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Hallstatt

Hallstatt, Oberösterreich, Österreich
© Ivan Andrejic
The picture shows Hallstatt on the lake. On the shore are colorful houses and two striking churches, one with a pointed tower, the other with a large building on the slope. Boats are moored on the jetty, a swan swims in the water. The reflection of the buildings is clearly visible in the lake, with mountains rising up behind them.
© Ivan-Andrejic
The market square in Hallstatt with colorful houses in pastel colors, many flowers on the balconies and cafés with guests. In the middle stands a baroque Marian column made of stone. Wooded slopes rise steeply in the background. The scene is lively and inviting.
© Ivan Andrejic
View of Hallstatt on the lake. Traditional wooden houses stretch up the slope, many built directly on the water. In the foreground, the lakeside promenade is reflected in the lake. A steep, wooded mountain rises up behind it.
© Edwin Husic
The houses in Hallstatt are built with a tradtional building style.
© Viorel Munteanu
View of Hallstatt from the bathing island.
© Dachstein Salzkammergut
Snow-covered houses with white roofs stand on the lakeshore, with the church tower behind them. The surrounding mountains are covered in snow, the sky a brilliant blue. The lake clearly reflects the landscape and the town, the atmosphere is calm and picturesque.
Seestraße 99
4830 Hallstatt
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Hallstatt, a World Heritage Site, is considered one of the most beautiful lakeside towns in the world. Nestled amid the mountains and lakes of the Dachstein Salzkammergut region, this small village enchants visitors with its unique traditional charm.

Hallstatt is the archaeological heart of the World Heritage region. It is home to the world’s oldest salt mine. The historic town center, with its promenade right on the shore of Lake Hallstatt, exudes a unique charm.

Visitors from all over the world are drawn to Hallstatt to experience the unique, authentic sites of this special place. The houses nestled between the lake and the mountains give the town its unmistakable panorama.

The high-altitude valley, home to the Hallstatt Salt Mines, tells the story of salt production dating back thousands of years. Breathtaking views, cultural attractions, and traces of a history spanning more than a thousand years shape the town’s character.

The idyllic Echerntal Valley also captivates visitors as an impressive natural experience and invites them to discover the landscape in its unspoiled beauty.

The World Heritage Site of Hallstatt

If you start at the beginning of Seestraße heading toward the center, you’ll already catch your first beautiful glimpse of Lake Hallstatt and the traditional houses in Hallstatt.

The market square in Hallstatt is certainly famous; in fact, it has even been recreated in Asia—more specifically, in China’s Guangdong Province. But ending your tour of Hallstatt there would be a mistake. The ossuary near the Catholic church is unique in the world and steeped in history. If you want to delve even deeper, visit the Hallstatt Museum.

Archaeology at the Salzberg

A must-do in Hallstatt is definitely the drive or hike up the Salzberg. There, you’ll find archaeological finds from the Hallstatt period as well as the world’s oldest salt mine . The Hallstatt Salt Mine is closed until August 29, 2026, due to construction work.

You’ll need a bit more courage for the Skywalk and the Welterbeblick observation deck, which is made entirely of glass and hovers 200 meters above Hallstatt. From there, you’ll enjoy a breathtaking view of the Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut World Heritage region, with Lake Hallstatt at its center. The Skywalk and the Welterbeblick observation platform will reopen on August 29, 2026.

Please note that the Serpentinenweg (hiking trail) into the Hallstatt High Valley is closed due to construction work. However, direct access from the town of Hallstatt to the Salzbergbahn valley station is still possible.

Active in Summer

Hallstatt isn’t just about culture and history—it also offers numerous nature experiences you won’t want to miss. Hiking trails lead to the waterfalls in the Echerntal Valley, the Seewand via ferrata is one of the most challenging in all of Austria, and the bike trails push even well-trained cyclists to their limits.

Hallstatt is a World Heritage site steeped in tradition, nestled in the beautiful landscape of the Dachstein region in the Salzkammergut. A vacation in Hallstatt means history, culture, tradition, and experiencing the natural heritage.

Our Hallstatt tip: Arrive in Hallstatt by boat! The view of the town is unparalleled, and you’ll dock right at the historic market square. Click here for a map of Hallstatt

Experience Hallstatt up close right now with the 360-degree panoramic tour of the Dachstein Salzkammergut region. For more information about the town, its history, and activities, visit www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at

  • 741Inhabitants
  • 58 km²Area
  • 508 m ASLElevation
  • 47.56, 13.65GPS coordinates

Getting to Hallstatt

By Car
From Munich/Salzburg:
Take the highway from Munich to Salzburg—exit at Thalgau—then continue through Hof, past Fuschlsee, through Bad Ischl, and on to Bad Goisern

From Vienna:
Take the highway from Vienna to Linz and Passau/Wels—take the Regau exit—Gmunden—Traunsee—Bad Ischl—Bad Goisern

From Graz:
Take the highway from Graz to Liezen – Bad Aussee – Obertraun

By train
From Vienna via Linz – Attnang/Puchheim – Bad Goisern
From Salzburg via Attnang/Puchheim – Bad Goisern
From Graz via Bruck/Mur – Stainach-Irdning – Obertraun
From Innsbruck via Attnang/Puchheim – Bad Goisern

For detailed information on train and bus schedules, visit http://www.oebb.at (Rail) and www.postbus.at (Postbus)

Travelling by public transport
Route planner for independent travellers

Video: Dachstein video
audio: Introduction

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