Hallstatt is a village on Lake Hallstatt's western shore in Austria's mountainous Salzkammergut region. Its 16th-century Alpine houses and alleyways are home to cafes and shops. A funicular railway connects to Salzwelten, an ancient salt mine with a subterranean salt lake, and to Skywalk Hallstatt viewing platform. A trail leads to the Echern Valley glacier garden with glacial potholes and Waldbachstrub Waterfall. ― Google
Elevation: 511 m
Area code: 06134
District: Gmunden
Postal code: 4830
Vehicle registration: GM
May to September – Ideal weather for lake views, hiking & boat rides ☀️
October – Fall colors + fewer crowds 🍂
December – Magical snow-covered village & cozy Christmas mood 🎄
Avoid peak summer weekends (July–August) if you don’t like big crowds
From Salzburg (~2.5 hrs total):
Train to Attnang-Puchheim, transfer to Hallstatt Station
Then take a boat across the lake (included in train ticket – super scenic!)
From Vienna (~3.5–4 hrs):
Train via Attnang-Puchheim
By Car:
Drive from Salzburg (~1.5 hrs) or Vienna (~3 hrs)
Public parking available outside the village
Hallstatt Lake (Hallstätter See) – Serene, clear waters perfect for photos, walks, and boat rides 🚣♂️
Skywalk "World Heritage View" – Stunning panoramic platform 350m above the village 🌄
Salt Mine (Salzwelten Hallstatt) – Oldest salt mine in the world + miner's slide & underground train
Bone House (Beinhaus) – Unique chapel with 600+ painted skulls in St. Michael’s Church
Market Square (Marktplatz) – Colorful houses, cute cafés, flowers, and perfect photo spots
Evangelical Church – Iconic view from lakeside postcards
Museum Hallstatt – Local history from prehistoric times to modern day
Heritage Trail Hike – Scenic walk connecting viewpoints and nature
Dachstein Ice Cave & Five Fingers Platform (nearby Obertraun) – Amazing alpine adventure
Take a boat tour across the lake or rent a paddleboat
Wander through the narrow streets and enjoy lakeside cafés
Capture sunrise or sunset photos – it's unreal 🌅
Ride the funicular to the salt mine & Skywalk
Try regional food by the lake
Visit nearby villages like Obertraun or Gosau for alpine hikes
Lakeside Hotels:
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt – Premium stay with lake views
Seehotel Grüner Baum – Historic hotel right on the water
Charming Guesthouses:
Gasthof Simony – Traditional & cozy with great views
Bräugasthof Hallstatt – Lakeside charm in an 18th-century building
Budget Options:
Stay in nearby Obertraun or Bad Goisern – cheaper and only minutes away
Must-try dishes:
Fresh fish from the lake (trout, char) 🐟
Schnitzel, Goulash, Käsespätzle
Apple strudel, Kaiserschmarrn
Salzburger Nockerl if you’re feeling adventurous
Top places to eat:
Gasthof Zauner – Classic Austrian food in the village center
Restaurant im Seehotel Grüner Baum – Lakeside dining with stunning views
BRAUGASTHOF – Traditional inn with hearty meals
Maislinger Bakery – Tasty snacks and baked goods 🥐
Hallstatt has prehistoric roots – one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Europe
Known for salt mining since 7000 years ago
Locals are warm, nature-loving, and deeply connected to their history
Tourism is huge here, but the village still holds its peaceful alpine soul
A replica of Hallstatt even exists in China!