Hallstatt, Austria: A Charming And Picturesque Village Worth Visiting

Nestled in the heart of Austria, Hallstatt is a charming village with a rich history. Known for its picturesque setting between the serene Hallstätter See (Hallstatt Lake) and the towering Hoher Dachstein mountain, Hallstatt is a popular destination for travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Austria. With its colourful houses, sparkling lake, and surrounding Alpine scenery, Hallstatt has become synonymous with postcard-perfect views. But is it worth visiting?

Hallstatt's claim to fame is not just its photogenic quality; it is also a place of significant historical importance. With a history dating back over 7,000 years, Hallstatt is recognised as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. The town's prosperity was built on salt mining, with the ancient Salt Mine offering visitors a glimpse into this captivating heritage.

However, in recent years, Hallstatt has experienced a surge in tourism, with over a million visitors in 2018 alone. This influx has led to concerns about overcrowding, with some travellers reporting disappointing experiences due to the high number of tourists. Despite this, Hallstatt remains a sought-after destination for its natural beauty, charming architecture, and unique position as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

So, is Hallstatt worth visiting? The answer depends on your expectations and travel style. If you're seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience or a quiet, serene mountain village, Hallstatt may not live up to your hopes. However, if you're captivated by the idea of exploring a fairy-tale-like town with breathtaking views and a rich historical backdrop, then Hallstatt is definitely worth considering.

The town's rich history

Hallstatt's rich history dates back over 7,000 years, with the town being home to the world's oldest salt mine. In prehistoric times, Hallstatt was a salt-producing powerhouse, and the area's history is steeped in the tradition of salt mining, which shaped the village's culture and prosperity.

The town's name has even been given to a period in history – the Hallstatt period (800-400 BC).

In 1997, Hallstatt was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The picturesque views

Hallstatt is a picturesque town nestled in the Austrian Alps, on the western shores of Lake Hallstatt. Its setting is nothing short of enchanting, with towering mountains and serene waters creating a fairy-tale-like atmosphere. The town's colourful houses, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and the picturesque blue lake, truly make it a sight to behold.

The iconic shot of Hallstatt, overlooking the lake with the dramatic Austrian mountains in the background, has been captured and recreated for centuries. This view alone draws over a million visitors each year, making Hallstatt a popular tourist destination.

The town's charm extends beyond its natural beauty. Hallstatt's old town, with its compact and colourful buildings, is a delightful place to explore. The Central Square Marktplatz, with its colourful and homely appearance, is a famous spot for photographs. The town also boasts cute cafes and restaurants, as well as unique shops selling local products such as salt extracted from the nearby salt mines.

For those seeking even more breathtaking views, the Hallstatt Skywalk offers a panoramic viewing experience from high above the village, lake, and mountains. This thrilling platform provides a different perspective and is well worth the visit.

The beauty of Hallstatt is not limited to the ground; the town also offers stunning views from above. Adventurous travellers can climb the stairs and walk above the rooftops, escaping the crowds and enjoying a bird's-eye view of the lake and buildings below.

Whether you're wandering the charming streets, admiring the scenery, or capturing unforgettable photos, Hallstatt's picturesque views will leave a lasting impression. Its natural splendour, captivating history, and magical atmosphere make it a truly extraordinary and special destination.

The ease of exploration

Hallstatt is easily accessible as a day trip from Salzburg. It takes about 2 hours 15 minutes by bus, or 2 hours 30 minutes by train, plus a short 17-minute ferry ride.

Bus 150, 542 and 543 all take you from Salzburg to Hallstatt. The first bus leaves at 5:55 am, unless you’re going on a Saturday, in which case the first bus leaves at 8:15 am. The last bus returning to Salzburg usually leaves from 5-6:20 pm.

If you plan to take the train, visit the Australian National OEBB Website to book your tickets. The first train leaves at around 5:12 am, and the last train back to Salzburg leaves at 6:32 pm. Remember to factor in the 17-minute ferry journey, though!

If you’re driving, the ride will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes, which is significantly shorter than other modes of transport.

If you’re coming from Vienna, it takes 4 hours by train or over 3 hours by car.

Because you save so much time, renting a car to visit Hallstatt is often the best mode of transport.

If you want to visit Hallstatt as a day trip, Salzburg is your best option. Salzburg is the closest city to Hallstatt and there are several options if you are travelling by public transportation.

This is the easiest and most convenient option, assuming you get to Hallstatt early enough to find parking. It takes about an hour and a half to drive from Salzburg to Hallstatt.

Once in town, there are three public parking areas all within easy walking distance of the old town. All parking lots have an electronic display showing how many spaces are available. Parking P1 and P2 are located next to the old town. P3 is located 1 km south of the old town, roughly a 15-minute walk.

The closest we found parking was at Parkplatz Landbettler, 2.2 km south of the old town (a 30-minute walk).

It takes about 2 hours and fifteen minutes to travel by bus to Hallstatt. Use bus 150, 542, or 543.

It takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, plus time for the ferry across the lake (the train station is located on the other side of the lake). Start at Salzburg Bahnhof, change trains in Attnang-Puchheim, and then disembark at Steeg-Gosau in Bad Goisern. From Bad Goisern, take bus 170 to Hallstatt.

Even though Salzburg is relatively close to Hallstatt, you will have to leave very early in the morning if you want to arrive in Hallstatt by 9 am.

Hallstatt is a very small place. You can walk from one end to the other in just fifteen minutes. And with just a handful of sites, you only need a few hours here.

Exploring the old town is the best thing to do in Hallstatt. With streets that look like they are lined with colourful gingerbread houses and a gorgeous setting on Hallstätter See, it’s hard to believe that this place is real.

The old town of Hallstatt is compact, cute, colourful and easy to walk around. Lots of opportunities to take a happy snap here.

It is a very small town, and it only takes about 20 minutes walking at a slow pace to cover the main area of the Old Town.

There are heaps of cute-looking houses, restaurants, and cafés to occupy your time here.

The charming old houses

The Central Square Marktplatz is a famous spot, with its colourful and homely appearance. It is tiny and exudes a quaint, old-world charm. The square is filled with cafes and restaurants, perfect for a leisurely meal or a quick coffee. The square also features a statue of the Holy Trinity in the centre, adding to its allure.

The old houses of Hallstatt are a photographer's dream, with their unique architecture and picturesque setting. The town has two great photo spots that offer iconic views. The first is on the north side, with a viewpoint that provides the perfect backdrop for postcards. The second is on the south side, offering a different perspective of the town.

Walking through the old town, you will notice the attention to detail in the houses, from the balconies to the steep roofs. It is a place where you can easily lose track of time, wandering through the narrow alleyways and soaking in the atmosphere. The old houses of Hallstatt are truly charming and add to the fairy-tale-like setting of the town.

The Hallstatt Skywalk

Spectacular Views:

The Skywalk, perched 350 to 360 meters above the ground, provides a bird's-eye view of the enchanting village of Hallstatt, the serene Lake Hallstatt, and the majestic Dachstein Mountains. The observation deck, also known as the "World Heritage View," gives visitors a unique perspective of this fairy-tale-like setting.

Accessibility:

The Skywalk is easily accessible by several means. Visitors can opt for a short ride on the Salzbergbahn funicular, which takes only about 3 minutes to ascend to the platform. Alternatively, it can be reached by cable car, elevator, or panoramic bridge. The funicular ride offers fantastic views during the ascent, and the platform itself is an impressive structure suspended from the top of the mountain.

Historical Significance:

Hallstatt's rich history is deeply intertwined with salt mining, which dates back over 7,000 years. The Skywalk is located on the Hallstatt Salzberg (Salt Mountain), where ancient salt mines can be explored. The nearby Rudolfsturm (Rudolf's Tower), built in the 13th century to protect the salt mines, adds to the historical allure of the area.

Dining Options:

For those who want to extend their stay, the Rudolfsturm restaurant, located on top of the mountain, offers delicious meals alongside breathtaking views of Hallstatt Lake. It's the perfect spot to relax and unwind while taking in the beauty of the landscape.

Hiking Opportunities:

For the adventurous spirits, there is a hiking trail that leads to the Skywalk from the Hallstatt village. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to hike up, with some steep sections, but it offers rewarding views along the way. The serpentine path provides a more scenic and sporty option for those who prefer a walk through nature.

Frequently asked questions