Experiences
Hallstatt: how to make the most of the little lakeside town
Colourful houses between the mountain and the water, one of the oldest salt mines in the world and a viewing platform high above the valley. How to visit Hallstatt without drowning in the crowds.
It is seven in the morning and the lake is perfectly still. The church spire, the little houses and the mountain behind are mirrored in the water. In two hours the coaches will arrive, but right now all you can hear is a boat pulling away from the shore.
Hallstatt sits on the Hallstätter See in the Salzkammergut and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is small and popular, so timing matters. Here is what to do, and why you should stay the night.
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The best things to do in Hallstatt
Book the experience: See tours and activities in Hallstatt
The salt mine and the Skywalk
Salt has been mined in the mountain above Hallstatt for thousands of years. Take the funicular up, head into the mine and ride the long wooden slides the miners once used. By the top station is the Skywalk, a platform looking straight down on the town and the lake.
The Bone House
Next to the church is a small chapel holding hundreds of painted skulls. Space in the graveyard was tight, so bones were moved here, and many skulls are decorated with names and flowers.
The Dachstein and the Five Fingers
In Obertraun, across the lake, the cable car climbs towards the Krippenstein. Here the Five Fingers platform juts out over the drop. On the way you can visit the Dachstein ice caves.
The ferry across the lake
The railway station is on the far side of the lake, and a small ferry carries you over to the town. It is a lovely way to arrive, and the best view of Hallstatt is from the water.
How to avoid the crowds
Stay overnight: most visitors are day trippers. Early mornings and evenings are calm.
Do the mine early: the queue for the funicular grows through the morning.
Respect the town: people live here. Stick to the streets and do not walk into private gardens for photos.
Where to stay in Hallstatt and Salzburg
There are few hotels in Hallstatt itself, so book early. Salzburg is a good alternative if you want to add a city break.
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt
The Heritage Hotel is in the middle of Hallstatt, by the lake. You get the town to yourself in the morning and evening, and the restaurant looks out over the water.
Book your stay: See rooms at Heritage Hotel Hallstatt
Seehotel Grüner Baum
On the lake in Hallstatt.
Seehotel Grüner Baum
Seehotel Grüner Baum is on the square and right by the water. Have dinner on the terrace while the boats come in.
Book your stay: See rooms at Seehotel Grüner Baum
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
On the river in Salzburg.
Hotel Sacher Salzburg
Hotel Sacher sits on the River Salzach in Salzburg, a short walk from the old town. A good place to stay before or after a day trip to Hallstatt, and the café is famous for its Sachertorte.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Sacher Salzburg
When is the best time to visit Hallstatt?
May, June and September: green and mild, with slightly fewer people than midsummer.
July and August: warm and busy. Stay the night to enjoy the town early and late.
December: snow on the roofs and a small Christmas market feel. Some attractions have shorter winter hours.
Hallstatt FAQ
Where is Hallstatt?
Hallstatt is on the Hallstätter See in the Salzkammergut region of Austria, a couple of hours from Salzburg.
Should I stay overnight in Hallstatt?
Yes, if you can. The town is packed with day trippers in the middle of the day, but quiet early and late.
What should I see?
The salt mine and the Skywalk, the Bone House by the church and the Dachstein with the Five Fingers.
How do I get there?
By train to Hallstatt station and the ferry across the lake, or by car and park outside the centre.
Can I visit Hallstatt in winter?
Yes. The town is beautiful in snow, but some attractions have shorter opening hours.