You'll find scores of fairy-tale-like villages scattered throughout Europe, but few – if any – hold a candle to Hallstatt, Austria. With its 16th-century alpine houses, market square and sloping mountainside layout that hugs the banks of Lake Hallstatt, this Iron-Age hamlet is as historic as it is picturesque.
Although mostly modernised for the incoming tourist crowds, Hallstatt remains one of the oldest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. Its history reaches all the way back to 800 BCE, when pre-Celtic tribes settled here to reap the benefits of the local salt mine. Thousands of prehistoric graves still fill the local cemetery, and more Neolithic artefacts unearthed from the site are displayed at the Hallstatt Museum.
Two of Hallstatt's most popular attractions are reachable by cable car. The first is Salzwelten, an active salt mine in use for centuries that visitors can take tours of. The other local site of interest is the Dachstein Caves, a network of ice caverns full of glittering stalactites, stalagmites and frozen waterfalls. Back in town, the Parish Church offers another conversation-starter: the Karner, commonly referred to as the 'bone house', was used as a spillover site for burials in the 17th century and houses a collection of painted human skulls.
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| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | € 10 = £8.51 |
| Language | German |
| Average weekend price | £200 per night |
| Average weekday price | £209 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Hallstatt was enchanting!
21 May 2024
Hallstatt was enchanting! My favorite places were the picturesque lakeside views and the charming market square. I dined at a cozy local restaurant by the water, indulging in delicious regional cuisine. Getting around Hallstatt was fairly easy, with its compact size perfect for exploring on foot. Next time, I'd avoid the peak tourist hours to fully savor the tranquility of this gem
One of most beautiful village in the world.
11 March 2024
One of most beautiful village in the world. It is just 2 hours plus away from Salzburg. You can plan a day trip. You will get best scenery and it is like childhood fairy tale place. I must praise I have a good dining experience in Simple 169. The owner is so friendly and food is good. Preferable if you can spend one night with light luggage. So that you can take photo with less crowded moment and take an unforgettable 7000 year old salt mine tour plus skywalk visit.
Loved the amazing views around Hallstatt.
21 February 2024
Loved the amazing views around Hallstatt. The salt mine tour is definitely worth it. The views from above are just spectacular overlooking the mountains, town and the lake. Just strolling through the streets everything was so quaint and beautiful. A visit to the church and bone haus is a must its amazing to learn the history.
A beautiful enchanting fairy tale town.
20 December 2023
A beautiful enchanting fairy tale town. Set on a lake framed by mountains. It is very small easily done in a day or 2. The food is delicious and reasonably priced Salt mines worth doing 100% but give yourself a few hours as so much to see at the top! Only down side shops and cafes open late … 10-10.30 am and close around 6.30-7 in the winter we got caught out with nowhere to eat or nothing to do in the evenings
A perfect place to visit with family.
5 November 2023
A perfect place to visit with family. Beautiful lake, landscapes views, snowy mountains and salt mine tour. Hallstatt is really small and can be walked around comfortably. Connectivity with Salzburg is easy by bug #150, 542 and 543 in around 2.5 hours. Tip : Hallstatt old town is costly, relatively cheaper accommodation can be availed in nearby places like Obertraun.
Hallstatt is completely overrun by daytime tourists who just...
5 October 2023
Hallstatt is completely overrun by daytime tourists who just want the quintessential photo of the town. I could have had the same mountain lake experience by staying in a nearby town (and then not having to leave my car in P1 parking then being shuttled to the town).
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