The Monuments Men: Altaussee Salt Mine&Hallstatt Private Day Trip
Active
11h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Discover the true story of the "Monuments Men" on a private tour to the Austrian Alps. Explore the Altaussee Salt Mine, where Nazis hid masterpieces by Vermeer and Michelangelo, and visit the fairytale village of Hallstatt. Unlike standard tours, you have a personal team (Driver + Guide), ensuring a stress-free journey tailored to your pace.
Travel through the UNESCO Salzkammergut region. As we pass emerald lakes and peaks, your guide recounts the race to save Europe’s art in 1945.
The Salt Mine is an adventure. Put on miner clothes, slide down wooden slides, and reach the deep tunnels where 6,500 artworks were hidden. You will stand in the exact spot where miners saved art history from destruction.
Visit the world's most beautiful lakeside village. With a private driver, we avoid distant parking hassles, dropping you closer to the center. While the pro driver handles the winding Alpine roads, your guide focuses 100% on your experience and photos.
Available options
The Monuments Men: Altaussee Salt Mine&Hallstatt Private Day Trip
Pickup included
What's included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Bottled water
Tickets to Altaussee Salt Mine (Salzwelten Altaussee)
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional English speaking guide
Professional English speaking driver
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
We pick you up from your hotel and head west. As we leave the city behind, the landscape transforms from flat plains to the dramatic peaks of the Salzkammergut Lake District. This is not just a drive; it is the prologue to our story. While your professional driver navigates the highway, your guide will introduce the "Monuments Men" era, explaining how Hitler planned to build the "Führer Museum" and why he hid Europe's stolen art deep in the Austrian mountains.
2
This is the highlight of the "Monuments Men" story.
Upon arrival, you’ll slip into traditional miners' clothes (provided). We enter the mountain through long tunnels and slide down wooden miners' slides—a fun and safe experience for everyone!
Deep underground, we visit the "Springerwerk" chambers. You will stand in the exact spot where masterpieces like the Ghent Altarpiece and Michelangelo’s Madonna were stored in wooden crates. You will learn the thrilling story of how local miners sabotaged Nazi orders to blow up the mine, saving the art for future generations.
3
Depending on the season and the day of the week, we will stop for a relaxing lunch either on the peaceful shores of Lake Altaussee or in the heart of Hallstatt. In both cases, we select a restaurant with authentic Austrian cuisine (like fresh local fish or Schnitzel) and stunning scenery, ensuring you get the best experience available on the day of your tour. (Lunch cost not included).
4
Stop 4
A short scenic drive through the mountain pass brings us to Hallstatt, the world’s most photographed village.
Convenience: While regular tourists struggle with distant parking, your private driver drops you as close as possible to the center.
The Walk: Stroll with your guide through the narrow 16th-century streets. We visit the famous Ossuary (Bone House) with its painted skulls—a unique Alpine tradition.
The View: We take you to the "World Heritage View" point for that iconic postcard photo of the church spire reflecting in the lake. You will have free time to buy souvenirs or enjoy a coffee by the water.
5
Stop 5
Relax after a full day of fresh mountain air and adventure. Whether you choose to sleep or chat about the day's discoveries, your driver ensures a smooth and safe return directly to your hotel doorstep.
What's not included
Gratuities
Lunch
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Vienna
Vienna, the capital of Austria, is renowned for its rich imperial history, vibrant arts scene, and stunning architecture. Known as the 'City of Music', it has been home to legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The city's elegant cafes, grand palaces, and world-class museums make it a cultural treasure trove.
Top Attractions
Schönbrunn Palace
A former imperial summer residence, Schönbrunn Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. The palace and its gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€18 for Imperial Tour, €24 for Grand Tour
St. Stephen's Cathedral
A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, St. Stephen's Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna. The cathedral's multi-colored tile roof is iconic.
Religious/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free entry, €6 for tower climb, €7 for treasury
Belvedere Palace
A historic building complex with two Baroque palaces, the Belvedere houses the largest collection of Gustav Klimt paintings, including 'The Kiss'.
Historical/Art/Museum
2-3 hours
€16 for Upper Belvedere, €14 for Lower Belvedere
Vienna State Opera
One of the world's leading opera houses, the Vienna State Opera offers performances of opera, ballet, and concerts.
Cultural/Entertainment
2-4 hours (performance length)
€10-200 depending on performance and seat
Hofburg Palace
The former imperial palace, Hofburg Palace is now home to several museums, the Austrian National Library, and the Spanish Riding School.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours
€14 for Sisi Museum and Imperial Apartments, €20 for Silver Collection
Must-Try Local Dishes
Wiener Schnitzel
A thin, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon and potato salad or dumplings.
Dinner
Contains gluten and dairy
Tafelspitz
Boiled beef, usually served with root vegetables, apple sauce, and horseradish.
Dinner
Gluten-free, dairy-free
Sachertorte
A famous chocolate cake with a thin layer of apricot jam, covered in dark chocolate glaze.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Apfelstrudel
A thin pastry filled with spiced apples, raisins, and sugar, often served with vanilla sauce or ice cream.
Dessert
Contains gluten
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Vienna Woods
Cycling along the Danube
Kayaking on the Danube
Coffee house hopping
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through Schönbrunn Palace Gardens
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending opera or concert performances
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Vienna for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city hosts numerous festivals and cultural events during these months.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: German
- Widely spoken: English, Austro-Bavarian dialect
- English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, moderately spoken elsewhere
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Vienna is a safe city with low crime rates. However, as with any major city, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Vienna International Airport • 18 km from city center
By train
Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Main Station), Vienna Westbahnhof
By bus
Vienna International Bus Terminal, Erdberg Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Vienna's metro system is efficient and user-friendly, with four lines (U1, U2, U3, U4).
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Innere Stadt
Leopoldstadt
Wieden
Hietzing
Day trips
Bratislava
80 km (50 miles) • Full day
The capital of Slovakia, Bratislava is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene.
Salzburg
300 km (186 miles) • Full day or overnight
The birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is a beautiful city with a rich musical heritage, stunning architecture, and scenic surroundings.
Hallstatt
200 km (124 miles) • Full day or overnight
A picturesque lakeside village in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is known for its stunning natural beauty and historic salt mines.
Festivals
Vienna Festival (Wiener Festwochen) • May to June
Vienna Opera Ball (Wiener Opernball) • Late February or early March
Vienna Christmas Markets (Wiener Christkindlmarkt) • Late November to December 26
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Purchase a Vienna Pass for unlimited transport and attractions, saving time and money
- Explore the city's coffee house culture and try traditional pastries like Sachertorte and Apfelstrudel
- Take a day trip to nearby cities like Bratislava or Salzburg for a change of pace
- Use public transport or walk to explore the city, as driving can be challenging and expensive
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
