Hall in Tirol is one of the most popular tourist destinations thanks to its charming old town with its narrow streets and extraordinary Christmas market. A stroll through the town is also somewhat reminiscent of small Italian towns. The attention to detail is evident in many places.
Its long history dates back to the 13th century, when Hall became an important trading town thanks to salt mining. This is also reflected in the town's coat of arms, which depicts two lions with a barrel of salt. The name "Hall" itself refers to the town's close connection with salt mining.
Later - when silver and copper mining began in Schwaz in the 15th century - the mint was moved from Meran in South Tyrol to Hall and the town became the mint of Tyrol. During this time, Hall was one of the most important cities of the Habsburgs. Evidence of this eventful history can be found throughout the town - and if you look closely, you will not only notice the major traces of the past, but also small details that are often combined with the modern and new and are doubly inspiring.
How do you start a discovery tour through Hall? The best way is to start with the obvious: The Hall Mint and Hasegg Castle. There is an archaeological site on the way to the Hall Mint. Hall is in the process of applying to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A team of archaeologists and volunteers are now searching for the remains of the drive systems of the roller embossing machines, which could date back to the 16th century.
The small town of Hall was of great importance to the European economy in the 15th and 16th centuries: on the one hand, the worldwide spread of the thaler from Hall - the most important currencies in the world, such as the US dollar or the yen, even go back to the thaler - and the development of roller embossing technology. In Hall, the roller embossing machine was even developed to the point where it was ready for mass production and could be exported - as early as the 16th century, 200 years before the industrial revolution.
The modern exhibition rooms of the Hall Mint Museum display various coins, as all rulers had their own coins minted with their likeness. These were even adapted to their advanced age. You would have to think about that today: Every time there is a change of chancellor or president, all the coins would have to be replaced again.
The exhibition includes the coveted Maria Theresa thaler, which was the official currency in parts of Africa until around 1945. It is also embossed on the side and was particularly forgery-proof. Today, the Hall Mint still mints coins for special occasions and customised designs - and of course visitors are also allowed to take their own coin home with them.
In the castle courtyard, it is worth taking a look up to the castle tower. Thanks to a co-operation with the Alpine Zoo, kestrels are reared in the castle tower. Museum staff look after them and feed them. The animals can be observed via a webcam and fly in and out through the small windows.
The old town centre is waiting to be explored. At the lower town square, the Sigmund Fountain catches the eye. The fountain figure depicting Archduke Sigmund of Tyrol (he moved the mint to Tyrol and had the first thalers minted) was created by Linz artist Rudolf Reinhart. The inscription makes you smile: "Sigmund the Mint Rich by Reinhart the Mint Poor."
The special shop signs, fountain figures and street signs by metal sculptor Reinhart can be seen all over the city. Numerous of his sculptures can also be seen in the Diana Bar of the traditional "Goldener Löwe" restaurant (on Oberer Stadtplatz).
The path to the upper town square, which can be reached via eight alleyways, leads past Café Lizette: You can enjoy your coffee here like in a shop window, with the hustle and bustle of the alleyway always in view.
The upper town square is the heart of the old town. In the shadow of the mighty parish church of St. Nicholas, cosy coffee houses invite you to take a break - it feels a bit like being in Italy here. Tip for coffee and cake: The Weiler patisserie is famous in Hall, and not just for its Haller Törtchen.
The town hall sits enthroned right next to the parish church: unmistakable with its steep roof and red-white-red shutters, it watches over the square. The town hall houses the council chamber, which is also used as a wedding hall. The Magdalen Chapel, which is located on the east side of the parish church, is also worth a visit. Inside you can admire Gothic works of art, including the oldest frescoes in Hall.
