Hallstatt in Austria is one of the most picturesque places in the world, located in Austria’s Salzkammergut region. Thousands of people visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site every day, and you will regret it if you are not one of them soon.
There are many places to visit in Hallstatt, including the famous salt mines, a staple of Hallstatt culture. And, there are plenty of hotels in Hallstatt so you can spend more time in the town enjoying the beautiful views of lake Hallstatt Austria.
Below you will find everything you need to plan the perfect trip to Hallstatt, including things to do, places to stay, and how to get to the town by train, car, and bus.
Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you. This compensation may impact how and where links are placed on this site.
✈️ Win a free 5-night stay in Aruba! Click here to enter. The giveaway ends on May 9, 2024 at 12:00AM PDT. Exponential Travels is not administering this giveaway.
The MOST POPULAR travel credit card just increased its welcome offer to its highest of the year! Sign up before it’s gone! Its elevated offer of 75,000 bonus UR points is worth $937.50 when redeemed through its travel portal 🤯 Seriously… UR points are one of the most valuable currencies in the travel world, so this offer is insane. INSANE. Check it out here.
💡Pro Tip: Historically, there’s an elevated offer on this card only once a year! So seriously, go take advantage while you can 👆Not convinced? Read the 9 reasons you need this card!
Things to do in Hallstatt, Austria
There are many fun things to do in Hallstatt, and I think two full days is the perfect amount of time to spend here so you can experience the town to the fullest. Or, if you are only spending one day in Hallstatt, choose the things below that you want to do the most, as you will not be able to fit them all in.
If you are visiting in the summer and anything you want to do needs a ticket or reservation, book in advance, so you don’t miss out!
Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mines – Salzwelten Hallstatt
Did you know that Hallstatt has the oldest salt mine in the world? It dates back over 7,000 years… and you can visit it when you travel to Hallstatt!
The salt mines are the most popular thing to do in Hallstatt, so plan ahead if you visit in the summer or only have one day in the town.
You will need to plan to spend around three hours between the funicular ride and the tour of the salt mines Hallstatt.
You can also hike up to the salt mine in Hallstatt and skip the funicular. The hike takes around one hour but is all uphill, which is why most people opt to take the funicular.
You should also note that the salt mines Hallstatt close for a month in January and early February, so if you want to visit Hallstatt around this time of year, check the exact closing dates on the salt mine website.
Admire the Views from the Skywalk (Hallstatt “Welterbeblick” Aussichtsplattform)
The same funicular that takes you up to the salt mines will take you to the Hallstatt Skywalk, which gives you amazing views of the lake and mountains.
The panoramic platform makes you feel like you are floating over the town. The Skywalk is a popular place for pictures, so get here as early as possible if you want to beat the crowds, especially people coming for day trips.
Walk Around and Shop in the Town
I would give yourself some time to walk around Hallstatt, no matter how long you stay. There are a lot of shops here with souvenirs, chocolates, clothes, and more.
You will also come across many viewpoints in Hallstatt as you walk throughout the town, and I guarantee you will stop to take hundreds of pictures of the mountains and the Hallstätter See Austria.
Hike Up to the Wasserfall Hallstatt
The waterfall in Hallstatt is right by the main town square, and you can even spot it from the roads closest to the water. But it overlooks the town, so you need to climb up some steps if you want to get near it.
Not only is the short climb worth it to see the waterfall, but it also gives you a great view of the town.
Address: Salzbergstraße 21, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
(Even though it’s easy to get to!)
Take a Boat Ride on the Lake
If you take the train into Hallstatt, you will get to spend some time on the lake during your ferry ride from the train station to the town.
But, if you are getting to the town another way, or you want to spend more time on the water admiring the mountains, you can take a boat ride on the lake, Hallstätter See.
Learn About the Town’s History at the Museum Hallstatt
The Museum Hallstatt covers thousands of years of history in the town, mostly related to the salt mining that was done here. Salt mining is what made the area into the town it is today, and the museum does a great job explaining everything about it.
The museum has limited hours, so plan your visit in advance. If you are visiting the salt mines, you should also visit the museum for some of the history.
Address: Seestraße 56, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
See the Hallstatt Cemetery (Beinhaus Hallstatt)
The Hallstatt Cemetery is a few minutes higher than the town center, which is a good walk to get away from the crowds. The view from the cemetery is also beautiful.
The outside is free, and it is a nicely maintained cemetery with a garden vibe.
Inside are hundreds of painted skulls to remember and preserve the dead. It only costs a couple Euros to get in.
Address: Friedhof 164, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
More Fun Things to do in Hallstatt, Austria
Where to Stay in Hallstatt, Austria
I would highly recommend staying a night or two in Hallstatt if your schedule allows it. You will get a better feel for the town and get to do more of the fun things here.
Hallstatt Austria Hotels
The best option for staying overnight in Hallstatt is to book a hotel. There are many great Hallstatt hotels right in town, and you will find one for your budget.
One of the best hotels in Hallstatt, and the one I recommend, is Heritage Hotel Hallstatt.
Heritage Hotel is situated right on the lake, where you will have beautiful views and a quick walk from the ferry if you take the train to Hallstatt.
You can choose between a standard hotel room or a suite, and free breakfast is included with your stay. There is also a restaurant and bar on-site for convenience.
Address: Landungsplatz 101, Hallstatt, Upper Austria, 4830
Vacation Rentals in Hallstatt, Austria
If you prefer not to stay in a hotel in Hallstatt, or you prefer to book with a service like Vrbo or Airbnb, you have plenty of options.
Click here to find an Airbnb in Hallstatt.
Or, check out some of the houses and apartments you can rent with Vrbo in Hallstatt.
Hostels in Hallstatt
Unfortunately, there are no hostels in the town of Hallstatt itself. One of the only hostels nearby is Hostel-Badgoisern (Hostel Bad Goisern) in Bad Goisern, just north of Hallstatt.
If you are staying here, you must take the train a few stops south (towards Obertraun) and the ferry to get to Hallstatt. Or, there are buses that also run from near the hostel to Hallstatt.
Address: Josef-Putz-Straße 3, 4822 Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee, Austria
How Many Days Should I Spend in Hallstatt?
You can see most of Hallstatt in a day, but I would highly recommend staying at least one night in the town.
There is plenty to do to fill two full days, and being able to get up early before the crowds arrive and not have to worry about getting back on a bus or train the same day you arrive will help you maximize your time here.
How to Get to Hallstatt, Austria
Figuring out how to get to Hallstatt was the most challenging part of planning my trip since there was not a lot of information on getting here without taking a guided tour from one of the bigger cities in Austria. But, it was actually really easy once I knew I would be coming from Salzburg, and taking two trains was not as bad as I thought it would be.
Here are all the ways you can get to Hallstatt:
Train to Hallstatt
Taking a train is by far the easiest way to get to Hallstatt, and I think it is the best option if you want to be on your own schedule versus being rushed by a day tour. When you arrive at the Hallstatt Train Station, you will have to take a ferry across the lake to the actual town, but it’s really easy!
The ferry runs in time with the train schedule, meaning they get people from Hallstatt to the train station before each train arrives, then take the people coming on the same train over to the town.
In December 2022, a round-trip ticket on the ferry cost me 7 euros, and it was CASH ONLY. Make sure you get enough cash before you get on your train to Hallstatt.
(I also had to pay for my hotel with cash, so make sure you have plenty)
Here are directions to get to Hallstatt from a few of Austria’s bigger cities.
Salzburg to Hallstatt
You will have to take at least two trains to get from Salzburg to Hallstatt, and the easiest route is to transfer at Attnang-Puchheim.
As long as your first train is on time, you will only need a few minutes to transfer to the second train at Attnang-Puchheim.
If you are taking a Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip, you will want to book a train as early as possible. You will be able to maximize your day in Hallstatt and beat some of the crowds to enjoy the town as much as possible.
The earliest train from Salzburg to Hallstatt is usually around 5 AM, then every hour after that. It takes around two and a half hours to get there by train, so the earlier you leave, the better. You can always sleep on the train 🙂 Just don’t miss your connection!
Then, you can take a late train back to Salzburg, which will once again take around two and a half hours.
Vienna to Hallstatt
Getting from Vienna to Hallstatt, or Hallstatt to Vienna is simple as you can get a direct train. The train takes between three and three and a half hours and takes you to the Hallstatt train station, where you can catch the ferry.
However, these direct trains do not run too often, and there may only be one or two per day. If you miss a direct train, you must take one that requires at least one transfer between Vienna and Hallstatt.
I would highly recommend staying overnight in Hallstatt if you are coming or going from Vienna, as a trip to and from Vienna in one day will require seven hours of travel time on a train.
And with the limited direct trains, you might not have too much time to spend in Hallstatt if you plan your day around the train schedule.
Or, if you are coming from somewhere like Salzburg, you can take the earliest train from there, spend the day in Hallstatt, then take a late train to Vienna. But I would not go from Vienna to Hallstatt and back in one day.
Bus to Hallstatt
Another option is to take a bus to Hallstatt, which is doable from Salzburg but not Vienna, without a transfer. You can find bus options online, although they vary depending on the time of year you are traveling. Buses are cheaper, but the trains are more straightforward.
Get to Hallstatt by Car
If you have a car or are road-tripping around Austria, driving is the easiest way to get to Hallstatt. Use your maps on your phone (if you have data!), get a GPS with your rental car, or have a hotel print out directions for you.
But parking in Hallstatt can be tricky. You are not allowed to drive through the town, so when you put in a destination for directions, make sure you put in one of the parking lots just outside the town and not your hotel or just “Hallstatt.” Then, you can walk into town.
Here are two parking lots just south of the town (Parking Lot 2 is a little closer.):
- Parking Lot 1: Salinenpl. 4, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
- Parking Lot 2: Kohlstattweg, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
There is also free 90-minute parking where you get some great views of Hallstatt:
- Hallstättersee Landesstraße, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria
Take a Day Tour to Hallstatt
Finally, there are plenty of tours from cities like Salzburg and Vienna that you can take a trip to Hallstatt from. Taking a tour is the easiest option, but I would recommend going on your own, even if you are taking a day trip, so you can maximize your time in the town without having to be on a tour group’s schedule.
Vienna to Hallstatt Day Trips
Salzburg to Hallstatt Day Trips
Cesky Krumlov, Czechia to Hallstatt Day Trips
Best Views in Hallstatt, Austria
Hallstatt in Austria is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. No matter where you go in the town, you will be amazed by the mountains surrounding you and the beautiful lake that you can see from everywhere.
But, there are some viewpoints in the city that will give you those perfect-for-Instagram shots:
- Viewpoint Hallstatt – This is where you will see the picturesque view of Hallstatt that you have inevitably seen on social media or maybe even your desktop wallpaper. If you can, get here early to beat the crowds and have the best view (and photo ops) to yourself.
- View from the ferry landing: There is an excellent view of the mountains and the lake from the ferry landing near the Hallstatt Lutheran Church.
- Classic Village Viewpoint: The view from here, which is near where the buses park and the tunnel cars use to get into the city, is the best viewpoint in Hallstatt, in my opinion. You can look at the mountains, lake, and town from one easy spot.
Make sure to also check out the views from by the waterfall and from the Skywalk; details above!
Hallstatt Weather
Hallstatt weather is pretty manageable year-round, and even in winter, when the town is covered in snow, temperatures do not drop too low. In summer, the high temperatures are not too hot either, so you will not be too sweaty to enjoy your day.
Hallstatt in Winter (December to February)
Hallstatt winter is undoubtedly one of the prettiest times to visit Hallstatt. I went in December, and while there was no snow on the ground, you could see the snow covering the mountain tops.
High temperatures in winter are in the mid-30s and low-40s Fahrenheit (~ 2 to 5 C), and lows are in the mid-20s Fahrenheit (~ -3 C).
Hallstatt, Austria in winter can get cold, but unless you come from somewhere with a hot climate, it is pretty manageable.
Hallstatt in Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Hallstatt because the weather is not too hot or cold, and you will miss some of the crowds who flock to Hallstatt in the summer.
High temperatures in spring are in the 50s and 60s Fahrenheit (around 10 to 20 C), and lows are in the 30s and 40s Fahrenheit (~ 0 to 4 C).
Hallstatt in Summer (June to August)
Summertime is the peak season in Hallstatt, but it is also when the weather is the best. Just be more diligent about buying tickets and accommodations in advance and try to get to Hallstatt as early as possible.
High temperatures in summer are in the 70s Fahrenheit (~ 24 C), and lows are in the 50s Fahrenheit (~ 13 C).
Hallstatt in Fall (September to November)
Fall is also a great time to visit Hallstatt since the summer crowds have died down, and the weather is mild. You will also get to see the beautiful fall foliage.
In the fall, the weather is best in September when the average high is 67 F (19 C), and the low is 49 F (9 C). In October, temperatures drop to highs of 59 F on average (15 C) and lows around 40 F (5 C).
November is the coldest month of fall in Hallstatt, with highs in the mid-40s F (8 C) and lows near freezing.
Overtourism in Hallstatt, Austria (and how you can help prevent it!)
Unfortunately, over-tourism is a problem in Hallstatt. With thousands of people visiting every day in the peak season, it is hard to avoid contributing to the problem.
I’m obviously not telling you to skip Hallstatt (why would I write a whole guide for somewhere you shouldn’t go??), but be conscious of your impact on the town when you do visit.
If you only go there, snap a few pics and leave, you are wasting your time and not helping the town and the people there.
The worst way to contribute to over-tourism in Hallstatt is by staying for a short period.
If you can only spend one day in Hallstatt, it’s okay! But try to stay a night or two if you want to make the stay count for you and the people who live there.
One of the best ways to be a conscious tourist in Hallstatt is to stay overnight. Not only will you be staying at a hotel (or home rental) run by locals, but you will also be eating dinner and breakfast at the restaurants and hotels.
FAQs about traveling to Hallstatt, Austria
Let me know in the comments if you have a question that is not listed below, and I’ll help you out 🙂
Is one day enough in Hallstatt?
You can see plenty of Hallstatt in one day, and most people only take a day trip to the town. However, you will get to see and do more if you spend at least one night in Hallstatt, which is what I recommend.
Can you do a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt?
You can make a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt, either on your own by car, train, or bus or with a tour guide, who will take you by private car or charter bus. However, it takes three and a half hours to get to Hallstatt from Vienna, so a longer stay works better.
How much is the ferry in Hallstatt?
The ferry in Hallstatt costs 7 euros for a round-trip ticket per person. You will have to pay for the ferry in cash. Cards are not accepted.
Is Hallstatt closer to Vienna or Salzburg?
Hallstatt is closer to Salzburg than it is to Vienna. By car, it takes an hour and a half to get from Salzburg to Hallstatt or two and a half hours by train. It takes at least three and a half hours from Vienna to get to Hallstatt by train or car.
Is Hallstatt a day trip from Salzburg?
You can take a day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt and taking a train is the best way to do so, if you don’t have a car. You will have to plan for two and a half hours each way on the train, plus time to take the ferry from the train station to the town and back.
Is there a train to Hallstatt?
You can take a train to Hallstatt from major cities in Austria, including Salzburg, Vienna, Graz, and Linz.
How do you get to Hallstatt without a car?
The easiest way to get to Hallstatt without a car is by train. You can take a train or two from most cities in Austria. Or, you can take a bus or book a day tour from Salzburg or Vienna, where a tour guide and charter bus will take you to Hallstatt.
How long is the salt mine tour in Hallstatt?
The tour of the Hallstatt salt mines takes between an hour and an hour and a half. But, you will want to plan on the tour and the rides up and down the funicular, taking three hours total.
Are cars allowed in Hallstatt?
Cars are not allowed in the main town center of Hallstatt. If you are driving to the town, you must park in one of the parking lots just south of Hallstatt and then walk from there.
How do you get around Hallstatt?
Walking is the best way to get around Hallstatt, and the town is small enough that you can get from one side to the other in ten to fifteen minutes. If you want to get up to the salt mines, you can hike or take the funicular.
Have fun in Hallstatt, Austria!
Hallstatt, Austria, is a beautiful place. I highly recommend anyone and everyone visit, especially if you can stay one or two nights.
Between the views of the mountains & lake and all the fun things to do, Hallstatt, Austria, is a must-visit place for everyone in their lifetime.
If you have any questions about visiting Hallstatt or Austria, drop a comment below or send me a DM on Instagram.
Planning a trip soon? Here are some of my favorite sites to use to plan every trip:
- Top travel credit cards
- SafetyWing for travel insurance
- Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
- Booking.com for a huge variety of hotels, vacation rentals, flights, and more
- HostelWorld for the best hostels around the world
- Vrbo for vacation homes and rentals
- FareDrop and Going for cheap flight alerts
- Skyscanner for the cheapest flights
- Amazon for travel and packing must-haves
- Priority Pass for airport lounge access
- TripAdvisor for the top hotels around the world
Click for the top hotel deals!
Looking for more cool but small destinations in Europe? Check out these!