Hallein lies to the south of Salzburg and is located on the river Salzach in the Salzburg region of western Austria.

Hallein is a historic town in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is the capital of Hallein district. The town has a rich history concerning the once booming salt mine industry and has deep roots steeped in Celtic history spanning back over 400 years.

Main sights

The town is located in the Tennengau region south of the City of Salzburg, stretching along the Salzach river in the shadow of the Untersberg massif, close to the border with Germany in the west. With a population of about 20,300, Hallein is the second largest town of the Salzburg state. The municipal area comprises the cadastral communities of Adnet II, Au, Burgfried, Dürrnberg, Gamp, Gries, Hallein proper, Oberalm II, and Taxach.

Hallein can be reached by suburban S-Bahn railway from the city of Salzburg. It has also access to the A 10 Tauern Autobahn (European route E55) from Salzburg to Villach.

Culture

Hallein hosts two museums of historic and musical interest. The Keltenmuseum displays artifacts and narrative describing the early Hallstatt and La Tene Celtic cultures as well as the development of salt mining in the region through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The Silent Night Museum features information relating to the composing of one of the best-known Christmas songs of the 19th century. It documents the life and times of composer Franz Xaver Gruber. The museum houses the guitar originally used by lyricist Joseph Mohr and several signed copies of the sheet music.

Discover Hallein

Today Hallein is a pleasant historical town and provides a wide variety of sights and attractions – The immense Alpine landscape that surround Hallein are truly jaw-dropping and offer some of the finest hiking opportunities in the region. With its close proximity to both Salzburg and the German Alps, the possibilities Hallein provides are endless.

Hallein Salt Mine

The White Gold is rife in the area of Hallein and there are many deposits that have been extensively mined in the area.

The Hallein Salt Mine is a fantastic and interesting place to visit and one of the oldest in the world.

The salt mine is located to the south of Hallein in Bad Durrnberg and provides fun entertainment for all the family.

See how a salt mine operated, learn about the history of mining in the area and explore the network of mining tunnels that still remain in good quality today.

Guided tours last around 70 minutes and children can visit the mine from the age of four upwards.

Keltenblitz Sommerrodelbahn

The Keltenblitz is a range located to the south of Hallein near Bad Durrnberg and offers some amazing scenery and attractions only 10 minutes away.

The mountain range is accessible by a chair lift that is just off of Durrnberg-Landes Strabe and provides a fun way to travel to the top and enjoy the scenery.

Once you are at the top of the Keltenblitz, you can take in the awe inspiring views of the surrounding countryside and see across into neighbouring Germany.

There is also a restaurant and café if you fancy a snack, and of course the fantastic Toboggan slide.

Durnberg Toboggan Slide

This is undoubtedly one of the most exciting things to do during your visit to Hallein and should not be missed.

The toboggan slide is on top of the Keltenblitz Mountain and can be accessed by the chair lift that takes around 10 minutes.

The slide takes the form of a rollercoaster and snakes down the side of the Keltenblitz in a hair rising ride – You can control the speed of the rollercoaster by using the hand brake.

To ensure you get the most out of this ride, it is advised to avoid long queues and try not to get behind someone who is nervous – You will get the best experience at full speed and the adrenaline will really kick in!

Berchtesgaden National Park

This amazing national park is actually located in Germany, but spreads right onto the border of Austria near Hallein and is easily accessible.

Throughout the park there are stunning sights and wonderful landscapes and the park are famous for such things as the Eagles Nest, and being the area where some of the sound of music was filmed.

The hiking opportunities here are out of this world and you can easily spend a half day or a full day wandering along the many trails and traversing the challenging terrain.

Lake Konigssee

This enchanting lake is often cited as one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the world and when you reach its shores it is clear to see why.

The Konigssee is located in the middle of the Berchtesgaden National Park and draws many visitors each year.

The lake features wonderful clear waters, and is surrounded by the dramatic backdrop of the Berchtesgaden mountain range.

You will really appreciate the quiet here and the tranquillity.

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the waters or sit on one of the many benches and be at one with nature and your thoughts.