Damon Mcknight
Nestled in the Austrian province of Upper Austria, Hallstatt is a picturesque town that has become one of the most popular places to visit in the country. With stunning views of the fjord-like Lake Hallstatt, the Dachstein Mountains, and the Dachstein Salzkammergut region, it offers a blend of natural beauty and rich history. From exploring the old town with its colourful gingerbread-like houses to visiting the oldest salt mine in the world, there's something for everyone in Hallstatt. The town also boasts excellent dining experiences, adventure activities, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Austrian province of "Upper Austria" |
| Surroundings | Lake Hallstatt, Austrian Alps, Dachstein Mountains |
| Attractions | Hallstatt Skywalk, Salzwelten Hallstatt, World Heritage Museum, Hallstatt Ossuary, Dachstein Krippenstein rope course, Hallstatt Ice Cave, 5 Fingers Viewpoint |
| Activities | Walking tours, cultural tours, boat tours, e-bike tours, stand-up paddleboarding, hiking, skiing, cable car rides |
| Food | White Fish (Reinanke), Lake Trout (Saibling), schaumrolle pastry |
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What You'll Learn
The Skywalk and Salzwelten Hallstatt
The Hallstatt Skywalk is a viewing platform that extends 12 metres out into the void, perched 360 metres above the rooftops of Hallstatt. The Skywalk offers panoramic views of the mountains, lake, and town below, including the deep-blue, sparkling Hallstätter See. On a clear day, you can see the unique sight of UNESCO World Heritage Hallstatt, with its narrow lanes and picturesque houses. The Skywalk is accessible via a short ride on the Salzbergbahn funicular, which departs from the valley station of Salzwelten Hallstatt.
The Salzwelten Hallstatt is a salt mine with a 7000-year history, making it the oldest salt mine in the world. The mine is located in one of the most beautiful spots in the Salzkammergut region and is accessible via the Salzbergbahn funicular. Inside the mine, you can explore the tunnels and see the roughly hewn rock walls. The mine also features a 64-metre-long miners' slide and the oldest wooden staircase in Europe, which was used to carry "white gold" out of the mountain.
In addition to the salt mine, the Salzwelten Hallstatt site also includes the Hallstatt high valley, which is famous for its ancient burial grounds. This area is of significant archaeological interest, as an entire epoch of human history, the Hallstatt Period (ca. 800 to 400 BCE), was named after the burial grounds discovered here. The Hallstatt high valley is accessible via a scenic bridge that leads to the Knappenhaus entrance building, from which visitors can walk deep into the mountain.
Hallstatt is also home to the Ice Cave, which is located high above Obertraun on Stone Mountain (Dachstein). The Ice Cave can be reached via a gondola cable car, which offers breathtaking views of the valley and lake below. The cave is impressive for its huge frozen waterfalls, ice formations, and large rocky caverns. A local guide provides tours of the cave, covering its history, key features, and the natural creation of the ice formations.
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$5.8 $12.5
The Old Town
Exploring the Old Town is a delightful experience, with streets that resemble colourful gingerbread houses and breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The town's Marktplatz, or market square, is a highlight, lined with shops, cafes, and a striking Holy Trinity statue. From the square, you can take a short walk to the famous Photo Point in the Römisches district, which offers one of the most beautiful backdrops in Europe for photographs.
The World Heritage Museum, located in the heart of the Old Town, provides a glimpse into the town's ancient past. Here, you can learn about the salt-mining history of the region and discover artefacts from the Hallstatt burial grounds. The museum also sheds light on how the Great Fire of 1750 shaped the town's transformation.
For those seeking adventure, the Dachstein Krippenstein rope course promises a thrilling experience with breathtaking views. The Skywalk, located 350 meters above the town, offers panoramic views of the lake and the Dachstein Salzkammergut region. Additionally, the Hallstatt Salt Mine (Salzwelten Hallstatt) provides an opportunity to explore the oldest salt mine in the world, with a fascinating journey through time.
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Lake Hallstatt
One of the best ways to experience Lake Hallstatt is by boat. Tourists can rent a simple motorboat or a small electric-powered boat to cruise along the coast and enjoy the splendid views of the town and the lake itself. The lake is also a popular spot for swimming and bathing, with a designated area called Badestrand offering good views of the Old Town across the water. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, diving into the cool waters of the lake on hot summer days can be refreshing.
The lake is also a great place to enjoy local cuisine. Lakeside restaurants offer traditional Austrian dishes, including the famous White Fish caught from Lake Hallstatt, as well as local dry white wine. Dining by the lake allows visitors to slow down and appreciate the laid-back lifestyle of Hallstatt. The road along the lake is lined with restaurants, guesthouses, and souvenir shops, providing ample opportunities for dining and shopping.
For those seeking panoramic views of the lake and the town, the Skywalk offers an elevated perspective. The short ride to the top provides frequent and quick trips, and the wait times are usually short outside of the high season. The 5 Fingers Lookout, jutting out of Dachstein Mountain, offers another spectacular viewpoint. From this platform, visitors can take in the sight of the lake's dark blue water and the tiny village below, surrounded by the majestic Austrian Alps.
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The Ice Cave
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, sitting high above Obertraun on Stone Mountain (Dachstein), is one of the best sights to see in Hallstatt, Austria. The Ice Cave, discovered in 1910, is known for its huge frozen waterfalls, wonderful ice formations, and large rocky caverns. The temperature inside the cave is a chilly 27° F (-2° C), so visitors are advised to bring a jacket even in the summer months.
To get to the Dachstein Ice Cave, you can take the Hallstatt bus #543 to the town of Obertraun. From there, you will board the Krippenstein 3-stage cable car for the Dachstein Ice Cave tour. You will get off at the first stage for the caves and sign up for a guided tour, which lasts around 50 minutes to one hour. The tour includes a walk to the cave entrance, which can be a steady uphill walk, and then a walk inside the mountain to see the ice formations. The tour guide will provide insights into the history of the cave, its key features, and details on how the ice formations are naturally created.
In addition to the impressive ice formations, the Dachstein Giant Ice Cave also offers an immersive light and sound show. The experience begins with a journey through the shadows of the rocks, cracks, and crevices, where stalactites in various colours reveal the origins of this natural wonder. As you continue, the sound of roaring cave bears fills the space, and the ice is illuminated with swirling coloured lights and accompanied by music. The highlight of the show is the abyss, with its gleaming 30-metre-deep rope bridge.
The Dachstein Giant Ice Cave is a year-round attraction, offering snow sports and stunning views during the winter months when the caves themselves are closed. The cave tours are suitable for all ages, and the infrastructure is designed to accommodate visitors of all abilities.
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The 5 Fingers Viewpoint
There are several ways to reach the 5 Fingers Viewpoint. The most popular method is by taking the Krippenstein cable car, which offers a relaxing and undemanding journey. The cable car runs from the town of Obertraun, which can be accessed by bus or boat from Hallstatt. Once you arrive at the Krippenstein station, it is approximately a 20-minute walk to the viewpoint. The cable car ticket prices vary depending on how high you go, with the third stage being mostly for hikers and winter skiing.
In addition to the breathtaking views, the 5 Fingers Viewpoint also provides an opportunity to learn about the local fauna, flora, and geology of the area through informative boards along the way. The observation deck is illuminated until midnight, making it visible even at night from far and wide. The nearby Dachstein Ice Cave is another popular attraction that can be visited in conjunction with the 5 Fingers Viewpoint. Discovered in 1910, the ice cave features frozen waterfalls, impressive ice formations, and large rocky caverns.
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Frequently asked questions
The Skywalk is a fenced walkway that hovers 350-360m above the rooftops of Hallstatt, offering panoramic views of the town and Lake Hallstatt. The 5 Fingers Viewpoint juts out of Dachstein Mountain like a hand over a 1,300-foot sheer drop, providing a spectacular view of the Austrian Alps, Lake Hallstatt, and the village below. There are also two great photo spots in town: one on the north side and one on the south side.
Hallstatt is a popular tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is known for its colourful old town, the Hallstätter See (a 5.9-kilometre-long lake), and the Hallstatt Salt Mine (Salzwelten Hallstatt), which is the oldest in the world. Other attractions include the Dachstein Krippenstein rope course, the World Heritage Museum, the Hallstatt Ossuary, and the 15th-century Roman Catholic Parish Church.
There are several recommended activities in Hallstatt, including walking tours, cultural tours, boat tours, and guided hikes. Visitors can also rent a stand-up paddleboard, take a tour by E-Bike, or enjoy the local cuisine, such as White Fish (Reinanke) caught from Lake Hallstatt.
