Experiences to enjoy
Salt Mines visit with the family
Published on 10.07.2024
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A unique family getaway
Take a little train to venture deep into the heart of the mountain, explore ancient tunnels and uncover the secrets of ‘white gold’: a visit to the Bex Salt Mines has plenty of surprises in store. Completely revamped in 2026, the experience now combines history, discovery and fun moments in a unique underground world. We set off to explore this iconic heritage site in the Alpes Vaudoises.
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What we loved
- It's the perfect activity for the whole family
- The trip on the little mine train
- New fun attractions, including a double slide
- Discovering how salt is extracted
- And of course, the final tasting
Arriving at the Salt Mine
As soon as we arrive, we get straight down to business. Accompanied by our guide, we follow a narrow path carved into the rock which leads us to a large chamber. It is here that we learn, through a film, about the history of the Bex Salt Mines, the techniques used to extract salt and its various uses. Then, a rumbling sound can be heard in the distance: the Miners’ Train is waiting to take us on the next stage of our adventure and carry us even further underground.
Aboard the mine train
You simply cannot visit the Mines without taking the iconic Miners’ Train. Aboard its small carriages, we venture deep into the tunnels carved out of the heart of the mountain. The journey itself is part of the adventure: within a few minutes, the light from outside fades away, giving way to the mine’s unique atmosphere.
The miners' train wagon © 2021/Fortlointain.com
In the heart of the mountain
Indeed, once arrived, it was fascinating to imagine the kilometres of rocks that surrounded us. We learnt that the salt is locked in the rock and that it is by injecting water that it is possible to release this white gold. We took time out to think about these miners who worked here, armed with hammer and chisels, advancing a few tens of centimetres a month in search of salt that would ultimately be elusive without this technique.
The tools of miners © Gabriel Monnet
A descent like no other
The new tour does more than simply recount the history of the Mines: it also invites visitors to experience it for themselves. Among these, the double slide offers a rather original way to continue the exploration! This playful touch contrasts with the mineral-rich world of the tunnels and adds a new dimension to the tour.
the double slide at the Bex Salt Mines © Camille Hue
Unexpected flavours from underground
The tour also has a few unexpected discoveries in store. Deep within the mountain, some of the tunnels house Gruyère cheese and sausage, which benefit from the mine’s unique conditions as they mature. We also learn about the expertise involved in producing fleur de sel, another facet of this world centred on ‘white gold’.
Gruyère PDO cheese in the heart of the mountains © Gabriel Monnet
Alpine salt delicacies
After this immersive experience in the heart of the mountains, we emerge back into the daylight for one final culinary treat: a tasting session. Gruyère, sausage and a selection of flavoured Alpine salts are all on offer – a chance to sample a variety of flavours and round off the tour on a convivial note. It’s a wonderful way to rediscover this everyday ingredient after tracing its history, from the rock to our plates.
Gruyère, sausage and Alpine Salt to round off the tour on a gourmet note. © Les Mines de Sel de Bex
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