Things to Do in Hallstatt

Set between Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) and the snowy summits of the Dachstein Mountains, Hallstatt has long been attracting visitors—including prominent public figures such as Emperor Franz Josef—with its Alpine good looks. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed town is known for its picturesque churches, chalets, and Charnel House, which is packed with painted skulls.

The Austrian town of Hallstatt is a very popular half-day or full-day tour destination for visitors based in Salzburg. Hallstatt tours typically include round-trip transportation from Salzburg by coach or private vehicle. Many tours give participants the chance to take a boat ride out on the lake, visit to the 7,000-year-old Hallstatt Salt Mines, and ride the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car up to the free 5 Fingers viewing platform.

Full-day trips may include stops at other locales in west-central Austria, such as Schloss Fuschl castle, St. Gilgen, and Russbach. You can also visit Hallstatt as part of day tours from Vienna, which often stop at attractions such as Ort Castle in Gmunden along the way.

Hallstatt is situated within Austria’s Salzkammergut (Lake District), about a 75-minute drive from Salzburg. Take the train from Salzburg to Attnang-Puchheim, then switch to the local train to Hallstatt. From the Hallstatt train station, take a ferry into town, which is across the lake.

The best time to experience Hallstatt is between May and late October. Many of Hallstatt’s main attractions—such as the boat rides and salt mines—are closed in winter. Check the various attractions’ websites for opening dates and times.

This part of the Austrian Alps is known for its scenic lakes, and Hallstätter See is no exception. Take a ferry ride out on the water to admire the towering peaks that surround it, or venture out on paddleboats or kayaks instead. If you’d rather stay on dry land, take a stroll along the lakefront, where you might encounter swans swimming near the shore.