Alte Saline, Industrial architectural ensemble in Bad Reichenhall, Germany.
The Old Salt Works is an industrial complex in Bad Reichenhall featuring a central pump house, surrounding buildings, courtyards, residential quarters, and a fire tower arranged around Lindenplatz square. The site contains underground passages and mechanical systems that once moved saltwater through the facility for processing.
After a major city fire in 1834, architects Friedrich von Gärtner and Joseph Daniel Ohlmüller designed new buildings that combined technical function with impressive appearance. The site remained the heart of salt production until operations moved to the New Salt Works in 1929.
Visitors can see how salt production shaped the city's identity and daily rhythms, with the complex serving as a center of work and community life. The layout and structures reflect the technical knowledge and craftsmanship that people brought to extracting and processing this valuable resource.
Underground passages stay around 12°C year-round, so bring warm layers and sturdy shoes since marble floors become slippery when wet. The walking routes through the grounds are manageable but feature uneven surfaces and steps in several spots.
Water wheels at the site continue operating and pump brine for spa purposes, even though salt production ended here almost a century ago. This active system links the old industrial work of the place with the city's modern wellness practices.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
