The Hallstatt-Dachstein region is part of the Salzkammergut in the Eastern Alps. This cultural landscape combines both nature and culture in a harmonious and a reciprocally complementary way. It encompass the towns of Hallstatt, Gosau, Obertraun and Bad Goisern.

The city of Hallstatt is linked to salt mining. Its name is derived from the Celtic word Hal, meaning salt (Salz in German). The salt deposits being exploited as early as the 2nd millennium B.C. which account for the local people's prosperity.