The lovely village on the shores of Lake Hallstatt (Hallstätter See) has thrived from salt production since prehistoric times. Today there are more tourists than salt miners.
The village occupies a strip of land at the water’s edge, and the houses hang on the steep rock face. Hallstatt is small, and exploring even the back alleys will not require more than a couple of hours, including a cake and coffee. Nonetheless, take your time and enjoy the place.
World Heritage
Hall is an old word for salt, which gives the village its name. Furthermore, salt is the reason for the 7000 years of interest in the place. The village’s oldest buildings, such as the church Maria am Berg, originate from the 15th century—many other buildings from the centuries thereafter. The village has been well preserved since it has a UNESCO World Heritage status. It’s a lovely place to roam for a couple of hours leisurely. However, you are not giving Hallstatt all the attention it deserves if you only explore it from land.
Cruise the lake
I strongly recommend hiring an electric boat and cruising the lake for an hour or so. The reward is not only that you get away from the tourist crowds, but also you get a completely new viewpoint. You can appreciate the traditional houses from the lake and how they almost stack up on each other. However, if you aren’t comfortable boating, you can always take the small ferry that makes its regular rounds around the lake. Until the road was built in 1890, the only way to reach Hallstatt was by boat or a narrow, treacherous path along the shore. Nonetheless, roaming the picturesque village is just half the Hallstatt experience. A visit to the salt mine is obligatory.
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Inside the salt mine
A mountain railway (funicular) takes you up to the salt mines and viewing platforms in a few minutes. It’s time to go underground when you have soaked in the stunning views. Salzwelten gives you a great insight into all aspects of salt mining. At 400 metres in depth, a cinema showcases many of the discoveries made in the mine, including an ancient wooden staircase and other impressive archaeology. Notwithstanding, the expositions are fascinating, but the slide down into the mine and returning up with the salt mine train is even more fun.
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Hallstatt from above
Before or after visiting the salt mine, you must get out on the skywalk. I never get tired of the spectacular views everywhere in Austria. Skywalks have become very popular in the Alps, and of course, they have also constructed a viewing platform above Hallstatt. The views of the village, the lake, and the surrounding mountains are stunning. Moreover, if you are staying a day or two in the area, the new part of the village has some valuable services, accommodation, and restaurants.
Sunbathing
The old and new Hallstatt are about 300 metres apart. In the new part of Hallstatt, you will find the Salzbergbahn funicular station, a tourist information centre, a bus station, and a large car park. If you need a supermarket, you can see one here as well. On a hot summer day, you can swim and chill out in the public park by the water. It has a lovely little island that is perfect for sunbathing.
What to do on a rainy day?
If the rain is pouring down, make your way to the Hallstatt Museum. They have extensive displays showing Hallstatt’s 7000 years of history. It’s right in the middle of the historical village.
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