Themed tour "Archaeology – 7,000 years of history"
Archaeology – 7,000 years of history
7,000 years of history above the rooftops of the UNESCO World Heritage Site
As we all know, Hallstatt is a very special place: the exceptional location, the picturesque beauty, the mountains, the lake, the status as a UNESCO natural and cultural heritage site ... But what distinguishes this patch of earth more than anything else is the fact that people lived in this place as early as 7,000 years ago. And why? Quite simply: because there was salt here! So you could say that the "white gold" is actually responsible for the fact that people settled in the high valley as early as 5,000 years BC, that an entire historical epoch was named after this place and that people from all over the world still come here today to dive deep into the mountain in the footsteps of thousands of years of history.
The history of Hallstatt begins with a pimple made of deer antlers
The fact that Hallstatt is a place of great historical dimension is already evident from the name of the place. Did you know that the term "Hal(l)" goes back to the Celts? They used it to designate places where salt was extracted. As was the case in the high valley above today's Hallstatt: High above the lake, people settled and mined salt as early as 5,000 BC. Archaeological proof of this: In 1838, an object made of deer antlers was found inside the mountain, in the so-called Kaiser-Josef-Stollen, which was probably used to mine salt - as early as the Neolithic Age. So about 7,000 years ago! This is proven by investigations of the pimple by the Natural History Museum Vienna with so-called radiocarbon dating. However, it would be several millennia before the beginning of more extensive salt mining.
The oldest staircase in Europe: From the depths of the Bronze Age to the canvas of the present
In the Bronze Age, organized salt mining began in Hallstatt – i.e. in the Salzkammergut between about 2,100 and 800 BC. At that time, Akhenaten and Nefertiti ruled Egypt. In Greece, the Mycenaean culture experienced its heyday. A spectacular example of the regulated processes of prehistoric mining is a wooden staircase that was found in the salt mine in 2002. Extensive scientific research has shown that this is a construction dating back to 1,344 BC. This was the oldest staircase in Europe in Hallstatt! After its scientific research, the historic exhibit returned to the interior of the mountain. In cooperation with the Natural History Museum Vienna and Salinen Austria AG, a "Bronze Age cinema" was built in the Hallstatt Salt Mine, with the famous staircase at its centre. An animation projected onto the prehistoric exhibit brings to life the arduous everyday work of the Bronze Age salt miners. The advantages for the staircase and visitors: Under the ideal conservation conditions in the tunnel, the prehistoric staircase and its history will be preserved for posterity for a long time to come.
CSI Hallstatt: The "Man in the Salt"
Another find that caused a great stir was the "Man in Salt". In 1734, three miners were amazed when they found a male corpse in the Hallstatt salt mine. It turned out to be the well-preserved body of a prehistoric miner. The salt had preserved the body so well that its clothing was well preserved and even skin and hair could still be seen. After detailed analyses and investigations, it is now assumed that the man had probably fallen victim to a mining accident as early as the 1st millennium BC and lay hidden under rubble and rubble for many hundreds of years until he was finally discovered in the 18th century.
Special tip: Come with us on a prehistoric expedition!
If you're looking for a real adventure, sign up for a prehistoric expedition off the beaten track. On this tour, which lasts several hours, you will feel a little closer to the miners of times long past. Equipped with a protective suit, helmet and lamp, we go deep into the mountain and into its heart of salt, to the site of the discovery of the "Man in Salt" and many other treasures that normally remain hidden in the darkness of the ancient tunnels...
The Hallstatt period: How a place gave its name to an entire era
However, prehistoric mining did not experience its heyday until the older Iron Age between 800 and about 400 BC. Even then, the miners penetrated to depths of up to 200 meters. With simple tools, they cut tunnels into the mountain and fought their way meter by meter through the bare rock to advance to the "white gold". This treasure made people wealthy and sedentary. Witnesses to this are the extraordinarily rich burial ground, which was discovered in the Salzberg valley as early as 1600, and the finds in the mine of the prehistoric Hallstatt residents. Thanks to the preservative effect of salt, a unique archaeological treasure chest is revealed here, which provides insights into the life of miners in times long past. Thus, next to the oldest staircase in Europe, climbing trees, ice axes, ropes, animal skins, carrying bags, cloths, clothing scraps, shoes and also food scraps and even what was left of the food after digestion were found underground. And it is precisely thanks to this unique wealth of finds that a small town in the Salzkammergut became the namesake of an entire historical epoch: the Hallstatt period.
Insider tip: Look over the shoulders of the archaeologists during their "backbreaking job"!
- Would you like to learn more about the work of the archaeologists and the excavation work in the Hallstatt Salt Mine?
- Every year in the summer months, scientists from the Natural History Museum Vienna come to the Hallstatt high valley. Then people can look over your shoulder as you work – and perhaps even be there live when a find from the past sees the light of day.
- Interested? Then come and visit us this year for "Archaeology on the Mountain" in September! You can find more information here.
- By the way: Hallstatt research is supported with every ticket for the Hallstatt Salt Mine!
Experience Hallstatt's history live
For all those who are interested in archaeological excavations and who would like to know more about the history of Hallstatt, but also about the historic burial ground on Mount Salzberg, we have numerous guided tours to offer throughout the year. Take advantage of our wide range of guided tours in Hallstadt and on the Salzberg above Hallstatt. You can book the tours by qualified guides from the region in German, English, French or Italian. We hope you enjoy an interesting journey through the eventful history of the Hallstatt period
Guided tours of Hallstatt – e.g. offers
Themed tours through Hallstatt
Do you fancy a very special tour of Hallstatt? Culinary, photographic, historical - the choice is yours! Enticingly good & unforgettable moments.
Guided Tours in the Salzkammergut
There is much to discover in the Salzkammergut. The best way to do this is to go on a tour together with the trained guide staff. There is something for everyone! Local history tours, hiking tours or guided tours through mines and caves. You have the choice and the pleasure!
Themed tour "Archaeology – 7,000 Years of History" at a glance
Look over the shoulders of the archaeologists: Archaeology on the Salt Mountain in Hallstatt
Jun. 14 - 15, 2025 10:00 — 17:00 Salzberg , Hallstatt
Experience Hallstatt's history up close: Live excavations in Hallstatt
Mon, Jun. 30, 2025 10:00 — 16:00 Salzberg , Hallstatt
Salzkammergut booking - Are you still looking for accommodation?
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.