Bex Salt Mines: a journey to the heart of the mountain by little train

A little train that dives under the mountain

In Bex, in the Vaud Chablais, there is a unique site: the oldest salt mine still in operation in Switzerland. The visit begins with a journey aboard the Miners' Train, a small underground train that delves deep into the heart of the mountain. From there, one discovers a labyrinth of galleries hand-carved over the centuries, with a network exceeding 50 km. The temperature remains at 18 °C all year round, both in summer and winter. In 2026, the site reopened on June 6 with a completely redesigned Miners' Train and a new scenography. A fascinating dive into the bowels of the earth.

What your children will discover

Your children will experience a real underground expedition. Aboard the little train, then on foot in the galleries, they will discover how miners extracted salt from the rock, in the dim light and coolness. The tour extends over approximately 500 m and lasts about 2 hours. It is an opportunity to understand a part of history and geology while having a striking sensory experience: darkness, echo, sometimes damp ground, fresh air. An outing that is out of the ordinary and leaves lasting memories.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

The adventure is experienced in a group, under supervision. We board the Miners' Train, traverse the galleries, and discover the new scenography set up for 2026. A shop offers salt-based products at the end of the visit. The atmosphere is that of a muted, mysterious expedition, sometimes theatrical. Important to know: the visit is entirely on foot in the galleries, without strollers or wheelchairs. Visitors must be able to move independently.

Before you go

• Recommended age: from about 4 years old; the visit is possible at any age for those who can move independently.
• Duration: about 2 hours, route of approximately 500 m.
• Price: 2026 rates not yet published for the new route — check the rates on the official website. Free for children under 6 years old.
• Reservation: online reservation recommended, or even required.
• Accessibility: strollers, wheelchairs, and walkers are prohibited in the mine; independent movement is necessary (access to be confirmed for the new route).
• What to bring: a jacket even in summer (constant 18 °C) and non-slip shoes (ground can be damp at times).
• Ideal season: all year round; particularly pleasant in summer when it is hot outside.

Parents' tips

• Dress your children warmly: it is 18 °C in the mine, even in the middle of summer.
• Provide closed, non-slip shoes, as the ground can be wet.
• Book online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Prepare the little ones for the darkness and quiet of the galleries.
• Plan for about 2 hours on site and check the time of the last entry.

Useful information

• Address: Route des Mines de Sel 55, 1880 Bex VD.
• Official website: salina-helvetica.ch
• Phone: +41 24 463 03 30
• Hours: generally 09:00-16:30; hours and last entry for the new route to be confirmed on the official website. Closed on January 1, December 25 and 26.
• Access: from the CFF station in Bex; direct bus 152 to Bex, Mines de Sel during school holidays in VD, weekends, and public holidays; otherwise bus 152 or 119 to Bex, Bif. Salaz then about 23 min walk.

Why we recommend it

Because few outings offer such an original experience: descending into the mountain aboard a little train, exploring centuries-old galleries, understanding the work of miners. It is an activity that is both fun, educational, and refreshing, perfect for a hot day as well as a rainy day.

In two words

The Salt Mines of Bex is a little train and underground galleries at a constant 18 °C, for an extraordinary family adventure in the heart of the mountain.