With postcard-worthy villages and ski resorts scattered around a landscape of lakes, mountains and valleys, the Hallein District (Bezirk Hallein) is a quintessential Austrian region to visit. Find old fortresses, excellent museums and fascinating salt mines in the towns. Explore endless miles of rambling emerald green countryside and try alpine sports at welcoming ski resorts.
The town of Hallein straddles the banks of the Salzach river and has been inhabited since Celtic times. Peruse a chronological exhibition about the town’s evolution at the Kelten Museum. The Gruber Museum tells the story of the Christmas carol Silent Night, whose composer Franz Xaver Gruber once lived here. Sample beers on a tour of the 500-year-old Hofbrau Kaltenhausen Brewery.
South from Hallein, the village of Bad Durrnberg is famous for its mining heritage. Explore the underground tunnels and lake of the Bad Durrnberg Salt Mine. Alpine meadows and tall mountain peaks surround the village and create a paradise for hiking and biking. Be sure to ride the Keltenblitz Sommerrodelbahn toboggan.
Travel between riverside Kuchl, Oberalm and Abtenau, in the Lammertal Valley, among other appealing market towns. Golling an der Zalzach has interesting attractions such as the 13th-century Golling Castle, Burg Golling Museum and Golling Falls. Discover Austria’s marble mining history at Adnet Marble Museum and visit historic quarries on the Marble Trail. Bad Vigaun offers opportunities to relax at its thermal spas.
During snowy winters, skiers and snowboarders can look forward to 69 miles (111 kilometers) of slopes served by over 40 ski lifts. The biggest resort, Dachstein West Ski Area, is accessible from the villages of Annaberg, Gosau and Russbach. Enjoy well-groomed pistes and first-class facilities at the smaller resorts of Karkogel - Abtenau and Zinkenlifte - Durrnberg.
The Hallein District sits to the south of Salzburg and on the border of Germany’s Berchtesgaden National Park. Fly to Salzburg and then get around by trains and rented car. Experience more of the district’s medieval history at Christmas markets, farmers markets and performing arts festivals.