on larch wood planks with a process dating back to the 17th century. 

Other gift ideas in the shop include honey from the Mines' beehives, local wine and stones and minerals from around the world.

Take the train from Villars to the small town of Bex, a pretty journey of 45 minutes. The local TPC bus number 152 takes you directly to the mines (‘Bex, Mines de Sel’ stop) - please note that it runs every couple of hours.

If you prefer to take a taxi from Bex station, advance booking is recommended. Please ask your hotel reception to arrange this for you. 

The mines are open to the public every day 9-4.30pm. 

Please check before travel for maintenance closures.

Request your holiday quotation

Call us on 0800 619 1200 or email us at info@swissholidayco.com