Things To Do
in Hallein
Hallein is a historic mining town just south of Salzburg, known for its salt heritage and well-preserved old town. It sits along the Salzach River, framed by the Alps and the Tennengebirge, offering easy access to nature and culture. The town centers around the Salzachtal and the Salzwelten salt mine, which anchors a culture of outdoors and history.
With easy rail and road links to Salzburg and Berchtesgaden, Hallein makes a convenient base for alpine exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Hallein and check into your charming hotel, surrounded by the picturesque Alps. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Austrian pastries and coffee. Take some time to unwind and familiarize yourself with the beautiful town.
Stroll through Hallein's historic streets, visiting the charming old town and its colorful buildings. Stop by the Hallein Salt Mines and participate in a guided tour to learn about the town's rich mining history. Don't forget to pick up some local salt souvenirs!
End your first day with a dinner at a traditional Austrian restaurant, where you can indulge in local dishes like Wiener Schnitzel. As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the banks of the Salzach River, enjoying the relaxing ambiance. Return to your hotel for a good night's rest.
Take a short train ride to nearby Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your day by visiting Mirabell Palace, where the gardens are a perfect spot for photos. Explore nearby historical sites, absorbing the rich culture of this incredible city.
Lunch in Salzburg at a café on Getreidegasse, where you can enjoy traditional Austrian fare. Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress for breathtaking views of the city and the Alps beyond. Spend time wandering through the charming streets, visiting the shops and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
As the day winds down, find a cozy spot for dinner in the Old Town, experiencing local specialties such as Tafelspitz. Afterwards, take a leisurely stroll along the Salzach River, where you can enjoy the city lights reflected on the water. Return to Hallein in the evening, reminiscing about the beautiful sights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee | $3-5 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1.5 L) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-180 |
| 🚇One-way local transport | $2-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close proximity to Salzburg and the Alps for day trips
- Rich salt-mining history and authentic Austrian culture
- Compact, walkable town center with charming old-town architecture
- Good access to outdoor activities like hiking and cycling
- Strong rail and road links to major cities
- Limited nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Some attractions can be crowded in peak season
- Fewer dining options late at night in the town center
- Winter weather can be cold and snowy with shorter daylight hours
- "Grüß Gott" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Können Sie mir helfen?" - Can you help me?
- "Ich verstehe nicht" - I don't understand
Places to Visit in Hallein
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful Baroque facades, a lively square, and the town’s historic Rathaus provide classic street photography opportunities.
Promenades along the river offer reflections of the town and mountains, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Exterior towers and the red-brick mining complex make for dramatic industrial photography; the mine itself offers dramatic interior shots.
Parks and nearby streets with ancient-influenced architecture suitable for atmospheric shots.
Food in Hallein
Hallein Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Cheese dumplings served with melted butter, crispy onions, and herbs; a comforting Salzburg-region staple.
Must-Try!
Cheesy noodle dumplings (Käsespätzle) piled with fried onions; perfect for a chilly day.
Light, airy custard soufflé dessert topped with a kiss of sugar—best shared at a traditional sweet-shop or café.
Classic breaded veal or pork cutlet, crisp on the outside and tender inside; often served with potato salad.
Grilled sausage with melty cheese; a popular street-food option and pub favorite.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly farmers market in the town center offering fresh produce, bread, cheeses, and local specialties.
Seasonal stalls and pop-ups along the riverbank in warm months, with pretzels, sausages, and pastries.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start conversations with a polite greeting like Grüß Gott or Hallo; address people formally using Sie until invited to switch to du.
Be punctual for appointments and please wait in line; Austria values orderly behavior in shops and services.
Dress modestly when visiting churches; speak softly and observe local quiet areas.
Safety
Tipping in Hallein
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants and cafes, rounding up or leaving 5-10% is common if service is good; cash tips are appreciated but many places also accept cards.
Cash (Euro) is widely accepted; most places also accept credit/debit cards and contactless payments; ATMs are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours; perfect for hikes, riverside walks, and outdoor cafés. Thunderstorms can roll in in the afternoons; stay hydrated.
Cold temperatures with possible snow; festive markets in nearby Salzburg add charm. Short daylight hours—plan outdoor activities for midday.
Autumn colors in the surrounding hills; comfortable hiking weather and fewer crowds; ideal for photography of fall foliage.
Hallein at Night
Hiking in Hallein
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular alpine route offering panoramic views over Hallein and Salzburg; graded moderate to challenging.
Short, scenic hike to a tall, picturesque waterfall near Golling; easy to moderate.
Gentle to intermediate hikes at the foothills of the Tennengebirge with river and valley views.
Airports
How to reach Hallein by plane.
Small international airport located near Wals-Siezenheim, about 15-20 miles from Hallein; easy rail or car transfer to town and to Salzburg.
Major international hub about 150-170 km away; good rail and road connections to Hallein via Salzburg.
Largest Austrian airport about 360 km away; long-distance train services connect through Salzburg and Vienna.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Austrian and German-speaking families and workers.
Near Salzburg’s universities and local employment centers.
Year-round visitors drawn to salt history and alpine landscapes.
Smaller communities from Turkey, the Balkans, and other European nations contribute to the multicultural mix.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular in the surrounding Alps during winter; many resorts are accessible within a couple of hours.
Extensive trails around Untersberg, Tennengebirge, and nearby valleys.
Road and mountain biking routes in the valley and surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hallein.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be prepared vegetarian; look for cheese dumplings, vegetable mains, salads, and veggie versions of classic dishes. When in doubt, ask for stock and meat-free sauces.