How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Hallstatt, Austria

There are several reasons Hallstatt, a hamlet in Austria’s Salzkammergut region, is one of the most-visited destinations in the country. For many travelers, its storybook appearance is the primary draw. “This postcard-worthy destination… delights with its colorful houses, a historic market square, the country's largest bone house, and a 7,000-year-old salt mine that is still active today and fun to tour,” says Michaela Muhr, an Austrian guide with ToursByLocals.

Others are interested in its historical significance; in 1997, Hallstatt was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a distinction partially granted due to the village’s preserved architectural style, cultural practices, and ancient traditions, which can be traced back to the Iron Age (around 800 B.C.E.). No matter what inspires your trip, though, Dr. Silke Seemann of Hallstatt Hideaway encourages visitors to “feel the authenticity of this place and the breathtaking beauty of the nature.” “The history of this place is magic, and when you walk up the mountain or deep into Echerntal, you can feel it,” she says. 

According to Muhr, it’s best to visit between September and May, although the wintertime is particularly special thanks to blankets of snow and festive events. If you time your trip right, you can even witness Hallstatt’s Christmas Market, a one-day event that takes place annually on Dec. 8. 

Interested in visiting this Austrian alpine village? Read on to discover the best places to eat, stay, and explore in Hallstatt, according to locals. 

Related: The Best Times to Visit Austria, According to Locals

Best Hotels & Resorts

Heritage Hotel Hallstatt

“The Heritage Hotel Hallstatt is an excellent accommodation choice located right in central Hallstatt on the lakeshore, with a convenient shuttle service from the bus terminal,” says Muhr. Guests check in and have daily breakfast at the Kainz House, the main building, and stay overnight in the Stocker House or the Seethaler House, both of which come with incredible views of either the town or Lake Hallstatt. 

Seewirt Zauner

“Another stylish and uniquely traditional hotel situated in a perfect spot is Seewirt Zauner,” says Muhr, who describes the property as having “authentic Austrian charm in a beautiful setting.” The 12-room historic hotel has been open since 1893, but it’s equipped with all kinds of modern comforts. For an extra-scenic stay, book one of the rooms with a gorgeous balcony overlooking the lake or the mountains. 

Seehotel Grüner Baum

Two of the most notable attributes of Seehotel Grüner Baum are its private terraces and culinary offerings. If you’re set on having a balcony, make sure you reserve one of the rooms or suites that specifically state they have the architectural feature. And, according to past travelers, you’ll want to book dinner reservations for the hotel’s restaurant ASAP, as its popularity guarantees it will fill up quickly. 

Best Things to Do

Take a boat tour of Lake Hallstatt.

“For a special view of Hallstatt and the surrounding region, visitors should take a boat trip on Lake Hallstatt. Going by private or public boat allows you to appreciate the scenic beauty from a unique vantage point and avoid the bustling crowds in the village streets,” explains Muhr. For more info on boat tours and rentals, head to the Hallstatt destination website. 

Visit the famous salt mine.

For Dr. Seemann, visiting the salt mine, Salzwelten Hallstatt, helps visitors understand “why Hallstatt is famous” and the impact the past has on the present-day destination and its residents. The mine has a 7,000-year history, making it the oldest salt mine in the world. Visitors can tour the prehistoric tunnels, watch an animation of the miners’ work routine, and head down the 64-meter-long miners’ slide.

See the iconic view from the World Heritage Skywalk.

If you’re not a fan of heights, you may want to skip this one; otherwise, make sure to add the World Heritage Skywalk to your Hallstatt itinerary. Ride the funicular up to the UNESCO World Heritage View lookout point for stunning views of Hallstatt village, the lake, and surrounding mountains. “The vista from this elevated platform is an unforgettable moment, perfect for capturing memorable photos above the picturesque landscape of Hallstatt,” says Muhr. 

Discover the Hallstatt Charnel House.

Head inside St. Michael’s Chapel, a structure that dates back to the 12th century, to see the charnel house, or “bone house.” Here, you’ll find a collection of more than 600 painted skulls, a practice that originated in the early 1700s. The church itself is free to enter, but the bone house requires a small entrance fee.

Best Restaurants

Seehotel Grüner Baum

Many of Hallstatt’s best restaurants are associated with its most popular hotels. Case in point: Seehotel Grüner Baum. “Located right in the center of town, Seehotel Grüner Baum offers the perfect spot with its terrace overlooking the lake,” says Muhr. Given the location, guests can expect a menu with several fresh fish dishes. 

Bräugasthof

Want to sample some wiener schnitzel or apple strudel? Grab a lakeside table at Bräugasthof Hallstatt, a traditional inn that describes its menu as “homestyle Austrian cuisine with innovative ideas.” Past guests applaud the “warm and friendly” staff as well as the “spectacular” and “breathtaking” views of the lake. 

Seewirt Zauner 

Muhr calls Seewirt Zauner “another excellent option situated right in the middle of Hallstatt village.” Along with its fish-forward entrées, the restaurant boasts a “broad [offering] of delicious game found in the Dachstein mountain range” as well as vegetables grown in the region. 

Best Time to Visit 

Hallstatt certainly has appeal all year round, although the fall and winter tend to be some of the best times to visit. In autumn, says Dr. Seemann, “the forest is golden and the authentic Hallstatt comes back after the summer.” Muhr echoes this statement, noting that October and November are “more peaceful and quiet with fewer tourists.”

If you want to visit for the holiday season, you can certainly plan to attend the Hallstatt Christmas Market on Dec. 8, but it’s not your only option. “Throughout the rest of the winter season, you can still enjoy Hallstatt's festive charm, including a beautiful nativity scene in the market square, along with shops and streets decorated for the holidays. Even without the Christmas market, the town sparkles with yuletide spirit,” says Muhr. 

Related: The Best Places to Go for Christmas

How to Get There

Many travelers make their way to Hallstatt from larger Austrian cities, namely Vienna and Salzburg. If you’re traveling by train, you’ll transfer at Attnang-Puchheim before boarding the train to Hallstatt Station, where Muhr says you’ll “switch to a boat… to get into the town, as there is no road access.” On average, the journey from Salzburg takes a little over two hours whereas the Vienna-to-Hallstatt route takes between 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Taking a bus from both Vienna and Salzburg is also an option, but the train is typically a better experience, due to the beautiful views you’ll witness along the way. “Whichever method you choose, allow plenty of time to discover this charming village and its surroundings,” says Muhr. 

It’s important to note that visitors are not allowed to drive through Hallstatt — so it’s best to take public transportation.

Day Trip to Hallstatt

Some travelers try to fit Hallstatt in as a day trip from Salzburg, although, according to Muhr, you’ll want to “plan on spending at least eight hours exploring Hallstatt, no matter where you're traveling from.” Dr. Seemann also notes that there are some sustainability concerns with just visiting for the day. Hallstatt continues to experience over-tourism, a problem that has been especially pertinent since it was given the UNESCO World Heritage distinction. If your schedule allows, aim to spend at least a night or two in the village. 

How to Get Around

Bring your walking shoes to Hallstatt, as they’ll be your primary means of transportation. “Hallstatt is so small that there are no cars allowed. Walking through town or taking a boat ride around Hallstatt is the best way to explore the area,” suggests Muhr.