The Sword Dance performed by the miners of the Dürrnberg, is generally held to be the oldest of Salzburg's guild dances.  First officially documented in 1586,  it is still performed exclusively by miners from the salt mine in Hallein.  Miners' dances are also known to us in other Salzburg communities, though none can be traced as far back as Dürrnberg's. Dancers wear their traditional uniform, including a sword and boots.  The miners' swords actually were less of a weapon than they were a symbol of rank.  The dance changed often over time, but it still depicts the various aspects of a miner's work below ground.  Which is why it is always performed at night by the light of torches.

The Dürrnberg Sword Dance is performed once every 4 years.