Hallein, town (1991 pop. 17,271), in Salzburg prov., W Austria, on the Salzach River, near the former West German border. It is a spa and has a noted marble industry. Manufactures include shoes, cosmetics, and tobacco products. An ancient Celtic settlement, Hallein was first mentioned in the 13th cent. There is a noted pilgrimage church (1594-1612) there.

Hallein is a town in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located at along the Salzach river in the shadow of the Untersberg massif, near the border with Germany. Hallein is the capital of the Tennengau district and with a population of c. 18,800 the second largest town of the Salzburg state.

Long known for salt mines in the Dürrnberg plateau, settlements in the area have been traced 4000 years back. It was a Celtic community from 600 BCE until the Romans took over in 15 BCE. The name Hallein, deriving from the Celtic word hall for salt, was instituted in the 13th century.

Hallein was the site of a work camp annex to the Dachau concentration camp in World War II and the site of a DP Camp after the war.

Transportation

Hallein can be reached by suburban S-Bahn railway from the city of Salzburg. It has also access to the A 10 Tauernautobahn (European route E55) from Salzburg to Villach.

Notable people

• Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of the Silent Night Christmas carol, born November 25, 1787 in Unterweitzberg, Hochburg-Ach, died June 7, 1863 in Hallein
• Clemens Holzmeister, architect, born March 27, 1886 in Fulpmes, died June 12, 1983 in Hallein
• Judith Wiesner, tennis player, born March 2, 1966 in Hallein