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