Hallein

Hallein Review

The second-largest town of the region, 15 km (10 mi) south of Salzburg, Hallein was once famed for its caves of "white gold"—salt. "Hall" is the old Celtic word for salt, and this treasure was mined in the neighboring Dürrnberg mountain. You can get to Hallein by regular bus system, by car along the B159 Salzachtal-Bundesstrasse, or by bicycle along the River Salzach. Once in Hallein, you can pay your respects to Franz Gruber, the composer of "Silent Night," who lies in the only grave still extant next to the town's parish church.

Keltenmuseum. To learn all about Hallein, head to the Keltenmuseum, where more than 30 rooms explore the history of the region's Celtic settlements (before the birth of Christ). In the three state rooms more than 70 oil paintings show the working conditions of the salt mines and the salina. Pflegerplatz 5, Salzburg. 06245/80783. €6. Daily 9-5.