Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Too few people visit Hallein in their dash north to Bavaria or south to Salzburg, but those
who do are pleasantly surprised. Beyond its industrial outskirts lies a pristine late-medi-
eval town, where narrow lanes are punctuated by courtyards, art galleries and boho cafes.
Hotels are cheaper and less sought-after here than in Salzburg, a 25-minute train ride
away - a point worth considering during the Salzburg Festival. Hallein's major family at-
traction, the Salzwelten salt mine, is actually located in Bad Dürrnberg, 6km southwest of
town.
Sights & Activities
Salzwelten
( www.salzwelten.at ; Ramsaustrasse 3, Bad Dürrnberg; adult/child/family €19/9.50/48.50; 9am-5pm; ) The
sale of salt filled Salzburg's coffers during its princely heyday. At Austria's biggest show
mine, you can slip into a boiler suit to descend to the bowels of the earth. The tour aboard
a rickety train passes through a maze of claustrophobic passageways, over the border to
Germany and down a 27m slide - don't brake, lift your legs and ask the guide to wax for
extra speed! After crossing a salt lake on a wooden raft, a 42m slide brings you to the
lowest point (210m underground) and back to good old Austria. Guided tours depart
every half-hour. Bus 41 makes the 11-minute journey from Hallein train station to the salt
mine hourly on weekdays, less often at weekends.
MINE
Keltenmuseum
(Celtic Museum; www.keltenmuseum.at ; Pflegerplatz 5; adult/child €6/2.50; 9am-5pm; ) Overlooking
the Salzach, the glass-fronted Keltenmuseum runs chronologically through the region's
heritage in a series of beautiful vaulted rooms. It begins with Celtic artefacts, including
Asterix-style helmets, an impressively reconstructed chariot, and a selection of bronze
brooches, pendants and buckles. The 1st floor traces the history of salt extraction in Hal-
lein, featuring high points such as a miniature slide and the mummified Mannes im Salz
(Man in Salt) unearthed in 1577. There is a pamphlet with English explanations.
MUSEUM
Keltenblitz
(Bad Dürrnberg; adult/child €9/6.20; 10am-6pm, closed mid-Oct-Apr; ) In summer, families pick up
speed on this toboggan run close to Salzwelten. A chairlift takes passengers up to the top
TOBOGGANING
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