The little market town of Hallstatt (511m/1,677ft; pop. 1,400), one of the most attractive places in the Salzkammergut, is picturesquely set on the southwest side of the Hallstätter See, on a narrow tract of alluvial land deposited by the Mühlbach (waterfall). Like Hallein, it also takes its name (hall, "salt") from the salt mine here which has been worked since prehistoric times.
The Dachstein Caves rank as some of the best in the Eastern Alps. Tours take visitors to the Giant Ice Cave containing frozen waterfalls and the Mammoth Cave featuring large open galleries.
By the side of the Hallstätter See in Hallstatt stands the Christuskirche (church of Our Lord; 1859-61) with its slender spire. It is worth a visit for its fine organ (1790) and altarpiece (1895).
The Heimatmuseum (local museum) now occupies the oldest secular building in Hallstatt (14th C.). It explains the geological structure of the Dachstein-Plassen region (the work of Dr F. Simony) and documents the animal life of the lake and mountains. Christmas cribs and religious folk art are also displayed.
On a hill near the Hallstatt landing stage stands the Gothic parish church (Roman Catholic) with its Romanesque tower, three fine winged altars (1450, 1520, 1895) and Late Gothic frescos from c. 1500. In the charnel house behind the church are old skulls.
The Prehistoric Museum (Seestrasse No. 56) contains material from the Hallstatt excavations. Extensive trade in salt brought in bronze jewelry from northern Italy and amber from the Baltic.
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Dachstein Caves
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Parish Church, Hallstatt
Hallstatt
