by Anna from Hallstatt asks Santa about mini Santa hats, learns about Hallstätter See lake, and hears about the town’s ancient salt mining heritage, one of the oldest in the world
Dear Santa, my name is Anna and I am nine years old. I live in Hallstatt, Austria, where my oma says people have been mining salt from our mountain for so long that it might be one of the oldest mines anywhere in the entire world.
Dear Anna, your oma is entirely right, and I have real respect for that particular ancient industry myself.
Santa, I have three questions.
My first question is, are there mini Santa hats? My little hamster needs a tiny festive outfit for our family photo this year.
Miniature festive accessories have become genuinely popular, Anna, and a properly dressed hamster sounds like an excellent addition to any family photo.
My second question is about our lake. My teacher says Hallstätter See sits right beside our village, mountains rising steeply around it. Is that true?
It is, Anna. Hallstätter See is a stunningly beautiful alpine lake, with your village nestled dramatically between the water and steep mountains. Flying over that postcard-perfect scene each Christmas Eve is one of the most beautiful sights on my entire route.
My third question is about salt mining. My teacher says it has happened here for thousands of years. Is that true?
It is true, Anna. Salt has been mined near Hallstatt for over seven thousand years, among the oldest known salt mines in the entire world. I always feel real respect flying over such a deep, ancient tradition.
Merry Christmas, Santa.
Your friend,
Anna Gruber
Hallstatt, Austria
P.S. Will you bring a mini hat for my hamster?
Already on the list, Anna, in a suitably small size.
