Hallstatt | The Most Picturesque Village in Austria

Before we start detailing everything you need to know about Hallstatt, you’re probably asking yourself, what’s all the fuss about? What makes this village one of the most visited in all of Europe?

Watch the following video to understand why this place is considered so popular:

In this article, we’ve compiled the most important information about Hallstatt and its activities. You can navigate through the article sections by clicking on the desired link in the table of contents:

• The Story of the Village
• Weather
• Recommended Holiday Apartments and Guesthouses in the Lake Region and Hallstatt
• Additional Recommended Accommodations in the Lake Region
• Great Spots for Souvenir Photos
• Main Attractions
• Lake Hallstatt: Experiential Cruises and Swimming Options
• Funicular to the Skywalk Viewpoint
• The World’s Oldest Salt Mine
• Echerntal Valley – A Great Hiking Trail
• Additional Attractions for Rainy Days
• History Museum
• Archaeological Excavation Site
• Accommodation in Hallstatt
• Cuisine
• How to Get from Vienna to Hallstatt by Public Transport?
• Arrival by Car and Parking in Hallstatt
• Day Trip in Hebrew from Vienna to the Salzburg Lake District (Hallstatt Area)
• Day Trip in English from Vienna to Hallstatt + Skywalk
• Additional Essential Information
• Additional Attractions Nearby

The Story of the Picturesque Village of Hallstatt

The small village located between Lake Hallstatt and the peaks of the Dachstein mountains was already a settlement in the Iron Age, and even then, salt mining began from the enormous salt deposits found in this area. Over the years, the local residents made their living from this sought-after mineral, and it’s no wonder that the culture and history of the region always revolved around salt.

The small village has been wonderfully preserved since the Middle Ages, and its ancient buildings add even more to the beauty of the area. It’s a wonderful experience to walk through the small streets, pass through the central square, and try to capture the best angle to photograph one of the most photographed places in the world.

In 1997, the village was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.

It’s important to note that the village is not a museum or an exhibition of ancient medieval buildings. Residents live in the village, and for some, it is their home, and they are descendants of families who have lived in the village for many generations. Therefore, it is important to behave respectfully and consider that these people deal with large numbers of travelers every day of the year. Maintain quiet, pick up your litter, and treat the villagers with respect. Of course, do not enter private homes, even if the door is open. In some places, there are even signs (especially in Chinese) because there have been cases where tourists entered private homes to use the restrooms.

Weather in Hallstatt

The city’s weather is characterized by cold winters and pleasant summers. In the winter months, temperatures hover around 0 degrees Celsius, but can also reach temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius with a lot of snow. In the summer months, the weather is comfortable. Typically, you can expect temperatures around 23 degrees Celsius. In the summer months, there are many hours of daylight (it is light until 9:00 PM).

Typically for Austria, summer months are rainier than winter months. In general, Hallstatt is considered a relatively rainy place throughout the year.

If you plan to walk around the village and go up to the viewpoint on the nearby mountain, it’s worth considering that temperatures higher up the mountain are lower and there is more cold wind. It is recommended to dress in layers, wearing light clothing underneath warmer clothes and a rain and wind-proof jacket. An umbrella in your bag is highly recommended throughout the year.

To view the updated weather forecast.

View a live camera from the village.

Amazing Photo Spots for Souvenirs from Hallstatt!

As we’ve already mentioned, one of the main reasons to visit Hallstatt is undoubtedly to take stunning photos that almost always turn out just like postcards. There are several spots worth visiting to take photos against a breathtaking backdrop. The popular spots are:

1. The Viewpoint from the Edge of the Village – To reach this viewpoint, you will need to walk along the main road that crosses the village and reach the other side of the village. There, further up the road, there is a great spot where you can take wonderful pictures. The viewpoint is located near the road and does not require any entrance fees. Location on the map:
2. Photography from the Middle of the Lake – From the middle of the lake, you can get a panoramic view of the village and the mountain behind it. This is a great way to take unique photos. You can reach the middle of the lake by taking a boat ride or renting a boat as detailed below.
3. Ascend to the Skywalk Viewpoint – From the top of the mountain, an extraordinary view of the entire area unfolds. You can see the peaks of the mountains adjacent to the village and the wonderful Lake Hallstatt. Location on the map:
4. Panoramic View from the Southern Bathing Island – The bathing island, which also houses the closest bathing beach to the village center, offers a wonderful panoramic photography opportunity of the village. This spot can be an excellent alternative for those who don’t want to take a boat trip in the middle of the lake. Location on the map.

What to Do in Hallstatt?

The main reason why so many visitors come to the village is the magnificent nature and the extraordinary scenery. Of course, besides taking postcard-perfect photos, there are some nice attractions you can include in your visit to the village. These are the recommended attractions:

1. Lake Hallstatt

The large and clear lake next to the village is one of the reasons this area is so beautiful. The lake got its name from the village and is called Hallstätter See. One of the best ways to appreciate the village’s appearance is from the middle of the lake.

Boat trips on Lake Hallstatt have been operating for about 150 years. In fact, Hallstatt’s train station is on the other side of the lake, so there’s a boat that operates year-round, connecting the train station to the village center via the lake.

Activities on the Lake:

• Circular Boat Trip – Besides the boat trip from the train station to the village center, you can take a circular boat trip that stops at several points around the lake. The boat operates from May to September. There are two routes – the northern route and the southern route. If you don’t want to spend too much time on the boat, you can stick to the southern route, which goes to Obertraun and returns to the center of Hallstatt.

Additional essential information for the lake cruise:

• Departure Pier Address: 4830 Hallstatt
• Pier Location on Map:
• Cost: 18 Euros per person
• Shipping Company Website:
• Boats for Rent – If you want to take a light, independent cruise, you can rent a rowboat, pedal boat, or electric boat and sail on the lake. The boat rental station is on the lake shore, right on the street leading from the parking lot to the village center. You won’t miss the station when you walk to the village center. The rental cost ranges from 10-25 Euros (depending, of course, on the type of boat and the duration of the rental). Please note: As in any popular tourist destination, tourists are sometimes “ripped off” in Hallstatt. Write down the start and end times and photograph the boat beforehand if there is visible damage. This way, you can avoid unnecessary charges.

Map location of the rental station:

• Swimming in the Lake – If you want to jump in and refresh yourself, there are designated swimming areas along the lake shore. Do not enter the lake outside of the designated areas. Entering in unauthorized areas will result in fines. The water temperature in the lake is quite cold throughout the year, so keep that in mind. On hot summer days, this can be a very refreshing addition to your trip. Authorized bathing beaches are scattered around the lake. The closest bathing area to the village center is about a 10-minute walk from the village market square and is located on a small island near the lake banks. From this island, there is also a panoramic view of the village and the surrounding mountains. This bathing area is open without restriction and entry is free.

Location on the map:

2. Funicular to the Skywalk Viewpoint

The viewpoint over the village and the area is located 360 meters above sea level. This is a wonderful viewpoint that extends 12 meters beyond the mountain’s edge, offering a truly breathtaking view (be sure there’s no fog when you go up, otherwise you won’t see much, which would be a shame).

This station is located right next to Rudolfsturm Tower and can be easily reached by the Salzbergbahn funicular. Another attraction at the site is the panoramic elevator that leads from the summit to the bridge overlooking the area.

This is the view from the Skywalk viewpoint:

Operating Hours:

• Winter Months: From 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Spring, Summer, and Autumn: From 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• Please note: It is recommended to check the official website for updated operating times. Changes may occur due to weather or technical issues. More information: 
• From December 1st to December 31st, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Last descent at 1:30 PM.

Cost (Funicular up and down):

• Adult – 24 Euros.
• Child (4-15) – 12 Euros.
• Family Ticket Discount – 1 Euro.

Parking Lot Address for the Funicular Station to the Mountain Top: P1, Salinenplatz 44830 Hallstatt Parking Lot.

More information on the official website about operating times, costs, and more:

Map:

3. The World’s Oldest Salt Mine

The large salt mine deep within Salzberg Mountain is the oldest in the world. Archaeological findings at the site indicate that the mine was in use as early as 7,000 years ago. The visit to the mine actually begins with an ascent by funicular from the foot of the mountain. After the funicular ride, you walk up the path for about 15 minutes until you reach the mine entrance.

The mine tour is only possible as part of a guided tour. At the beginning of the tour, you walk through the mine tunnels, and along the way, there are several stops with short video clips and explanations about the mine’s history. Afterward, you reach the exciting wooden slides. There are two wooden slides leading deep into the mine. These slides were used by the miners who worked in the mine in previous centuries. At the end of the slide, you will be 400 meters deep inside the mine. At this depth, you will hear a short story from the talking miner character and see a small underground salt lake.

The tour concludes with a ride on the mine train, which will lead you back to the mine entrance where you started.

Please note: The temperature in the mine is 8 degrees Celsius even on hot summer days. You should bring warm clothing and good, closed walking shoes.

Watch a comprehensive video showcasing most of the mine visit:

Essential Information for Visiting the Mine:

Opening Hours:

• From February 1st to March 28th: From 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (last tour begins). Last ascent by funicular at 2:00 PM to catch the tour.
• From March 29th to August 31st: From 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM (last tour begins). Last ascent by funicular at 3:30 PM to catch the tour.
• From September 1st, 2025: Closed for renovations.

Cost (Funicular up and down and mine entrance):

• Adult – 43 Euros.
• Child (4-15) – 21 Euros.
• Child (4-15) accompanied by an adult – 19.5 Euros.

Please note: Children under 4 years old cannot participate in the mine tour.

Official Website:

Parking Lot Address: Salinenplatz 4, 4830 Hallstatt.

Map:

4. Echerntal Valley

If you have more than a few hours in Hallstatt and love wild and breathtaking nature, you should go for a walk on the trails of Echerntal Valley. The narrow and quiet valley is a refreshing change from the crowded village. The trail starts from parking lot P2 near the funicular to Salzberg Mountain. The initial trail is called Echerntalweg, and from there you continue to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall. After a short stop at the waterfall, you continue to the “Glacier Garden” (Gletschergarten), which offers breathtaking views. From there, you return via the Grabfeldweg and finally the Malerweg, Brandbachweg trails that lead to the church in the heart of the village, located near parking lot P1.

Don’t worry! All trails are well-maintained and clearly marked.

Please note: The walk takes between three to four hours. You should wear appropriate walking shoes for off-road walking.

Address: Parkplatz Echerntal

Map:

Attractions in Hallstatt for Rainy Days

The lake region is considered relatively rainy, so there’s a chance it might rain during your visit to Hallstatt. If you arrive in the village and luck is not on your side and you get a rainy day, you can pass the time until the rain stops at several nice indoor attractions (besides the salt mine, which we detailed above).

Hallstatt History Museum

In the center of the village, there’s a nice history museum displaying many findings from various settlement periods in the area. The exhibits found in archaeological excavations in the village, combined with interesting explanatory videos, will give you a comprehensive overview of 7,000 years of settlement in and around Hallstatt. You can learn about the Hallstatt culture, the various settlers throughout history, the world of salt, religion, and daily life in the small village over the years.

Operating Hours:

• January to March: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• April: Every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• May to September: Every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
• October: Every day from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• November and December: Wednesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Last entry up to half an hour before closing.

Cost:

• Adult – 12 Euros
• Child – 8 Euros
• Family – 25 Euros

Address: Seestraße 56, 4830 Hallstatt

Museum Website:

Archaeological Excavation Site

There is no doubt that ancient findings from ancient periods are located beneath the surface of the village. These findings have been uncovered in various archaeological excavations over the years. One of the archaeological sites is located in a rather unusual place – in the basement of the local sports shop in the heart of Hallstatt. The findings in the shop were first discovered by the shop owner, who, out of curiosity, decided to carry out excavations in his shop’s basement. After he informed the local council about the historical findings he had discovered, excavation work was expanded, revealing remains of buildings, pottery, iron tools, and more.

Inside the Dachstein Sport shop, you can enter the basement and see remains of buildings from various historical periods, such as the Roman period. You can explore the basement independently or join a guided tour provided by the site.

Address: Seestraße 50, 4830 Hallstatt

Shop Website:

Cuisine in Hallstatt

If you’re planning to arrive in Hallstatt on an empty stomach, you might want to reconsider. While the village is very touristy, the selection of restaurants is very small, most of them are very touristy with inflated prices and mediocre food quality. We would not recommend planning lunch in Hallstatt. If you have a car, it’s worth going to nearby towns like Bad Ischl and stopping there for a meal at a local restaurant.

A small tip for alcohol lovers: In the main square, there is a liqueur and alcoholic beverage shop. The place has liqueurs with interesting flavors. You can taste a bit and buy small bottles as souvenirs at reasonable prices.

How to Get to Hallstatt by Public Transport (from Vienna)?

The journey from Vienna to Hallstatt by public transport is quite cumbersome. The journey takes about 4 hours, and you need to make several changes along the way. First, you travel towards Salzburg and get off at Attnang-Puchheim Bahnhof station. From there, you take another train and get off at Hallstatt Bahnhof station. At this station, you take a boat to the other side of the lake where the ancient village is located. In fact, the boat trip on the lake is an experience in itself and a great way to see the wonderful scenery. The line connecting the train station to the center of Hallstatt via the lake operates continuously throughout the year. The cost of the boat trip to the center of Hallstatt is 3.5 Euros.

• Map:
• Train Website for Tickets and Timetable:

You can watch a video showing a train trip from Vienna Airport to Hallstatt:

Arrival by Car and Parking in Hallstatt

If you don’t want to bother with trains and boats, the most convenient way to get to Hallstatt is by rental car. For information on driving in Austria and tips for car rental.

The drive to Hallstatt from Vienna, for example, is about 3.5 hours each way (300 kilometers). Most of the journey is on the highway, so make sure your car has a registered vignette for driving on Austria’s highways. Cars rented in Austria already come with a valid vignette.

[Placeholder for image of recommended accommodation in the lake region]

You cannot reach the heart of the picturesque village by car. You will need to use one of the public parking lots located on the outskirts of the village. Due to the large number of visitors, there are several large paid parking lots. The parking lots are P1, P2, P3, and P4.

If you are lucky, you will find a parking spot in parking lot P2, which is closest to the village center. If not, try parking lot P1, from which there is a shuttle to the village. Parking lots P3 and P4 are further away and require about a 20-minute walk to the village.

The turnover of cars in the parking lots is high, so it’s worth driving around a few times before giving up. To reach the parking lots, put the parking lot name followed by “Hallstatt” in your navigation app.

The parking cost is the same across all parking lots, at 4 Euros for the first hour. After that, the hourly cost decreases. For three or four hours of parking, the cost is about 10 Euros.

Additional Essential Information for Visiting Hallstatt Village

The Official Website of the Village:

Address: Hallstatt

Map:

Additional Attractions in the Area of the Picturesque Village

Hallstatt is located in the heart of the Lake District, and around it, there are several wonderful attractions that you can combine during your visit to the area. Around Lake Hallstatt, there are other nice towns; to the north is the Bad Goisern area, and to the southeast is the Obertraun area, where Dachstein Mountain and the Five Fingers Viewpoint are located.

Gosau Area – A charming lake region with wonderful nature activities and breathtaking views. Located about 30 minutes drive from Hallstatt.

Bad Ischl – A royal spa town that was the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph. The town has a luxurious spa. Located 30 minutes drive from Hallstatt.