Continuity of Salt Mining from 7,500 Years Ago to the Present

Prototypical Economic Sectors from 7,500 Years Ago to Today

Hallstatt was already, in prehistoric times, the center of an extensive trade and distribution network. A deer antler pick discovered in the 19th century provides evidence of a 7,500-year tradition.

Mining traces date back to around 1,500 B.C., when people extracted salt in a division-of-labor system, almost industrially. In 2003, a mobile ladder dating to around 1,100 B.C. was discovered. The “North Group” was likely destroyed by a debris flow.

Around 800 B.C., mining resumed at a different location with new techniques in the “East Group.” This period also produced the rich burial grounds, giving the era its name: the Hallstatt period. This peak phase likely ended due to another natural disaster around 350 B.C. Roman-era finds have been preserved in the Lahn area of Hallstatt.

Medieval mining began in 1311 with the founding of “Hallstatt” (= salt site) by the Habsburgs.

Salt demand rose sharply in the 16th century, causing timber shortages. Part of the Hallstatt brine was therefore channeled via pipeline to the new Ebensee saltworks.

In 1750, the Hallstatt market burned down, and the brine facilities were rebuilt in today’s Lahn district, where they remained until the closure and dismantling of the saltworks in the 1960s.

Transport – Traun Boatmen and Traun Riders
After the Traun River was made navigable, most of the salt was transported on 30-meter-long boats (“Zillen”). Every morning, salt ships gathered at Steegklause and departed with about 10 tons of salt each. They were hauled back by horses in two days (“counter-pull”).

No Wood, No Salt – Woodmen
In the 17th century, Hallstatt alone consumed almost 40,000 cubic meters of wood. Twice as many people worked in the forest as at the saltworks. Sustainable and resource-conscious management was essential. Logs were transported to the valley and the saltworks either with dammed water (“Klausen”) or artificial channels (“Riesen”).

• Regionally typical rural architectural culture developed over time and still visible today, particularly in vernacular structures such as alpine pastures, boathouses, etc.
• Outstanding architectural ensemble of Hallstatt

• Long tradition as a setting for artistic and cultural activity – painting, music, and literature
• Long tradition of craftsmanship in interaction with the landscape