Do you know that the town that inspired the movie Frozen is actually Halstatt, Austria? Its located between the serene Hallstätter See and the towering Dachstein mountains. And it feels like a fairytale village come to life. Here’s how to make the most of a perfect day in this enchanting Austrian gem of a city:
Getting There
To get to Halstatt, you can either take a bus or train. Both transportation options will take you about 3 hours from Vienna. The trains typically depart from the morning, with the first train departing at 8:10 AM at the Wien Hauptbahnhof (Vienna Central Station). The tickets cost about 20.82. Its a good idea to arrive earlier as the train station can be quite busy. And departing earlier is the best option in order to In my case, I opted for a bus tour and I booked it with GetYourGuide. They picked us up from our hotel and brought us on a comfy coach bus.
On the way to Halstatt, we stopped at Seeschloss Ort, a charming castle located on a small island in Lake Traunsee, in Gmunden, Austria. The castle dates back to around 1080 and has been rebuilt and renovated over the centuries. You can learn about the castle through a guided tour but I preferred to take a dip in the beautiful lake of Traunsee. It is actually the deepest lake in Austria and known for its crystal clear waters. The locals enjoy coming here such as boating, sailing and swimming. I also noticed that a lot of the locals enjoy hiking here. I took the tour on a Sunday as was told that many of the locals enjoy hiking on that day. It was really inspiring to see people of all ages enjoy partaking in fitness activities. Seeschloss Ort also offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains which makes it the ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Arriving in Halstatt
You will be greeted to more stunning mountain views once you reach Hallstatt, Austria. As soon as I arrived, I understood why China decided to build a replica city of Hallstatt. It definitely looks and feels exactly as the pictures represent.
You can start your day with a hearty Austrian breakfast and take in the picturesque views of the town. But keep in mind, they do not accept cards in Hallstatt so make sure you have cash at your disposal. One of the most popular cafes here is Taglich Frisch Gebacken, an old world bakery that is well-known for both sweet and savoury treats.
From there, you have several options to partake in activities such as the skywalk or the salt mine tours. I took the funicular up to the skywalk which was pretty fast. The views of the mountains are stunning but there are a lot of tourists so it might take a while to get to the edge to take a picture. Its the perfect spot for a memorable photo.
After touring the salt mine, you can stroll along the Old Town and admire the Alpine houses. Its an ideal spot for people watching or taking photos. You can also take a relaxing boat ride on the Hallstättersee. The reflection of the village on the water as the sun sets is breathtaking.
Moving on, there is the Hallstatt Ossuary which is a unique and eerie Ossuary(also known as the Beinhaus) which showcases over 1,200 skulls which are intricately painted. This small chapel offers a remarkable glimpse into the villages history and customs.
For lunch, I recommend trying out the local specialty of fresh fish from the lake or
End your day with a meal at Gasthof Zauner, a traditional Austrian inn. You can try the famous Wiener Schnitzel or Tafelspitz, which is beef cooked with root vegetables. But vegetarians do not need to despair as there are plenty of vegetarian dishes to try here or in Halstatt overall.
A Few More Things To Note
- Tourist Popularity:
It goes without saying that Halstatt is a very popular spot for tourists and especially in the summer months. You may consider booking your experience for the off-season if you prefer a more tranquil ambience - Cash is King:
In Halstatt, many small shops and cafes do not accept credit cards or debit cards, so it is a good idea to carry cash on you. - Respect Local Customs:
Hallstatt is a living community, similar to other communities in Europe. Respect the privacy and daily life of the residents. Stick to marked paths, especially when hiking. - Leave No Trace
Again, its important to be mindful of the community you are visiting by remaining environmentally responsible. Preserve the natural beauty of Halstatt by following the “leave no trace” principle. You can do this by disposing of trash properly, and being mindful of your overall impact on the environment. - Limited Night Life
Hallstatt is more about scenic beauty and quiet relaxation. So, dont expect much in terms of nightlife. It is an ideal location for rest and relaxation as opposed to a party vibe.
Have you ever been to Halstatt before?