Hallein: Celts, Salt and Old Town
The Celtic Museum, narrow lanes and the Dürrnberg
FamilySalzburgPhoto: Eweht, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Duration
- 2.0 hours
- Languages
- German, English
Hallein on the Salzach is one of Europe's oldest salt towns and was a Celtic center more than 2,500 years ago. This private walk combines the picturesque old town with the Celtic Museum, one of the most important of its kind in Europe.
On the Dürrnberg above town, the Celts mined salt and traded it far to the south. Their graves held jewelry, weapons and vessels that are now displayed in the Celtic Museum by the river.
In the Middle Ages salt was boiled in Hallein and shipped down the Salzach, and the salt trade of the prince-archbishops made the town rich. Narrow lanes, colorful townhouses and small squares still define the old town.
Your guide also shows the home of Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of Silent Night. On request you can continue up the Dürrnberg to the salt mine with its slides and Celtic village, a favorite with families.
Highlights
- Celtic Museum with Dürrnberg finds
- Picturesque old town lanes
- Salt history on the Salzach
- Gruber's house and grave
- Optional Dürrnberg salt mine
The route
-
1Perner Island
The old saltworks
-
2Celtic Museum
Treasures of the Celts
-
3Old town
Lanes and squares
-
4Gruber Square
The Silent Night story
Who this tour is for
Great for history fans and families, and a calm alternative to busy Salzburg.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees and tickets for cable cars, trains, boats or tastings are not included and are paid on site. Your guide is happy to tell you in advance what to expect.
Is the price per person or per group?
This is a private tour with a licensed Austrian tour guide. The price is per group, not per person, so it is just you and your own party.
Can we go into a salt mine in Hallein?
Yes. The Dürrnberg salt mine is a short ride from Hallein. Your guide can plan a visit on request; tickets are not included.
