Mines de Sel de Bex

About the museum

The Bex salt mines are considered Switzerland's oldest still-active mine. According to the tourism portal, salt has been extracted from the mountain here since 1684. Today the tunnel network extends over 50 kilometers, and around 35,000 tons of salt are produced each year, sold under the brand SEL DES ALPES. The operator is Schweizer Salinen AG, which runs the visitor operation under the name Salina Helvetica.

The Stiftung Salzbergwerk Bex looks after the mine's heritage. It preserves archives, plans, machinery, tools and other objects, supplements the collection, and plans to renovate an old Bernese chalet at Le Bouillet, which is to become a home for the history of Swiss and especially Vaud salt.

In summer 2026 the visitor route was redesigned: the mine train runs back into the mountain, newly staged experience worlds tell the story of history, craftsmanship and salt production, and a new slide adds surprises. The tour lasts about two hours at a constant 18 degrees.

Highlights

• Oldest still-active salt mine in Switzerland
• Ride on the mine train into the mountain
• Newly redesigned route with experience worlds and a slide
• Tunnel and craft history of salt extraction
• Shop with salt from the company's own production

Permanent exhibition

• Neuer Minenrundgang „Erlebe das Salz“ – Guided tour through the mine with a ride on the mine train, tunnels, newly staged experience worlds on the history and craft of salt production, and a slide.

Operated by

Schweizer Salinen AG (Salina Helvetica); Kulturerbe: Stiftung Salzbergwerk Bex

Admission & discounts

Prices according to the ticket shop for the "Minen Rundgang" (mine tour), adults from 16 years.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Visitors must be able to move through the mine without aids such as a wheelchair, walking aid or stroller. Except for assistance dogs, no animals are allowed.

Kids & families

Great for kids & familiesRecommended for ages 4+

• Stroller-friendly: not available

The tour suits all age groups; the museum recommends it from age 4. The mine train ride and the slide are highlights for children; under-6s may use the slide only accompanied by an adult. Strollers cannot be taken along.

Getting there & parking

From the Bex motorway exit (A9), it is only a few minutes to the mines.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Boutique of the salt mines on site. According to the tourism portal, there is also a snack bar and a picnic area. With the combined offer "Mines & Brasserie", the tour can be combined with a meal at the Brasserie de la Mine (French only).

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

The company also offers the mines as a venue for corporate and private events; contact eventsmine@saline.ch, phone +41 24 463 04 93. Aperitifs and special events on request.

Plan your visit