Hallstatt - PICTURES

Beautiful natural landscapes and little houses and buildings from many different eras eg Gothic, Baroque and Romantic periods, as well as modern buidings. These all add to Hallstatt's individual charm.

Rome was just a village .......

The Temple of Soloman in Jerusalem had not yet been built .......

And the Trojan Wars were taking place in Ancient Greece .......

"White Gold" (salt) was already being mined in Hallstatt.

This "Man in the Salt" was discovered in 1734, deep in the heart of the mountains high above Hallstatt. This ancient inhabitant of Hallstatt is the main exhibit in the new salt mines exhibition in Hallstatt. Other major attractions include the longest miners' slide in the world, a 1400 square metre mystically illuminated salt lake and a cave full of salt crystals. The sounds of children's feet echo loudly as they make their way up the "dwarves' staircase". A big adventure for our younger visitors - grown ups must wait behind!

Now that you are properly equipped for your visit to the salt mines, you will be guided through old mining tunnels to the underground salt lake and along mystical passage ways into the secret 3000 year old salt mining world! You have entered the prehistoric heart of the mines and will soon see for yourself ancient resinous wood structures and mine tunnels dating back to the "Hallstatt Era". Explore a network of passageways not generally open to visitors and you will come across the place where the "Man in Salt" was discovered. During the "Prehistoric Tour" you will also have the opportunity to visit the secret "Herzerlkammer".

This tower was named after the first Habsburger Rudolf I, and was built in 1284 by his son, Duke Albrecht I of Austria. It was built as a look- out tower to protect the Hallstatt salt mines. Nowadays the tower serves as an inn and from here you can relax and a delicious lunch or a coffee with friends. Enjoy stunning views across the Hallstatt/Dachstein UNESCO Natural and World Cultural Heritage Region.

As you take the cable car, look down to the beautiful town of Hallstatt with its picture postcard deep blue lake and over to Obertraun. Take a wander through Hallstatt's ancient burial grounds and relax afterwards in the historic Rudolfsturm ("Rudolf's Tower") mountain inn. You will definitely need your camera, once more, as the panoramic views from the sun terrace are simply breath taking!

Another option for your day in Hallstatt is a relaxing cruise on the lake. A wonderful experience you will never forget!

Numerous discoveries from the world famous burial grounds by the Hallstatt salt mines such as the "Bull Shell" are exhibited in the Prehistoric Museum. A world -wide trade in salt has led to bronze jewelery from northern Italy and amber from the coast of the Baltic being discovered in the high Hallstatt valley.

Iron became a popular raw material in the Hallstatt Era (800 to 400 BC), and there are many examples of its use on display.

The Catholic church in Hallstatt is a late Gothic building with a Romantic tower and is the most significant remnant of cultural tradition in the Middle Ages. The 3 side altars are well worth seeing (1450, 1520, 1895) as are the late Gothic frescoes (circa 1500). Unique to Hallstatt is the famous "Bone House", situated in the crypt of the Michaelskapelle. Because of the lack of space in Hallstatt's grave yard, 1800 "clean" human skulls are displayed. Half of them have the names of the deceased and birth/death dates painted on them, and some have been decorated with painted flowers too.

This annual procession on Lake Hallstatt is famous world wide and attracts visitors who return to Hallstatt time after time. Do not miss this wonderful occasion, and please do join us for this lovely procession of boats decorated with flowers.

adds to the outstanding natural beauty of the picturesque little town of Hallstatt. There are numerous opportunities for downhill and cross country skiing, suitable for young and old, just nearby!