Guide to visiting Hallstatt Austria
Welcome to my guide to visiting the small traditional village of Hallstatt, located in the Salzkammergut region of Austria.
Salzkammergut has never-ending mountain ranges and rolling alpine hills. And with over 60 lakes it's not surprising why it's referred to as the Austrian lake district.
You can view my ultimate guide to the Salzkammergut region and full destination Travel Guide to Austria - which includes information about Austria at a glance, my top Austria travel destinations, when to visit, what to eat and drink, and how to travel around Austria!
I recommend using both alongside this guide to visiting Hallstatt.
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt is probably one of the most well-known towns in Austria. With its picture-postcard alpine houses and a lakeside location, it also means it's very popular with the tourists!
From simply exploring the old town centre, to visiting some of the world's oldest salt mines, Hallstatt is a perfect place for a day-trip!
Things to do in Hallstatt
Wander around the old town
Stroll along the shoreline to visit the historical market place, where you can see traditional alpine houses nestled in the mountainside. Lots of cute cafes for a coffee break, and little shops to browse in.
Note: There are a couple of car parks on the outer edge of the town, but this tourist hot-spot gets busy quickly - especially in the summer. Parking is also expensive so we only stopped here for an hour before heading onto the Dachstein Mountain!
Salt Mines
Hallstatt is home to some of the world's oldest salt mines, and where you can visit the Hallstatt salt-mine museum.
To visit the salt mine, take the funicular up the mountain to reach the main entrance - Combo tickets are available to visit the salt mine museum and a round trip on the funicular (adult ticket - € 34.00). Tours of the salt-mine museum take approximately 70 minutes but allow around 2 hours and 30 minutes in total for the museum visit and funicular ride.
More information available online, including details on opening times and prices.
Skywalk
After visiting the salt mine, visit the Skywalk viewing platform for incredible views of the lake and Hallstatt town. If you don't fancy visiting the salt mines then you can get a ticket to ride the funicular just to the skywalk.
Hallstätter See
Hallstatt Town
Traditional Austrian chalet houses
Places to visit near Hallstatt
Obertraun
If you don't want to travel too far from Hallstatt, then drive onto the nearby village of Obertraun (approx. 10-minute drive) where you can visit the 5 fingers viewing platform and the Mammoth Cave.
Dachstein Glacier
Or continue on to the Dachstein Mountain for an afternoon with your head in the clouds!
The Dachstein valley station is approx. a 1 hour and 30-minute drive from Hallstatt, but it is definitely worth a visit - either by tagging onto a morning at Hallstatt or as a separate day out in the Salzkammergut region!
Check out my guide to visiting the Dachstein Glacier online here:
How to get to Hallstatt
By Air
Unfortunately, there's no airport remotely close to Hallstatt. The closest major airport is Salzburg Airport, at nearly 80km away from Hallstatt.
By Bus
From Salzburg, it's easiest to get the bus, at a 2-hour 15-minute journey, and changing once in Bad Ischl.
By Train
Or you can take the train to Attnang-Puchheim, where you will need to change for the local train towards Hallstatt. However, the train station is on the opposite side of the lake from the village, so it will involve a short ferry ride across to Hallstatt. All in all a lengthy 2-hour 30-minute journey.
By Car
It's, of course, easier to drive to Hallstatt - either as a 2 hour round trip from Salzburg or as part of an Austrian road trip. Although beware that if you visit in the summer during peak tourist season, the place can be swarming with bus tours and cars trying to park!
Conclusion
Hallstatt provides an excellent day out in the Salzkammergut region of Austria!
- Due to its remote location, it's easiest to visit Hallstatt by car. If you do not have a vehicle then make sure you plan out your route by public transport in advance, to allow enough time.
- Get there early to avoid the mass crowds of tourists - especially during the summer months!
- Tie in visiting the salt mines and skywalk, to also get those panoramic views over Hallstatt town and the lake...
- If you have time, I would definitely recommend continuing on your journey to visit the nearby Dachstein Glacier - check out my online guide to visiting the Dachstein mountain here!
Comment below if you have any questions, and I'll be in touch soon! Or get in touch online here.
Helen x
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