The Bex Salt Mines: a journey into the heart of the mountain

What if one of the most precious treasures of the Alpes Vaudoises was hidden right beneath your feet? For several centuries now, the Mines de sel de Bex have sheltered an impressive labyrinth of galleries, shafts and chambers carved into the rock. An underground world shaped by generations of miners in search of the precious "white gold".

To this day, salt is still extracted from the mountain. With its new guided tour, the Mines de sel de Bex invite you to discover this heritage through an immersive experience blending history, craftsmanship and playful surprises. We followed our guide into the depths of the mountain to uncover what lies beneath our feet.

Welcome underground

Located just a few kilometres from the centre of Bex, at the foot of the Alpes Vaudoises, the salt mines are nestled in a natural setting overlooking the Rhône valley. They offer a unique excursion to discover during a stay in the region, whatever the season.

Our visit begins with a narrow, cool passage that immediately immerses us in the world of the mines. Damp rock, exposed beams and interplay of light create a remarkable setting, where each gallery seems to tell a story.

We emerge into a former brine reservoir, where our guide shares the history of salt in the region. Why is salt found in the heart of the Alps? How did it form? And how do miners still manage to extract it from the rock today?

Behind this historical heritage lies a truly living activity.

In the Marie-Louise reservoir, entirely hand-carved, a wooden walkway crosses a chamber of impressive dimensions. Further along, traces left by hammers and chisels bear witness to the titanic work of the first miners. Our guide tells us, among other stories, the tale of the Bouillet shaft, dug by hand over 26 years in the hope of discovering a source of saltwater… in vain!

A journey into the heart of the mountain

After a few minutes on foot, we reach a small underground station. This is where the legendary Train des mineurs awaits us, specially designed to run through the narrow galleries. For several minutes, it carries us approximately 1.6 kilometres into the depths of the mountain.

Along the way, our guide reveals the history of salt in Bex, whose discovery is said, according to legend, to be linked to a goat particularly attracted by a saltwater spring. We also discover how salt is extracted from the rock today: water is injected into the salt-bearing veins to form brine, which is then transformed into salt.

A craft passed down through the centuries, as Bex is home to the only salt mine still in operation in Switzerland.

A visit that awakens the senses

The new tour holds a few surprises in store. In a gallery with an unusually low ceiling, our guide invites us to stop. Suddenly, all the lights go out. Plunged into absolute darkness, we experience for a few moments the conditions in which miners once worked.

A change of atmosphere a little further on: two slides allow us to reach the next chamber in just a few seconds! A playful and unexpected touch, with stairs for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground.

And the experiences don't stop there. Our guide invites us to dip our fingers into a brine basin. The experience draws a grimace from us: the water is salty! A particularly effective demonstration to measure the salt concentration of this water, drawn from the depths of the mines.

The gourmet treasures of the mines

The galleries hold more than just salt. Some also shelter local products during the ageing process, benefiting from the unique conditions of this underground environment. Cheeses, cured sausages, hams and even Swiss miso find their place in the heart of the mountain.

We also discover the production workshop of Fleur des Alpes, a hand-harvested fleur de sel produced in small quantities. The tastings on offer allow us to explore the many uses of white gold, from savoury specialities to sweet treats such as caramel.

A story still alive

Back in the daylight, a stop at the shop extends the discovery and allows us to bring home a few local specialities.

But the Mines de Sel de Bex are so much more than a testimony to the past. Still in operation, they continue to contribute to Switzerland's salt supply today.

With its new tour, the visit combines heritage, discoveries and playful experiences. An infinitely original way to travel back in time and explore nearly four centuries of history… while discovering a craft that continues to give life to the region.