World Heritage Day Hallstatt

The World Heritage Day in Hallstatt focuses on new archaeological findings from the Neolithic period. Experts present current finds, discuss the history of salt mining and provide exciting insights into the development of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut World Heritage region.

World Heritage Day at the Hallstatt Culture and Congress Center on 18.4.2026

The Austrian World Heritage Day 2026 invites you to rediscover the extraordinary history of the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut. At the Hallstatt Culture and Congress Center, international experts will present the latest archaeological findings on the earliest traces of human settlement and the beginning of salt production in the region.

The focus will be on the lecture "Early bread and first salt - Hallstatt in the Neolithic Age of Europe", which will show the importance of Hallstatt for the development of European culture thousands of years ago. In addition, specialist presentations will provide insights into prehistoric and Roman mining, the famous Hallstatt burial ground and an overview of the 2025 Riezinger finds and the special Riezinger exhibition.

The event offers visitors not only exciting lectures, but also the opportunity to talk directly to archaeologists and scientists. Guided tours through the newly designed Hallstatt Museum will provide additional insights into the history of the town and its role as a center of salt mining.

Another highlight is the awarding of the Friedrich Simony Prize for special services to the Salzkammergut World Heritage Site. The event concludes with a get-together over snacks and drinks.

On the following day, the event "Hike into the World Heritage Site" also takes place, where the unique cultural landscape of the region can also be experienced outdoors.

The World Heritage Day is aimed at all interested parties - from locals to those interested in culture and guests to the region - and impressively demonstrates why Hallstatt has been a special place in European history for over 7,500 years.

The program is subject to change.


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