Lake Hallstatt and the picturesque town of Hallstatt are among the most popular destinations in Austria. This fairytale town in the heart of the Salzkammergut attracts visitors from all over the world every year. The summer season is particularly popular here – after a day of exploring the historical sights and views from the surrounding peaks, you can refresh yourself in the crystal clear water of the lake
Trip to Hallstatt
Those who have visited Hallstatt in the past will confirm that it is worth returning here repeatedly. In the autumn, this charming town enchanted us with its peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity to walk its streets without the usual tourist bustle. If you are planning a trip in the summer or in December before Christmas, we recommend a weekday visit when it is much quieter.
Didn’t manage to visit Hallstatt during the summer? No problem – take inspiration from our trip and go any time of the year. The best experience awaits you if you arrive early in the morning, ideally before 9am, and outside of peak season or the weekend. If you can’t make it on a weekday, we recommend staying near the lake, or taking the ferry to the town by boat. Be sure to check the weather before you go – although believe me, Hallstatt has its charms even in the rain.
Parking in Hallstatt
If you plan to travel to Hallstatt by car, we recommend arriving early – regardless of the season. This is the only way to secure a parking space as close to the centre as possible. In summer, the situation can be more complicated, as the entrance to the car park is often regulated by security guards and it is not possible to wait on the spot for someone to leave. We managed to park on our second attempt in the covered garage during a morning in July.
If you don’t want to waste time driving around town, we recommend parking a few miles away and heading to Hallstatt on foot or by boat. The cost of parking is approximately between 10 and 30 euros depending on the length of the parking space.
Accommodation in Hallstatt
Hallstatt
Hallstatt, a historic town situated between the lake and the Salzberg mountain, is home to around 800 inhabitants. Most of the houses here date back to the 16th century and give the town its unique atmosphere. The walk through the centre is neither long nor difficult – it consists mainly of one narrow main street and a picturesque square. There is a museum nearby, and in addition to the iconic photo from the railings overlooking the lake, be sure to head to the church, where a few steps lead to a beautiful viewpoint.
Be sure not to miss the cable car ride over Hallstatt, where the Skywalk offers a breathtaking view of the entire lake and surrounding countryside. If you’re not tempted by one of the downtown restaurants for lunch, enjoy it with a panoramic view right at the top. From here you can continue on to explore some of the oldest salt mines in the world and also visit the archaeological museum of the Hallstatt Burial Ground. The history of this site is closely linked to the salt mining that has taken place here for thousands of years.
Hallstatt offers a unique charm in the off-peak season – you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the popular viewpoints without the crowds, and you may have some of them all to yourself. In addition, you’ll often hear Czech as the predominant language as you stroll through the picturesque streets, which feels very natural and homely. However, it’s a good idea to bear in mind that not all cafes and restaurants are open in the low season – many only operate at weekends. Still, you’ll find plenty of nice places to have a good lunch or enjoy a coffee with a view.
Lake Hallstatt
Hallstatt Lake is approximately 8 kilometres long and almost 2 kilometres wide. Surrounded by a mountain range, it is one of the richest fishing grounds in Austria. In the summer months, it is an ideal place to refresh yourself – whether after a stroll through the historic centre or after a hike in the surrounding mountains. A great place for swimming is Badeinsel, which is just a short walk from the centre. It is also easily accessible from the local campsite or both main car parks.
You can plan a multi-stop trip across Hallstatt Lake using local ferries. Tickets are bought on the spot and there are hardly any queues in this summer season. In addition to public transport, you can also rent private boats, motorboats, pedal boats or romantic swans. If you arrive in Hallstatt by train, you can easily reach the town centre by boat from the nearby dock at the railway station.
In addition to strolling through the historic centre of Hallstatt, swimming in the local lake or a sightseeing trip with a visit to the salt mines, you can also make your stay more interesting by exploring the surrounding cave systems. It is no wonder that this exceptional area was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996 – its natural and cultural wealth is truly unique.