Celtic Museum Hallein — Attraction in Hallein

The Keltenmuseum in Hallein near Salzburg contains major discoveries from the La Tene period of the Iron Age which come from burials in the area surrounding the nearby Hallein Salt Mine (Salzbergwerk Dürrnberg), at Dürrnberg. The Museum was founded in 1882 and was housed in the Bürgerspital. In 1930 it was moved into the Rathaus and from 1952 occupied a gateway of the town or stadt's fortifications. In 1970 the name was changed to Keltenmuseum and the museum was moved into the former Salt Offices (Saline Hallein) on the Pflegerplatz, which fronts the river Salzach. In 1980 the Museum staged a major exhibition "Die Kelten in Mitteleuropa" (The Celts in Central Europe), which demonstrated the wealth of discoveries that were being made at the Hallein. In 1993-4 the Austrian architect Heinz Tesar drew up plans for the conversion and extension of the Museum and on 1 January 2012 the Museum became a constituent part of...

We were disappointed. There was almost no setting in context (e.g. who were the Celts?), almost no meaningful maps showing extent of settlement, or where the important cultural centres (La Tène - spelt incorrectly in the museum, Hallstatt etc) and routes were, and more importantly, little introduction to Dürrenberg, the centre of the second floor display, and unknown to me). After the ground floor, there were no titles or introductions on the main three floors. We left feeling uninformed and frustrated (although we are...

A large museum about the whole history of the area, not just celts (though most and best artifacts do come from that era). Highly recommended for history enthusiasts. The museum has many interactive equipment and could be very interesting for children. The staff is friendly and helpful.

The two downsides are lacking, or rather confusing parking place. Also there was a lack of books and literature in English language to buy in the museum store, which is regrettable.

A must-visit for history buffs in the area...