Hallstatt

Probably the most picturesque mountain lake village.

16th-century Alpine houses, ancient salt mine, unique Bone House and stunning lake views from the Skywalk.

4.5
out of 5

Welcome to Hallstatt, a small Austrian town that has gained popularity for its well-preserved 16th-century Alpine houses and scenic location on the banks of the Hallstätter See.

Hallstatt's beauty is evident in its natural setting. Sat between a mountain and a lake, the town offers breathtaking views. But Hallstatt is not only a pretty face, it has quite a history too. Salt production here dates back to prehistoric times, and the town was once the site of a significant Iron Age culture. The town's Salt Mine, one of the oldest in the world, gives you an opportunity to learn about this history first-hand. The funicular railway will take you there, offering beautiful views on the way.

Hallstatt is also known for its unique Bone House in the Catholic Church's charnel house, housing over 600 painted skulls. It's a peculiar sight, but it tells us about how the village dealt with a lack of burial space.

The town itself is small and you might walk through the main square in less than five minutes. Don't miss Parish of the Assumption with its tall spire easily visible from around the town. To see the town from above, visit the Skywalk Hallstatt, a viewing platform giving a panoramic view of the whole town and lake.

There's no need to worry about hunger in Hallstatt. Traditional Austrian cuisine is hearty and filling, with dishes like Wiener Schnitzel, sausages and strudel. You can find these in local restaurants, alongside fish dishes featuring catches from the lake.

If you're visiting in winter, bring warm clothes. It can get quite cold, but the sight of snow-capped mountains and roofs is worth it. In summer, Hallstatt sees the most visitors, so be prepared for crowds. Despite this, the town retains its calm and quiet charm.

The town is relatively isolated, but Salzburg and Vienna are only a few hours away by train or car, making it possible to visit as a day trip. However, the charm of Hallstatt is best experienced with an overnight stay, when the day-trippers leave and the town goes back to its peaceful routine.

Average temperatures during the day in Hallstatt.
October
14°
Nov
8°
Dec
4°
Jan
3°
Feb
5°
Mar
8°
Apr
12°
May
16°
Jun
19°
Jul
21°
Aug
21°
Sep
17°

What people say about Hallstatt

4.5
People
4
Food
4
Spaces
5
Value
4
Safety
5

Articles about Austria

Image of The best places for women to travel alone
Image of The best places for women to travel alone

The best places for women to travel alone

August 2023,
There are many places around the world that are great for female travelers! When choosing a destination to visit alone, women tend to look for places that are safe, easy to get around on foot or by pu
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe
Image of The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

The best lesser-known places to visit in Europe

December 2023,
In the midst of European explorations, some cities remain less frequented by the throng of tourists yet hold an abundance of cultural wealth, natural beauty, and a compelling history. This guide aims
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world
Image of The 30 best food cities in the world

The 30 best food cities in the world

August 2023,
This is a list of the top food destinations in the world based on the opinions of travelers from more than 100 countries. If you travel to eat, this is for you! It doesn’t matter if you are a foodie o
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851
Image of All World Expo locations since 1851

All World Expo locations since 1851

January 2024,
For more than a century and a half, global citizens have congregated at World Expos to celebrate human achievement, explore pressing issues of the day, and experience the cultural expressions of peopl
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world
Image of The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

The 20 most bike-friendly cities in the world

January 2023,
To find the best cities for cycling, we looked at the Copenhagenize Index, a comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bicycle-friendly cities based on ambition, culture, and city design. Below you wi
Popular on Humbo right now
Humbo™AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms