Salt – the White Gold
Hallstatt - UNESCO World Heritage - Austria
The city of Hallstatt - Unesco world heritage
It is 7,5 kilometres long and 125 metres at its deepest point, in summer it seldom reaches more than 20° C: The Hallstätter Lake. Its secret: thousands of years of history and culture hidden along the shores of this stunning lake. In this seemingly inhospitable setting on a conical piece of land closed in by mountains on one side and the lake on the other, the settlement of Hallstatt (Hal – meaning salt) was established over 4000 years ago. Due to the limited amount of space surrounding this confined village, Hallstatt has its very own picturesque architecture and a flair unique in the Salzkammergut Lake District. Alexander von Humboldt is reputed to have said that Hallstatt is the most beautiful lakeside village in the world.
Hallstatt: UNESCO Cultural Heritage of the World
Hallstatt with its historic salt mines, ice caves and the nearby glacier was declared a Cultural Heritage of the World region in 1997. Therefore putting Hallstatt into the same ranks as cities like Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, the Region of Wachau, Semmering and the Neusiedlersee lake. The hypnotising beauty of Hallstatt makes you want to return again and again.
Salt Mines in Hallstatt
The oldest salt mines in the world can be found here in Hallstatt. Come and explore! From April to October the salt mines are open to visitors. A main feature of the Salt World is the “Man in Salt”. In 1734 the body of a mummified miner, whose body had been conserved by salt, was discovered. His true story is told and you experience the 7000 year old history of mining close-up. You descend into the depths of the mine on Europe’s longest wooden slide and, in the form of a multi-media show, you will find out everything worth knowing about salt mining in Hallstatt and the Man in Salt while crossing the 1200m² underground lake.
The Bone House in Hallstatt
Hallstatt is also famous for its Bone House. Due to lack of space in the village, bones of relinquished graves were removed form the graveyard, labelled, painted and taken to the Bone House in St. Michel’s Chapel where they are still kept today.
Dachstein Ice Caves
A frosty but fascinating experience! The Dachstein Ice Caves came into being during the development and folding of the Alps, whereby clefts and ridges were created. Over the centuries water washed away the rock leaving behind the huge palace-like ice halls with walls of ice, glacier caves, ice chapels, mountains of ice and frozen waterfalls that can be visited and marvelled at today. The Ice Caves were discovered in 1897 by Peter Gamsjäger, a shepherd who was looking for a lost goat and who took refuge from a storm in a cave. Only in 1920 were explorers able to reach the inner part of the caves, which are now known to be the largest in Austria. The caves are protected by a conservation order and offer a spectacular day out for visitors.
If you would like to enjoy the beautiful nature and countless activities in the Salzkammergut Region send your non-binding inquiry to Hotel Mohrenwirt today!
