Keltenmuseum Hallein

Nestled in the charming town of Hallein, just a short distance from Salzburg, lies the Keltenmuseum Hallein, a treasure trove of Celtic history and culture. This captivating museum offers visitors a unique glimpse into the lives of the ancient Celts who once thrived in this region, particularly during the La Tène period of the Iron Age. The Keltenmuseum Hallein not only showcases remarkable archaeological finds but also tells the story of the region's rich history of salt mining, which has been integral to its development and prosperity.

The History of the Keltenmuseum Hallein

The origins of the Keltenmuseum Hallein date back to 1882 when it was first established in the Bürgerspital. In 1930, the museum was relocated to the Rathaus, and by 1952, it had found a new home within the town's fortifications. However, it was in 1970 that the museum underwent a significant transformation, moving into the former Salt Offices (Saline Hallein) on the picturesque Pflegerplatz, which overlooks the serene river Salzach. This move marked the museum's official rebranding as the Keltenmuseum Hallein, solidifying its focus on Celtic history and culture.

Exploring the Salt Office and Saline Hallein

The building that houses the Keltenmuseum Hallein dates back to the mid-18th century and was originally used as the Salt Office. Today, visitors can explore the top floor of the museum, which includes a series of beautifully preserved rooms such as the Prince's Chamber and the Green Room. These rooms are adorned with a series of 80 paintings by the artist Benedict Werkstötter, commissioned following a visit by Prince-Bishop Sigismund von Schrattenbach in 1757. The paintings vividly illustrate the various processes of salt production, offering a fascinating insight into the historical significance of salt mining in the region.

Salt Mining in the Hallein Area

The Hallein area is renowned for its rich deposits of salt, which have been mined since the later Bronze Age. The nearby Hallein-Dürrnberg mine, in particular, played a crucial role during the Hallstatt phase of the Iron Age and continued to flourish during the La Tène period. The wealth generated from salt mining significantly contributed to the prosperity of the region, and the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg derived much of their wealth from this valuable resource.

However, salt mining in Hallein experienced periods of decline and revival over the centuries. By 1198 AD, salt production had been re-established, and Hallein became a major center of salt production in the Eastern Alps during the Middle Ages. The town developed extensive salt routes, particularly to Bohemia. Despite losing trade with Bavaria and Bohemia in the 18th and early 19th centuries, the construction of a new saline conditioning plant in 1854/62 and a thermo-compression plant in 1954/55 ensured the continuation of salt production until its eventual closure in 1989. Today, the Dürrnberg mine remains a popular tourist attraction, along with the Celtic Village Open Air Museum.

The Burials on Display at the Keltenmuseum

One of the most captivating aspects of the Keltenmuseum Hallein is its extensive collection of Iron Age burials discovered around the Dürrnberg Salt Mine. These burials provide a fascinating glimpse into the lives and customs of the ancient Celts. Among the most notable finds are:

• Grave 39, Moserstein: A double grave dating back to 410-370 BC, featuring a helmet and shield.
• Grave 44, Moserstein: Known as the Fürstengrab (Grave of a Prince), this 4th-century BC burial includes a two-wheeled chariot and a wealth of artifacts, including a wooden jug with bronze mounts, a spouted bronze pilgrim flask, and a bucket-shaped vessel containing an Athenian pottery kylix. The grave also features a bronze helmet, an iron sword, a bow and arrow, and three lances, as well as a small gold model of a boat symbolizing the journey to the afterlife.
• Grave 67: Featuring an amber necklace.
• Grave 68: Containing Celtic jewelry, including an amber ring pearl dating back to 500-460 BC.
• Grave 112: Home to the magnificent decorated Celtic bronze Dürrnberg Flagon (Schnabelkanne) from the 5th century BC, which has parallels to flagons in the British Museum from a probable burial at Basse-Yutz in the French Moselle Valley.
• Grave 253, Simonsbauerfeld: A double burial.
• Grave 317, Lettenbühel: Featuring a Celtic bowl dating back to 350-330 BC.
• Grave 346, Kranzbichl: Containing a fragment of an Etruscan situla.
• Grave 352: Featuring a birch bark hat, similar to one found in the Hochdorf Chieftain's Grave.

A Journey Through Time

Visiting the Keltenmuseum Hallein is like stepping back in time, offering a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the ancient Celts. The museum's extensive collection of artifacts, coupled with its beautifully preserved historical setting, makes it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Whether you're fascinated by ancient burial customs, intrigued by the history of salt mining, or simply looking to immerse yourself in the captivating world of the Celts, the Keltenmuseum Hallein promises an unforgettable journey through time.