Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a small town with the population less than one thousand people. It is situated on a narrow strip of land between the lake with the same name and the Alps. Though it is hard to get there, Hallstatt is the highly appriciated tourists attraction which gives them unforgettable impressions due to the mountains of Dachstein reflected in waters of the lake and incredibly beautiful surrounding nature.

Archeologic excavations showed that people lived in Hallstatt many years ago before the Common Era. They were engaged in rock-salt production, which deposits are hidden under the rocks near the town. Local salt mines are recognized as the oldest in Europe. The first pipeline in the world was also built here in 1595. It was used to deliver salt to the city of Ebensee.

Shortage of land in Hallstatt affected even the local cemetery, and led to the tradition that can shock the foreigners. Ten years after the burial remains of the deceased are digging out. Then they are getting painted and placed in a special ossuary Bone House located in the chapel of Saint Michael's church.

The main sight of Hallstatt is undoubtedly its wonderful nature. That is why besides general sightseeing tour of the two city streets, visiting the market square and the Lutheran church, tourists are offered several pedestrian routes of different сomplexity. Mountain trails lead to interesting places such as old salt mines opened for visitors.

The city of Hallstatt gave name to the whole class of archeological culture which is called 'Hallstatt's'. Near the city there was found a cemetery, which exploration led to an interesting conclusion about the life of ancient tribes - the Illyrians and the Thracians. By some historians the Hallstatt culture is considered to be a transitional period between the Bronze and the Iron Ages.