Protestant service in the prayer room in Hallstatt
Information on Church History
In the 16th century, Martin Luther's Reformation teachings quickly found fertile ground in the Salzkammergut—especially among the miners. The people of this region also offered fierce resistance to the Counter-Reformation: in 1601, all bridges were demolished, the brewing kettles were drained, and shipping and timber transports were blocked. Protestant preachers in Catholic churches called for resistance to the authorities in religious matters.
But the troops of the Archbishop of Salzburg crushed the revolt: the leaders were sentenced to death and their houses were set on fire. Like most towns in the Salzkammergut, Hallstatt lost its privileges for several years. In 1734, soldiers marched again: 300 Protestants—not including women and children—from Hallstatt, Ischl, and Goisern were transported away in salt barges under cover of darkness and forced to emigrate to Transylvania. It was only the "Edict of Toleration" of Emperor Joseph II (1781) that allowed Protestants to practice their religion – to a limited extent. At that time, 500 Hallstatt residents converted to the Protestant faith. Three years later, they had already built a house of worship and established a private school. The neo-Gothic Protestant Christ Church has existed since 1863, after the "Protestant Patent" of Emperor Franz Joseph I (1861) had given full equality to Protestantism and Catholicism.
Time stands still!
There is plenty to see and do in the Dachstein Salzkammergut holiday region. Old mines, breathtaking views, “Glücksplätze” (places of happiness) or spellbinding places of rest. But what can you do when the weather is not so nice? Our tip: A trip to the numerous churches and places of worship within the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut. For these spiritual places have long been special attraction and tell, in their very own special way, the changing history of the Salzkammergut. Whether at the picturesque “Kalvarienberg” church in Gosau, in the Catholic parish church in Hallstatt with its historical ossuary or in front of the Catholic church in Sankt Agatha; here you will find peace and relaxation away from the busy world. “And time stands still!"
Weitere Veranstaltungen in der Ev. Kirche Hallstatt
Protestant service in Hallstatt
Sun, Feb. 8, 2026 10:15 Protestant church Hallstatt, Hallstatt
Christmas Vespers in the Evangelical Christuskirche Hallstatt
Thu, Dec. 24, 2026 17:00 Protestant church Hallstatt, Hallstatt
Your accommodation for this event
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.