Hallstatt Things to Do Tips by francischris

This is the world's oldest salt mine dating back to 5000 BC,stone age.Return ride on furnicular plus guided tour of the Salt mine cost EUR21 per pax.Discount is given if you show the residence card from hotel or pension house .
The mine tour(2 slides) include a fast ride on the longest wooden slide in Europe(your pic will be taken with the speed recorded,fastest approx 36 KM per hour.Cost Eur 5 per pic),1400 sq mtr subterranean salt lake,a shimmering salt crystal chamber,Explanations,slide & film on the salt formation ,mining,history n others ....etc
Along the walkway to the miners'refuge ,we pass the Necropolis where archaeologists estimated over 4000 graves dating from early Iron age,800-400 B.C.
Acess to the mine is thru Christina Tunnel,(28 mtrs above sea level)Tunnel was opened in 1719 baptised after mother of Empress Maria Theresia. At the end of the tour we sat astride a small train out of the Mine.In 1734 a fully preserved body was discovered by the locals.It's was thought to be 100 years old but later and was given a proper burial by the priest.Subsequently they found out that the body was that of a primeval miner dating back to 300 years B.C.They aptly named this 'MAN IN SALT' Till this day no one knows where the remains were buried.

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Phone: +43(0)6132 200 2400
Address: 100 metres from Hallstatt tunnel exit
Directions: From the Town center walk to the end of the main street (10 mins) towards the Road tunnel exit (For vehicles)to Hallstatt.At the gate barrier,you can see it from far looking at where the Furnicular rails ascend.
Website: www.salzwelten.at

Due to the limited cemetry space in the church ground ,the remains were exhumed after some times and stored in the charnel- house.This practice ensures ample burial space for the 'new comers'.nThe skulls were decorated with names,patterns n designs.This practice dates back to 16th century.My wife find this scene bizarre, chilling and scary...so different from the pretty cemetry with bright fresh flowers patches in the sunlight.
Just wondering how the dogs are kept off with so much bones around?

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Address: Katgolische Kirche Mit Beinhaus
Directions: Adjacent to the Catholic church on the higher ground right of the pier landing(from the Train)

Built around 18th century this Church has two altars decorated Golthic style.The stain glasses(Tifffany glasses),wood works are beautiful.The Main entrance is freely accessible just tread quietly and with respect and this is the place of worship.

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Directions: On the hill to the right of the pier on arrival by boat after the train journey.

There is a restaurant and panaromic view of Hallstatt and the surroundings.
You can either walk up the mountain on a reasonably good track ,on average physical condition .Alternatively take the furnicular up to the upper station and walk 10 mins.

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Directions: Short distance from the Furnicular upper station
Website: www.hallstatt.net
Other Contact: www,salzwelten.at

This Church is alongside the lake and 3 minutes off the Town Square.This is the first sight you will noticed while coming in by boat.It is established in 1601.The decor is simple as with most small town protestant churches.It's open throughout the day for visitors and worshippers.Due to it's location and it's steep steeple it's a Landmark that can be seen from most angles of Hallstatt.

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Address: near the boat landing pier

This is a easy walking route ringing theback of the town.It's mostly paved road starting from the furnicular station going up ringing the back and top of the town ending at the Catholic church.Of course you can also starts at the Church but that would be a steeper incline uphill.We took a casual stroll stopping along the way as there are a few rest wooden shacks along the way.Total time taken is around 3 hours as we stop to enjoy the great views and local flora.

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Directions: At the Furnicular sttaion there is a road on the left of the rail
Website: www.hallstatt.net

The pair of swans are very graceful .You can find them gliding along the whole stretch of the lake.Look at one of the pics where one swan is on land eating the vegetation while the partner is gliding on the lake.Funny ,once out of the water it looks more like a ordinary fat goose....can't help thinking of Guanzhou Roast Goose.,blimey!

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Address: Hallstatt's Lake