Located in the Salzkammergut region in Austria, Hallstatt is one of the most beautiful towns that leave visitors speechless with Lake Hallstatt. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town adorns itself with exciting attractions and picturesque surroundings. Apart from being home to Alpine houses, this town lets you get involved in a number of exciting activities like sailing on the fjord-like lake, visiting ice cave, etc. While most of the visitors stop at Hallstatt for a day during their trip from Vienna or Salzburg, there are a bunch of things to do in hallstatt that you shouldn’t be missing for a memorable trip.
9 Things To Do In Hallstatt For A Memorable Trip
Being one of the most stunning towns in Austria, Hallstatt has plenty of things to do for a joyous vacation amidst serene surroundings.
1. Marvel At The Baroque Architecture At Kalvarienberg Church
Built in 1711, Kalvarienberg Church unravels the opportunity for you to experience the baroque style of architecture at its best. This is a good place to start when you are thinking about what things to do in hallstatt. You will be able to enjoy a gorgeous view over the Hallstatt lake here. You will be amazed to know that this church was constructed so that the local residents had a place to pray at and to serve. This is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in hallstatt.
Location: 36 Lauffen, Oberösterreich, 4821, Austria
Best Experience: Experience this baroque architecture masterpiece while enjoying spectacular view over the Hallstatt Lake.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m
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2. Enjoy The Pristine Beauty Of Lake Hallstatt
Located in Upper Austria, Lake Hallstatt is one of the best places to visit in Hallstatt. If you are wondering what things to do in hallstatt, this should definitely top your list. Connecting the small towns of Obertraun, Hallstatt, and Bad Goisem, this lake served as an important corridor for transporting mined salt once upon a time. You should definitely get to the top of the surrounding mountains to be able to truly enjoy the beauty of the lake. In addition, you can swim or go for a boat ride here. This activity is one of the best things to do in hallstatt at night.
Location: Upper Austria, Austria
Best Experience: Enjoy the pristine lake from the top of surrounding mountains and go for swimming.
Timings: Open all day.
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3. Explore The Ice Cave In Hallstatt
Located at the Stone Mountain, Ice Cave in Hallstatt provides you with the opportunity to explore frozen waterfalls, ice formations, and rocky caverns. Being one of the unique things to do in hallstatt, the ice cave was discovered in the year 1910. To reach the ice cave, you will have to take a gondola cable car which will take you through the Dachstein Mountain. Get a guide here to know more about the history, salient features, and other intriguing information about the ice cave.
Location: Dachstein Giant Ice Cave, 4831 Obertraun, Austria.
Best Experience: Experience interesting rocky caverns and ice formations at ICe Cave.
Timings: 9:20 a.m. to 5 p.m
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4. Visit The World’s Oldest Salt Mine in Hallstatt
Believed to be the oldest salt mine in the world, the Salt Mine in Hallstatt makes it possible for you to experience history of mining and other interesting details. Visiting the salt mine should definitely top your list of the best things to do in hallstatt. You will be seeing the thrilling minner’s ride, and an underground lake apart from traveling by a miners’ train. Being the perfect activity for visitors of all ages, the salt mine shows you how salt is broken into brine and sent to the surrounding villages by pipes. This is one of the best things to do in hallstatt in winter.
Location: Salzbergstraße 21, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria.
Best Experience: Enjoy the ride on miners’ train and get acquainted with the history of salt mining.
Timings: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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5. See Over Austria to Slovenia At Dachstein Skywalk
Being one of the top things to do in hallstatt, Dachstein Skywalk lets you have a lifelong memory. Located in the Upper Austrian Ski Resort, this skywalk lets you enjoy the gorgeous surroundings from a height of 2700 meters. If you are lucky, you will be able to see Austria to Czech Republic. You will find a glass-made viewing platform here which takes pride in being part of Austria’s highest suspension bridge. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in hallstatt.
Location: 8972 Obertraun, Austria.
Experience: Enjoy the breathtaking surroundings from the observation deck at the Dachstein Skywalk.
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6. Visit The Bone House At Saint Michael’s Chapel
Located in the lower level of Saint Micahel’s Chapel, Bone House is one of the best places that you don’t want to miss during you visit to Hallstatt. This is undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do in hallstatt. This came into existence in 1720 when there was no more space the cemetery. Lack of room at the cemetery led to the taking skulls from the cemetery after 10-15 years of funeral. The skulls were cleaned and painted before going on display here. If you are looking for things to do in hallstatt in winter, this should undoubtedly top your list.
Location: Kirchenweg 40, Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria.
Experience: Take yourself on a unique journey of seeing painted human skulls.
Timings: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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7. Visit The Market Square
Located in the city center of Hallstatt, the Market Square is known for being one of the best places to visit. Visiting the Market Square is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in hallstatt at night. Adorning itself with restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, etc., this place lets you stay rejuvenated. You will get to see the Holy Trinity statue here as well. Also, you might be able to experience different events which usually continue to happen throughout the year i.e. Corpus Christi procession, concerts, Christmas market, and so on.
Location: Marktplatz, Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria.
Experience: Relax amidst beautiful buildings and cafes.
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8. Enjoy The View of The Lake Hallstatt From The Rudolph’s Tower
Built in 1282 under the supervision of Duke Albrecht, Rudolph’s Tower was originally built to protect the locals involved in salt mining business. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in hallstatt. What you will truly enjoy here is the funicular lift which takes you for a breathtaking 3-minute journey which will otherwise take an hour. The skywalk here stands at 1148 feet over the cliff edge. If you are looking forward to refresh yourself amidst the nature, this is certainly one of the top things to do in hallstatt.
Location: Salzberg 1, 4830 Hallstatt, Austria.
Experience: Enjoy the view from the restaurant built at this skywalk.
Timings: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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9. Pray At The Parish of the Assumption
Visiting the Parish of the Assumption is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in hallstatt. Built for Roman catholic people, this prayer house has been modified at times. Today it adorns itself a double winged altar which is considered to be one of the most important altars in Upper Austria. This is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in hallstatt.
Location: Kirchenweg 40, Hallstatt, Upper Austria, Austria.
Experience: Experience a double winged altar at this catholic church.
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Tips For Visiting Hallstatt
1. It is best to visit Hallstatt during the months between March and May. You can also visit this town during October and November. However, the salt mine and funicular remain closed during the winter season.
2. To reach Hallstatt, you have to take Austrian National OBB train to reach Attnang-Puchheim from where you will have to get on a local REX train toward Hallstatt.
3. You can probably cover all the places to visit in Hallstatt in 2 days. However, if you are planning to go for pine hiking, you should plan for 3 days.
4. Hallstatt is known for producing salt since the prehistoric times and other gorgeous places like Parish of the Assumption, The Bone House, Ice Cave, and so on. These are definitely the best things to do in Hallstatt.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Hallstatt
Can you do a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt?
It will take approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes for you to cover the distance between Vienna and Hallstatt. Hallstatt is easily accessible from both Salzburg and Munich as well.
What is Hallstatt Austria known for?
Hallstatt Austria is one of the oldest inhabited settlements in entire Europe. Apart from being a UNESCO heritage site, Hallstatt is known for salt mine, ice cave, Hallstatt Lake, and other beautiful places to visit.
What country is Hallstatt?
Located in upper Austria, Hallstatt is a village in the mountainous Salzkammergut region of Austria.
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Anjana is a writer, journalist, and a full-time wallflower. She holds a Master’s degree in Media and Mass Communication and firmly believes that travel blogging is nothing less than art. Combining her love for writing with her passion for globetrotting, she brings to you some amazing tips on traveling perfectly, be it any season of the year! In her spare time, she loves reading, listening to obscure indie bands, and writing poetry – all of this while being a crazy dog lady.
