Worried about where to find parking when visiting the charming town of Hallstatt?
You’re not alone. Parking is a big concern for many visitors visiting the picturesque Austrian town.
In this article, I will explain the various parking lot options, and you will learn how far the parking lots are from the town center.
Keep reading to gain a better understanding of Hallstatt’s parking options to plan your visit efficiently.
Last updated: July 28, 2024
Published: November 22, 2023
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.
Or, if you want more help planning a trip to Hallstatt, check out these posts:
- Hallstatt Ultimate Travel Guide
- The Best Hallstatt Hotels
- Hallstatt Hotels with a Lake View
- Hotels near Hallstatt
- Hostels in Hallstatt
- How to Get to Hallstatt
- Parking in Hallstatt
- Tours from Vienna to Hallstatt
- Is Hallstatt worth visiting?
- Hallstatt ferry
Parking in Hallstatt
The alluring beauty of Hallstatt has captured the hearts of countless visitors, leading to increased tourist traffic over the years. The numbers speak for themselves; Hallstatt is well worth visiting. However, such interest in this small Alpine town means one crucial aspect – parking, is often difficult.
Boasting a historical appeal, Halstatt’s exceptionally narrow streets, primarily made for horse-drawn vehicles centuries ago, are not built to accommodate the high volume of modern-day traffic. Therefore, finding the right parking spot might seem overwhelming at times, particularly during peak season when cars are not allowed at certain times.
But don’t worry, as with some careful planning and the right information, you’ll be parked and exploring in no time.
Need a rental car to get to Hallstatt? I highly recommend using Discover Cars to compare prices.
Hallstatt Parking Lot Options
In the picturesque town of Hallstatt, you will find a few parking lots. Due to the town’s explicit layout and its prioritization towards pedestrian access, the availability of these lots may vary, particularly during peak seasons. Below are three of the most common parking areas.
P1 Parking lot
This is the main parking option and is situated near the entrance of the town. It is quite large and can accommodate a good number of vehicles. The charges apply around the clock, and the payment can be made at the parking machine at the site.
If you are staying overnight, you will want to park in P1. Many hotels in Hallstatt in town offer shuttle services to help you get your belongings to the hotel.
P2 Parking lot
Should P1 be full, the P2 parking lot serves as an excellent alternative. While slightly smaller, it offers a similar level of convenience to the town and facilities. Payment is required and can be made via the on-site machine.
If you are just in town for the day, P2 is a great parking option in Hallstatt.
P3 Parking lot
If you don’t mind parking further out or have a larger vehicle, P3 may be an option. This area is for buses, and it does require a bit of a hike to reach the center of town.
For buses, there is a twenty-minute period where you can drop passengers off, then you will need to go park in P3.
Advanced booking is highly recommended for P3.
If you are in a car, you may or may not be able to park here depending on the number of buses in town.
Note that the parking lots can fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons. Thus, arriving early or making alternative transportation plans can be beneficial in Hallstatt.
Distance from Parking Lots to Town Center
Understanding the distance from each parking area to Hallstatt’s town center is key to planning your visit. The proximity of these parking lots to the core attractions can impact your overall experience in this charming town.
The P1 lot, which is the farthest from the center, is approximately a 20-minute walk along a charming riverside path. A satisfying short trip, this route also provides a beautiful perspective of Hallstatt.
The P2 lot, situated next to the salt mine cable car station, is a 15-minute walk to the center. It serves as a multi-purpose area for tourists planning to explore both the salt mines and the town center.
The P3 lot is furthest from the town center. The lot is primarily for buses, so if you are with a tour group, this is where your vehicle will be. There is a shuttle service to and from the lot for bus drivers.
An essential point to note is that all pedestrian paths from these parking lots to the town center are well-signposted and friendly for people with disabilities.
Additional Notes on Parking in Hallstatt
Parking in Hallstatt can be a bit challenging, especially during peak tourist season. Here are a few additional notes that may help you navigate the parking process effortlessly.
First, during peak times, especially from 10 am to 3 pm, parking spaces can be very limited. If you want to avoid the crowds, know when the best time to visit Hallstatt is.
Second, payment methods. Major credit cards are accepted at all parking lots. For those wishing to pay in cash, remember to have sufficient change as these parking machines do not provide change.
Finally, remember that Hallstatt is a small town with limited parking facilities. Always be respectful with your parking, ensuring you’re not blocking any roads or driveways. Your cooperation is integral to maintaining the harmony and beauty of this picturesque town of Hallstatt.
Ready to rent a car for Hallstatt?
Need A Hotel In Hallstatt?
I highly recommend staying in the town at least one night to fully appreciate Hallstatt’s beauty. Plus, it is so much fun to explore in the evening and early in the morning before the day trippers get into town.
Here are the top hotels (and home rentals) in Hallstatt:
Enjoy Parking in Hallstatt
Parking in Hallstatt doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where the lots are and who can park where.
As of writing, all the information in this guide is up to date. For the most accurate parking information, call your hotel or the Hallstatt Tourist Office.
Tourist Office Hallstatt
Seestraße 114
4830 Hallstatt
Austria
Phone: +43 (0) 5 95095 30
Planning your trip to Hallstatt soon? Here are some of the top resources I use when planning trips!
- Top travel credit cards
- SafetyWing for travel insurance
- Flytographer for professional photoshoots all over the world
- Daily Drop for daily travel tips and tricks in one fun, short newsletter
- Daily Drop Pro for miles and points bookings (learn more in my guide)
- 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
- 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!
Hallstatt Parking FAQs
Are all Hallstatt parking lots paid?
Yes, all designated parking lots in Hallstatt require payment. The pricing can vary based on the specific lot and the duration of parking. It is advisable to check the current rates before your visit for accurate budgeting.
Are there any discounts available for long-term parking?
Discount rates for long-term parking in Hallstatt may depend on specific lots and the policies in place during your visit. For the most accurate information, it’s recommended to directly contact the relevant parking service or verify from Hallstatt’s official tourism website.
Can I reserve a parking lot in Hallstatt in advance?
Advance reservations for parking lots in Hallstatt are generally not available unless you are on a large tour bus. Given its high tourist demand, parking spaces are often provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early, especially during peak tourist seasons, can help secure a convenient parking spot.
What’s the average walking time from parking lots to the town center?
The walking time from parking lots to the town center can vary across lots. However, I recommend putting on your comfortable shoes, as even the closest lot requires a short stroll.