Everything is photogenic in this tiny Alpine village.Based in the district of Gmunden, its mountains, tranquil waters and beautiful architecture make Hallstatt a postcard-perfect destination that lures millions of tourists yearly.While it may look like a location from a Disney animation, Hallstatt is actually an ancient UNESCO-protected settlement born from the salt mining industry.The Hallstatt Salt Mine, considered the world’s oldest, offers a guided tour through centuries of local mining, resulting in a Skywalk viewpoint featuring spectacular views over Lake Hallstatt.However, it’s the Five Fingers viewing platform that showcases what may well be the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever see in your life.The panorama of the glorious Salzkammergut region is guaranteed to take make anyone gasp in wonder.As for imposing buildings, Schloss Ort is one of the best European examples of a lakeside castle.With the Alps in the background, sun rays reflecting from the surface of Lake Traunsee and a narrow wooden pathway, this unique fortress is one of the most romantic sights in Austria.
Bright reds and yellows paint the Austrian town’s 16th-century architecture; in spring and summer, flower boxes drape windows in geraniums and ivy; and cobblestone streets connect charming cafés, ornate churches, and Alpine inns. Natural wonders await around every corner—from the neighboring Salzkammergut mountains to Lake Hallstatt to the village’s very own waterfall.
Despite being accessible only on foot, the tiny town saw a million visitors in 2018, reports the Washington Post—a staggering 347 times more tourists per capita than Hong Kong, one of the world’s most visited cities. Visit in October to avoid the summer crowds while still making the most of temperate weather on this perfect weekend itinerary.
The dinner menu at Gasthof Zauner will make a seafood lover’s heart flutter, featuring fish caught fresh from Lake Hallstatt. If wine is your thing, Restaurant zum Salzbaron, located in the Seehotel Grüner Baum, pairs some of Austria’s finest sips with a lakeside view.
Two buses run from Salzburg to Hallstatt: Bus 150 and Bus 542. Each trip takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Every day, several trains run from the Salzburg Main Station to Hallstatt, the first departing at 5:12 a.m. The trip takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. If you take the train from Salzburg to Hallstatt, you will be dropped off across the lake and will need to take a short ferry ride to reach the town center. A one-way trip costs 2 euros and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. For train times, visit the ÖBB website. Getting To Hallstatt From Vienna
While a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt would be difficult to accomplish, the train ride only takes about 4 hours. It does, however, require a transfer at the Attnang-Puchheim Station.
