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Hallstatt Travel Guide – 15 Best things to do in Hallstatt, Austria
Imagine a place straight out of a fairy tale, nestled between high mountains and a crystal-clear lake. That’s Hallstatt in Austria, a village so charming it’s like stepping into a storybook.
Growing up nearby, I’ve been lucky to visit Hallstatt many times. And what should I say? I don’t think I will ever get enough of this picturesque village.
Thanks to its unique setting and rich history, there are many fascinating places to see and things to do in Hallstatt. In this guide, I’ll share with you my insider tips for your Hallstatt visit and help you make the most of your time in this special village.
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Book your Hallstatt essentials!
These are the unmissable tours and things to do in Hallstat that you should book in advance!
Hallstatt from Vienna
Hallstatt from Salzburg
Hallstatt walking tour
Hallstatt e-bike tour
Hallstatt photography tour
What is Hallstatt and why visit
Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a picture-perfect snapshot of Austria’s history and natural beauty.
Did you know, Hallstatt was not only named the “most Instagrammable town in the world” but is so popular that China even built a copy of it? That’s how special this place is!
The village’s roots trace back over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Its story is closely linked with the tradition of salt mining, which played a vital role in shaping the region’s economy and prosperity throughout the ages.
If you want to experience the real Austria, Hallstatt is a must-visit. Enjoy the views over the lake and the mountains, explore the old salt mine, and soak up the vibe of traditional village life.
Where to stay in Hallstatt
For the ultimate Hallstatt experience, I highly recommend staying right in the heart of the village itself. This way you’ll be able to walk to most of its attractions. You will also find plenty of cozy cafes and restaurants in the center, offering traditional delicious Austrian dishes.
BEST VIEWS
This historic hotel is located in the center of Hallstatt in 3 individual buildings that have been carefully renovated and offer panoramic views of Lake Hallstatt.
CENTRL & TRADITIONAL
Located at the historic market square in Hallstatt’s center, this family-run hotel combines modern and traditional elements.
COZY & CHARMING
This cozy and well-equipped apartment offers stunning mountain views within walking distance to Hallstatt.
Best Hallstatt tours
Hallstatt is easily reachable from various cities, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
Organized tours offer the easiest and most convenient way to experience the village’s beauty and history. Whether you prefer strolling through its charming streets with a knowledgeable guide, climbing up the Salzberg mountain to visit the Skywalk, or soak in the stunning scenery, there’s a tour tailored to your interests.
Day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt
Although the journey from Vienna to Hallstatt takes 3-4 hours, it is worth the effort. I’d recommend an organized day trip to ensure a hassle-free experience. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy scenic views of the Austrian countryside as you make your way to Hallstatt.
If you’re feeling adventurous, book this day trip from Vienna that includes the Hallstatt Skywalk. Or opt for a small-group tour for a more intimate experience.
Book your Hallstat tour from Vienna:
Day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt
When visiting Salzburg, a day trip to Hallstatt is a must. Again, opting for an organized tour is the easiest and most convenient way to experience the Alpine village. Join this day trip that combines your Hallstatt trip with a visit to the Salt Mine. Or if you’re short on time, then join this half-day tour and visit the village’s most iconic attractions.
Book your Hallstat tour from Salzburg:
Hallstatt, Lake District and the Salt Mine
Hallstatt tours
If you rather drive to Hallstatt yourself, make sure to join this guided walking tour to get a better understanding of the village’s rich history. If you have the time I’d recommend spending a night in the village. This will give you enough time to visit its many attractions and explore the stunning surroundings. I highly recommend this guided e-bike tour, leading you to some of the best views of the mountain region and the lake.
Book your Hallstat tour:
Guided e-bike tour of the alpine pastures in the Salzkammergut
15 Best Things to do in Hallstatt
1. Explore Hallstatt on a Guided Walking Tour
Join this guided walking tour and gain a deeper understanding of Hallstatt’s centuries-old salt mining tradition and the local customs and traditions of its residents.
As you stroll through the narrow streets you’ll encounter historic buildings and you’ll have the opportunity to visit attractions such as the Market Square. Plus, your guide knows the best paths to avoid the crowds while making sure you still get to enjoy the most stunning views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains.
Book your guided tour:
Hallstatt walking tour
2. Visit the Bone House
The Bone House houses over 610 artistically painted skulls that were transferred to the bone house when an existing grave was reused for a new burial. Most of the skulls were painted at the end of the 18th century and the identity of the deceased was commemorated with decorative inscriptions.
The collection is housed in St. Michael’s Chapel, also known as the Charnel House This is a small chapel that dates back to the 12th century and is located next to the catholic parish church. I have visited the Bone House several times and find it a fascinating place that makes you reflect on the passage of time and the fragility of life.
3. Take a bike ride along the scenic trails
Taking a bike ride along the scenic trails surrounding Hallstatt gives you a great opportunity to explore the stunning landscape surrounding Hallstatt.
Join this guided e-biking tour led by local bike guides who know the region best and find the perfect paths for you. You’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape and the crystal-clear lake.
Book your guided tour:
Hallstatt e-bike tour
4. Guided Photography Tour of Hallstatt
Hallstatt’s picturesque beauty has earned it the title of the most Instagrammable village in the world, making it a dream destination for photography enthusiasts.
Take this guided photography tour and capture the village’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems through the lens of your camera. Your guide will bring you to the best photography spots Hallstatt has to offer.
Book your guided tour:
Hallstatt photography tour
5. Explore the Hallstatt Waterfall
The Hallstatt Waterfall is only a short walk from the center of the village and the water flowing down the rocky cliffs can be heard from afar. The short climb up the stairs will reward you with an incredible view over Hallstatt and the lake.
6. Dachstein Giant Ice Cave
Explore the beauty of the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave near Hallstatt. Inside the cave, you’ll discover a world of icy formations, stalactites, and stalagmites that have been sculpted over thousands of years. Don’t forget to dress warmly, as temperatures inside the cave are chilly year-round.
7. Try traditional Austrian pastries at one of Hallstatt’s cozy cafes
No visit to Hallstatt is complete without trying the delicious flavors of traditional Austrian pastries. From flaky Apfelstrudel filled with cinnamon-spiced apples to rich and decadent Sachertorte layered with apricot jam, these sweet treats are a must-try for foodies exploring the village.
I highly recommend Cafe Maislinger for their tasty cakes or Seecafe if you want to enjoy amazing views during your coffee break.
8. Visit the Historic Market Square
The historic market square is the heart of the village and the perfect spot to soak in Hallstatt’s special atmosphere. Walk along the charming cobblestone streets, visit cute little shops, and stop at stalls selling all sorts of things, from handmade souvenirs to tasty local treats.
Throughout the year, the market square hosts many special events, my favorite one being the charming Hallstatt Christmas market in December.
9. Visit the Hallstatt World Heritage Museum
The Hallstatt World Heritage Museum is housed in an ancient building overlooking the lake and is packed with fascinating artifacts, old photos, and interactive displays.
You’ll learn about Hallstatt’s ancient past, from its prehistoric roots to its busy salt mining days. Plus, the views from the terrace are stunning – don’t forget to bring your camera!
10. Enjoy the views from the Hallstatt Skywalk
For the ultimate Hallstatt view, head to the Skywalk on Salzberg mountain! You can take a scenic 2-minute cable car ride up or, if you feel sporty, hike up the mountain trail.
The skywalk viewing platform floats freely at 360 meters above Hallstatt and offers the most breathtaking view of Hallstatt and the UNESCO World Heritage region.
11. Explore the Hallstatt Salzwelten Salt Mine
The Hallstatt Salt Mine is the oldest salt mine in the world. A short cable car ride will take you up Salzberg mountain to the entrance of the salt mine. From here, you’ll descend into the depths of the mountain, exploring winding tunnels, mysterious chambers, and salt lakes.
As you journey through the mine you’ll learn all about salt mining—from ancient techniques to modern methods. There are fun activities available like sliding down wooden mining slides and taking a ride on the mining train! It’s a hands-on experience and one of my highlights of visiting Hallstatt.
12. 5 Fingers Observation Deck
The 5 Fingers Observation Deck atop Krippenstein Mountain lies an easy 20-30 minute walk from the mountain station and offers breathtaking views..
This unique viewing platform extends like fingers over the edge of the cliff. Each finger is equipped with a glass floor for a heart-pounding perspective of the sheer drop beneath you.
It’s a one-of-a-kind spot that offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and the picturesque Hallstatt Lake.
13. Shop Salty Souvenirs
Hallstatt is renowned for its rich history of salt mining, and you can find a variety of unique salt-related souvenirs to take home as mementos of your trip. From gourmet salts infused with herbs and spices to decorative salt lamps, or skincare products made with Hallstatt salt, there is something for every taste and budget.
14. Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
Renting a boat is a great way to explore the crystal-clear lake and get a different perspective of Hallstatt and the stunning mountain landscape. You will find various boat rental companies along the lake, offering hourly rental.
If you’d rather not be your own captain, then sit back and relax on a boat tour across the Hallstatt Lake. Depending on the season different routes are available.
15. Explore Hallstatt in Winter
During the winter months, Hallstatt transforms into a winter wonderland, and exploring the village during the festive season is a magical experience not to be missed. With snow-capped rooftops and a tranquil, frozen lake, Hallstat in winter feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Join this guided Christmas tour of Hallstatt and discover Austrian Christmas traditions, wander through stalls selling handcrafted gifts, and try delicious seasonal treats like roasted chestnuts and mulled wine.
Read next:
Salzburg in winter
Vienna in winter
Getting to and around Hallstatt
Guided tour: Joining a guided tour is the best, most comfortable, and quickest way to reach Hallstatt, especially for day trips. These tours typically offer hassle-free transportation from nearby cities like Salzburg or Vienna, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic journey without worrying about finding the way or parking.
By car: You can reach Hallstatt by taking the A1 and B166. The center of the village is car-free and parking is available outside the village. From there you’ll need to walk or use shuttle service.
By bus/train: The most convenient option is to take a bus or train to Bad Ischl and then change to a train to Hallstatt. From Hallstatt train station take the ferry across the lake to reach the village.
When it comes to getting around Hallstatt, the village is easily explored on foot, with most of its attractions within walking distance of each other. However, for excursions to attractions like the ice caves or other nearby sights, public transportation, a car, or organized tours may be necessary.
What and where to eat in Hallstatt
Gasthof Zauner, with its cozy ambiance and traditional Austrian cuisine, is one of the best restaurants in Hallstatt. Be sure to try local specialties like lake trout and Kaiserschmarrn and follow it with their Apfelstrudel, it’s incredible!
Another of my favorite restaurants is Braugasthof Lobisser, which offers a special dining experience with its onsite beer garden overlooking the lake. They serve up hearty Austrian dishes such as soups, and roasted meats, and local beer.
Best time to Visit Hallstatt
The best time to visit Hallstatt is between April and June. During this time, the weather is generally mild and pleasant, and crowds are manageable.
Spring is ideal for sightseeing, exploring the village’s charming streets, enjoying boat rides on Lake Hallstatt, and hiking in the surrounding mountains. Additionally, these months are typically less crowded than the summer months, allowing you to enjoy the charming village in a more peaceful setting.
How long to stay in Hallstatt
While it’s possible to see Hallstatt’s main attractions on an action-packed day trip, ideally, you should plan to spend at least 1-2 days in Hallstatt to truly soak up its unique ambiance and explore its hidden gems.
This will give you plenty of time to wander through the charming center, visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine, take a boat ride on the lake, and enjoy delicious Austrian meals at local restaurants.
With an overnight stay, you can also experience the village during different times of the day, such as early mornings and evenings, when the crowds are fewer and the atmosphere is more peaceful. Not to mention the gorgeous sunrise and sunset in this fairytale-like town!
Is Hallstatt worth visiting?
As someone who has visited Hallstatt numerous times and is always excited to return, I can confidently say that this picturesque village is absolutely worth visiting!
Hallstatt is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, with its charming cobblestone streets, wooden houses, and stunning mountain backdrop creating a scene straight out of a postcard.
Planning a trip to Austria?
For insights on must-visit attractions and tips to make the most of your experience in Austria make sure to check the articles below!
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