The path of salt
Museum of the Celts Hallein
In addition to its unique archaeological finds from the Dürrnberg, the Museum of the Celts Hallein also houses an impressive collection of objects related to the history of the town of Hallein and the broader regional history of Salzburg. A particular focus is placed on the significance of the Hallein Saltworks, which served as the economic center of the Prince-Archbishopric of Salzburg from the 13th to the 18th century. With its mines, boiling houses, and extensive packaging and storage facilities, the saltworks was the most important employer in the region for centuries and generated around two-thirds of the state's revenues—making it an economic powerhouse of great importance.
Salt and progress
The museum preserves a wealth of documents and objects from both the era of the archiepiscopal salt administration and the subsequent imperial and royal (k.k.) administration. These include invoices, technical plans, reports, correspondence, and detailed models of salt production machinery and facilities, all of which vividly illustrate the development and technological advancement of salt production over time. Particularly noteworthy is the collection of approximately 900 historical saltworks plans, which not only depict the technical installations but also document workers' housing, bridges, and railway connections. These detailed drawings offer a fascinating insight into the transformation of industrial facilities and the spirit of innovation during the Industrial Revolution.
What are saltworks?
Trade and administration
This technical documentation is further enriched by around 1,000 historical files, including sales invoices, official decrees, and petitions, which provide valuable information about the salt trade, its distribution networks, and the extensive economic connections far beyond the local region. These records impressively demonstrate how closely Hallein, as a salt-producing town, was linked to national and international trade routes.
End of shift 1989
The story comes to life through eyewitness interviews that offer personal insights into the closure of the saltworks in 1989. The memories of former workers bring this time of transition into sharp focus. In addition, expert explanations by a former miner regarding the exhibited saltworks models further enhance the presentation and provide an authentic understanding of the technical processes and everyday working life of past generations. High-quality film recordings document both the models and the oral histories, making the town’s industrial heritage vivid and accessible.
Celts and salt
In this way, the Keltenmuseum Hallein uniquely bridges the distant past of the Celts with the defining salt history of the region, offering visitors an exciting journey through the cultural and economic development of Hallein.