Hallstatt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

There are places that seem to be painted. Hallstatt is one such place. Nestled between steep rock faces and the tranquil Lake Hallstatt, the small village unfolds a scenery that has fascinated travelers for centuries. But Hallstatt is much more than just a photo opportunity: it is a place with an extraordinary history and vibrant culture.

Salt was already being mined here in the Bronze Age. The “white gold” brought prosperity and shaped an entire era known today as the Hallstatt period. This history can be experienced at first hand in the Salt Worlds. The mine train takes you into the mountain, past old tunnels and wooden slides. You will learn impressively how salt determined life in the valley.

Down on the banks of the small village, narrow alleyways meander past wooden houses with flower-decorated balconies. Small cafés, traditional inns and craft stores give Hallstatt its authentic character. Much of it has grown, not been staged.

Culturally, the ossuary in St. Michael’s Chapel offers a special feature: artistically painted skulls tell of old burial rituals. They tell of a time when a lack of space led to unusual solutions and remembrance had a firm place in everyday life.

Hallstatt thrives on contrasts: untamed mountain scenery meets tranquil idyll, thousands of years of history meets modern tourism. Anyone standing by the lake early in the morning, when wafts of mist drift over the water and the first rays of sunlight gild the mountain peaks, will quickly understand why this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Picture credits: © Dachstein Tourismus AG & DAG Mirja Geh