Experience Hallstatt's history up close: Live excavations in Hallstatt

For history buffs
History comes alive here - be there live!
This summer, a team of archaeologists will once again be on their way to the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut to search for relics from the last 7,000 years. Renowned early history researchers from the NHM Vienna will be working in the outdoor area of the Hallstatt Salt Mine. During this time, there is a rare and free opportunity to experience archaeology live and learn first-hand about the work of the researchers.
If you want to take the opportunity and look over the shoulders of real archaeologists, you will find the opportunity to do so this summer. In the immediate vicinity of the research area at the prehistoric burial grounds is also the entrance to the Hallstatt Salt Mine. The oldest salt mine in the world provides further insights into thousands of years of history in the Bronze Age cinema and during the guided tours.
Excavations in Hallstatt
Nobody knows exactly what treasures are actually still hidden in the historic soil in and around today's salt mines. The fact is that some of the most valuable early historic finds were made in the World Heritage region, which ultimately also coined the term Hallstatt period. Since the Bronze Age, people have been digging for salt in the tunnels here and have left countless traces in the process. From preserved "mummies", bone and clothing fragments, to tools and objects of daily life - the high valley and the rock in the salt mine have been good for new archaeological surprises for 60 years.
Wooden staircase from the Bronze Age: "This year we have decided to continue the excavations at the Langmoosbach in order to understand the comprehensive and exciting history of the Hallstatt high valley even better, i.e. we want to examine not only graves of the Hallstatt culture, but also settlement remains of the Late Bronze Age in more detail," reveals Dr. Anton Kern, excavation manager and director of the Prehistoric Department of the Natural History Museum Vienna. Most recently, the team was able to look forward to discoveries such as a relatively well-preserved wooden construction that is over 3000 years old, but whose function has not yet been clarified.
Program overview
- The event to participate, try out and discover
- is aimed at families and interested parties: see, hear, test and be amazed!
- Experience an exciting weekend with current research projects of the NHM Vienna and its partners at the Hallstatt Salzberg!
- Participation in the event is free of charge! Only the price for the ascent and descent has to be paid
- 7000 years of salt - from the Stone Age to the present day - salt boiling included
- 7000 Years of Wood – Energy, Tool Material, Lighting, ...
- to the Bannwald
- 7000 years of water – from transport to summer retreat
Simple and convenient
To this event with the Salzkammergut Shuttle Service
Would you like to attend this event? But don't have a car? Then take the "Salzkammergut Shuttle Service". The network of local taxi companies will take you to your desired event in a cost-effective and comfortable way. And this is how it works: Simply call the service hotline on +43 50 422 422 and pre-order correctly. You can make reservations in German and English. You will receive all further information directly at the time of booking or when booking the shuttle. Your hosts in the individual accommodations will also be happy to help you order the shuttle. Just ask. We wish you a safe journey and unforgettable hours at this event in the Salzkammergut.
Other events of the Salt Mine
Daily tours through the Salt Mine "Salzwelten" in Hallstatt
Sat, Feb. 8, 2025 Salt mine (Salzwelten) Hallstatt, Hallstatt
Look over the shoulders of the archaeologists: Archaeology on the Salt Mountain in Hallstatt
Jun. 14 - 15, 2025 10:00 — 17:00 Salzberg , Hallstatt
“Prehistoric Expedition” through the oldest salt mine of the world
Tue, Jul. 1, 2025 11:00 Salzberg , Hallstatt
Free accommodation for your visit to the Salt Mine
Hotels and accommodation providers in Hallstatt, Bad Goisern, Gosau and Obertraun offer the ideal room or apartment for your holidays, no matter what your tastes. Aside from establishments rated according to the international "star" scale, you will also find around Lake Hallstatt in Austria businesses that have been awarded two to four "edelweiss". The more flowers, the greater comforts you can expect. Whether you eventually find your cozy nest in an elegant 5-star luxury hotel, at comfortable guesthouse, a family-friendly apartment, or on a traditional farm, the choice is always entirely up to you.