Archaeology on the Mountain 2026 in Hallstatt – From the built-in to modern logistics: Experience 7,300 years of salt transport
06. August 2026
On 12 and 13 September 2026, the Hallstätter Hochtal will once again be transformed into a lively open-air laboratory of archaeology. This weekend, the Natural History Museum Vienna, Salzwelten GmbH and Salinen Austria AG invite you to discover the history of salt and its transport over a period of more than 7,300 years. The event will focus on the development of salt transport from prehistory to the present, in line with the opening of the new funicular.
[Translated by eTranslation]
How did the coveted "white gold" reach much of Europe over millennia from Hallstatt? What technical, geographical and logistical challenges had to be overcome in order to bring the salt from the high alpine mine to the trade routes and finally to the consumers? These questions are addressed by "Archaeology on the Mountain" on the basis of current scientific knowledge, archaeological findings and illustrative mediation services.
The program spans an arc from the earliest forms of transport with built-in and supporting animals to carts, historic brine lines and the railway to the modern funicular railway and today's logistics systems of Salinen Austria AG. Historical demonstrations, hands-on stations and scientific presentations make the development of salt transport tangible.
Visitors can try out prehistoric tools, boil brine, watch wood brine pipes being drilled or slip into the clothes of the Hallstatt miners themselves. Numerous experts from archaeology, mining history, forestry and monument preservation are available for discussions and give insights into their current research work.
A special focus is on the latest archaeological investigations in Hallstatt. They impressively show that salt mining has produced innovations in technology, organization and transport since prehistory and contributed significantly to the development of Hallstatt as one of the oldest industrial centers in Europe. The exceptionally well-preserved finds from the salt mine provide insights into the economic and lifestyles of past societies.
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut, "Archaeology on the Mountain" combines science, culture and lively knowledge transfer for a varied weekend for the whole family: The event brings the history of salt to life where it originated and impressively shows how closely archaeological research and modern salt production are connected to this day.
Press photos can be found here.
Mag. Irina Kubadinow
Head of Press Department & Public Relations, Press Spokesperson
Tel.: +43 1 521 77-410
Mobile: +43 664 621 61 49
irina.kubadinow@nhm.at
Mag. Klara Vakaj
Press Department & Public Relations, Press Officer
Tel.: +43 1 521 77-626
Mobile: +43 664 62 16 127
klara.vakaj@nhm.at
www.nhm.at
Salzwelten GmbH
Mag. Harald Pernkopf
Marketing / Press
Tel.: +43 6132 200 2489
Mobile: +43 676 8781 2489
Harald.Pernkopf@salzwelten.at
www.salzwelten.at
How did the coveted "white gold" reach much of Europe over millennia from Hallstatt? What technical, geographical and logistical challenges had to be overcome in order to bring the salt from the high alpine mine to the trade routes and finally to the consumers? These questions are addressed by "Archaeology on the Mountain" on the basis of current scientific knowledge, archaeological findings and illustrative mediation services.
The program spans an arc from the earliest forms of transport with built-in and supporting animals to carts, historic brine lines and the railway to the modern funicular railway and today's logistics systems of Salinen Austria AG. Historical demonstrations, hands-on stations and scientific presentations make the development of salt transport tangible.
Visitors can try out prehistoric tools, boil brine, watch wood brine pipes being drilled or slip into the clothes of the Hallstatt miners themselves. Numerous experts from archaeology, mining history, forestry and monument preservation are available for discussions and give insights into their current research work.
A special focus is on the latest archaeological investigations in Hallstatt. They impressively show that salt mining has produced innovations in technology, organization and transport since prehistory and contributed significantly to the development of Hallstatt as one of the oldest industrial centers in Europe. The exceptionally well-preserved finds from the salt mine provide insights into the economic and lifestyles of past societies.
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut, "Archaeology on the Mountain" combines science, culture and lively knowledge transfer for a varied weekend for the whole family: The event brings the history of salt to life where it originated and impressively shows how closely archaeological research and modern salt production are connected to this day.
Partners, Exhibitors and Stations
Natural History Museum Vienna, Salzwelten GmbH, Salinen Austria AG, Musealverein Hallstatt, Municipality of Hallstatt, BOKU & dendro.at, Kuratorium Pfahlbauten, Schiffleutmuseum Stadl-Paura, Holzknechtmuseum Bad Goisern, Universalmuseum Joanneum Graz, UNESCO World Heritage Management Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut, Salzkammergut Tourismus and Wolfgang Lobisser.Press photos can be found here.
Inquiry note:
Natural History Museum of ViennaMag. Irina Kubadinow
Head of Press Department & Public Relations, Press Spokesperson
Tel.: +43 1 521 77-410
Mobile: +43 664 621 61 49
irina.kubadinow@nhm.at
Mag. Klara Vakaj
Press Department & Public Relations, Press Officer
Tel.: +43 1 521 77-626
Mobile: +43 664 62 16 127
klara.vakaj@nhm.at
www.nhm.at
Salzwelten GmbH
Mag. Harald Pernkopf
Marketing / Press
Tel.: +43 6132 200 2489
Mobile: +43 676 8781 2489
Harald.Pernkopf@salzwelten.at
www.salzwelten.at
