Hallstatt, Austria: 14 Best Things to Do and See

Who wouldn’t know Hallstatt, at least from photos? After all, the Chinese love it so much that they made their own copy (more below). This picturesque town in Austria, nestled in the Alps, is extremely touristy, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip to avoid the crowds a bit.

How to do that? I’ll tell you everything. In this guide I will share Hallstatt, Austria: 14 Best Things to Do and See. Let’s take a look at what to see and do in Hallstatt, when to visit, and where to stay strategically.

When to Go to Hallstatt and how to Plan your Trip

Hallstatt is visited by approximately one million tourists annually. That’s quite a lot, as it’s a very small town. It experiences the largest influx of visitors from May to September.

Conversely, the fewest tourists visit Hallstatt in the winter months, specifically in January, February, March, and November. In December, it gets quite busy again, as people head there for the Christmas markets and Hallstatt’s magical winter atmosphere.

Is it necessary to avoid the summer months? No, if you can get up early in the morning, you’ll still enjoy Hallstatt without the crowds. Lukáš and I only met a few people in Hallstatt, even though we were there at the turn of July and August. We got up around six in the morning, when everything is still closed, and set off to explore.

Where to Stay Strategically in Hallstatt: Best Hotels

I recommend everyone to come to Hallstatt for at least one night so you can go exploring the town early in the morning without tourists. That’s why you should stay right in the center and not complicate things. The best choice in Hallstatt is Pension Cafe zum Mühlbach, but it’s often fully booked.

Do you like camping? The campsite in Hallstatt is probably the worst campsite in all of Europe, so avoid it. 😃 It’s something like “He opened a pub, but people kept coming.” (Lukáš will be proud of me, this is probably my first quote from Cimrman).

Chinese Copy of Hallstatt

As I already mentioned, there is a copy of Hallstatt in China. You can find it in China’s Guangdong province, and it was opened in 2012.

The project, which cost almost a billion dollars, includes copies of significant buildings such as the parish church, market square, and various other structures from the original Austrian Hallstatt.

The construction was financed by China Minmetals Corporation, one of the largest mining and steel conglomerates in China.

Initially, this initiative was met with some controversy because the residents of Austrian Hallstatt were not informed that their town would be copied.

Nevertheless, a cultural exchange program later developed between the two towns, and the mayor of Austrian Hallstatt even attended the grand opening of the Chinese replica.

This project is part of a broader trend in China, where replicas of famous world destinations, such as the Eiffel Tower or Venice, are being built. The Chinese version of Hallstatt serves as a luxury residential project and tourist attraction, attracting many visitors, just like its Austrian counterpart.

History of Austrian Hallstatt: What’s Good to Know?

Now that we’ve talked a bit about the Chinese Hallstatt, let’s focus a bit on the history of the Austrian Hallstatt – the real one.

In 1311, Hallstatt gained town status and became the center of salt mining in the area. During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the town continued to develop thanks to the salt trade and its strategic location on the shore of Lake Hallstatt.

Already in the 19th century, the town began to attract tourists , that’s quite early, isn’t it? But are you surprised? In 1997, Hallstatt, along with other parts of the Dachstein/Salzkammergut region, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Hallstatt, Austria: 14 Best Things to Do and See

Okay, whether you’ve decided to go to Hallstatt or you’re already here, what to visit here, what sights, attractions, and viewpoints? Let’s take a look at what you should definitely see. And most importantly, how to skip the ticket line?

Market Square and Town Center

Head to the town center first thing in the morning, because there won’t be a soul there. That is, if you get up early enough. Hallstatt’s Market Square is the heart of the town; here you’ll find not only beautiful historic houses but also St. Michael’s Parish Church.

Viewpoint – Hallstatt Skywalk

Do you love viewpoints too? Definitely head to the Hallstatt Skywalk, from where you’ll have panoramic views of the town and the surrounding Alps.

What I recommend is to book your tickets in advance; after all, Hallstatt is really popular. Plus, you don’t want to queue for them, right?

Tip: Use GetYourGuide, through which you can easily book tickets and you can cancel them anytime if your plans change.

Opening hours:

Salzwelten Hallstatt

Hallstatt is not just a lake and a picturesque town. You’ll also find salt mines there. Salzwelten Hallstatt is one of the oldest salt mines in the world, with a history stretching back thousands of years. It is located in the picturesque Hallstatt area by the lake and is a significant tourist attraction.

Here you can explore underground tunnels and chambers. The tour also includes interactive exhibits explaining the historical significance of salt and the cultural heritage of the area.

One of the biggest attractions is a ride on a wooden slide, which is the longest of its kind in Europe. So you don’t have to worry that kids won’t enjoy it. Buy tickets in advance on the official website, otherwise you’ll be queuing.

Opening Hours

Ticket Prices

Dachstein Caves

The Dachstein Caves are one of the greatest natural treasures of the Austrian Alps. They are located in the Dachstein massif.

It is a complex of several caves, the most famous of which are the Giant Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave. The Giant Ice Cave is fascinating due to its massive ice formations that create breathtaking scenery.

Conversely, the Mammoth Cave is known for its extensive system of passages. During the tour, you will see underground streams and waterfalls.

Tips for Visiting:

• Clothing: Warm clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, as it is quite cold and damp inside the caves.
• Admission: Tickets must be purchased in advance at the visitor center.

Access:

• The Dachstein Caves are easily accessible by cable car from the town of Obertraun.
• There are also marked hiking trails that lead to the caves, but we didn’t try them.

Lake Hallstatt

You can’t miss Lake Hallstatt, so I’ll just write down some interesting facts about the lake and what you can do there. It is one of the most beautiful lakes in Austria, with an area of 8.55 km² and a maximum depth of 125 meters.

You can swim in the lake, and you can even fish here with a permit. What might interest you is the possibility of boat trips on the lake.

Beinhaus (Charnel House)

The Beinhaus in Hallstatt, also known as the charnel house, is one of the most unique attractions of this picturesque Austrian town. You can find it in St. Michael’s Chapel near the Catholic Church of the Assumption of Mary.

What’s so special about it? You’ll find over 600 skulls there, many of which are hand-painted with floral motifs, crosses, and the names of the deceased.

This tradition arose due to limited space in the cemetery, which led to the exhumation of older graves and the relocation of bones to the charnel house.

Practical Information

• Opening hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
• Admission: Adults €5, children €3.

Hallstatt Museum

Hallstatt also has a museum. So if you don’t know what to do in Hallstatt when it rains, definitely head here. At least you’ll use the rainy weather to explore the town’s history.

Opening hours:

• Monday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Admission:

Check the official website for current information.

Pfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt (Maria Am Berg)

If you go for a walk through Hallstatt, you definitely shouldn’t miss Pfarrkirche Mariä Himmelfahrt, also known as Maria am Berg. This beautiful Catholic church is located on a hill above the town and, although less popular, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t deserve attention.

The history of this church dates back to the 12th century. Although it has been renovated and expanded several times, its current Gothic form dates from the 15th century . Once you step inside, you’ll be greeted by magnificent Gothic frescoes and the main altar, which is adorned with sculptures and paintings.

Right next to this church, you’ll find the aforementioned charnel house.

Evangelische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt

On the other side of town, right in its center, is the Evangelische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt. This Protestant church is a symbol of the Protestant community and is the church you see in most photographs.

The Evangelische Pfarrkirche was originally built as a prayer house in 1785, shortly after Emperor Joseph II issued the Patent of Toleration, which allowed Protestants to freely practice their faith. Its current form dates from 1859-1863, when it was rebuilt in the Neo-Gothic style.

Five Fingers

Five Fingers is another viewing platform from where you have panoramic views of the Alps and Lake Hallstatt. However, you cannot reach this platform directly from Hallstatt town; you must go to Obertraun.

Admission: Full admission costs €35, reduced €25.

Kalvarienberg

Kalvarienberg, also known as the Way of the Cross, is a pilgrimage site with several chapels and crosses symbolizing Jesus’ journey to Golgotha. The path to the summit is lined with trees and provides a peaceful and meditative atmosphere, ideal for a short walk.

At the summit, there is a small chapel with panoramic views of Lake Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains, making this place popular among both locals and tourists.

Rudolf’s Tower

You’ll find Rudolf’s Tower at the top of the hill above Hallstatt and it was built in the 13th century as part of the town’s defense system and salt mines . It originally served as a watchtower, from where soldiers could monitor and protect the important trade route and salt mines from enemies.

Today, it’s another spot from where you have panoramic views of Hallstatt, Lake Hallstatt, and the surrounding mountains. The path is short – though quite steep.

Inside the tower, there is a small exhibition that illustrates the history of the tower and its significance for the town.

For Hikes in the Echern Valley

If you love hiking, be sure to visit the Echern Valley (Echerntal). One of the most popular routes is the Echern Valley Route, which leads you to the magnificent Waldbachstrub waterfall. This trail is well-marked and suitable for all ages. The trail continues to the Glacier Garden (Gletschergarten), which is a remnant of the last ice age. From

Another interesting route is the Hallstatt Echern Theme Trail, which is also suitable for families with children.

Bathing Island

Badeinsel Hallstatt is an artificial island located just a ten-minute walk from Hallstatt’s main square, and it’s an ideal place for families with children when you want to go for a swim. The water here is quite warm in summer, and there’s also a playground nearby.

FAQ