A day in the Alpine village of Hallstatt
The town is sandwiched between the lake and mountains, on a narrow strip of land. Recognized as UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt-Dachstein. Besides the popularities and scenic view, the town was alway on my list to visit because of the historic importance. Hallstatt stands for the name of a time period in history – the Hallstatt period (800-400 BC). Rich findings in Hallstatt and the upper valley of Hallstatt gave this village international recognition; even today discoveries are still made in the salt mountain of Hallstatt. This small town has only 725 resident (2022 data), and 80% of the residents work in the tourism industry.
Prehistoric humans from Hallstatt began to take the salt from the salt mine, that this little village would give its name to a period in history – the Hallstatt period (800-400 BC). The village host the oldest salt mine in the world (since the Bronze Age). Today it is possible to visit the salt mine, be careful to check their opening hours, they close at 14:30 during the winter time. For more information about the opening hours and entry prices you can visit their official website; -> Salzwelten Hallstatt
What you should know about the town?
- Hallstatt is a UNESCO recognized world heritage site.
- It is possible to visit the salt mine, be careful to check their opening hours, they close at 14:30 during the winter time.
- You can take a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt and enjoy with the view.
- It is highly touristic. If you want to avoid the crowds, arrive as early as you can.
- Most tourists came to town for a day trip from Salzburg, Graz or Wien. And many of them leave the town in the end of the day, if you want to enjoy in Hallstatt with less tourists, you can stay for an overnight in Hallstatt or in other nearby towns.
- The village is not only famous between Chinese tourists but also they have been recreated “Hallstatt” in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong too because of its popularity in the country.
A town of 800 people that gets a million tourists a year.
There’s been a huge increase in visitors over the past 10 years. It is so important to be respectful to residents during your visit.
How to go there: By bus or car : The bus drop-off point and carparks are located not too far from the town centre. Depends on how busy is you need go to the parking spots which is free. By train : There are no train routes that bring you directly into the town itself (there’s not enough space to have a railway passing). The train station of Hallstatt is situated on the opposite side of the Lake Hallstatt. You need to use the transfer over to the ferry waiting nearby to the station, to bring you to the town. The ferry timings coincide with the arrival timings of the trains.
If you decide to stay there, some of the accommodations have on-site parking. Note that the town centre is off-limits to private vehicles.
