Top 15 Things to Do in Hallstatt

Hallstatt

Hallstatt is one of the most famous Alpine villages.  The village is located between a mountain and the Hallstättersee (Lake Hallstatt)

Most people visit Hallstatt on a day trip but we recommend to stay for 1-2 nights so that you can experience all the wonderful sights and activities in Hallstatt. 

Here are the Top 14 Things to Do in Hallstatt.

 

What to see and do in Hallstatt

1. Stroll through the village visit the Market Square and walk along the lakeside promenade.

2. Take a photo at the famous Hallstatt photo point, just a short walk from the market square.

3. In summer take a swim at one of the many beaches that are along the majestic, fjord-like Hallstättersee (Hallsatt Lake).

4. Take a boat trip on Lake Hallstatt from late May to mid-October. The Ship Stefanie takes passengers from the train station to the centre of Hallstatt 365 days per year. Note:  No card payment is possible – cash only. Visit the Website HERE for more information.

Or take a boat ride in the traditional Zille, locally known as ‘Fuhren’ (punts). The Zille is a flat-bottom boat that was used to transport salt. Visit the Website HERE for more information. 

5. Visit the 14th-century Pfarrkrche (Catholic Church) and its pristine cemetery, which overlooks the village.

6. Marvel at the Bone House (Beinhaus) in the 12th-century St Michael’s chapel.

7. Discover Celtic and ancient Roman ruins under Janu Sports Shop.

8. Visit the Hallstatt Museum to learn about Hallstatt Culture – one of the most important eras of prehistory. 

9. Have lunch or dinner in a lakeside restaurant. Enjoy freshly caught lake fish or Austrian specialities with wine and local beers.

10. Take the funicular “Salzbergbahn” up the Salzberg Mountain, Enjoy tea/coffee or lunch at Rudolfsturm (Rudolf’s Tower) restaurant with breathtaking alpine views. Have a spectacular bird’s eye view of Hallstatt from the “Hallstatt Walk” platform that is 360 meters above the rooftops of Hallstatt

11. Visit the Hallstatt Salt Mine – the oldest salt mine in Austria. 

12. Visit the Dachstein Krippenstein at Obertraun, and take the gondola up to visit the Dachstein Giant Ice Caves, Mammut Cave, the Five-Finger Lookout, and the World Heritage Spiral. You can also enjoy many hiking opportunities.

13. Go on a hike. There are many hikes to suit all levels. A popular tour with families is the Echern Valley (Echerntal) hike. The 2-3 hour tour starts from the P2 car park. The path is clearly marked and easy and suitable for strollers. Starting at the P2 car park, follow the Echerntalweg to the Waldbachstrub Waterfall, continue to the Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten), and then return via the lovely Malerweg, Brandbachweg and Grabfeldweg to the Kalvarienberg Church (car park P1).

14. Go shopping for traditional Austrian gifts. Find traditional Austria costumes (trachten) – Dirndl and lederhosen or decorative items at Das Dirndl aus Hallstatt. Or buy Hallstatt salt or traditional Hallstatt ceramics at Hallstatt Keramik

15. In winter, go skiing at The Dachstein West Ski resort (free ski bus from Hallstatt) or visit the Christmas market, which traditionally takes place on December 8.

 

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