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Picturesque view of Hallstatt's rooftops and lake with mountain backdrop, showcasing charming Austrian architecture.

Things to Do in Hallstatt, Austria

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When to visit

NOT BUSYJan-2°12d rain
NOT BUSYFeb-1°10d rain
MODERATEMar3°11d rain
MODERATEApr9°13d rain
MODERATEMay14°14d rainBEST
BUSYJun18°15d rainBEST
VERY BUSYJul20°16d rain
VERY BUSYAug20°15d rain
BUSYSep16°13d rainBEST
MODERATEOct10°12d rain
NOT BUSYNov4°11d rain
NOT BUSYDec0°13d rain

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Most popular attractions in Hallstatt, Austria

Among the things to do in Hallstatt, Austria are exploring the history of the Hallstatt Salt Mine, walking on the Hallstatt Skywalk which offers a 360-degree view, and tasting local delicacies in Market Square. Additionally, you can take a short journey through history at the Hallstatt Ossuary (Beinhaus) and enjoy a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt.

Hallstatt Skywalk

1. Hallstatt Skywalk

4.8 (7,935)
Observation DeckPoint of InterestEstablishment

Experience an impressive view at a height of 350 meters. You will feel the panoramic view of the lake and the Alps at your feet.

Quick facts: The scenic viewing platform is a 350-meter-high structure providing 360-degree panoramic views. The steel platform offers breathtaking views of the lake and the Alps.

Highlights: At the very edge of the platform lies a massive rock called Heyelan Rock (Landslide Rock) beneath your feet. The bird's-eye view of the lake and town from here makes you feel as if you've stepped into a postcard.

Market Square

2. Market Square

4.7 (1,128)
Tourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Feel the rhythm of local life. Experience a cozy atmosphere among colorful shops and historic houses.

Quick facts: Market Square is the heart of social life in the village of Hallstatt, with traditional markets held on weekends. The square is surrounded by 16th-century wooden houses and colorful shops.

Highlights: The Hallstatt Market Festival, held every September, enlivens the square with products from local artisans and farmers. The historic fountain in the center of the square holds clues about the village's settlement history.

Dachstein Ice Caves

3. Dachstein Ice Caves

4.5 (399)
Natural FeatureEstablishment

Experience the visual wonder beneath the ice and snow. A unique adventure awaits you among ice stalactites and giant ice blocks.

Quick facts: With a length of 42 kilometers, the ice cave here is one of the largest ice caves in Europe. Inside, you can see ice stalactites and giant ice blocks that form even in winter.

Highlights: The ice layer, 150 meters below the surface, does not melt even in the summer months, with both temperature and air currents preserving the glacier. The ice cave's lighting creates plays of color reflected within the ice, resembling a frozen palette.

Hallstatt Museum

4. Hallstatt Museum

4.5 (363)
MuseumTourist AttractionPoint of InterestEstablishment

Discover the history of salt mining dating back 7,000 years. See prehistoric tombs and original mining tools up close.

Quick facts: Here, the world's oldest salt mining history is revealed, filled with artifacts dating back 7,000 years. You can journey through time with social life objects and archaeological collections from the 1600s.

Highlights: The most striking section of the museum is the area exhibiting burial finds from the 7,500-year-old Hallstatt culture, taking visitors back to prehistoric times. Furthermore, original mining tools and miniature models made of handcrafted wood make the subject visually tangible.

Where to Stay in Hallstatt, Austria

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Traditional Sweet Dishes

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel

Apfelstrudel is a traditional Austrian dessert made of thin layers of pastry filled with tart cooking apples, raisins, sugar, and cinnamon, often served warm with whipped cream or vanilla sauce.

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn

Kaiserschmarrn is a fluffy shredded pancake, lightly caramelized and sprinkled with powdered sugar, named after the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I who was said to be very fond of this dish.

Topfenstrudel

Topfenstrudel

Topfenstrudel, a variation of strudel, features a creamy quark cheese filling that provides a slightly tangy contrast to the sweet, flaky pastry, making it a beloved dessert in Hallstatt.

Traditional Savory Dishes

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel

Wiener Schnitzel is a famous Austrian dish consisting of a thin, breaded and fried veal cutlet, traditionally served with lemon, potato salad or lingonberry sauce.

Backhendl

Backhendl

Backhendl is a classic Austrian dish comprising crispy fried chicken, often seasoned with paprika and garlic, and usually accompanied by potato salad or a simple green salad.

Kasnocken

Kasnocken

Kasnocken are small dumplings made from flour, eggs, and cheese, similar to spaetzle, and often topped with fried onions, a hearty comfort food in Austrian alpine cuisine.

Traditional Beverages

Almdudler

Almdudler

Almdudler is an iconic Austrian soft drink made from a blend of mountain herbs, known as the national herbal lemonade, enjoyed both by locals and visitors.

Sturm

Sturm

Sturm is a partially fermented young wine popular in Austria during the grape harvest season, offering a sweet and fizzy experience before it fully matures.

Gruner Veltliner

Gruner Veltliner

Gruner Veltliner is Austria's signature white wine grape, producing crisp and refreshing wines that pair excellently with the regional cuisine of Hallstatt.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hallstatt, Austria

Is Hallstatt, Austria safe?
Hallstatt is generally a very safe travel destination. It is suitable for families and solo travelers due to its low crime rates and well-organized tourist infrastructure. Nevertheless, it is important to be cautious of pickpocketing in tourist areas.
How many days should one stay in Hallstatt, Austria?
2 to 3 days are recommended to explore Hallstatt comfortably. During this time, you can visit the natural beauties, the Salt Mine, and historical museums. Even a shorter visit can be enough to explore the important sites.
When is the best time to visit Hallstatt, Austria?
The best time to visit Hallstatt is in May and September. During these periods, the weather is usually between 15-20 °C, and it is calmer and more suitable than the crowded summer season. In the winter months, it is preferred for the ski season.
Is Hallstatt, Austria expensive?
As Hallstatt is generally a tourist area, it has above-average prices. Food and accommodation prices generally range between 30-70 Euros. For budget-friendly options, areas slightly outside the city center can be preferred.
How is transportation in Hallstatt, Austria?
Since Hallstatt is a small town, walking around is the most convenient way to explore. In addition to public transport, ferry services and bicycle rentals are available. It is possible to reach Hallstatt by train from nearby Salzburg or Munich; it takes approximately 2 hours from Salzburg.

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Most popular day trips

Salzburg

75 km 1h 30m by car

Famous for its baroque architecture, music heritage, and the birthplace of Mozart.

Gmunden

60 km 1h 10m by car

A pretty lakeside town known for its ceramic art and scenic views.

St. Wolfgang

35 km 40m by car

A charming town on Wolfgangsee lake, famous for pilgrimage church and boat cruises.

Bad Ischl

30 km 35m by car

Historic spa town known for its Imperial Villa and cultural festivals.

Rent a car in Hallstatt, Austria

Comments (7)

R
Rizal M.

To get the best photos without crowds, take the funicular up and hike a bit off the main paths. The views are unreal and you'll have them to yourself for a while.

11
N
Nada L.

The ‘Salt Mine’ tour was surprisingly fun, a must-do even if you think it sounds boring! Way better than expected.

5
G
Georg H.

Weather can be unpredictable here, even in summer. Pack layers! We had sun one minute, rain the next. Still gorgeous though.

6
A
Amara D.

Loved the lake views, but the town itself felt a bit touristy and overpriced. Food was decent, not amazing. Consider a day trip instead of staying overnight.

11
C
Carlo H.

Skip the pricey restaurants right on the main path. Walk a few minutes away to find genuine local spots with much better value. Seriously.

11

Getting there

From Salzburg Airport, take the train to Hallstatt train station then a ferry to the town center.

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Useful information for Hallstatt, Austria

Shopping locationsHallstatt village center, Bad Ischl
Nightlife locationsLocal pubs, Bars in Bad Ischl
Popular casual restaurantsCafe am See, Gasthof Zauner
Popular fancy restaurantsRestaurant im Seehotel Gruner Baum, Dachstein Restaurant
Popular coffee shopsCafe Lichtblick, Coffee Pirates
Tap water safe to drinkYes
Digital nomad visaNo
Best taxi appUber, Taxi 40100
Taxi price / km$3.5
Tourists / year1000000
Mobile internet speed50 Mbps
Unemployment percentage5 %
Poverty percentage10 %
Average income / month$3000
Average cost of living / month$1200
Hotel price / night from$80
Beer price from$4
Coffee price from$3.5
Street food price from$8
Restaurant meal price from$25
Local currencyEUR
Power plug typesC, F
ReligionsChristianity
Spoken languagesGerman, English
EthnicitiesAustrian, Other European
Political orientationCenter-right
Population density20 /km²
Geographical area59 km²
Possible natural disastersFloods, Winter storms
Dangerous animalsNone
Locations for a nice walkHallstatt Lake, Dachstein Ice Cave, Old Town
Public transportationsBus, Train
AirlinesAustrian Airlines, Lufthansa
Suggested vaccinationsRoutine vaccinations, Hepatitis A, Tetanus
Architecture typeAlpine, Historic European
Average beer consumption per person / year106 l
Average wine consumption per person / year24 l
Tipping cultureModest tipping appreciated, usually 5-10%
Coworking / day$20
Airbnb / month$1500
1BR rent / month$900
Gym / month$40
Daily budget (backpacker)$70
Daily budget (mid-range)$130

Overview for Hallstatt, Austria

English proficiencyGood
Traffic safetyGood
Friendly to foreignersGood
Freedom of speechVery good
Public transportationGood
HealthcareVery good
EducationGood
Power grid reliabilityVery good
Crime safetyVery good
WalkabilityGood
NightlifeAverage
Food sceneGood
LGBTQ+ friendlyAverage
Startup sceneBad
Noise levelBad
CleanlinessVery good
Nature accessVery good
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