Sankt Magdalena, Monastery ruins in Halltal, Austria
Sankt Magdalena is a monastery ruin situated on a terrace on the slopes of Haller Zunterkopf at approximately 1287 meters elevation, where the church and former chaplaincy stand within a forest clearing. The site preserves the remains of these religious buildings, which still reveal the structure of the historical complex today.
The monastery was founded in 1441 by Hans Frankfurter, the administrator of Hall's salt office, and developed rapidly under the protection of Maximilian I. By around 1494, approximately 24 nuns lived there, making it an important center in the valley.
The late Gothic church displays a distinctive design with consistent width between choir and nave, creating a unified interior space with its star-ribbed vaults and ornate keystones. This architectural approach was characteristic of monastery churches from that era and continues to define the visual character of the site today.
The site is only accessible after a roughly two-hour hike through Karwendel Nature Park, so visitors should plan for sturdy footwear and adequate time. The former chaplaincy now operates as a mountain restaurant, providing a convenient rest stop during the walk.
Archaeological excavations revealed ceramics from the late Hallstatt period, indicating connections to early salt mining activities in the region. These discoveries suggest the site has deeper roots and lies within the broader economic history of the valley.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
