Hallstatt, the postcard-like town of Austria, continues to fascinate those who see it with its nature, history and unique atmosphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this charming village is one of the most visited destinations in Europe with its fairytale landscapes and rich cultural heritage. If you are dreaming of a peaceful trip in the foothills of the Alps, this Hallstatt travel guide is for you! How to get to Hallstatt, when to visit, what to see – all in this article.
Let us remind you before starting the article: Don’t forget to download the Piri Guide mobile app to visit Hallstatt step by step with your personal and digital tour guide!
Where is Hallstatt?
Hallstatt is located in the district of Gmunden in Upper Austria. Hallstatt is located in the Salzkammergut region at the foot of the Alps, on the edge of the Hallstätter lake. This small town is also very close to Salzburg and Graz.
How to Get to Hallstatt?
Unfortunately, there is no direct flight to Hallstatt. However, due to its mountainous location, it can be reached both by car and by train. You can reach Hallstatt by train from the big cities of Austria, Vienna and Salzburg. You may need to transfer between trains. But transfers are quite easy. You can also reach Hallstatt from cities in the Bavarian region such as Munich.
The Best Season to Visit Hallstatt
If there is one place that is beautiful in all four seasons, it is definitely Hallstatt! So the answer may vary depending on what you are looking for. We recommend you to go in autumn and spring, especially if you want to stroll through the flowering streets of Hallstatt. If you want to rent a boat and enjoy the lake, summer is ideal. But in winter Hallstatt turns into a fairy tale. Both the city becomes fascinating under the snow and you avoid the overwhelming crowds.
Must-Visit Places in Hallstatt
We’ve made a list of must-visit places in Hallstatt. Yet, we should remind you that you can find more on Piri Guide mobile app. Piri Guide detects your location, offers you the best travel routes, and starts telling you the hidden stories of wherever you are. All you have to do is to get your headphones or earbuds and follow the path at your own pace. Then, don’t set out for your trip before downloading the digital travel guide! 
Salzwelten Hallstatt
The most touristic place to visit in Hallstatt is the Salt Mines. The fact that the oldest salt mines in the world are located here already makes this touristic place very attractive. You have two options to go up to the Salt Mines; a 1-hour hiking trail or a 3-minute funicular adventure. Especially in cold and rainy weather, the funicular is the most preferred option. You pay a total of 30 euro for the funicular ride and return and visit the salt mines with a guide. If you have plenty of time, if you are a trekking enthusiast and if the weather is good, then you are waiting for the hiking trail. If you choose to walk, you pay a total of 26 euro and 4 euro stays in your pocket.
Bone House
Just below St Michael’s Chapel is one of the most unusual museums in the world. Skulls and bones excavated from this cemetery are on display. Do not think that it is just a few skulls and bones. It is said that the largest skull collection in existence is here. There are more than a thousand skulls inside. Another important feature of the collection is that some of the skulls are ‘painted’.
In fact, this was a tradition in Upper Austria and Bavaria for several centuries. The skulls here started to be painted in the first half of the 18th century. The last skull added here is that of a woman with gold teeth. Inside you can see her at the feet of the crucified Christ. She died in the 1980s and in 1995 – according to her will – her bones were exhumed and placed in the House of Bones.
Marktplatz
Hallstatt’s famous square Marktplatz is quite small. In the past, it was the centre of the salt trade. In time, it became the centre of social life. It has become the address of eating and drinking, shopping and celebrations. Even Hallstatt’s Christmas Market is set up here.
Hallstatt prospered thanks to the ‘white gold’ salt and lived in prosperity for centuries. Of course, this wealth and prosperity was reflected in the architecture. In the 16th century, there were houses here. But a fire in 1750 destroyed them all. Almost all of Hallstatt was burnt and destroyed. These buildings we see were built after that fire.
Lake Hallstatt
If you have time, I suggest you take a short trip on Lake Hallstatt. You can join a boat tour or rent a boat or pedalo. You will see many pedal-powered, swan-shaped pedal boats on the lake. Swans are the sine qua non of this landscape! Did you know that the first swans were brought here during the reign of Empress Elizabeth – aka Sisi? Hallstatt was one of the favourite haunts of Sisi and her husband Emperor Franz Joseph. Sisi was fascinated by swans, so many swans were brought here. By the way, you can also travel on the lake in wooden boats that used to be used by salt traders.
Finally, if it is summer, you can swim. On the other side of the village there is an artificially created ‘swimming island’. This island was built with stones quarried during the construction of the Hallstatt Tunnel in the 1960s.
Skywalk
The Skywalk was opened in 2013 as a ‘World Heritage’ viewing area. When you take the funicular up, you will wonder where to go first. But without having to decide where to go, your feet will lead you to the Observation Point by themselves. As you proceed to the famous triangular panoramic view point, you will be more excited to realise that this is the World Heritage View. And finally, here is a picture of silence, peace and simplicity… It will not be easy to leave this place for a while.
Bonus: Rudolfsturm
Rudolfsturm was built in 1284 to protect the mines. It is obvious how valuable the mines were for the region. Moreover, the valley was the habitat of miners and their families. In the past, Rudolfsturm hosted emperors such as Maximilian, Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi. It has been serving as a restaurant since the 1960s.
If you are planning on travelling from Vienna to Hallstatt, be sure to check out our Vienna travel guide!
