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Hallstatt - Hallstatt-Dachstein / Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape

Hallstatt, Austria
20.09.2018

Hallstatt is a picturesque village located in the stunning Austrian Alps, situated on the western shore of Lake Hallstatt. The village is known for its breathtaking scenery, unique culture, and rich history.

The origins of Hallstatt date back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human settlement found in the nearby salt mines. The village has been inhabited for over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe.

Visitors to Hallstatt will be mesmerized by the charming traditional Austrian architecture, with colorful houses lining the narrow streets. The village is also home to the iconic Hallstatt Lutheran Church, which dates back to the 12th century.

One of the main attractions in Hallstatt is the salt mine, which has been in operation since the prehistoric times. Visitors can take a tour of the mine and learn about the history of salt mining in the region. The salt mine also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the picturesque lake.

For those interested in history, the Hallstatt Museum is a must-visit. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of the village and its people, including artifacts and exhibits from the prehistoric times to the present day.

Nature lovers will also be in paradise in Hallstatt, with the Dachstein Krippenstein mountain providing endless opportunities for hiking, climbing, and skiing. The crystal clear waters of Lake Hallstatt also offer the perfect spot for swimming, boating, and fishing.

In addition to its natural and cultural attractions, Hallstatt is also known for its delicious Austrian cuisine. Visitors can indulge in traditional dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and apple strudel while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat in nature, a cultural experience, or an adventure-filled holiday, Hallstatt has something for everyone. With its unique charm and rich history, it's no wonder that this small village has become a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.


Human activity in the magnificent natural landscape of the Salzkammergut began in prehistoric times, with the salt deposits being exploited as early as the 2nd millennium BC. This resource formed the basis of the area’s prosperity up to the middle of the 20th century, a prosperity that is reflected in the fine architecture of the town of Hallstatt.

Hallstatt (German: [ˈhalʃtat] ) is a small town in the district of Gmunden, in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. Situated between the southwestern shore of Hallstätter See and the steep slopes of the Dachstein massif, the town lies in the Salzkammergut region, on the national road linking Salzburg and Graz.

Hallstatt is known for its production of salt, dating back to prehistoric times, and gave its name to the Hallstatt culture, the archaeological culture linked to Proto-Celtic and early Celtic people of the Early Iron Age in Europe, c. 800–450 BC.

Hallstatt is at the core of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut Cultural Landscape declared as one of the World Heritage Sites in Austria by UNESCO in 1997. It is an area of overtourism.

The Salzkammergut (Austrian German: [ˈsaltskamɐɣuːt]; German: [ˈzaltskamɐɡuːt] ; Central Austro-Bavarian: Soizkaumaguad) is a resort area in Austria, stretching from the city of Salzburg eastwards along the Alpine Foreland and the Northern Limestone Alps to the peaks of the Dachstein Mountains. The main river of the region is the Traun, a right tributary of the Danube.

The name Salzkammergut translates to "salt demesne" (or "salt domain"), Kammergut being a German word for territories held by princes of the Holy Roman Empire, in early modern Austria specifically territories of the Habsburg monarchy. The salt mines of Salzkammergut were administered by the Imperial Salzoberamt in Gmunden from 1745 to 1850.

Parts of the region were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

wikipedia.org