A picturesque view of Hallein, featuring charming buildings and a church steeple against a backdrop of lush green hills and a partly cloudy sky.

A Himalayan salt lamp sits on a wooden stool against a plain background.

Following in historic footsteps.

The City of Hallein and its Salt

Nestled between mountains, old salt mines and the Salzach River lies the picturesque city of Hallein. Shaped by salt mining on the Dürrnberg, the second-largest city in the State of Salzburg has developed over centuries into a place where history remains tangible without standing still.

Today, the charming old town delights visitors with its unique flair, lovingly restored buildings and lively culture. Strolling through the narrow streets, you immediately sense that this place has always been bustling with activity – and that is still the case today.

A group of men working with machinery and wood in a historical industrial setting.

From white gold to cultural city

Salt was mined in Hallein as far back as 2,500 years ago – a treasure that shaped the town, brought prosperity and made it an important place in the Salzburg region. Traces of this eventful past can still be seen today – on a visit to the Celtic Museum or the salt mine on the Dürrnberg, for instance.

But Hallein is more than just its past: with events such as the Hallein Town Festival Week, Moonlight Shopping and concerts in the Ziegelstadl, culture thrives here in all its facets. Art, music and history help create a place that inspires and brings people together.

Sights, events and annual highlights in Hallein

Salzwelten – a journey into the salt mines

Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of salt mining on the Dürrnberg – underground, interactive and impressive.

Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm (in winter months open until 3 pm)
Year-round children’s tours: every Sunday at 2:30 pm + additional dates during the summer holidays (July to September)

Museum of the Celts

One of the most important and largest museums of Celtic culture in Europe. The prehistory of Salzburg and the history of Hallein also come to life here – right in the old town, at Pflegerplatz 5.

Special opening hours due to construction work:

Monday to Friday: 5 pm – 8 pm
Saturday, Sunday, public holidays: 9 am – 5 pm

Silent Night Museum

Located in the former home of Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of the Christmas classic 'Silent Night', this museum tells the moving story of the world-famous Christmas carol.

Opening hours: daily 9 am – 5 pm

Pernerinsel & Zieglstadl

A cultural stage and striking industrial monument – today, the Pernerinsel in Hallein is a permanent venue for the Salzburg Festival and a place for concerts, art and more. The Zieglstadl is a charming cultural centre for music, cabaret, exhibitions and creative events in a very special setting.

Moonlight Shopping

From May to September, on the first Friday of every month, visitors can enjoy a relaxed evening stroll and shopping in Hallein's old town. Many shops stay open until 9 or 10 pm – music, small bites, and a particularly lovely atmosphere round out the offer.

Hallein City Festival

A week full of life, music and special encounters throughout the old town – every summer.

27 June 2026 from 12 noon

A quaint street in Hallein with historic buildings, cobblestone pavement, and a warm sunlight casting shadows.

Charming old town flair

The Hallein old town invites you to stop by and stay a while: small shops, cosy cafés and historic courtyards tell the story of a town with heart and soul. And if you want to get out for some fresh air and nature, you don’t have to go far. Hallein is ideally located for explorers, those seeking peace and quiet and nature lovers – with impressive excursion destinations within easy reach:

15 minutes to the Bluntautal valley for walking and hiking
20 minutes to Salzburg city centre
20 minutes to the Golling waterfalls
30 minutes to the famous Lake Königssee
40 minutes to the Dachstein West / Werfenweng ski area
40 minutes to the beautiful Salzkammergut region

You will find more excursion ideas and tips in your digital guest folder before you arrive.

Three people sit on grass near vibrant rose bushes, overlooking Mirabell palace and garden and the historic fortress under a dramatic sky at sunset.

Hop on the bus. Hop into adventure.

The Hop On Hop Off bus is a wonderful way to discover the Salzburg region. You decide where you want to get off, depending on your mood. An audio guide provides exciting information along the route.

BLUE LINE stops: Mirabellplatz Salzburg, Hellbrunn Palace, Untersbergbahn cable car valley station, Hallein, Salzwelten Salzburg Salt Mines / Dürrnberg, Zinkenlifte, Kehlsteinhaus, Berchtesgaden

Daily from April to September
Hallein old town / Museum of the Celts: 9:32 am | 12:32 pm | 3:32 pm
Hallein Pernerinsel: 9:34 am | 12:34 pm | 3:34 pm
Salzwelten / Celtic Mountain: 9:44 am | 12:44 pm | 3:44 pm

“Hallein is a city that not only tells stories – it invites you to become a part of them. At the salt, you can experience exactly that: in historic rooms that offer a sense of security and leave room for new perspectives.”

the salt Family

Areal view of Hallein with a church tower, surrounded by lush green hills under a partly cloudy sky.

White building of "the salt" with wooden windows and a sloped roof against a blue sky, reflecting a blend of traditional and modern architecture.

A person holding a coffee with latte art at an outdoor café table.

A traditional austrian dress displayed in a shop window on a cobblestone street, with flowers nearby.

Cozy bedroom with a wooden bed, white linens, and a gray blanket labeled "the salt." Warm lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere.

the salt – where salt is more than just a name

It is not only Hallein that has been shaped by salt – its history is also reflected in the salt: in its name, in its architecture, in many small details. Salt represents the essential, preservation, permanence. And that is exactly what it should be for our guests: a place that slows down and connects.

A place for people who travel consciously. For everyone who prefers to pause rather than just tick things off a list, who prefers to discover rather than rush.

Learn more about the salt

Modern hotel lounge with wooden furniture, gray sofa, decorative plants, and a scenic mural behind the reception desk at the salt townhouse.

In the middle of the action, yet all to yourself

Situated in the heart of the Hallein old town: the salt – a boutique hotel and two apartment buildings that combine the past and present in a one-of-a-kind way.

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