Situated in the foothills of the Alps, the Vaudois district of Bex has the only active salt mine in Switzerland. The underground maze, which is also a tourist attraction, has been operated for centuries to extract the “white gold” which offers great gustatory qualities, among other things...
In the Middle Ages, salt was of political and economic importance. Having no salt source, Switzerland depended on its neighbours. Seen in this context, the discovery of the “white gold” in Bex in the 15th century was a major event. Legend has it that this discovery was due to a shepherd who was intrigued by his goats which appreciated the salty water of a small Alpine brook.
Since then, the source has been turned into a mine with its impressive labyrinth of galleries, from where the salt is eagerly extracted. The crystals at the foot of the mountains draw their pure flavour from the summits, hence the name “salt of the Alps”. Table salt or seasoned with herbs as well as large-grain salt are indispensable in all Swiss kitchens. But the major part of the production is used to protect our roads from freezing over, while a small quantity is also used for high-end cosmetics. Visiting the underground mines of Bex aboard the famous mines train, you understand that salt really is a great adventure!
