Anniversary Exhibition White Gold - 500 Years of Salt Trade with Bohemia

For the 500th anniversary of the Habsburg salt trade from the Salzkammergut to Bohemia, the Kammerhof Museum Gmunden delves deep into history. In cooperation with the Association Path of Salt, the special exhibition "White Gold - 500 Years of Salt Trade with Bohemia" presents spectacular exhibits that will excite not only history and regional enthusiasts.

Where once the imperial salt authority oversaw the valuable resource, history will come to life in 2026. The Gmunden Kammerhof will become the setting for a unique time travel experience that traces the arduous journey of salt from the mines in Bad Aussee to the Bohemian centers. In the historic seat of the salt administration, rare objects from this industry, which is so important for the economic and cultural development of today’s district capital, will be showcased in spring 2026 as part of the anniversary exhibition "500 Years of Salt Trade with Bohemia," alongside existing permanent exhibitions. The museum's own exhibits will be complemented by loans from partner companies from Bad Aussee to Budweis.

Among the items on display are objects related to salt transport by land and water, tools, and exhibits from salt-processing businesses and the trade of "white gold." For instance, the salt transport over the frozen Traunsee in 1830, depicted in a large diorama featuring work, ceremonial, and recreational sleds from that society, will be one of the never-before-seen highlights of the exhibition, appealing not only to history fans and regional enthusiasts. Rare paintings as well as guild and procession flags from the 18th century will also be presented. A film documenting today’s museum activities along the former salt route, along with an interactive salt pirate game for children, will complement and illustrate historical events, making them tangible and lively for both young and young-at-heart audiences.

With this anniversary exhibition, the Kammerhof Museum Gmunden and the Association Path of Salt are making a statement for the cultural identity of the region and honoring the centuries-long connection between the Salzkammergut and Bohemia.

Another attraction in the context of the anniversary exhibition is the open-air display "From Traunsee Out into the World." This retrospective, presented along the Gmunden Esplanade, was created as part of the European Capital of Culture Bad Ischl Salzkammergut 2024. On twelve large-format panels, it brings to life the pioneering achievements of horse-drawn railways and steam shipping, as well as their innovative creators, for passersby to experience.