History from SalzburgerLand

Historical Background about Tennengau

The name "Tennengau" was first documented in the year 1889, though this regional term - derived from the German word "Tenne" (barn) or "Tanne" (fir) - had been known to the locals for much longer. However, "His Majesty Emperor Franz Joseph I" only decided to permit establishment of the new political district of "Hallein" in 1895.

SalT & CELTS IN Tennengau

Salt from Hallein, that "white gold" from the Dürrnberg, was already playing an important role in the region during the prehistoric Celtic era (from ca. 500 BC until the birth of Christ). The Celts mined salt from the depths of the Dürrnberg and left behind numerous archaeological finds.

At the Celtic Village in Bad Dürrnberg and at the Celtic Museum in Hallein, you can set out in the footsteps of the Celts. Immerse yourself in ancient times and see how the Celts once lived and worked.

With its vast salt deposits in the Dürrnberg, 12th-cent. Tennengau made a significant contribution to the wealth of Salzburg's prince-archbishops. In fact, salt was very much the foundation of the prosperity and beauty to be found in the ecclesiastical and secular world of Salzburg City, the historical seat of the prince-archbishops. The River Salzach, too, played its role as an important trade route.

BATTLE FOR LIBERATION ON Pass Lueg in Golling

A battle for liberation, which took place on Pass Lueg outside Golling in 1809, also played an important role in Salzburg's history. At that time, Austria was in a war with France under Emperor Napoleon I. Josef Struber, an innkeeper from Stegenwald, and his men took on the Franco-Bavarian troops there on 25 September 1809.

The French gave up the battle and retreated to Hallein. Since 1898, a monument to Joseph Struber has stood on the Pass Lueg heights for visitors to see.

In honor of this event, 2009 saw the bicentennial celebration of the battle, featuring a big live reenactment, exhibitions and folk festivals in Golling, Werfen, Inzell, Waidring, Schneizelreuth and Lofer.

FROM Salzburggau TO Tennengau

Until 1896, Hallein remained part of today's Flachgau district. Only in 1895 was permission granted to establish a new district known as "Tennengau", in order to relieve some of the burdens which had fallen on the shoulders of the Salzburg government, which had now become overly large. One year later, the Hallein district was founded. Making Tennengau the youngest district in Salzburg province.

Now as then, Tennengau is an outstanding industrial location, while offering a wide variety of tourism and cultural institutions.

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE CELTS

Immerse yourself in the distant history of SalzburgerLand. Numerous museums, monuments and churches in Tennengau bring the past back to life.

Book your accommodations in the Tennengau Region and explore the history of salt, the Celts and marble. Send us your no-obligation enquiry. We will send you an offer to match all of your needs without delay.