CULTURE & CELTS
CELTS AND SALT. A SUCCESS STORY.
Numerous excavations and valuable finds are testimony to this region’s Celtic past. Even over 2000 years ago, they already knew: This is a very special place. They settled the area and began mining salt to put in their soup. However, the abundance of salt here had consequences that would become far more epic than that: It laid the foundation for the future wealth and ascendancy of Salzburg City.
As a consequence, Dürrnberg always had very close ties to Hallein and Salzburg – the church in Dürrnberg was even built by the same archbishops and architects as Salzburg Cathedral. Over time, the salt mine on the Dürrnberg developed into quite the tourist attraction. Already, over 10 million visitors have sailed on rafts across its subterranean salt lake.
City of Salzburg
The city of Mozart is only 25 minutes by car from the Hotel Kranzbichlhof and a wonderful way to explore the city.
Many events throughout the year offer all art, culture & music friends great experiences.
Event highlights
Hallein
Hallein is the colorful adventure town in SalzburgerLand with a long history. Discover the different facets of the old town and explore the historic sites of the salt and Celtic world.
In only 10 minutes by car you can reach the salt city.
Berchtesgaden
The historic core of the market Berchtesgaden with its town houses and alleys is worth a visit and only 10 minutes by car from the Hotel Kranzbichlhof.
Here you will find family-run stores and markets with handicrafts. And good traditional restaurants and cafes invite you to linger.
Discover the market Berchtesgaden on a historical tour.
Salzwelten Hallein
THE WORLD'S FIRST SALT MINE EVER TO WELCOME VISITORS
Salt played a huge role in the history of Salzburg: Not only did it give the city its name, it also brought Salzburg immense wealth. No wonder it has been known as “white gold” ever since. The first people ever to mine salt on the Dürrnberg outside Hallein were the Celts – an incredible 2500 years ago. They laid the foundation for the Salzwelten Hallein we know today, also, incidentally, the world’s very first salt mine to welcome visitors.
SALT MINE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Nowadays, the salt mine on the Dürrnberg outside Hallein is a popular excursion destination for the whole family. Here, visitors – outfitted in traditional miners’ gear – learn how salt was mined in earlier times. You will first ride into the mine on the “Grubenhunt” (a mine train), then drop even deeper into the mountain via wooden slides that were once used by the miners as well. A very special highlight is a raft ride across a subterranean salt lake.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT SALZWELTEN HALLEIN
- Tours last approximately 70 minutes (visits are only possible as part of a guided tour)
- Lower age limit for children: 4
- Your ticket is also valid for SALINA Celtic Village and the Museum of the Celts Hallein.
Inside the mine is very chilly, so please don't forget warm clothing along with sturdy shoes!
Further information about this salt mine just outside Hallein can be found here.
THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL
OperA, THEATRE AND CONCERTS IN THE CITY OF MOZART
The history of the Salzburg Festival extends back to the year 1920. It was in that year – under the direction of Max Reinhardt – that “Jedermann” by Hugo von Hoffmannsthal was first performed on Cathedral Square in Salzburg. In subsequent years, the Salzburg Festival established itself as one of the most important festivals worldwide for opera, theater and concerts.
CULTURAL HIGHLIGHTS AT EASTER; WHITSUNTIDE AND IN SUMMER
Nowadays, the festivals for which Salzburg is so famous include the Easter Festival, Whitsun Festival and the Summer Festival, all of which draw countless visitors to the city of Mozart and surrounding regions. The program is diverse, encompassing operas, concerts and stage plays.
SALZBURG FESTIVAL VENUES
Performances are not restricted to the Festival District in Salzburg City, such as the Grosses Festspielhaus, the Haus für Mozart, the Felsenreitschule and Cathedral Square, but also embrace outlying locations such as the Perner Insel in Hallein, not far from Hotel Kranzbichlhof. The Perner Insel is primarily a venue for experimental theatre and concerts. In recent years, the Mozarteum Foundation and Salzburg State Theatre have likewise hosted a growing number of Salzburg Festival performances.
TICKETS FOR THE SALZBURG FESTIVAL
Information about tickets for the Salzburg Festival can be found here. You are strongly advised to reserve your tickets early – especially for performances of "Jedermann".
CELTS & SalT
A SUCCESS STORY
The Celtic Village on the Dürrnberg is well worth a visit,
providing fascinating insights into the daily lives of miners who dug for “white
gold” over 2500 years ago.
The vast salt deposits here served as the foundation for the
rise and immense wealth of Salzburg City.
Salt provided the finances which allowed the archbishops and
architects to build Salzburg Cathedral as well as the church in Dürrnberg.
The
mine on the Dürrnberg is a big attraction, also boasting a subterranean lake
across which millions of visitors have sailed by raft.
Salina Celtic Village is within walking distance of the Kranzbichlhof and gives you with intriguing glimpses into the daily life and work of prehistoric miners.
At theMuseum of the Celts in Hallein - in one of the biggest museums for Celtic history – you are able to experience first-hand the ancient history of the Celts.
