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.
Tonight
From per night
This weekend
From per night
Next weekend
From per night
Most popular time to visit | October–December |
Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
Local currency | € 10 = £8.35 |
Language | German |
Average weekend price | £223 per night |
Average weekday price | £214 per night |
Typical stay | 1 night |
Make sure you park in one of the 3 Parking lots.
21 September 2024
Make sure you park in one of the 3 Parking lots. There’s a shuttle bus from the market square at 10,11,12. The hotel can offer a small discount on the parking as well. Hallstatt has lovely shops and restaurants. It’s all cash in the shops and staff are very friendly and speak English. Boat rides and tram up to the salt mines. €40 pp for the lift up and observation point and entry to the salt mines. The tour is 90 mins long. We really enjoyed it. The burger joint at the base of the mountain when you come back from the salt mines is top notch.
Hallstatt is a beautiful town, surrounded by stunning...
13 September 2024
Hallstatt is a beautiful town, surrounded by stunning scenery. Our hotel room had a nice balcony, with a very picturesque view. We were surprised at how early most restaurants closed for the evening, leaving only a few dinner options. Parking lots were accessible and we could walk from one end of the town to the other, which was nice.
Gorgeous mountain town on a picturesque lake in the alps.
3 September 2024
Gorgeous mountain town on a picturesque lake in the alps. Very small downtown so 1-2 days is plenty to see everything, but would have enjoyed more time for hiking nearby and relaxing in the area. Such a beautiful experience!
Quaint town with a lot of history.
31 August 2024
Quaint town with a lot of history. The salt mine tour is a must as is walking around and through town. Be prepared to walk everywhere. While some establishments readily accept credit cards, there are many that only accept Euros.
This place is crazy busy with tourists!
27 July 2024
This place is crazy busy with tourists! Mainly Japanese and Indian, all enjoying the amazing scenery and taking thousands of photos. But everyone is happy! It’s worth getting up at 7am to walk through the village alone and see the place bathed in beautiful morning sunshine. Most restaurants are quite expensive or are fast food type places. We splashed out one night and ate on the lakeside terrace at Seebrom hotel. Good veggie options which is rare! We also enjoyed catching the public bus to the Dachstein cable car in Obertraun and going up the mountain to the ice cave and the five finger viewing platform. Amazing views and ice cave was really amusing!!
Hallstatt is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe.
25 June 2024
Hallstatt is one of the most picturesque towns in Europe. It's a visual gem. The museum is outstanding and should not be missed. There has been a working salt mine for several thousand years that can now be visited and is real fun, especially for families. There are boat rides on the lake, and a cable car within a half hour bus ride that takes you up onto a mountain with a glorious view over the Alps. The lake supplies outstanding fresh fish. There is no private car traffic allowed in the town, it's largely a pedestrian zone. The parking is remote but within walking distance. If you arrive with luggage, your hotel will send a shuttle to pick you up at the parking lot, but the lots fill up, so an early morning or late afternoon arrival is recommended.
Hallstatt, Austria
From £139 per night
Hallstatt, Austria
From £134 per night
Hallstatt, Austria
From £281 per night
Hallstatt, Austria
From £230 per night
Hallstatt, Austria
From £386 per night