Despite its tiny size in terms of population, Hall in Tirol boasts one of the finest medieval town centres anywhere in Austria. Its rich bundle of pastel buildings and cobbled streets and 500-year-old mint (which lets visitors make a coin the traditional way) combine to make it clear that in its day, Hall was a local powerhouse.
Hall is a beautiful medieval town that grew important on the riches of salt — salt mining in the Middle Ages made it the most important commercial hub in the region as early as in the 13th century. It was during this period that many of the finest houses in the old town were built, including Hasegg Castle and its Mint Tower, the landmark of Hall. A spiral staircase coils up to the top of the Mint Tower for far-reaching views over Hall. The castle had a 300-year career as a mint for silver Thalers (coins, the root of the modern word ‘dollar’). The first silver Taler in the world was coined in Hall in 1486 and became a valued currency throughout the world. This history is unravelled in the Münze Hall, where you can struck your own souvenir coin on a hand powered screw press. The winding lanes, punctuated by pastel-coloured Gothic-style townhouses, are made for aimless ambling. Take a stroll around one of Austria’s biggest and most beautiful medieval old towns and discover the treasures and treats of small town individuality that make Hall so special. Explore charming retail shops and restaurants, visit museums and discover a historic small town. Cultural highlights in the annual calendar of events include the Tirol Easter Festival, the Sprachsalz Literature Festival and the famous Christmas Market.
Hall is a beautiful medieval town that grew important on the riches of salt — salt mining in the Middle Ages made it the most important…
