Hallstatt

Until the 19th century, Hallstatt was accessible only by a boat or a mountain trail. Today, the village on the lake with the 800 inhabitants is considered to be the most photographed in the Alps and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That’s why the Chinese decided to build a village-replica in China in 2012, in order to admire this wonderful landscape as often as they want.

It is located between Salzburg and Graz, in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. It is built on a steep bank of the lake of the same name (Hallstättersee), at an altitude of 508 meters.

The local “treasure” is the salt, which has been a source of wealth for Hallstat tfor centuries and is found in the hills above the city. In fact, it is the oldest salt mine in the world and is still active. Salt has been mined in this area for more than 7,000 years.

Accommondation –  At 4-star Seehotel Grüner Baum, in the main square overlooking the lake and Heritage Hotel in the center, consisting of three houses. Staying in Hallstatt is a bit pricey. But it’s nice to wake up in this fairytale place.

Alternatively, if you want to reduce the cost of accommodation, two very good overnight solutions that are within walking distance and offer stunning views and access to Hallstatt within minutes are the villages Obertraun and Gosau.

Food –

• At Das Kainzv with authentic Austrian dishes and courtyard with stunning views of the lake. (Landungsplatz 101)
• At Gasthof Simony which was named after the famous mountain explorer Dachstein, Friedrich Simony, who remained there during his missions in the 19th century. (Wolfengasse 105)
• At Zum Salzbaron, right in the main square of Hallstatt, with a large terrace overlooking the lake. The menu includes fresh fish from the lake or other traditional local specialties. The restaurant has a very good wine list. (Marktplatz 104)
• At Cafe Derbl for delicious Austrian desserts, coffee or tea, as well as a variety of dishes. All their desserts and sweets are homemade, as is their ice cream. (Marktplatz 61)

Transportation – Within 20 minutes or half an hour you can walk around the whole village, from one end to the other, as it is essentially small. Cars are prohibited in the center from May to October (from 10:00 to 17:00).

There are 2 parking lots (P1, P2) at the end of Hallstatt, so you can leave the car and walk towards the village. As you get closer you will see the electronic screens that will show the number of seats left in each parking lot. When you’re ready to leave, just put the parking ticket on the machine and pay in cash or credit card.

Parking rates: 20 minutes free – up to 1 hour € 3.50 – up to 2 hours € 6.00 – 3 to 6 hours € 8.00 – 7 to 12 hours € 9.00 – 12 to 24 hours € 0.50 / time

By plane: The nearest airport is of Salzburg about 80 km away (1 hour and 20 minutes) by car. From Salzburg Airport and Vienna Airport you will find many ways such as bus, train, etc. to get to Hallstatt. But the best way is to rent a car. Distance from Vienna is 4 hours by train. A little more than 3 hours by car. It is much better to see Hallstatt as a day trip from Salzburg than as a stop between Vienna and Salzburg.

From Salzburg: Although Hallstatt and Salzburg are only 52 km away, there are some mountains that make the trip a little longer. Specifically, the route takes 2 hours and 15 minutes by bus or 2.5 hours by train that leaves you on the opposite side of the lake plus the short ferry ride (15 minutes, for € 2.5 for a ride). It takes only 1 hour and 15 minutes by car. Nevertheless, it is still an easy day trip, by whatever means you choose to go.

By bus: You need to get the following lines, 150, 542, 543. More specifically the stations are Salzburg Bus 150 -> Bad Ischal Bus 542 -> Gosaumuhle Bus 543 -> Hallstatt Lahn. The first bus starts at 5:55 a.m. (8:15 a.m. on Sundays) and the last bus return is between 5-6:19 pm. To find the hours with the best responses between the buses, arrange the route here.

By train: Salzburg HBF –> Attanang-Puchheim –> Hallstatt Bahnhst. The first train starts at 5:12 and the last return is at 6:32 p.m. (Last ferry 17 minutes ago). Check the itineraries of ÖBB here. Prices from € 9.00-28.00 depending on the time and how in advance you will make the reservation.

By bus and train: Bus line 150 to Bad Ischl train station and then the local Express train 3412 to Stainach-Irdning. Price about 15 €.