Leslie Massey
Hallstatt, Austria is a small town in the district of Gmunden, in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. It is a beautiful lakeside village that has gained popularity in recent years, becoming a well-known tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its picturesque scenery, colourful timbered houses, cobbled streets, tree-covered mountains, and sparkling lakes, it's no surprise that Hallstatt has become a sought-after location for visitors and residents alike. However, the influx of tourists has also brought challenges for those living in the area, with some locals expressing concerns about the impact of tourism on their daily lives. In this discussion, we will delve into what it's like to live in Hallstatt, exploring the advantages and disadvantages, and providing insights into the cost of living, job opportunities, and the unique aspects of this charming Austrian town.
What You'll Learn
High living costs
The cost of living in Austria is 1.61 times more expensive than the world average, and 1.9% lower than in the United States. According to one source, the monthly cost for a single person in Austria is €1,069.4 without rent, and €1,668 with rent. Another source estimates the monthly cost for a single person to be $1,162.9 without rent.
Austria is known to have one of the highest food costs in Europe. Basic food items are limited in selection and generally expensive. For example, a litre of mineral water costs €0.71, a litre of milk costs €1.07, and a loaf of white bread costs €1.64. Foreigners also find canned foods, frozen foods, turkey, chicken and other meats very expensive. Things get worse during the winter months, when fresh fruits and vegetables are of limited variety and in short supply.
Accommodation and utilities are often the main expenses for expats. In Austria, most expats can’t afford to purchase property and renting is the only feasible option. Rents in the heart of the cities are a lot higher compared to other areas. For example, a furnished, two-bedroom house in the city centre is likely to cost at least €1,350 per month. In terms of utilities, a couple is likely to spend around €145 per month on heating, electricity, water, and garbage disposal. Monthly internet bills average about €25.
Hallstatt is a small town in the district of Gmunden, in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. It is a beautiful lakeside village that has soared in popularity in recent years, receiving a million visitors in 2018 despite having a population of just 800. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a major tourist attraction. The high number of tourists in Hallstatt can make it hard to enjoy, and some locals suffer from rude tourists.
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Beautiful scenery
Hallstatt is a beautiful lakeside village in Austria that has soared in popularity in recent years. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been described as the most beautiful village in Europe. It is a fairytale-like village with dramatic landscapes and numerous attractions. The village is set on the southwestern shore of Lake Hallstatt in the mountainous Salzkammergut region. The centre of the village is a traffic-free zone, perfect for exploring on foot.
The traditional Austrian architecture of the village is set against a backdrop of towering mountains, pine trees, jagged mountains, and a snow-capped glacier. The village also has colourful streets, with pastel-coloured houses and winding cobblestone streets surrounded by the striking Northern Limestone Alps. The Catholic Church of Hallstatt is also known for its stunning architecture.
The natural beauty of Hallstatt extends beyond its architecture. The lake itself offers crystal clear, calm waters that provide mirrored views of the mountains and glaciers. The area is also known for its ice-blue waterfalls and secluded waters that are clear enough to paddle in. For those looking for more adventurous activities, there are epic hikes and wonderful views to be found around Lake Hallstatt and the nearby Lake Gosau.
While Hallstatt is a beautiful place to visit, it is important to note that it suffers from over-tourism, with large crowds of people arriving throughout the day. As a result, it can be challenging to fully enjoy the scenery and explore the village. However, staying overnight instead of visiting for a day can provide a more peaceful experience, allowing visitors to take in the beautiful scenery and charming atmosphere of this picturesque village.
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Tourist crowds
Hallstatt is a beautiful lakeside village in Austria that has soared in popularity in recent years, mainly because it looks like it's straight out of a fairytale. The village received a million visitors in 2018 despite having a population of just 800.
The surge in tourism has brought both benefits and challenges to the locals. While some profit from tourism, others suffer from rude tourists who treat the village like a museum and fail to appreciate the scenery. The influx of tourists has also led to overcrowding, making it challenging for visitors to fully enjoy the village.
To avoid the tourist crowds in Hallstatt, it is recommended to visit during the off-season and stay overnight to experience the village at its most peaceful. Early mornings and evenings are ideal for exploring, as the village tends to fill up during the day. Staying in a hotel with a lake view, especially one with a balcony, can provide a tranquil experience even during peak hours.
For a more secluded experience, renting a boat and exploring Lake Hallstatt is a perfect option. The Lake Hallstatt Explorer offers a reasonably priced boat rental service, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake and surrounding views without the crowds. Another option is to visit the Hallstatt Skywalk, located above the town, which provides a less crowded perspective of the village and lake below.
Additionally, St. Michael's Chapel, home to the Hallstatt Charnel Bone House, is a surprisingly peaceful spot. The cemetery offers picturesque views of the lake and is adorned with beautiful flower-covered graves. By planning ahead, it is possible to enjoy the beauty of Hallstatt while minimising the impact of tourist crowds.
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Rural vs. city life
Life in rural Austria is quite different from that in the cities. Rural areas offer a slower pace of life, with beautiful scenery and a strong sense of community. One of the most well-known rural areas in Austria is Hallstatt, a small town in the district of Gmunden, in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. Hallstatt is a picturesque lakeside village nestled between the southwestern shore of Hallstätter See and the majestic mountains. With its colourful timbered houses, cobbled streets, and sparkling lake, it's no wonder that Hallstatt has become a popular tourist destination, attracting over a million visitors in 2018 despite its small population of just 800 people.
However, this influx of tourists has had a significant impact on the quality of life for residents. Locals have reported issues with rude tourists who treat the town as a museum rather than a living community. This has led to the rise of independent parties, such as Bürger für Hallstatt, which aims to shift the focus from quantity to quality tourism. In addition, Hallstatt faces challenges with a declining young population, as there are limited work opportunities outside of the tourism industry. The town's protected status also presents difficulties for residents wishing to renovate or extend their homes.
In contrast, city life in Austria offers a bustling and vibrant atmosphere with a wide range of cultural, social, and career opportunities. The capital city, Vienna, is known for its high quality of life, excellent public infrastructure, and cultural offerings. While Vienna is considered expensive compared to other Austrian cities, it still offers more affordable options than many other major European cities. The city boasts a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and trams, and a metro, making it easy to navigate without a car. Additionally, Vienna provides excellent public housing options, with about 60% of residents taking advantage of social housing.
Other Austrian cities, such as Graz and Linz, offer more affordable living costs while still providing a rich cultural experience. Graz, the second-largest city, is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning architecture. Linz, situated on the River Danube, offers a comprehensive tram and bus system and a lively leisure scene during the summer months.
Overall, the choice between rural and city life in Austria depends on individual preferences and priorities. Rural areas offer a slower pace, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community, while cities provide greater opportunities for career advancement, cultural experiences, and a wider range of social activities.
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Job opportunities
If you are an EU/EEA resident, you can contact the Public Employment Service Austria (AMS) via the European Job Mobility Portal (EURES) to view job vacancies in Austria. The WORK in AUSTRIA TALENT HUB allows you to create a profile with a CV in German and English to be discovered by Austrian companies. It is recommended that you learn at least some German before you start looking for a job in Austria, as it is the main working language in Austrian companies. You can also hire a recruitment agency to find a suitable position for you.
If you are not an EU/EEA resident, you can apply for a job-seeker visa, which is valid for a maximum of six months. The criteria are tailored to highly qualified workers, and you must achieve 70 out of 100 points on a list of criteria that includes factors such as higher education, language level, and research and innovation.
When applying for a job in Austria, it is customary to include a professional photo of yourself in the top right corner of your CV and your signature at the end of the document. Your CV should be up-to-date and contain brief and accurate descriptions of your work experience and education. Avoid spelling mistakes and be sure to use a clear format to create a professional impression. Austrian companies generally require an application letter and a CV, and interviews are usually conducted in German unless otherwise stated.
There are currently 1,494 job openings in Hallstatt, Austria, and the top companies hiring are inspire GmbH, VKB Bank, Gasthof Gosausee, BWT, Salzkammergut Klinikum Bad Ischl, Bechtel, REWE Fleischwaren, Ennstal Milch KG, Resch und Frisch, and Red Bull.
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Frequently asked questions
Hallstatt is a small town in the district of Gmunden, in the Austrian state of Upper Austria. It is a beautiful lakeside village that has soared in popularity in recent years, mainly because it looks like it's straight out of a fairytale. However, the surge in tourism has its drawbacks, with locals complaining about rude tourists and the challenge of finding work if you don't want to work in tourism.
The cost of living in Austria is generally higher than in the United States, with housing being more expensive in terms of the space you get for your money. However, rent in Austria is, on average, 31.39% lower than in the United States. Eating out in Austria typically costs around €12 to €50, a monthly gym pass is €32, and a cinema ticket is approximately €10.
One of the biggest advantages of living in Hallstatt is the high quality of life that comes with living in Austria. The country offers excellent public transportation, well-maintained roads, and easy access to nature and outdoor activities. However, one of the main disadvantages is the high cost of living, especially in larger cities like Vienna.
Before moving to Hallstatt, it is important to research the local job market and consider the potential language barrier. Additionally, while Hallstatt is known for its picturesque scenery, the surge in tourism in recent years has led to overcrowding and changed the dynamic of the village. It is crucial to visit the town beforehand to get a sense of what it would be like to live there and whether it aligns with your desired way of life.
