The community at Hallstatt exploits the salt mines in the area, worked from time to time since the Neolithic period, from the eighth century to fifth century BCE.

The style and decoration of the grave goods found in the cemetery are very distinctive, and artifacts made in this style are widespread in Europe.

Archaeologists divide stratigraphy at the type-site into four phases, extending from about 1200 BCE until around 500 BCE: • HaA 1200-1000 • HaB 1000-800 • HaC 800-650 • HaD 650-475 Hallstatt phases A-B are part of the Bronze Age Urnfield culture.

Phase A indicates Villanovan influence.