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Hallstatt is a tiny lakeside village in Austria's Salzkammergut, squeezed onto a narrow ledge between the steep slopes of the Dachstein massif and the dark water of the Hallstätter See. Salt has been mined in the mountain above it for thousands of years, and the finds made here were significant enough that archaeologists named an entire Iron Age culture after the place. The village and its surrounding landscape form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Most visits start with a slow loop through the Marktplatz and the stepped lanes behind it, then a climb to the Catholic parish church, whose ossuary holds rows of painted skulls. The Hallstatt Museum explains the prehistoric mining story, and a funicular lifts visitors toward the Salzwelten salt mine and the Skywalk viewing platform beside the Rudolfsturm. On the edge of town, the Echerntal valley leads walkers to the Waldbachstrub waterfall, while cable cars from nearby Obertraun reach Krippenstein, the 5fingers platform and the Dachstein ice caves.
Hallstatt rewards travelers who arrive early or stay overnight, since day-trip crowds thin out by evening. The lakeshore, Obertraun and Gosausee make easy side trips, and the high caves and lifts generally operate only in the warmer months, so winter visits are quieter and more limited.
WiserMap travel guideHallstatt Austria Salt Mine Skywalk and Lakeside LanesPlan Hallstatt: the ancient salt mine, Skywalk, painted skulls of the Beinhaus, lakeside lanes, Dachstein ice caves, Gosausee, and tips for beating the crowds.Read the guide
The small market square at the heart of the village, ringed by painted houses with flower boxes and a Holy Trinity column. Narrow lanes and steps climb from here between old wooden houses built against the mountain. Tip: come early morning or evening, after day-trip buses leave.
A Gothic church on the hillside above the village with a fine carved altar. In its small graveyard stands the Beinhaus, a charnel house holding over 600 painted skulls, decorated with names, dates and flowers. Tip: a small fee is charged for the Beinhaus, which is very small.
The slender spire of the Protestant church on the lakeshore is the centerpiece of the famous Hallstatt photo. The classic viewpoint is along the road at the north end of the village, looking back over the rooftops. Tip: be considerate of residents, whose homes line the path.
A museum in the village center telling the story of 7,000 years of salt mining and the Hallstatt culture, the Iron Age civilization named after finds from the nearby burial ground. It displays tools, jewelry and grave goods. Tip: it is a good rainy-day option and takes about an hour.
The oldest known salt mine in the world, reached by funicular from Lahn. Guided tours go deep into the mountain on miners' slides, past an underground salt lake and exhibits on prehistoric mining. Tip: the mine stays cool all year, so bring a jacket, and book ahead in summer.
A viewing platform jutting out from the mountainside about 350 metres above the village, next to the Rudolfsturm tower, which has a restaurant. It offers a dramatic bird's-eye view of the lake and village. Tip: the funicular ticket includes the Skywalk; you can also walk up.
A cable car from Obertraun climbs the Dachstein Krippenstein mountain to the 5fingers platform, five steel fingers stretching over a 400-metre drop with views down to Lake Hallstatt. There are also hiking trails on the plateau. Tip: check the weather, as clouds can hide the view.
A wooded valley behind Hallstatt with a stream, gorges and a nature trail leading to the Waldbachstrub waterfall, which tumbles down a rocky cliff. Signs explain glacier potholes along the way. Tip: it is an easy and quiet walk, a good escape from the busy village center.
A mountain lake about 30 minutes west of Hallstatt with a famous view of the Dachstein glacier reflected in the water. A flat trail circles the lake in about an hour, and a cable car climbs to the Zwieselalm. Tip: arrive early for calm water and the best reflection.
Two caves reached by cable car from Obertraun. The Giant Ice Cave holds frozen waterfalls and ice formations lit up inside, while the Mammoth Cave is a vast system of dry passages. Tip: the inside is below freezing, so bring warm clothes and good shoes, even in summer.
Boats run across Lake Hallstatt and to Obertraun in summer, and a small ferry crosses to the train station on the far shore. Seeing the village from the water is one of the best views. Tip: you can also rent electric boats or paddleboats at the shore for a self-guided trip.
An elegant spa town about 30 minutes north, once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph. Visit the Kaiservilla, his summer home, and the famous Zauner pastry shop. Tip: the town has a pretty riverside promenade and is easy to reach by train or bus from Hallstatt.
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