Hallstatt: What to See, Accommodation, and Parking
Lake Hallstatt and its adjacent town of the same name are among the most visited places in Austria. Every year, tourists from all over the world come here, to the inner area of the Salzkammergut. Hallstatt in summer is even more popular because after a day-long walk around the town’s historical sites and at the top of the viewpoint, it offers a pleasant refreshment in the lake.
Hallstatt
Those who have visited this place in previous years will surely agree that it’s worth visiting this picturesque town more than once or twice. For example, in autumn, Hallstatt surprised us with its pleasant atmosphere, which gave us the opportunity to walk through the town without the usual crowds of tourists everywhere. During the summer months and in December, before Christmas, we recommend visiting during the week.
> SPECIAL DEALS ON ACCOMMODATION IN HALLSTATT <
If you missed visiting this summer, don’t worry and let our trip report inspire you to visit Hallstatt any time of the year. We recommend arriving early in the morning (ideally before 9 AM), if possible outside the season and weekend. If you can’t come on weekdays, stay near the lake, or park near the ferry lines and take a boat to Hallstatt. Also check the weather forecast before your planned trip. Although Hallstatt is beautiful even in the rain.
Get inspired for your vacation:
>> 7 Tips for Accommodation in Gosau <<
Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Parking in Hallstatt
If you’re traveling to Hallstatt by car, we recommend arriving early enough in any season so you can park near the center without problems. This summer, the visit to this breathtaking place is made more pleasant by the absence of Asian tourists. We managed to park in the covered garages on our second attempt during one July morning.
In the summer months, parking attendants control the parking lots, so you can’t drive around and wait for someone to leave. With patience, however, it’s enough to drive around the town for a while until you’re let in. If you don’t have patience in this regard, park directly several kilometers down the road from the center and head to Hallstatt on foot or by boat. Parking in Hallstatt will cost you around 10 – 30 EUR / depending on the number of hours or days.
Parking in Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Parking in Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Historic town of Hallstatt
The picturesque and historic town of Hallstatt is squeezed along the lake, under the Salzberg mountain. About 800 residents live here in houses, most of which date back to the 16th century. The tour of the town is neither long nor demanding. The center of historic Hallstatt consists of just one main narrow street and a picturesque square. Nearby, you can visit the museum and, in addition to the traditional photo from the railing in Hallstatt, climb a few stairs to the viewpoint from the church.
Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
We recommend taking the cable car above Hallstatt, where you can enjoy the view of the entire lake from the Sky walk viewpoint. If you’re not tempted by one of the restaurants in the historic center for lunch, enjoy it with a view on the mountain. Continue here to visit one of the oldest mine shafts in the world and the archaeological museum of the Hallstatt burial ground. The history of this area is richly connected with salt mining, which had a tradition here for millennia.
Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Hallstatt in Summer / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Hallstatt in summer 2020 has the charm that you won’t have to wait long at any of the popular viewpoints, and what’s more, you’ll have some all to yourself. It’s a pleasant change to hear Czech as the most common language during a walk through such a popular town. However, not all restaurants and cafes are open. Many of them are only opening on weekends this summer. Even so, there are plenty of popular places where you can go for lunch or coffee.
Hallstatt in Summer / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Museum in Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Lake Hallstatt
Lake Hallstatt is about 8 kilometers long and just under 2 kilometers wide. It’s surrounded by mountains and, in terms of fishing, it’s ranked among the richest lakes in this respect in Austria. In summer, Lake Hallstatt offers pleasant refreshment not only after day-long walks through the town and mountain hikes. For swimming, there’s the so-called Badeinsel near the historic center, which is close to the local campsite and both parking lots.
Hallstatt in Summer / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Hallstatt in Summer / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
You can plan a trip across the lake with several stops using local ferries. Tickets are bought directly on site and specifically this summer, there are almost no queues here. You can also rent private boats, dinghies, kitschy swans, or pedal boats. If you’re traveling to Hallstatt by train, you can also get to the center by boat from the railway.
Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
In addition to walking through the center of Hallstatt, swimming in the lake of the same name, and a trip to the viewpoint with a visit to the salt mines, you can also visit cave systems during your holiday here. After visiting Hallstatt, you won’t be surprised by the fact that the entire area has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
Hallstatt – view of the cable car / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Accommodation in Hallstatt
If you decide to visit Hallstatt any time during the year, outside the summer holidays, one of the pleasant findings will be that you’ll probably manage to find accommodation in the center of the village. Don’t expect lower prices, but do expect more available capacity in hotels and guesthouses. If you don’t want to pay extra for the attractiveness of the place, we recommend looking for accommodation in the nearby town of Obertraun. The option of hotels and apartments in the town of Gosau, just a few minutes by car from Hallstatt, is also popular. Here you can combine your holiday with a visit to the stunning Gosauseen lakes.
You can also use our verified tip for a highly rated guesthouse where you’ll feel like you’re on vacation at grandma’s in the countryside:
- Close to the center of Hallstatt (about 1.5 km on foot)
- In a quiet garden with a small pool for refreshment on hot days
- Option of excellent traditional breakfast
- Nice rooms and most importantly, private free parking!
> CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION <
>> OR FIND YOUR OWN ACCOMMODATION ACCORDING TO YOUR PREFERENCES
Accommodation in Hallstatt is considered an unforgettable experience in itself. Not only can you enjoy the atmosphere of the historic place all day, but you’ll also enjoy romantic night walks through narrow streets. When staying in Hallstatt directly in the historic center, keep in mind that you’ll have to park your car in public parking lots.
When booking, make sure whether you pay for parking yourself, or whether the guesthouse – hotel provides a discount voucher (full payment) and whether a shuttle to the accommodation is provided or not.
DIDN’T FIND SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION DIRECTLY IN HALLSTATT? GET INSPIRED BY OUR TIPS FOR ACCOMMODATION IN NEARBY GOSAU:
CAMP HALLSTATT
Accommodation in Hallstatt / photo credit: Austrian Lakes
Camping Hallstatt
Camping Klausner-Höll Lahnstraße 201, 4830 Hallstatt +43 (0) 6134 / 8322
Camping Hallstatt / price list 2022
Hallstatt in Winter
Just like in the summer season, Hallstatt in winter is no less breathtaking and offers stunning views even with snow cover. Want to enjoy Hallstatt in winter to the fullest? Plan according to the weather forecast and head here for a trip after a fresh snowfall when your photos will be the most beautiful.
Also visit the local Christmas markets:
Hallstatt in Winter 2022 / photo: Austrian Lakes
