Via Salis - Hiking in the footsteps of salt

The Via Salis themed hiking trail around the Dietrichskogel is an impressive journey through the history of salt mining in Ausseerland. Over a distance of around ten kilometers, the well-signposted circular hiking trail provides interesting facts about historic salt mining, the life of the miners and the development of the region from the Roman road to the present day. With 21 informative stations, which are reached every five to twenty minutes, the route not only offers geological and historical insights, but also many scenic attractions.

The trail circles the Dietrichskogel and leads through a pristine mountain landscape at the foot of the Sandling massif. The ascent is moderate over around four kilometers with an elevation gain of around 300 meters, while the descent is somewhat steeper over the same distance. The highlight of the tour is the Altaussee salt mine at the end of the route, which provides exciting insights into salt mining today.

The total walking time is around three hours. Parts of the route run along alpine hiking trails and are therefore not suitable for baby carriages. Look out for the signposts with the words “Via Salis”.

A detour to the Pflindsberg castle ruins, one of the signposted stops, is particularly recommended.

The stations at a glance

- Salt is life
- Salt water from the Sandling
- Maple or Altaussee?
- Changing job description
- The miner's stand
- Pflindsberg ruins
- The Romans on the Sandling
- The pumping stations on the Sandling
- The old mining center
- How the salt came to the Sandling
- Enough salt, but not enough wood
- Working life of the miners
- Water in the tunnels
- The Steinberg area
- From scooping to draining
- The Strähn
- Mining today
- Food for the miners
- Healing from the depths
- The mountains and their visitors
- The salt of the future

Emergency call mountain rescue: 140

Emergency reporting tip - provide answers to the six W questions:

• What happened?
• How many injured?
• Where did the accident happen? (possibly GPS coordinates)
• Who is reporting? (callback number)
• When did the accident happen?
• Weather at the accident site?

Proper backpacking makes many things easier:

• pack heavy things first.
• The water bottle should always be within easy reach in a side pocket.
• All things that are often needed, such as sunglasses, camera or hiking map, belong on top.
• An emergency kit including blister plaster belongs in every backpack and a clothing according to the "onion system" is always recommended!

The Via Salis is ideal for anyone interested in history, nature and culture in Ausseerland. As a varied circular hiking trail in Ausseerland, it is a rewarding tour with education, exercise and panoramic views.

The free Ausseerland hiking map is recommended for planning and orientation; you can find more maps in the hiking map store.

• Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB)
• www.busbahnbim.at

Tourist office Ausseerland Salzkammergut
Information office Altaussee
Fischerndorf 61
8992 Altaussee
+43 3622 716 43
Send e-mail
Website


The folder "VIA SALIS" is available free of charge in all information offices in the Ausseerland Salzkammergut.

Hiking maps are available in the information offices in Ausseerland or in the Ausseerland Artikel Shop.