Hallstatt is all over Instagram these days. I’ll admit, it’s been on my list due to the amount of beautiful pictures I’ve seen on the platform in recent years. So when we had a 4-day long weekend coming in March 2018, it was no question where we’d go!
In case you’re planning a similar trip to the region, here’s my guide to Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut region. Enjoy!
How to get to Hallstatt
I’d recommend going by car, especially if you want to do little trips in the region – like we did (4 hours from Schwechat airport near Vienna). The other option is by train, after which you have to get on the ferry to reach the village itself as there’s no dry land connection between the train station and the centre. Of course, if you’re part of a tourist group, you’ll most likely arrive by bus, which park further outside the village.
Where to stay
Obertraun on a misty morning
I’d recommend staying in the nearby village of Obertraun if you’re by car – it’s a popular base for skiers and hikers alike, so if you’re planning on doing outdoorsy activities, it is the perfect choice. We’ve been staying at this place and it was amazing! The owner has houses in Hallstatt too, if you want to be in the village itself. You can find more traditional (and probably cheaper) Pensions and Gasthof-s if you want the “full experience”, but we only booked our trip two nights prior to departure so we didn’t have too many options (and I usually prefer more modern apartments anyways.)
What to see and do in Hallstatt
Hallstatt may be a tiny village but you can spend an entire day here and not get bored. And if you’re ready for some hiking, the options for adventure are endless! Let’s see what you can do here:
Admire the views of the Hallstätter See
“The mountains are calling and I must go.” (John Muir)
We spent our afternoon after arrival looking at the lake and admiring the mountain views. Living in Budapest means that the need to get away from the city buzz and the crowds is always there in the back of your mind, so actually doing it every now and then is really rewarding. (However, you don’t have to actually leave Budapest to be in nature! That city offers so much more than pretty buildings!)
Get the best view of the village (and a full panorama of the lake)
This is what you see from the top of the funicular!
There’s a funicular running up to the salt mines of Hallstatt (if you’re interested in them or want to learn more about the history of the village, make sure to pay a visit!), where you can also get the best views of the nearby mountains and the lake itself. Once you’re at the Welterbeblick (UNESCO World Heritage View), you’ll be amazed by all the beauty around you – after which a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate will really make your day!
Walk the streets of Hallstatt
Walking the streets of Hallstatt
Both the main street that runs across the village and the quiet little alleyways add something to the charm of Hallstatt, so make sure you have time to dig deeper than just the lake shore! The Marktplatz offers just as cute houses as the ones in Colmar, while some of the wooden buildings remind me of houses in Transylvania. Who said you can’t find the whole world in one place?
Marktplatz – you can still avoid the crowds in March!
Go to church
The Evangelical Church
OK, you don’t have to actually go inside, the whole scene is more beautiful from outside. The mountains provide a dropdead gorgeous background to the two towers, instantly making you want to take a thousand photos – like we did. While the Evangelical Church gets more attention, it being the centrepiece of any Hallstatt landscape picture, I’d actually recommend spending more time at the Catholic Church and the cemetery surrounding it. I always find my inner peace when I’m in a cemetery, but the sight of the mountains and the dark and deep colors of the lake just made this place a spiritual haven!
If I had to choose the most peaceful place in Hallstatt, this would be it!
Visit the Salzkammergut area
Even when you only have a weekend in Hallstatt, I would recommend getting in the car to see the beauty of the Salzkammergut area. We spent a day visiting Wolfgangsee, Fuschlsee, Mondsee, Attersee and Traunsee – they are really close by, so it’s a nice daytrip. If you’d prefer another citybreak, you could visit Salzburg – we opted for the lakes this time, because we wanted to get away from the people. Also, if you’re up for a really snowy adventure, hike up to 5 fingers viewing platform, something we would have loved to do, but we arrived unprepared – aka without ski apparel – and they wouldn’t even let us on the funicular. Be smart, kids, and do your research beforehand!