The Hallein Celtic Museum is one of Europe’s largest museums of Celtic art and culture. Among its special exhibits is a 2,500-year-old Celtic beaked jug from Dürrnberg, decorated with mythical predatory animals and demons. The museum also presents the connection between Iron Age burial grounds, settlements and salt mining on Dürrnberg; this combination is described as unique in Europe. Here, you encounter not just a single artefact, but several aspects of an archaeological cultural landscape. An elevator provides access to all floors. The museum is a ten-minute walk from Hallein main station, where the S-Bahn stops.
Two museums, two stories
At the Silent Night Museum in Hallein, the story of Franz Xaver Gruber leads to the song that is known far beyond the town. The museum is housed in the former sacristan and choir director’s residence, where Gruber lived and worked for 28 years. Its focus is the creation and spread of “Silent Night! Holy Night!”. This offers a different perspective on Hallein’s cultural history from the one at the Celtic Museum: there, Celtic art, finds and the connection between settlements, burial grounds and salt mining take centre stage; here, the focus is on the story of a song and its creator.
Medieval lanes and historic sites
The historic centre of Hallein’s Old Town dates back to the Middle Ages. You can explore it along small, winding lanes and stroll through squares with a Mediterranean feel. The picturesque Kastenbrunnen fountains are a lovely place to take a break. The Old Town can thus be experienced not only through its history, but also through the succession of narrow lanes and open squares.
Another historic site is the listed Gutrat Castle ruins in Hallein’s Rehhof district. From Au, the Salzquellenweg leads there on an easy hike of about an hour. The approximate walking time and starting point give you a practical guide for the route. The Barmsteine are also part of Hallein’s history: they are considered a landmark of the town and are popular hiking destinations.
Pernerinsel enjoys a special location on the Salzach. It is the river’s only inhabited island. This adds a distinctive urban spot to the museums, Old Town and hiking destinations—a place whose uniqueness lies in its island setting.
Beer history and fun-filled discoveries
Beer has been brewed at Hofbräu Kaltenhausen since 1475. A range of brewery tours and beer tastings featuring different beer styles offer insights into the brewery and its products. The Hofbräu Kaltenhausen Cooperage Museum also explains what historic tools such as the Hoanzlbank workbench, guild platters and hoop-bending machines were used for.
At Kelten.Erlebnis.Berg, children can discover Celtic life through play, with slides, a water feature and climbing activities. This offers a different focus from the museum visits: here, the emphasis is on the activities listed, rather than on exhibits and history.
More tips for planning your visit
The brine graduation tower in Bad Dürrnberg was completely renovated in 2013. It is in the spa park, a few minutes’ walk from the pilgrimage church of Maria Dürrnberg. If you are planning a visit, check in advance whether access is currently possible.
Information is available for Hallein on cycling routes, bike rental and self-service cycling facilities. If you would like to include a bike ride in your plans, check the specific options in advance. Whether you are interested in Celtic finds, the history of “Silent Night”, the Old Town or a walking excursion, Hallein’s attractions offer different ways to explore cultural history and enjoy the outdoors.
Discover more destinations: Annaberg-Lungötz, Golling An Der Salzach, Kuchl, Puch Bei Hallein, Adnet, Rußbach Am Paß Gschütt, Krispl, Taugl, Gaißau, Bad Vigaun, Weissenbach, Sankt Koloman, Rußbachsaag, Schattau, Gseng, Sankt Margarethen, Oberalm, Steuer, Abtenau, Hallein, Scheffau am Tennengebirge.
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