In the depths of the Swiss Alps, hidden between the rugged peaks and gentle meadows of the canton of Vaud, lies a place that has been extracting "white gold" for centuries: the Bex saltworks. In the dark corridors of this salt mine, you breathe in history, feel the rough legacy of generations who have wrested one of nature's most precious resources from nature with shovels, fire and water. The history of this place begins in 1554 and to this day it is a living testimony to human engineering skills and perseverance.
The first saltworks in Bex were the answer to the growing demand for salt, an essential element then as now. Salt preserved food, healed wounds and played a key role in the economy. Back then, access to salt meant power. Today, the function of salt may have changed, but the importance of the place remains undiminished: the Bex saltworks now belongs to Schweizer Salinen AG, which covers the salt needs of the entire country.
But this industrial heart is much more than just a production facility. Thanks to the Bex Salt Mine Foundation, a piece of Swiss cultural history also lives on here. The foundation has made it its mission not only to preserve this extraordinary heritage, but also to make it accessible to visitors. Tourists immerse themselves in the world of the salt mine, experience the centuries-old tradition and feel the cool air that collects in the rock chambers - an air that tells the stories of the people who spent their lives in the bowels of the mountain.
What makes salt production in Bex special is the exceptional extraction process, which is deeply rooted in the Alpine geology. Water from the surrounding springs is injected into the rocks, where it gradually extracts the precious salt. This process, which is as old as the mine itself, has been refined over the centuries. Fire was once the heart of salt extraction, but over time technology has left its mark.
The introduction of thermocompression, which replaced fire evaporation, marked a revolutionary turning point in the history of salt production. This technological breakthrough made it possible to significantly reduce energy requirements, which not only made operations more efficient but also conserved resources. Today, the energy still required is generated by the in-house hydroelectric power station on the Avançon - a sustainable cycle that respects nature while exploiting its treasures.
The Bex Saltworks is more than a technical masterpiece - it is a living monument to human ingenuity, adaptability and perseverance. Here, tradition meets innovation, and visitors from all over the world can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of salt, hidden deep in the Swiss Alps.
Access
The tour lasts two hours and a reservation is highly recommended.
