Settlement of Salzburg and the SalzburgerLand has its roots as far back as the Early Stone Age (approx. 50,000 years ago).

In the Bronze Age (900/800 BC), the Bischofshofen-Mühlbach region was the largest copper producer in the Eastern Alps, thus occupying a position of exceptional importance.
The most significant bronze find is the "Helmet of Pass Lueg" which dates from the Early Iron Age. Over time, however, copper mining faded into the background, while salt mining now took center stage.

The Celts, who had migrated into the region, had been mining salt from the Dürrnberg (near Hallein) since the 6th century BC. Some of today's town, river and geographical names - such as Anif, Lammer and Gastein - have their origins in the days of Celtic settlement.