Visit Austria: A Scenic Day Trip from Vienna to Hallstatt

Explore the charming village of Hallstatt on a picturesque day trip from Vienna. Discover scenic views, historic sites, and local cuisine on your Hallstatt day trip.

If there is one village that best embodies Austria and whose picture is on display in every souvenir shop in Austria and elsewhere, it’s Hallstatt. Located in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region within the district of Gmunden, this tiny village is considered to be one of the most beautiful and oldest inhabited settlements in Europe. When I visited Hallstatt, I realized why. This Upper Austrian town nestled on the shores of Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt) sits beside snow-capped towering Dachstein Alps and forests, and the houses have delightful Alpine architecture painted in bright yellows and reds. The town showcases 16th-century alpine houses, charming alleyways, aerial viewing platforms, ancient salt mines, peaceful lakes, hiking, shopping and more. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see day trip destination for many people visiting Salzburg, Vienna, and other major Austrian cities. Hallstatt is famous for the 7000-year-old Salzwelten, the UNESCO-recognized salt mines, which dates to prehistoric times. Here’s my account of a delightful day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt, filled with breathtaking landscapes, charming streets, and memorable experiences.

Getting There: The Journey from Vienna to Hallstatt by Bus

In the early morning, I boarded a bus from Vienna to Hallstatt. The meeting point was Albertinaplatz Maysedergasse, which was very close to the Hotel Bristol, where I was staying. Choosing a bus tour allowed me to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery without the stress of dealing with transfers or finding parking. The bus journey lasted around 3.5 hours and took us through the picturesque Austrian countryside, providing stunning views of rolling hills, charming villages, and pristine lakes. Our bus made two stops – one at the Landzeit Autobahn restaurant for a quick coffee and restroom break and another at Schloss Ort, an Austrian castle supposedly built in 1080. Positioned on the artificial Traunsee Lake in Gmunden, 19 kilometres from Vocklabruck, it serves as the gateway to the Salzkammergut resort area. I crossed a wooden bridge and spent half an hour taking in the breathtaking views of the Erlakogel mountains surrounding me. The castle is popular among visitors and is often used as a location for pre-wedding photoshoots. Currently, the castle is being used as a study centre for the Federal Ministry for Land and Forestry.

After a quick break, we continued our journey to Hallstatt, a small village with a great history.

Exploring Hallstatt: A Comprehensive Day Trip Itinerary

Upon arriving in Hallstatt, I was greeted by a thick veil of clouds and a thunderous downpour. However, it stopped soon, and I was able to enjoy the postcard beauty of this charming little Austrian town, which felt as if it was straight away picked from a storybook. Here’s how I spent my day exploring this enchanting village.

Visiting the ‘World Heritage View’ on Hallstatt’s Salzberg

I started by visiting the Hallstatt Skywalk. You are required to buy a round-trip ticket for the Salzbergbahn funicular that costs €22 per person. However, it was part of my bus day tour pass. So I didn’t have to purchase it separately. The cable car opens at 9 am, and I recommend lining up prior to opening as it’s one of the most popular attractions in Hallstatt, and you don’t want to waste your time waiting in queue for long. The funicular took me from the valley station of Salzwelten Hallstatt up to an elevation of 838 meters in just a few minutes. It’s also possible to walk up the Skywalk if you’re up for the challenge and want to enjoy the breathtaking views along the way.

Once at the viewing platform, I understood why more than 10,000 visitors visit Hallstatt daily during peak season. As I reached the Skywalk Lift, clouds disappeared to reveal the stunning beauty of the Austrian Alps and Hallstatt Lake. Designated as a World Heritage Site, the Overlook Point is a popular tourist selfie spot in Hallstatt and definitely worth visiting. Perched 350 meters above the roofs of Hallstatt, the ‘World Heritage Skywalk’ unveiled a one-of-its-kind panoramic vista of Lake Hallstatt and the imposing mountain scenery.

From the Skywalk, I gazed upon the expansive southern side, which is the widest and bordered by two coastal towns of Hallstatt and Obertraun. Obertraun is the place where the River Train flows into the lake. The triangular viewpoint platform was swarmed by visitors eagerly queuing up to get their selfies from the vantage viewpoint that has been showcased in so many Hollywood movies and series. Enveloping the entire scene, a vibrant tapestry of blooming wildflowers further accentuated the splendour of this cherished site. After spending close to half an hour at the top, we descended to see the rest of Hallstatt’s attractions.

Walking to the Old Town of Hallstatt

Despite being small in size, Hallstatt is a culturally historic region with a history dating back to 1200 BC and tons of attractions to explore, not just a day but weeks. Here are the top things to do in Hallstatt in a day.

Strolling through the Market Square

One of the main attractions of Hallstatt is its main square, located in the centre of the town, also known as Marktplatz. The walk from the cable car point to the main street that runs along Hallstatt Lake was an easy stroll on a pedestrian-only street. Here, I saw some very colourful and unique alpine houses, art galleries, souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. It felt like I was walking in a fairytale village or a film set. I was confused about what to shoot more – the beautiful swans on the lake or the artistic vine-covered bright alpine houses. I stopped more to click pictures than to walk.

Also, let me warn you, the main street is the most crowded area of Hallstatt, so during peak season, taking clean pictures is next to impossible without someone photobombing your shot. Since I visited in the offseason (first week of April), it was not too overcrowded, and I was able to shoot freely. In the main square, there was a charming Holy Trinity fountain. Hallstatt Market Square was the perfect spot to get my first taste of Hallstatt’s unique atmosphere. Since I was short on time, I didn’t spend much time here in the morning, but I did in the afternoon after I visited the two most famous churches of Hallstatt.

Visiting the Catholic Church on the Hill

After I walked through the village and ascended the stone steps, I arrived at the Catholic Church of Hallstatt, situated on a small hill. The small Romanesque church in the World Heritage town of Hallstatt likely dates back to around 1181. The formidable tower from the 12th century still stands as evidence of this. Later, during the late Gothic period, they took the risk of constructing over the steeply inclining cliffs, completing the existing church in 1505. Since 1939, the church has been solely responsible for the well-being of the small parish, as well as welcoming friends and visitors. In 2002, a comprehensive renovation of the Catholic parish church was carried out.

Catholic Church in the Chapel of St. Michael, together with the famous Bonehouse and the cemetery, is undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in Hallstatt.

Hallstatt Charnel House (Hallstatt Ossuary, the Bone House)

Beside the church, there is a small cemetery that offers beautiful views of Hallstatt Lake. It’s a tranquil spot, sitting high above the lake. What makes it interesting is the adjoining Bone House. Since Hallstatt is a tiny town sandwiched between the hillside and the lake, there wasn’t enough space for a proper cemetery, and cremation was not allowed by the Catholic church in the past. In 1720, the locals of Hallstatt came up with a unique tradition to address this issue. They temporarily buried the dead before exhuming them after 10-15 years. Their skulls were cleaned, painted with their names and lifespans, and then placed in the Bone House chapel next to the Catholic Church of Hallstatt. This practice was stopped in the 1960s, but nowadays, you can visit the Bone House for an entrance fee of €12, which is used for the restoration of the church. The small chapel houses over 1200 skulls, with more than 600 of them painted and sorted by family. It’s considered one of the must-do things in Hallstatt during a visit. If you are looking for things to do in Hallstatt in winter, this should undoubtedly top your list.

When you leave the church, you can continue along the top path of Hallstatt to experience more of this cute little town from a different perspective. But since I was getting late and was very hungry, I came back to the main square.

Culinary Delights and Shopping by the Lake

Next up on my one-day Vienna to Hallstatt itinerary was a treat for foodies. After searching for the best places to eat in Hallstatt, my friend Medha and I settled for a traditional Hallstatt restaurant —Café Derbl—right in the heart of the main square in Hallstatt. The service was slow but good. While my friend enjoyed the fresh fish from Hallstätter See with “Hallstatt Beer,” I relished a vegetarian salad with local wine. We couldn’t leave the place without trying their freshly baked cream rolls, Austrian Struddle. I was in heaven eating them. I haven’t eaten anything like this before.

After lunch, we continued our exploration of the village. I really wanted to go on a boat ride to see Hallstatt from a different perspective in the Hallstätter See, but we had spent too much time at the restaurant, so I did the next best thing—relishing the beauty of Hallstatt Lake from the shore. The boat ride on the lake was tranquil.

While returning to the parking lot, it started raining cats and dogs. I didn’t have an umbrella, so I had to take refuge in boutiques and souvenir shops filled with hand-crafted goods, local ceramics, and other unique items. I spent some time browsing and picked up a few souvenirs to remember my day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt.

Before heading back to Vienna, I strolled through the village’s narrow streets, each turn revealing another stunning view or hidden gem. The bus ride back to Vienna provided a chance to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences of the day.

What I missed on my Day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt

Salzwelten Hallstatt

Hallstatt, a picturesque village in Austria, boasts the world’s oldest working salt mine, which has a remarkable history spanning over 7,000 years. Nestled in the Upper Permian to Lower Triassic Haselgebirge Formation of the Northern Limestone Alps, the Hallstatt salt mine predates even the Roman era. This ancient mine is situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt, perched high in the mountains above the charming village. To explore the fascinating Hallstatt Saltmine, visitors are required to take a funicular, conveniently located near the parking areas, the Hallstatt Lahn bus stop, and the boat docks.

Budget-saving tip: Hallstatt’s salt mine is touristy and twice as expensive as two other salt mines near Salzburg, Hallein, and Berchtesgaden while offering the same experience.

Hallstatt Ice Cave

Nestled within Stone Mountain, the Ice Cave in Hallstatt offers a breathtaking opportunity to venture into a world of frozen waterfalls, mesmerizing ice formations, and intricate rocky caverns. Unearthed in 1910, this natural wonder stands as one of the unparalleled attractions in Hallstatt. To access this enchanting ice cave, an exhilarating gondola cable car ride through Dachstein Mountain awaits.

Kalvarienberg Church

If you’re interested in taking a hike with stunning views of Hallstatt village, be sure to include a trek up Kalvarienberg mountain and past the Kalvatienbergkirche church on your list of things to do in Hallstatt. In the Hallstatt village periphery, overlooking the Obertraun road is a stunning Baroque-era treasure within the UNESCO World Heritage Region of Hallstatt Dachstein Obertraun: the Kalvarienberg Kirche or Calvary Church. Don’t just stop at the church, but continue upwards along the hiking trail. While on this path, you’ll be situated across from the village of Hallstatt, except when you’re on the Skywalk. As a result, you’ll enjoy magnificent views and capture photos of Hallstatt’s unique architecture. The initial viewpoint on that hike is even named “schöne Aussicht,” which means beautiful view.

Practical Tips for Your Day Trip from Vienna to Hallstatt

• How Long to Stay in Hallstatt: While a day trip offers a good overview, I would highly recommend spending a night or two to get a more relaxed experience. But if you are low on time, a well-planned day trip is sufficient to see the main attractions.
• Best Season to Go: The best time to visit Hallstatt is late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.
• Where to Stay: If you decide to stay overnight, there are charming hotels and guesthouses in Hallstatt. Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• What to Eat: Don’t miss out on local culinary delights like fresh fish, Kaiserschmarrn, and Austrian pastries. I really loved my lunch at Café Derbl in the main square near the fountain. Try Brauhaus for a pork schnitzel and Hallstatt beer. Some other most recommended places to eat and drink are Gasthof, Restaurant & Bar Zauner, serving traditional Hallstatt dishes for 150 years, “Seehotel Grüner Baum“ for great food with a great lake view, “Im Kainz” for classic Austrian delicacies and regional specialities from the Salzkammergut, Restaurant & Cafe in the Rudolf Tower for homely cooked food with an impressive panoramic view, “Simple 169” for all kinds of delicacies and homemade specialities, “Zum Bader” for local delicacies.
• Where to shop in Hallstatt: For shopping, look for hand-crafted goods, local ceramics, and unique souvenirs.
• Hallstatt Tickets: Certain attractions, like the Hallstatt Skywalk and the Bone House, require tickets. Purchase them in advance or upon arrival to avoid long lines.

Hallstatt and Overtourism

Hallstatt is a small village in Austria known for its picturesque setting amidst the Salzkammergut Mountains and its charming old houses along the Alpine Lakes. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997 and gained popularity in Asia after being featured in a South Korean romantic drama in 2006. A replica of the town was even constructed in China. However, due to its fame, the village faces issues with over-tourism, with over 3 million visitors annually, which is around 10,000 visitors per day during peak season, despite having only 750 residents. In 2023, locals protested against over-tourism by briefly erecting a wooden fence at a popular selfie spot to block the view of the lake and Alps. They advocated for limits on daily tourists and a ban on tour buses after 5 PM. This is part of a wider issue; according to McKinsey, 80% of travellers visit only 10% of the world’s tourist destinations, leading to infrastructure problems and local frustration.

If you plan to visit Hallstatt, consider AVOIDING a day trip and spending a few days exploring nearby attractions and visiting during the off-season.

Conclusion: Is a Day Trip from Vienna to Hallstatt Worth It?

Absolutely! A day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and culinary delight. It’s a journey that enriches your Austrian adventure and leaves you with memories of a place that feels almost magical in its charm and tranquillity. Whether you travel by bus, car, or train, Hallstatt is a destination that should not be missed.

By thoughtfully planning your Hallstatt day trip from Vienna, you can make the most of your time and experience all that this enchanting village has to offer. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in one of Austria’s most beautiful destinations.

This reflects a wider issue; according to McKinsey, 80% of travellers visit only 10% of the world’s tourist destinations, leading to infrastructure problems and local frustration. If you plan to visit Hallstatt, don’t just be a daytripper; consider staying for a few days, exploring nearby attractions, and visiting during the off-season.

Useful and Related Links

• Visit the official Hallstatt Tourism website to learn about offers, accommodation and restaurant recommendations, festivals, and any other information related to Hallstatt.
• To learn about other places to visit in Austria, read 5 Places To Visit In Austria—A First-Timer’s Travel Guide.
• If you are planning a trip to Vienna, don’t forget to save 48 Hours in Vienna, a detailed Travel Guide for first-time visitors to the Austrian Capital
• Wondering where to go next, Czech out: Fun things to do in Prague in 3 days.
• If you are looking for ideas on winter holidays in Europe, check out Why You Should Spend Your Winter in Slovakia.