Last weekend, we had the incredible opportunity to visit the Sel des Alpes salt mines in Bex, nestled in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. To say we were surprised by the experience would be an understatement—it was absolutely fascinating!
Our guide was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable, leading us on a two-hour journey through this vast underground labyrinth. The tour began with a short audiovisual presentation that set the stage for what lay ahead. From there, we boarded a small miners’ train that took us deep into the mountain, about 400 meters below ground. We were thrilled by this unique ride, and it’s safe to say that any train lover or child would find this part of the tour especially delightful.
The sheer scale of the salt mines left us in awe. Stretching over 50 kilometers of tunnels and chambers, only a portion is open to visitors, but it’s enough to give you a sense of how immense this subterranean world truly is.
Walking through the narrow passages and vast caverns, we learned about the centuries-old techniques used to extract salt from these mountains. Dating back to 1684, the history of these mines is rich and deeply tied to the region’s economy and culture. It was fascinating to hear how salt—once known as “white gold”—was so valuable it shaped trade and politics in Europe. Our guide shared captivating anecdotes about the miners’ lives and even demonstrated how salt is still extracted today.
The entire experience was both educational and fun. The constant underground temperature of 18°C made it a comfortable visit. For families, history buffs, or anyone seeking a unique adventure in Switzerland, this is an unmissable destination. Before leaving, we couldn’t resist sampling some Sel des Alpes products like salted caramels and herbal salts—delicious souvenirs from an unforgettable day!
*A big thanks to Alpes Vaudoises for inviting on this Switzerland press-trip.
