- © Kraft

Theme trail Hallstatt: The woman salt carriers

The "kernbank" reminds us of the sad social situation in hallstatt in the 19th century

The demise of the salt industry forced many wives of miners and salt workers in those times to also work. With a basket on their backs they overcame the altitude difference of 500 meters twice daily to the salt mine, returning heavily loaded with rock salt into the valley. Many even carried these burdens in advanced pregnancy. The salt broken directly from the rock is still used today as licks for wild and domestic animals. The last salt carriers were still active around 1890. The lack of nutrition, and the occasional baby's dummy drenched in schnapps, lead to physical and mental deficiency in some children. A fashion among aristocrats in the 19th century for benevolence lead the Archduchess Sophie in 1853 to found an institute "...for the custody and education of small children" in Hallstatt-Lahn to reduce this misery.

Out and about on historical paths

During a holiday, you might want to see more than just the famous tourist sites. Sometimes it’s exciting to search out and discover the smaller and more subtle points of interests! A great example are the popular themed trails in Hallstatt. On these paths, you will discover the origins of the history-rich UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. Follow in the footsteps of famous painters and acclaimed writers through the wild and romantic Echern Valley or take a historical walk—with or without an audio guide—through the picturesque lanes of Hallstatt. The many themed trails offer the opportunity to combine a long, enjoyable stroll with learning about the historical background of the region. Better yet, the trails can be explored regardless of the season and in most weather conditions. We look forward to seeing you on the popular themed trails throughout the World Heritage Region!

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Theme trail Hallstatt

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Theme trail Hallstatt: Indigenous Hallstatt

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Theme trail Hallstatt: The fight for faith

Theme trail Hallstatt: Friedrich Simony explores the Dachstein

Theme trail Hallstatt: The house of the poor

Theme trail Hallstatt: Hallstatt burns

Themed trails & Audio Guide Tour

Theme trail Hallstatt: The market town and its salt traders

Theme trail Hallstatt: Visitors in Hallstatt

Theme trail Hallstatt:The first tourists arrive

Theme trail Hallstatt: In the Badergraben

Theme trail Hallstatt: The great Hallstatt period

Theme trail Hallstatt: Through thousands of years

Theme trail Hallstatt: The "underworld" of the forge

Theme trail Hallstatt: Hallstatt and the Habsburger

Theme trail Hallstatt: The lake and other thoroughfares

Theme trail Hallstatt: The lake and the solt

Theme trail Hallstatt: Home of the salt

Theme trail Hallstatt: Home of the salt

Search and Book

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.

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