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Things to do in Hallstatt

• Hike to Hallstätter Wasserfall

  
  

  For a peaceful escape from the busy town center, the hike to Hallstätter Wasserfall is an ideal option. Starting from the southern edge of Hallstatt, the trail follows the Waldbach stream through a serene and lush forest. The path is well-marked and relatively easy, taking around 40 minutes each way at a relaxed pace.

  The forest is rich with greenery, and the steady sound of flowing water adds to the calm atmosphere. At the end of the trail, Hallstätter Wasserfall drops nearly 90 meters in a series of scenic tiers. A small wooden bridge crosses the stream, offering a clear view of the cascading water. This route tends to be much quieter than the main town, even during the peak season, making it a pleasant and uncrowded nature walk. The cool shade of the forest and light mist from the falls provide a refreshing break, especially on warmer days. Bringing water and a small snack is recommended for a brief rest near the waterfall before heading back.

  
  

• Kayak on Lake Hallstatt

  
  
  
  
  

  Kayaking on Lake Hallstatt offers a sense of freedom that scheduled boat tours cannot provide. Renting a single or double kayak is easy, with several local providers offering hourly rates between €20 to €25. The calm, clear waters make it suitable even for beginners, allowing you to paddle at your own pace and reach quieter, less visited parts of the lake.

  As you move along the shoreline, you'll enjoy unique views of Hallstatt and access the famous vantage point seen in many iconic photographs. The lake’s clarity reveals the bottom on sunny days, enhancing the experience. Further from town, the scenery becomes more remote, with steep mountain faces rising directly from the water. The stillness and the surrounding landscape create a tranquil atmosphere. For the most serene conditions, early morning is ideal, and bringing sun protection is recommended due to the reflective surface of the lake.

  
  

• Enchanting Hallstatt Half-Day Journey

  
  

  This half-day excursion from Salzburg offers a scenic journey through the Salzkammergut region to Hallstatt, often referred to as the Pearl of the Salzkammergut. Along the way, travelers pass through picturesque villages while guides share insights about the area’s history and landscape. Once in Hallstatt, visitors are given approximately 2.5 hours to explore, which allows for a meaningful yet unhurried experience in this compact and charming town.

  During the visit, you can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the lakeshore, with views of hillside houses that seem to rise straight from the water. Notable landmarks include the Mullbach waterfall and the Bone House, located behind the Catholic church, which provides a unique perspective on local customs for a small additional fee. For those with extra time, a visit to the Hallstatt Skywalk can be arranged, offering expansive views over the town and lake, although it requires setting aside around an hour.

  The return route travels through Abtenau and Russbach to Gosau, revealing striking views of the Dachstein mountain range. Lasting around 5.5 hours in total, the tour is structured to offer an immersive experience without feeling hurried. Many past participants highlight the quality of the commentary provided by the guides and appreciate the balance between guided travel and independent exploration.

  
  
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• Alpine Magic: Hallstatt & Mountain Skywalk Day Trip

  
  

  This 13-hour day trip from Vienna offers a peaceful escape from the city's pace, taking travelers through the breathtaking landscapes of the Salzkammergut region, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The excursion begins with a short stop for coffee before continuing to Schloss Ort, a lakeside castle known for its wooden wedding bridge and serene waters. The setting provides ideal photo opportunities, with the castle and lake creating a scene that resembles a storybook illustration.

  The journey's highlight is a visit to Hallstatt, a village set between mountains and lake, renowned for its picturesque beauty. Visitors are given approximately 3.5 hours to explore, which includes time to ascend to the Hallstatt Skywalk. The viewing platform, accessed by lift, offers sweeping views of the village, the turquoise lake, and the surrounding Alpine peaks. The combination of natural scenery and colorful architecture leaves a lasting impression.

  During the free time in Hallstatt, guests can explore the narrow streets, enjoy a meal at a local café, or choose to take a boat ride for a different perspective of the village. Throughout the trip, guides provide informative commentary, offering background on the area's history and geography. Their insights help make the long travel time more engaging and enriching.
  

  
  
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• Hallstatt Photo Walk: Guided Tour with Professional Photography

  
  

  This two-hour walking tour through Hallstatt offers a blend of guided exploration and professional photography, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Alpine village without the need to focus on taking pictures. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour covers key landmarks and lesser-known spots while sharing historical insights that add depth to the experience. It is designed to help participants appreciate the charm of Hallstatt while ensuring that memorable moments are preserved through high-quality images.

  The walk begins at Badeinsel, a small artificial island offering panoramic views of the lake and town. From there, the tour ascends the Oberer Weg path, which provides elevated perspectives over Hallstatt’s rooftops. Along the way, visitors stop at the Bone Chapel, where the guide explains the unique burial traditions associated with the painted skulls found there. Each location is thoughtfully chosen not only for its historical or cultural significance but also for its visual appeal.

  Throughout the tour, the guide takes natural, candid photographs of participants in various scenic locations, including the village waterfront and the Mühlbachwasserfall. Within 24 hours, each guest receives a set of at least 30 professionally edited images. These photographs serve as lasting reminders of the visit, capturing both the landscape and the personal moments experienced along the way.

  
  
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• Visit the Ice Cave at Dachstein

  
  

  The Dachstein Ice Cave is a vast natural formation known for its remarkable ice structures, illuminated to reveal shimmering curtains and crystal-like shapes throughout its chambers. The guided tour takes visitors through these dramatic scenes, showcasing formations that resemble something out of a fantasy world.

  One of the cave’s most distinctive features is how the ice formations shift subtly over time, creating a slightly different experience with each visit. The interior remains below freezing even during summer months, so wearing a warm jacket is essential. The approach to the cave includes a scenic hike with expansive views of nearby mountains and valleys. Guides offer insights into the cave’s geology, formation process, and historical significance, making the journey both educational and visually striking.

  
  

• Stroll around Lake Hallstatt

  
  
  
  
  

  Taking a walk around Lake Hallstatt is something you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting this picture-perfect Austrian town. The calm, mirror-like water reflects the surrounding mountains and colorful houses in a way that looks almost unreal. The path around parts of the lake is well-maintained and offers different perspectives of the town as you move along.

  Early morning is particularly magical, when mist often hangs over the water and fewer tourists are around. You can find several small benches along the way where you can sit and just take in the incredible scenery. The complete silence occasionally broken by the sound of ducks or swans adds to the peaceful experience. If you're into photography, you'll find yourself stopping every few steps for another perfect shot – the views constantly change as you walk, with each angle more beautiful than the last.

  
  

• Tour the Hallstatt Ossuary (Bone House)

  
  

  The Hallstatt Bone House, located within St. Michael’s Chapel beside the Catholic Church, offers a unique and deeply rooted cultural tradition. Despite its small size, it holds over 600 human skulls, each carefully arranged and painted. This practice emerged due to the town's limited burial space. When graves needed to be reused, skulls were exhumed, cleaned, sun-bleached, and artistically decorated with names, dates, and floral motifs before being placed in the ossuary.

  Many of the skulls are adorned with painted wreaths of ivy, oak leaves, or flowers, reflecting a personal and respectful approach to remembrance. The most recent addition, placed in 1995, shows that the tradition still holds significance. Rather than feeling grim, the space conveys a quiet reverence and a unique view of how the community honors its dead. A modest admission fee grants access to an experience that offers insight into a rare and meaningful local custom.
  

  
  

• Visit the Hallstatt Museum

  
  

  Although modest in appearance from the outside, the Hallstatt Museum houses a remarkable collection that traces the region’s 7,000-year history. It offers a clear narrative of how salt mining played a central role in transforming this remote Alpine village into a thriving hub of trade. Among the exhibits are ancient mining tools, Celtic relics, and well-preserved items from nearby prehistoric burial grounds, each offering insight into Hallstatt’s cultural and economic development.

  What makes the museum especially engaging is its interactive approach. Visitors can handle replicas of historical tools, observe demonstrations of early mining techniques, and even try simple prehistoric crafts. The burial artifacts, including jewelry and personal objects, offer a tangible connection to the lives of early inhabitants. Informative English translations and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making it a valuable stop for those interested in understanding the significance behind Hallstatt’s UNESCO designation. It also serves as a meaningful indoor activity, particularly during rainy weather.
  

  
  

• Visit the Hallstatt Skywalk

  
  
  
  
  

  The Hallstatt Skywalk (also called the "World Heritage View") is a viewing platform that juts out from the mountainside 350 meters above the town. Getting there involves taking the funicular railway up the mountain, which is an experience in itself as you rise above the rooftops of Hallstatt. Once at the top, you step onto this glass and metal platform that seems to float in the air.

  The panoramic views from up here are absolutely mind-blowing. You can see the entire town of Hallstatt laid out below you, the shimmering lake stretching into the distance, and the mountains that surround this amazing valley. It's worth spending some time here just soaking it all in. There's something deeply calming about watching the tiny boats moving across the lake from this height. If you're afraid of heights, it might be a bit challenging, but there are parts of the platform where you can still enjoy the view while staying further back from the edge.

  
  

• Take a boat tour on Lake Hallstatt

  
  
  
  
  

  Viewing Hallstatt from the lake provides a striking and memorable perspective of the town. The boat tours, typically lasting about an hour, glide over clear waters while offering panoramic views of the iconic houses rising along the mountainside. As the boat moves, the captain often shares historical background and local insights, enriching the experience with context about the area’s heritage.

  The shifting angles of the mountains reveal new and dynamic views of the town, with its reflection shimmering in the water. These tours offer ideal opportunities for photography, capturing Hallstatt in ways not possible from land. Some routes include brief visits to nearby villages that remain off the usual tourist path. The boats offer both indoor and outdoor seating, making them suitable for various weather conditions. Evening cruises, especially around sunset, gradually reveal the town's lights as night falls, creating a calm and atmospheric setting on the water.
  

  
  

• Explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine

  
  

  The salt mines above Hallstatt have been in operation for over 7,000 years and are the foundation of the town’s existence. Visitors reach the site by taking the same funicular that leads to the Skywalk, followed by a short walk to the mine entrance. The tour begins with guests putting on traditional miner attire, adding a touch of authenticity and making for memorable photos before entering the mountain.

  Inside the mine, guides explain the ancient methods used to extract salt and provide insight into the lives of miners across the centuries. Highlights of the tour include wooden slides once used by workers to move between levels, which visitors are allowed to try. The experience also features an underground salt lake illuminated by a light show, and a mining railway that transports guests back outside. With its consistently cool temperatures, the salt mine offers both a historical journey and a refreshing escape from the summer heat.
  

  
  

• Wander the Historic Town Center

  
  
  
  
  

  There's something magical about getting lost in Hallstatt's tiny town center with its colorful buildings squeezed between the mountains and lake. Each narrow street reveals something unexpected - whether it's a hidden cafe, a small art gallery, or a shop selling handmade crafts. The buildings themselves tell stories of the town's salt mining past, with their traditional Alpine architecture and painted facades.

  Make sure to check out the Market Square where locals have gathered for centuries. The views from here are incredible, with mountains reflecting in the lake water. Early morning is best before day-trippers arrive, when you can hear church bells echo across the water and watch the town slowly come to life. Stop at one of the small bakeries for fresh pastries, or grab a coffee at a lakeside cafe. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning scenery make simply walking around one of the best things you can do here.

  
  

Where to stay in Hallstatt

Best hotels in Hallstatt:

• Seehotel Grüner Baum (luxury hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Seehotel Grüner Baum is a delightful hotel located right on the shores of Lake Hallstatt in Austria. The yellow building is perfectly situated on the water, with balconies offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s ideally located in the car-free center of Hallstatt, just opposite the historic market square.

  With a history dating back to 1700, the hotel has welcomed notable guests such as Empress Sisi. The rooms are spacious and offer panoramic lake views, providing a comfortable stay. The on-site restaurant serves fresh fish from the lake, enhancing the dining experience for guests who enjoy local cuisine.

  Though the hotel can be busy, especially during breakfast hours, many guests find the location to be an ideal spot for a peaceful and romantic stay in Hallstatt. The friendly staff and cozy rooms with balconies contribute to the hotel’s popularity, making it a great place to enjoy the stunning scenery of this picturesque Austrian town.

  
  

• Seewirt Zauner (medium range hotel)

  
  
  
  
  
  book now on booking.com

  Seewirt Zauner is a charming hotel located in the center of Hallstatt’s picturesque market square, just a short walk from the lake and all the main attractions. The rooms offer wonderful views of either the mountains or the lake, with a mix of modern comforts and traditional touches that create a cozy atmosphere.

  This family-run hotel has been in operation for over 150 years, giving it a personal and welcoming vibe that’s often missing from larger chain hotels. The rooms are well-kept and comfortable, with amenities like satellite TV and updated bathrooms. An elevator adds convenience for guests with luggage.

  A major highlight is the hotel's location, where you can easily step out into the car-free streets of Hallstatt’s old town. Everything you’ll want to see is within walking distance. Just note that parking is located a bit farther away, and a shuttle will take you into the center, which is typical for accommodations in Hallstatt.