The Bex Salt Mines are Switzerland’s last working salt mine, in operation since the 15th century. On a guided tour, you explore a network of galleries, shafts and chambers dug into the mountain, partly aboard the Miners’ Train.
Caves & mines
Main highlights
- Switzerland’s last working salt mine, where extraction has continued since the 15th century
- Miners’ Train taking you into the mountain to the brine reservoirs
- Network of more than 50 km of galleries, several kilometres of which are open to visitors, at 17 °C all year round
Overview
The Bex salt deposits were discovered in the 15th century and are still mined today, making the site Switzerland’s last working salt mine. According to legend, a young shepherd found the mineral after noticing that his goats always drank from the same salty springs.
The site traces the extraction techniques used from 1684 to the present day, from traditional methods to the modern leaching of salt rock. The underground network stretches over more than 50 km of galleries, shafts, staircases and chambers, several kilometres of which are open to visitors.
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What to see and do
The tour begins aboard the Miners’ Train, which travels into the salt mountain. The route then leads to the brine reservoirs and through the galleries. The guides explain how salt is extracted, from the days of manual work to current methods, and how the mine team still works there today.
An underground restaurant is located 400 m inside the mountain, near a production site. For groups, a fully equipped seminar room accommodates up to 75 people in the heart of the mine.
In addition to the classic tour, more adventurous routes lead through narrow historic galleries. Equipped with a helmet and headlamp, you follow in the footsteps of the miners.
Practical information
Access : the entrance is via the Bouillet gate, above the hamlet of Les Dévens. A PostBus line connects Bex station to the site.
Visit duration : allow about 2 hours, including the train ride.
Visitors : guided tours only, suitable for children aged 6 and over. Pushchairs are not allowed in the galleries.
On site : underground restaurant and seminar room for groups.
Visitor tips
Bring a warm jacket and closed-toe, non-slip shoes : the temperature stays at 17 °C and the humidity is noticeable, even in summer. Booking on the mines’ website is not mandatory, but it avoids being turned away on busy days.
This place is part of the selection What to do in the Chablais ?.
Nearby attractions
- Aigle Castle has overlooked the vineyards of the Vaud Chablais since the late 12th century and is dedicated to winemaking heritage.
- Jumpland, in Aigle, is a leisure centre combining sport, fun and relaxation for the whole family.
- The Lavey Baths offer the hottest thermal water in Switzerland, at 62 °C, in a natural setting.
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