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 = £8.44 |
| Language | German |
| Average weekend price | £209 per night |
| Average weekday price | £197 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
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.
Very nice place but full of tourists.
23 June 2024
Very nice place but full of tourists. In fact, too many tourists that might be a great nuisance to the local population (if any still remains) especially in the summer months. However, I must say that, on the whole, I saw people being quite respectful and quiet. The town is really very beautiful and remarkable
The most beautiful place on earth.
18 June 2024
The most beautiful place on earth. I hesitate to recommend it because I can see that tourists are starting to ruin it... many signs about being quiet and respecting privacy that were not there 20 years ago. Prices have gone way up. Please don't go if you can't be a gracious guest...
The town is very beautiful but is very expensive and...
16 June 2024
The town is very beautiful but is very expensive and frequent. We went to nature afternoon and it was more interesting - nobody was around. And the some issue is with the town - also crowded around noon time.
Hallstatt is not to be missed!
2 June 2024
Hallstatt is not to be missed! A beautiful, idyllic small town with postcard worthy views, wonderful people, and good restaurants. Though many do it as a day trip and it does get very busy, so do stay at least one night to really enjoy the evening and early morning hours by the lake and in the mountains.
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
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