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Town in Gmunden, Upper Austria
Photo: Ncsakany at English Wikipedia, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Hallstatt is a small town overlooking the Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) in the Salzkammergut, in Upper Austria. Hallstatt is spectacularly picturesque, due to its location on a narrow rocky west bank of the lake with the sheer rising mountains behind it. Considered by some to be one of the most beautiful places on earth, Hallstatt is sometimes called "the pearl of Austria". It used to be a sleepy settlement nestled by a large salt mine.
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Get into the oldest salt mine in the world that formed the Hallstatt settlement and culture dating back to 7,000 years ago. To reach the mine, use the funicular from Talstation 360 m up to Bergstation, where you will find yourself adjacent to Rudolfsturm, which originally functions as the fortification of the cave and offers a view of the mountains. A further 2-km hike will take you to the salt cave at 828 m above sea level, which can only be visited with a tour starting from the bottom. It includes historical information, the longest miner's slide in Europe (64 m downward), a multimedia show inside a cavernous hall, and ends with a train ride out of the cave. The cave can also be visited by children ages 4 and above. Warm clothing recommended as the temperature inside is 7°C year round.
Find out more about one of the oldest known European cultures at Hallstatt, which shaped the Iron & Bronze ages of middle Europe from 1200 to 450 BC, and up to its discovery in the 1800s.
Beinhaus
"Bone House" in English. Due to the extremely limited space in the cemetery, burials are only temporary. After 10-15 years the grave is opened and the bones are removed and bleached in the sun. Then they are stacked in the Beinhaus. It's not as gruesome as it sounds. Skulls are often decorated with painted flowers and the family name. This practice was stopped in the 1970s with the approval of cremation by the Catholic Church. You will see that those who remain buried all have recent dates of death.
At the lake bank side uninterrupted by houses, the spot is high enough to capture all of the above in one picture.
Located at an island accessible with a wooden bridge. While the view of the village center might not be as good due to its distance, the spot is perfect to see the mountains. And best of all, it's usually quiet.
Located next to the Rudolfsturm restaurant, there is a corner designated as a photo spot, with an exclusive view of the mountains without the village.
Take a tour on the Lake of Hallstatt
In Dachstein, across the lake from Hallstatt, there are caves with ice waterfalls, lakes and ponds streaming through the limestone. Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater.
Classic Austrian specialties and pastries in addition to pizzas, pastas, and grilled local fish.
A little bakery overlooking the lake serving warm pastries and coffee, in addition to assorted bread, cakes, and cookies.
Pizza, soups, salads, and beer.
Pizzas, salads, typical Austrian desserts, and beer.
Lakeside restaurant with outdoor seating and fish from the lake.
Go way up in the mountains for a breathtaking view of Hallstatt and the lake beneath the Alps while savoring Austrian delights. Snacks available throughout the year, while heavier meals are offered only from middle April to middle October.
Burger kiosk also serving hot dogs and hot drinks. Vegan option comes with falafel or hummus and flatbread.
Tiny kiosk offering sandwiches, snacks, and various hot drinks.
Kebab with bread or on a plate, or half chicken with fries.
Separated into three buildings with the furthest within 5 minutes from Kainz house, where you will check in and out, they offer the same tranquil view of the lake.
The cheapest rooms for each category include a common bathroom and shower. Price includes breakfast.
By plane
The nearest airport is at Salzburg, 75 km from Hallstatt, and should take less than two hours by car.
By train
To get there by train is most scenic indeed. From the main line between Salzburg and Vienna (2 or 3 trains per hour), get off at Attnang-Puchheim.
By bus
As of 2020, the town is limiting bus tours and requiring most groups to stay in the town for at least two hours, with the result that both prices and the overall quality of the trip may rise.
By taxi or car
It is generally not recommended to take a car to Hallstatt, as the village center does not allow vehicles and the few parking spots within the immediate vicinity are reserved for local residents.
On foot
Hallstatt is on the Austrian Northern Alps Trail, a 1000-km footpath that goes from Bregenz near Bodensee at Tyrol to Vienna in the east.
The center of Hallstatt is for foot traffic and buses only. A walk from one side of town to the other would normally take only half an hour.
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