Day trip to Hallein: a stop at the foot of the Barmstein rocks

Hallein is one of the most rewarding day trips around Salzburg: an old town full of history, the Salzach river, the salt mine on the Dürrnberg and, with the Barmstein rocks, a striking landmark. On the northern edge of town, in the district of Kaltenhausen, a place with more than 550 years of history awaits you at the foot of the Barmstein rocks: Bräustübl Kaltenhausen. Here you can read how to get there, what there is to discover and how best to plan your day out.

Getting here: quick by car or bus

From the city of Salzburg it takes only about ten minutes by car along the B159, which runs right past the house. If you prefer public transport, get off at the Kaltenhausen bus stop, directly in front of the building. This makes the Bräustübl a good destination for trips without a car too, for example for groups or if you want to enjoy the beer from the rock cellar at your leisure.

The Barmstein rocks: Hallein's "ears"

The Great and the Little Barmstein tower above Kaltenhausen; locals affectionately call them the "Halleiner Ohrwaschln", Hallein's ears. Both rocks are popular with hikers and climbers. The brewery also owes its location to them: cold downdraughts flow through cracks in the rock and still chill the cellars naturally to below 10 °C today. That is exactly why Salzburg's mayor Hans Elsenheimer had the "Cold Brewhouse" built here in 1475. Read more in our article on the wind pipe phenomenon.

What to discover in Hallein

• Hallein's old town: narrow lanes, squares and townhouses that tell of the wealth of the salt trade.
• The salt mine on the Dürrnberg: for centuries salt was the engine of the town. A visit to the mine shows how the "white gold" was extracted.
• The Celtic Museum: it tells the story of the Celtic settlement on the Dürrnberg and the long history of the region.
• In the footsteps of "Silent Night": Franz Xaver Gruber, composer of the world-famous Christmas carol, lived and worked in Hallein. He is known to have enjoyed Kaltenhausen beer, and one of our parlours bears his name.

Beer garden, parlours and Sudhaus Bar

After your walk, the Bräustübl offers the right place to stop in any weather. On warm days you can sit in the beer garden in the courtyard, redesigned in 2020. On cooler days, take a seat in one of the historic parlours or at the Sudhaus Bar among the brewing kettles, where beer is actually brewed on site. We serve traditional Austrian dishes such as goulash, Wiener schnitzel or the Kaltenhausen cold-cuts platter, with freshly tapped Kaiser beer.

A piece of brewing history

If you are interested in history, Kaltenhausen is the right place. It is considered the oldest brewery in the province of Salzburg and the oldest wheat beer brewery in Austria. In 1498 the property passed to the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, and in 1815 Electress Maria Leopoldine of Austria-Este acquired the brewery. In 1902 the brewery inn with the Bräustübl opened, and it has been a meeting place for beer lovers ever since. Read the whole story on our history page.

A day trip in every season

In spring and summer, the beer garden in the courtyard is the place to be, ideal after a hike to the Barmstein rocks or a bike ride along the Salzach. In autumn, hearty dishes such as goulash or Gröstl suit the season, along with seasonal beer specialities such as Herbstquell. In winter, the historic parlours keep you warm, and around Christmas Hallein, where Franz Xaver Gruber lived and worked, is a particularly atmospheric destination. The strong Winterquell rounds off a cold winter's day.

Our tip for your day out

Combine a morning in Hallein's old town or on the Dürrnberg with lunch at the Bräustübl, or end an afternoon trip to the Barmstein rocks in the beer garden. For larger groups and at weekends we recommend booking a table so we can keep your seats free.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Salzburg to Bräustübl Kaltenhausen?

By car in about ten minutes along the B159, or by bus to the Kaltenhausen stop right in front of the building.

Is there a beer garden?

Yes, in the courtyard. It was redesigned in 2020 together with the Sudhaus Bar.

Do I need to book for a day trip?

Not for small groups, but we recommend booking for groups and at weekends. For ten or more people, please book in writing.