The land of tranquility – 10 best things to see and do in Hallstatt

Adorned by pastel-coloured houses overlooking the tranquil Lake Hallstatt, soaring Dachstein Mountains and Alpine wilderness, the enchanting town of Hallstatt is where you will find peace. While its unparalleled beauty is enough to stun you, here are some of the best things to see and do in Hallstatt.

1. Salzkammergut

A UNESCO world heritage site, Salzkammergut is a resort area that stretches from the city of Salzburg to the Dachstein Mountains. Home to tranquil lakes, soaring mountains, green pastures and plenty more, the spectacular landscape is a must visit. The ideal way to explore Salzkammergut is to get out in the open and embrace the wilderness. Known for its precious salt mines, the area is now a popular tourist spot and the scenic location is where the Sound of music was filmed.

Address: Austria

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2. Hoher Dachstein

Your holiday in Hallstatt is incomplete without experiencing the glaciers. Wedged in between upper Austria and Styria, Hoher Dachstein is the second highest mountain in the Northern Limestone Alps. Hop on the gondola to reach the top of the summit and from there your eyes can feast on some of the breathtaking views of Hallstatt. Regardless of the season, Hoher Dachstein is abuzz with tourists all the time and the activities on offer are endless.

Address: Austria

3. Hallstätter See

One of the first things that you will be amazed by in Hallstatt is the tranquil Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt). The sheer personality of the lake with its glorious background is something that will sway you right away. And you will be tempted to explore the lake then and there. In the earlier times, when salt used to be a precious commodity, the lake was used as a transportation medium. Today, the popular destination is a tourist magnet. There’re avenues for swimming, scuba diving and boating as well.

Address: Salzkammergut, Austria

Interesting read: The Austrian Adventure – Part 1

4. Skywalk of Hallstatt

As the name suggests, Skywalk of Hallstatt takes you right onto the skies. But worry not, you can ride on a funicular from Hallstatt to the Skywalk of Hallstatt. Sharply pointed, the platform is set at a height of 360 metres above sea level, offering you bird’s eye view of the valley below. The essential thing to carry while you visit the Skywalk of Hallstatt is your camera. Soaked in the views? Take a visit to the mountain restaurant of Rudolfsturm.

Address: Salzberg 1, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

Interesting read: The Austrian Adventure – Part 2

5. Salzwelten Hallstatt

Remember, we told you about Hallstatt being one of the top spots for salt mining. Overflowing with over 7000 years of cultural history, Salzwelten Hallstatt (Salt Mines) is the world’s oldest salt mine. On your visit to the salt mine, take a tour of the mine’s secretive path and discover the secrets of mankind as you go. The journey is thoroughly captivating. Further, be sure to check the Bronze age cinema 400 meters below the ground.

Address: Salzbergstraße 21, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

6. Hallstatt Museum

Set in close proximity to Lake Hallstatt and beneath the salt mines of the mountainside is the Hallstatt Museum. A prime attraction in the town, the museum has an extensive collection of artefacts from the local salt mines and the cemeteries of the past. Take a glance through these artefacts and you will find yourself in the previous century. In addition to the exhibits, there is also multimedia to help you learn about the culture and history of Hallstatt.

Address: Seestraße 56, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

Interesting read: 10 best things to do in the vibrant city of Vienna

7. Hallstatt Lutheran Church

Take a look at all the beautiful photos of Hallstatt. What do you find in common? The charming spire of Hallstatt Lutheran Church. Situated in the heart of the town, Hallstatt Lutheran Church is a neo-Gothic Evangelical church from the 19th century. If you are in Hallstatt even for a single day, take some time off to visit this picturesque church. Adorned by the Hallstatt Lake, the church is so serene and perfect that you will hear the voice of your soul.

Address: Landungspl. 101, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

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8. Central Square Marktplatz

So you are in Hallstatt and want to make friends with the locals to learn more about the town. Where do you go? Head to the bustling Central Square Marktplatz. Though compact, the square sports an array of restaurants, hotels, cafes and shops. Grab some Austrian souvenirs for your friends back home, Instagram the postcard-perfect square, and befriend a local by the cafe. During Christmas, the square gets a complete changeover and it glimmers with light.

Address: Marktplatz, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

9. Eispalast

Tucked inside the Dachstein Glacier is Eispalast – a magical world of snow and ice. Six feet below the ground, the attraction is a great place to visit with your family and kids. Inside the ice palace are carved spectacles of Styria and they carry impeccable detailing. Some of the wonderful pieces of artwork you shouldn’t miss out inside Eispalast include Altausseer Salt Mine, Graz Castle Mountain and Red Bull Ring. And if you are wondering where the best place to click photographs is – it is by sitting on the Icy throne.

Address: 4831 8972 Ramsau am Dachstein, Austria

10. Hallstatt Ossuary

In a town filled with enchanting scenery all around, Hallstatt Ossuary might come in as a huge surprise. Hallstatt Ossuary or Hallstatt Chapel House as it is referred to, is a small building in Hallstatt with over 1,200 stacked skulls. Hallstatt being a compact town ran short of burial grounds and so in the 1700’s the church dug up older corpses and these were stored in the Charnel house. While it might sound scary, these skulls are artistically painted and intricately arranged.

Address: Friedhof 164, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria

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Blown away by the beauty of Hallstatt? Send us a postcard, we will take you there in quick time.

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