Celtic history, salt mining and a medieval old town give Hallein several different facets to explore during a stay. There are also hiking trails to the Barmsteine, cycling routes and attractions related to brewery culture. The themes you choose to focus on can guide your search for a hotel in Hallein and help you plan your time there.
Celtic History and Salt Mining
The Hallein Celtic Museum is one of the largest museums of Celtic history and art in Europe. It presents both Salzburg’s prehistory and the history of the town of Hallein. The connection between Iron Age burial grounds, settlement areas and salt mining on the Dürrnberg is particularly significant: this combination is considered unique by European standards.
One of the museum’s highlights is a 2,500-year-old Celtic beaked jug from the Dürrnberg. It depicts fantastical predators and demons. The artefact is a striking focal point in the Celtic collection, while also being part of the broader context of settlement, burial and salt production.
The Salzburg mine operated by Salzwelten Salzburg in Hallein also shapes the area’s salt history. It is considered the world’s oldest show mine; the first visitors travelled through its tunnels as early as 1607. Those interested in history can explore it from different angles: the museum covers the finds and their cultural-historical context, while the mine represents the long history of salt mining. The Kelten.Erlebnis.Berg also includes the SALINA Celtic Village and a themed playground.
Old Town, Music History and Buildings
Hallein’s historic centre dates back to the Middle Ages. Narrow, winding lanes and squares with a Mediterranean feel make the Old Town a distinct focus alongside Celtic history. You can take in the character of the centre as you stroll, without focusing on any one museum topic.
The Silent Night Museum Hallein is located in the composer’s former home. Its exhibition explores the origins and spread of “Silent Night! Holy Night!” as well as the Gruber family’s living conditions. The parish church offers another historical point of interest: it was first mentioned in a document in 1193 and is now a protected heritage site. The Gruber organ in the church was renovated in 2018 and can be viewed there.
The Thürndl Ruin also combines history with a striking building: it is a protected heritage site and one of Hallein’s landmarks. Its walls are around 800 years old. Hallein’s historical traces from different eras thus stand side by side—from the medieval Old Town and church to much older Celtic finds.
Hiking and Cycling Around Hallein
The Barmsteine are two rugged rock towers and are considered a landmark of the town. They are also a popular hiking destination. Two described hiking routes lead there: the hike via HĂĽhnerleiten runs from Bad DĂĽrrnberg to the Barmsteine and down to Hallein. The Arnoweg trail passes directly by the ThĂĽrndl Ruin on its way to the Barmsteine. The route descriptions therefore differ in both their course and the places they connect.
Cyclists can also connect Hallein with two long-distance routes: the town lies on the Tauern Cycle Path and the Alpe Adria Cycle Path. Hallein also offers guided town tours on themes such as “Hops and Malt” and “Silent Night.” This gives you a choice between outdoor activities and themed insights into the town’s history and brewery culture when planning your trip—without requiring these interests to involve the same kind of stay.
Brewery Culture as Another Focus
Beer has been brewed at Hofbräu Kaltenhausen since 1475. Brewery tours and beer tastings are available. Along with the “Hops and Malt” town tours, this adds another dimension of Hallein to its museums and historic buildings. Those mainly interested in culture and history can focus on the Celtic Museum, Old Town, museum and parish church. Those who prefer to get outdoors will find different options for planning their trip, including the Barmsteine, Hühnerleiten and the cycling routes.
Discover more travel destinations: RuĂźbach Am PaĂź GschĂĽtt, Steuer, RuĂźbachsaag, Golling An Der Salzach, Bad Vigaun, Weissenbach, Adnet, Schattau.
Back to the main travel overview: Hallein.
