Nestled on the shores of the Hallstätter See in Upper Austria, Hallstatt is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Its story spans over 7,000 years — from prehistoric salt mining to its current status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Salt Legacy
Hallstatt's name literally means "salt settlement" (from the Celtic word "hall" meaning salt). Salt mining here dates back to at least 5000 BC, making it one of the world's oldest known salt mines. The Salzwelten Hallstatt, the world's oldest salt mine open to visitors, offers tours into the mountain where you can see prehistoric mining tools and underground salt lakes. Adult tickets cost €38.
The Hallstatt Culture
So significant are the archaeological finds from this region that an entire prehistoric European culture — the Hallstatt culture (c. 800–450 BC) — is named after the village. Over 1,000 graves from the Iron Age have been excavated, revealing elaborate burial goods that demonstrate the wealth generated by the salt trade. Many of these artefacts are displayed at the Hallstatt Museum and the Naturhistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Medieval Prosperity
Throughout the Middle Ages, Hallstatt thrived as a salt-trading centre. The village's distinctive wooden houses, stacked precariously up the mountainside due to the narrow strip of flat land between lake and cliff, date largely from this period. The Marktplatz, with its central fountain and pastel-coloured façades, remains the heart of the village.
The Beinhaus (Bone House)
One of Hallstatt's most remarkable — and slightly eerie — attractions is the Beinhaus in the Michaelskapelle. Due to the limited space in the tiny churchyard, bones were exhumed after 10–15 years and stored in the ossuary. Over 600 skulls are on display, many painted with the deceased's name, date of death, and decorative floral motifs. Entry is just €2.
UNESCO Recognition
In 1997, the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut region was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising its outstanding universal value — both cultural and natural. The designation has brought international attention, but also challenges. In peak season, the village of just 780 residents can receive up to 10,000 visitors per day.
Visiting Responsibly
We strongly recommend visiting Hallstatt in the shoulder season (April–May or October–November) when crowds thin and the landscape is at its most dramatic. Our Hallstatt Heritage Tour, starting at €199 per person, includes early-morning access to the salt mine, a private boat ride on the lake, and a guided historical walk — all designed to give you an authentic experience without contributing to overtourism.
"Hallstatt is a place where every stone tells a story. To truly appreciate it, you need to go beyond the Instagram viewpoint and into the mines, the museum, and the lanes where locals still live." — Sophie Berger