Discover Hallein: Celtic Museum, Old Town and Salt History
Accommodation in Hallein
Hallein combines Celtic history, salt-mining traditions and a centre shaped by the Middle Ages. If you are looking for a hotel in Hallein, you can plan your stay around what matters most to you: museums and historic sites, a stroll through the Old Town, or hiking and cycling. The city offers several different points of interest, from archaeological finds to striking rock towers.
Celtic history and salt-mining traditions
The Hallein Celtic Museum is one of the largest museums of Celtic history and art in Europe. It explores both the prehistoric history of Salzburg and the history of the city of Hallein. This includes the unique combination in Europe of Iron Age burial grounds, settlement areas and salt mining on the DĂĽrrnberg. The exhibits trace the story from early traces of settlement to the history of the city.
One of the museum's highlights is a 2,500-year-old Celtic beaked jug from the DĂĽrrnberg. It depicts mythical beasts and demons. This find connects a specific artefact with the motifs of Celtic art on display at the museum.
The history of salt mining also has a special place here: the Salzburg mine of Salzwelten Salzburg in Hallein is the world's oldest show mine. The first visitors entered its tunnels as early as 1607. Kelten.Erlebnis.Berg also includes a themed playground and the SALINA Celtic village.
Old Town, Silent Night and historic sites
The historic Old Town preserves a centre dating back to the Middle Ages. Its small, winding lanes and Mediterranean-style squares invite you to wander. You can combine a look at the city's history with a stroll through the different parts of the historic centre.
The Silent Night Museum Hallein is housed in the former home of a composer. The exhibition explores the origins and spread of “Silent Night! Holy Night!” as well as the living circumstances of the Gruber family. Another historic site is the parish church, first mentioned in official records in 1193 and now a listed building. The Gruber organ was renovated in 2018 and can be seen inside the church.
The listed Thürndl Ruins are also one of Hallein's landmarks. Their walls are around 800 years old. Hallein thus brings together a wide range of historic themes, from medieval buildings and the parish church to the history of the song “Silent Night!”.
Barmsteine, hiking trails and cycling routes
The Barmsteine are two rugged rock towers and are regarded as a landmark of the city of Hallein. They are also a popular hiking destination. The hike via HĂĽhnerleiten leads from Bad DĂĽrrnberg to the Barmsteine and down to Hallein. Another route is the Arnoweg, which passes directly by the ThĂĽrndl Ruins on its way to the Barmsteine.
Cyclists can also connect their trip to long-distance routes: Hallein lies on both the Tauern Cycle Path and the Alpe Adria Cycle Route. If you would rather explore on foot, the Barmsteine and the hiking trails mentioned above can shape your stay; by bike, there are two named routes passing through the area. Hallein also offers city tours on themes such as “Hops and Malt” and “Silent Night”. If you want to plan a tour in advance, check the latest dates.
Brewing tradition and local themes
Beer has been brewed at Hofbräu Kaltenhausen since 1475. Brewery tours and beer tastings are also offered there. The theme “Hops and Malt” connects the long brewing tradition with the city tours on offer; check the latest dates if you are interested in a tour or tasting.
You can choose from a range of themes for your trip: Celtic history and salt mining, the Old Town and cultural history, or hiking and cycling. The places and activities mentioned give your stay in Hallein different points of focus, without requiring any one theme to define your whole trip.
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Return to the overall travel overview: Hallein.
