Attraction Guide: Hallstatt Ossuary, Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt Ossuary Guide

A Touching Tradition: Explore the Hallstatt Ossuary (Bone House) Guide

The Hallstatt Ossuary, also known as the Bone House (Beinhaus), is a unique and fascinating attraction that offers a glimpse into the local customs and traditions surrounding death and remembrance. Due to limited space in the cemetery, the practice of exhuming bones and storing them in the ossuary developed over centuries. The skulls are often decorated with the deceased's name, date of death, and floral motifs, creating a poignant and personal memorial. The practice of using an ossuary in Hallstatt dates back to the 12th century, driven by the limited space available in the town's cemetery. As burial plots became scarce, families would exhume the bones of their deceased relatives after a period of 10-15 years. The skulls were then cleaned, bleached, and often painted with decorative designs, reflecting the family's love and remembrance. This tradition continued until relatively recently, with the last skull being placed in the ossuary in the 20th century. Visitors can enter the ossuary and view the collection of decorated skulls. It's a somber but thought-provoking experience that provides insight into the local culture and the way people in Hallstatt have traditionally dealt with death and remembrance. Photography is generally allowed, but visitors are asked to be respectful of the space and the remains of the deceased.