Mariager Saltcenter

About the museum

Mariager Saltcenter opened on May 1, 1998 at Mariager's harbor. Its background is the region's salt production: since 1966, salt has been dissolved from a salt dome deep underground near Hvornum, southwest of Hobro, and pumped as brine to the Dansk Salt salt factory. The company, now part of the Dutch group Nobian, has supported the center as its main sponsor since its founding.

The center sees itself as a visitor attraction combining geology, history and craft. In the exhibitions, films, props and experiments explain how salt is formed and what it is used for. An elevator takes visitors down into a replica of a historic Polish salt mine with a motion-ride cinema, and in the boiling house you can watch how Mariager Sydesalt is produced from brine – this production began on opening day. Another exhibition is devoted to storing CO₂ underground.

The offering also includes the salt-water bath "Det Døde Hav" at about 39 degrees, where the high salt content lets you float at the surface. The center is run by an independent foundation, which also provides employment and training programs for young adults. An extension is currently under construction with new salt baths, a salt room, changing rooms and a heated outdoor pool overlooking the fjord; the opening is announced for December 5, 2026.

Highlights

• Replica Polish salt mine with an elevator ride and FunRide cinema
• Boiling house producing Mariager Sydesalt
• Salt-water bath "Det Døde Hav" with water at about 39 degrees
• Exhibition on the geology, history and uses of salt
• Exhibition on underground CO₂ storage

Permanent exhibitions

• Saltudstillingen – Permanent exhibition on how salt formed in the Earth's interior, its history and its use today, presented with films, props and experiments.
• Saltminen – Replica of a historic Polish salt mine with dark passages and salt crystals, reached by elevator; it includes a cinema with motion effects.
• CO₂ i undergrunden – Exhibition on how carbon dioxide can be stored in geological layers deep underground.

Founded

1998

Operated by

Mariager Saltcenter (selbstständige Stiftung)

Admission & discounts

Prices apply until December 5, 2026 and include the exhibitions, film and the salt bath "Det Døde Hav". From the opening of the new bathing area, the following are announced: museum DKK 98, salt bath DKK 129, combination ticket DKK 200, annual pass DKK 250.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The exhibition, shop and Café Salt are accessible to wheelchair users; the salt bath "Det Døde Hav" and the salt mine are not.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Children can explore the exhibition, take the elevator down to the salt mine, watch salt boiling and join in salt experiments. Children up to age 3 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The Saltcenter is at Mariager's harbor, where the Mariager-Handest Veteranjernbane (heritage railway) and the excursion boat Svanen also depart.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Café Salt with brunch, lunch specials, coffee and cake, and a view of the fjord and harbor (table reservations possible). The shop sells Mariager Sydesalt and local specialties.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Café Salt with its fjord view can be booked for parties, confirmations, dinners and meetings; festive menus as well as brunch and tapas buffets are offered.

Plan your visit