Hallstatt is a picturesque village located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and unique culture. Here are some suggestions on what to do and where to stay during your visit to Hallstatt.
Hallstatt is probably one of the most photogenic lakeside towns you can see in Europe. This beautiful popular tourist attraction is known for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural history. Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is the perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
From hiking through the mountains to exploring the town's centuries-old salt mines, here are some of the best things to do in Hallstatt.
What to expect
Language: The official language of Austria is Austrian German though you might run into locals speaking Alemmanic or Austro-Bavarian depending on the location.
Currency: The official currency of Austria is the Euro (EUR).
Credit Cards & ATMs: To get the best exchange rate in Austria, it’s wise to use your credit card whenever you get the chance. There’s typically no service charge and is widely accepted throughout the country. If you need some Euros, you will find that ATMs are very prevalent in Austria, even in smaller towns. They are also likely linked to your bank at home so you shouldn’t run into any issues.
Plugs: In Austria, the plugs are type F, the standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Safety: Austria is an extremely safe country, with the most dangerous crimes being pickpocketing and petty theft. As long as you practice common sense and take precautions, you won’t have any problems during your visit.
When to go
Austria is a country with a wide variety of climates, so when to visit it all depends on the activities you want to partake in. Overall, the best time to visit Austria is during the shoulder season, between April and May, and September to October.
During the spring, you might be met with a rain shower or two, but it’s still a great time to wander around Vienna or Hofburg since the tourist season is just beginning. Come fall, the mountains become covered in red and golden hues as the leaves change, making it one of the best times to hike.
June through August is the high season meaning both crowds and prices increase. The heat can be felt, especially near the lakes, but it’s a wonderful time to take a dip and catch some rays. This is also the season of the Salzburg Festival, Vienna Festival, and the Rainbow Parade!
Winter in Austria can be quite chilly, but there’s something spectacular about the holiday spirit, and walking around the Vienna Christmas market. If you’re an avid skier, this is the time to go skiing in the Austrian Alps before relaxing at one of the stunning ski resorts.
Tours
Things to do in Hallstatt:
Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine: The Hallstatt Salt Mine is one of the oldest salt mines in the world and has been in operation since prehistoric times. Visitors can take a tour of the mine to learn about its history and see the ancient tunnels and mining equipment.
Explore the Hallstatt Skywalk: The Hallstatt Skywalk is a platform that offers panoramic views of the village and the surrounding mountains. The platform is located on a cliff and can be reached by a funicular or a short hike.
Visit the Hallstatt Museum: The Hallstatt Museum is located in the town center and houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the region.
Take a boat tour of Lake Hallstatt: Lake Hallstatt is a stunning alpine lake that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake to see the scenery from a different perspective.
Hike in the Dachstein Mountains: The Dachstein Mountains offer a variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. Visitors can hike to the summit for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
How to reach
Getting to Hallstatt is simple but also can be complicated depending on your departure location, money, and time concern.
Cheap public transportation makes it easy to travel from Salzburg, Vienna, and Cesky Krumlov to Hallstatt. However, both buses and trains required at least a one-time change unless self-driving.
The best part of taking the train is your traveling journey will be ended with the ferry ride across the Hallstätter See from the Hallstatt train station to Hallstatt Markt. This is the prime and best moment to snap your photo
By Train: You can take a train from Salzburg or Vienna to reach Hallstatt. The nearest train station is Hallstatt Bahnhof, which is located on the other side of the lake from the village. From there, you can take a ferry or a bus to the village.
By Car: If you are driving, you can reach Hallstatt by taking the A1 highway from Vienna or Salzburg and then taking the exit for Hallstatt. There is a parking lot on the outskirts of the village, from where you can take a shuttle bus or walk to the village.
By Bus: There are direct buses from Salzburg, Vienna, Graz, and other cities in Austria to Hallstatt. The buses usually stop at the parking lot on the outskirts of the village, from where you can take a shuttle bus or walk to the village.
Where to stay in Hallstatt:
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt: This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of the village and offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
Seehotel Grüner Baum: This historic hotel is located on the shore of Lake Hallstatt and offers panoramic views of the lake and mountains. The hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a spa.
Hallstatt Hideaway This cozy Offering panoramic views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains, the adults-only Hallstatt Hideaway is located in the center of the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hallstatt, just steps away from the lakeshore.
Lake view apartment This charming place is located on the shore of Lake Hallstatt and offers comfortable rooms and a garden that overlooks the lake.
I Da Mitt Set 100 m from Museum Hallstatt, I da Mitt offers accommodation with a garden, a bar, and room service for your convenience. Complimentary WiFi is offered throughout the property. The bed and breakfast offers a seating area with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a shower. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at I da Mitt.
No matter where you choose to stay or what you decide to do, Hallstatt is sure to be a memorable experience that you will never forget.
Here are some resources to help you get your trip going:
Travel Essentials what's in my bag: To help you get started on packing, here are my essential travel and photography gear
Flights: WayAway to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.
Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.
Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars all over the world.
Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an Esim-compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.
Day Trips & Tours: Viator, and GetYourGuide, are great platforms to search for activities to do
Tickets & Deals: Tiqets is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions
Klook to find the best deals for trips in Asia, somehow they are 30% cheaper than when you buy them at a local agency
Train, buses, and ferries 12Go to find your travel route for local buses, and ferries, we use them all the time as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are everywhere accepted. tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.
