Hallstatt is a little fairy tale among the big mountains of Austria. Hallstatt, Austria: attractions and interesting facts Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

How to get to Hallstatt

Hallstatt is a small but very picturesque town in Austria, located on the shores of the lake of the same name and closed by rocks from the outside world. Tourists and travelers have chosen Hallstatt for its unusual attractions, for example, here you can take a cable car down to the salt mines or, on the contrary, climb the mountains and see Lake Hallstatt in all its splendor. Until recently, Hallstatt was difficult to visit due to its location, but today tourists can get to Hallstatt both by public transport and by car.

Most often, Hallstatt is visited from Salzburg, because... the distance between the cities is only 70 km. It is also possible to get to Hallstatt from Vienna (290 km), and from Munich (208 km), and from Innsbruck (250 km), but such a trip will take longer. The Hallstatt train station is located on the opposite shore of the lake, so when you get to the station, you will also need to take a ferry to get to Hallstatt itself (the crossing takes, on average, no more than 5 minutes, the one-way fare is 2.5 euros) . Ferry schedules can be found at website Hallstattschifffahrt.at (in German or English).

If you arrived in Hallstatt by car, then you should keep in mind that parking is located right in the tunnels at the entrance to Hallstatt due to limited space in the town itself. Travelers ascend from the tunnels in special elevators and exit onto pedestrian paths. Hallstatt is a small town and can only be explored on foot.

Max Dawncat/Hallstatt

How to get from Salzburg to Hallstatt

Despite the fact that Salzburg is located only 70 km from Hallstatt, if you decide to travel by public transport, you will have to change trains along the way. There may be several options. The first is to get to Hallstatt by train with a transfer in the town of Attnang-Puchheim. In this case, the travel time will take a little more than 2 hours (the transfer itself is short - no more than 5-7 minutes). The second option is to take a bus from Salzburg to the resort town of Bad Ischl (bus number 150), and then take the train to Hallstatt. Here the travel time will take about 2 hours 20 minutes. You can check the public transport schedule on the Salzburg-Hallstatt routeOnline .

If you plan to get to Hallstatt by car, then the shortest route from Salzburg is highway No. B158. The route passes through the resort town of Bad Ischl. Travel time by car will take a little more than an hour. You can rent a car for traveling around Austria at Salzburg Airport or at rental offices in the city center. You can book a car in advance using specialized services. , and others. To rent a car you will need a passport, an international driving license and a bank card to pay for services.

Reisender1701/Hallstatt, top view

Hotels in Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a great place to stay in Austria surrounded by beautiful nature. However, you need to take into account that the town is very small, which means there are few accommodation places here. These are mainly apartments or vacation homes, there are only a few hotels, and the prices for accommodation here are sometimes overpriced. If you are looking for a budget option for accommodation, then it is worth considering the offers of the town of Obertraun, which is located on the opposite shore of the lake, where trains arrive at the railway station.

Holiday homes are popular in Hallstatt itself W&S Executive Apartments Hallstatt II, apartments W&S Executive Apartments Hallstatt I, hotel Seehotel Gruner Baum 4*, apartments Apartment Wallner and others. There are more budget accommodation options in Obertraun, for example, apartments are in stable demand among tourists Apartmenthaus Simmer or Haus Alpenrose, hotels Haus am See or Apartment Haus Seeroseand others. Most accommodations in Hallstatt and Obertraun have direct access to the lake.

You can also view the available accommodation options in Hallstatt and Obertraun for the dates you are interested in using specialized services, where you can also book your favorite option in advance. Such services, in particular, include Booking, Hotellook and others.

Reisender1701/Views of Hallstatt

Sights of Hallstatt

The main attractions of Hallstatt, in addition to the colorful houses and narrow streets of the town itself, are the picturesque nature and unique alpine landscapes. There are several tourist attractions in Hallstatt that are a must-see if you finally get to this remote but beautiful town. Firstly, it’s a funicular ride down to the salt cave, secondly, a cable car ride up to the “5 Fingers” observation deck in the Dachstein Mountains, and thirdly, it’s a walk around Lake Hallstatt, which is very picturesquely “fitted” into the overall alpine concept of place.

Salt cave in Hallstatt- this is an unforgettable adventure, because salt has been mined in the mines of the town since time immemorial. You can go down into the illuminated mines and view the existing exhibitions on a special underground funicular, which in itself is an exciting adventure. The mines are available for inspection from March to November, from 09.30 am daily. Audio guides available, incl. and in Russian. Price entrance ticket is 30 euros for an adult and 15 euros for a child (children over 4 years old are allowed). The salt cave is located at Salzbergstrasse 21, a 15-minute walk from the ferry pier.

Reisender1701/Halstatt houses

Observation deck “5 fingers” in the Dachstein mountains is an absolutely amazing experience, since the climb will allow you to see all the beauty of the alpine nature from a bird's eye view, as well as visit ancient caves, some of which are completely icy and represent an unforgettable sight. You can climb the mountain using a special cable car; in reality, these are ultra-modern and equipped with view cabins that take you to a height of 2000 meters.

There are two viewing platforms at the top - "Spiral" And "5 fingers". The second is famous for having five platforms extended forward, which creates a very special impression for everyone who finds themselves here. You should definitely visit the ice caves, which are incredibly beautiful labyrinths with ice sculptures inside. The site is open for inspection from the end of April until the end of October every day. The cost of visiting is 30 euros for an adult and 16.5 euros for children (family and group rates exist). Please note that the ascent to Mount Dachstein is from the town of Obertraun, which is on the opposite side of the lake from Hallstatt.

Reisender1701/Observation deck in Hallstatt

In general, the picturesqueness of Hallstatt is difficult to overestimate. The most beautiful and clean alpine lake, inaccessible mountains, caves, salt mines, bright alpine houses and elegant chapels - all this forms the basis of the attractions of Hallstatt and creates the unique atmosphere of the place. Hallstatt is perfect for a one-day trip from the nearest major cities, as well as a place for complete relaxation in nature for several days or even weeks. Around Hallstatt there are many walking routes, which will allow you to appreciate the beauty of the local alpine landscapes.

Reisender1701/Lake Hallstatt

We will be happy to answer your questions in the comments!

On a note :

When going on a trip to Austria, do not forget to take out a travel insurance policy, which is mandatory already at the stage of obtaining a tourist visa. You can take out insurance yourself without leaving your home. There are special services for this, such as , and others. You can purchase a policy online and then print it on a regular printer.

Photo at the beginning of the article: ErWin

Surprisingly, this small town, lost in the mountains, is considered the most picturesque in Austria. And it’s not for nothing that he was included in the list World Heritage UNESCO - fabulous place with a population of no more than a thousand people, it has preserved a historical heritage that evokes a feeling of peace among the few travelers. Why few? Yes, because the picturesque corner located on the shore is crystal clear clean lake, it is difficult and long to get there, so the tourist flow is still relatively small. But it was precisely thanks to the inaccessibility of the village and the long absence of connections with the outside world that it retained its naturalness and originality.

Fairytale town

Ancient Hallstatt (Hallstatt, Austria) is full of ancient traditions and legends, and all visitors feel as if they have touched the spirit of Europe hovering in the miniature town. The area here is truly magical: the buildings resemble dollhouses from Disney cartoons, and Hallstatt residents honor established norms and customs that are passed down from generation to generation. All visitors are fascinated by the unusual appearance residents walking the streets in traditional national costumes. The local population is very fond of hometown, in which it is impossible to get lost.

History of the Salt Mines

Hallstatt (Austria), cut off from civilization by mountains and a lake, has rich history. Interestingly, the Hallstatt culture of ancient tribes of the Iron Age is named after him. About three thousand years ago, a huge place was discovered in the mountains with a history connected with it, hiding behind mighty rocks. In the 17th century, local residents built an industrial pipeline to quickly transport the mineral, called the city's invisible treasure, to the village of Ebensee.

Oldest mines in the world

Now intensive salt mining has ceased, and the remaining oldest mines in the world, located above a piece of paradise, become unique attractions of the city. About them amazing story The guide will not fail to tell you. In the 18th century, the remains of a miner who worked at least three hundred years ago were discovered here. They are perfectly preserved and have become a real urban sensation. It is believed that the high salt content prevents the natural decomposition of the body.

A century later, researchers studying the mines accidentally stumbled upon the burial. Archaeological finds allowed scientists to understand the peculiarities of the life of ancient people. By the way, excavations are still underway, because this area is of great scientific interest, and the numerous artifacts found are sent to historical museums in Austria.

A memorable excursion into the underworld

At the Salt Mine, which is easiest to reach by cable car, there is an observation deck for visitors, which was built in former times as a watchtower. Those who are afraid of heights are better off not looking down, but others are captivated by the fantastically beautiful picture of scattered small houses huddled together overlooking a clear lake. From a bird's eye view, Hallstatt is divinely beautiful and resembles a popular popular print town from an old postcard.

Before visiting the mine, tourists are given warm clothes, because the temperature there does not exceed zero degrees, and the bravest ones risk sliding down a wooden chute to the maximum depth in order to get an insight into the hard everyday life of salt miners. This downhill race turns into a real fun event: adults are looking forward to their turn to ride like a breeze to the lower levels of the mines. And after completing the excursion, you can buy photographs that capture the inimitable emotions that overwhelmed you while flying along the chute, indicating the speed of movement along it. Also, everyone is given a small jar of local salt as a souvenir.

The tiniest city in the world

Throughout almost its entire history, the city of Hallstatt was cut off from the world, and to get to a place that breathes peace, you had to use a boat to get there on the lake or walk a long time along a narrow path. And only in the 19th century the first roads appeared, making life easier for the local population and allowing the establishment of tourist routes, thanks to which the town comfortably exists.

Amazing Hallstatt (Austria), which can be walked around in half an hour, is so small that it has only two streets, and one of them is so narrow that a car cannot drive through it. Everything here is subject to strict space saving, because the town, sandwiched by rocks and a lake, does not have the opportunity to grow and develop, so toy houses, huddled together, are built in several tiers. And the inhabitants of this corner of the Earth can move from one building to another, walking along the levels, as if on a ladder.

Parish cemetery and ossuary

The local cemetery is worth talking about separately: a curious tradition is associated with it, which at first shocked all Europeans. Since there is indeed very little land in Hallstatt, the living have long been faced with the problem of burials, because the lack of space did not allow expanding the boundaries of the churchyard. In this regard, local residents, ten years after death, remove the remains of people and dry them thoroughly before placing them in a special basement ossuary. And the vacated graves are filled with bodies again.

The crypt, containing more than a thousand skulls of town residents and a huge number of bones, is located at the chapel of the local Lutheran church, which, due to a lack of land, hung over the roofs of the first tier houses. It is the ossuary that becomes the subject of particular interest to curious tourists, who are surprised at the strange tradition for many of putting mortal human remains on public display. By the way, the turtles are marked with names, dates of life and death, and many are even painted with floral patterns.

Idyll and special atmosphere

Everyone who is tired of the overly busy life in the metropolis considers Hallstatt to transport travelers back to past centuries with a calm and somehow special atmosphere. Sometimes it is useful to be alone with yourself and your thoughts, and perhaps this is why thousands of tourists come every year. In a corner hidden from all eyes globe There is a special spirit of peace in the air, allowing you to silently enjoy the isolation from civilization. They say that anyone who comes here once will definitely return to feel this extraordinary feeling of freedom again.

Hallstatt: how to get there?

The easiest way to start your trip to Hallstatt, cut off from the rest of the world, is from Salzburg. Trains and regular buses run to the small fairy-tale corner; it’s only a two-hour journey - and amazed by the road through a tunnel built in the mountains, tourists find themselves in the center of the town. There is another, more inaccessible route: fly Moscow - Vienna to the Austrian capital, and from there by fast train drive about four hours to ancient settlement. True, visitors do not get to the place itself, but land near beautiful lake, from the shores of which there is a free bus to Hallstatt. And lovers of sea walks are offered a ride on a ferry or boat, while enjoying the natural landscapes.

The most exotic and longest way for anyone who is afraid of flying is to travel on the Moscow - Vienna train, which takes more than 24 hours to the capital. However, the railway management warns that this route is seasonal and tickets are not always available for sale. But tourists who want to save money on flights can use the services of Russian Railways, unless they are afraid of the tiring and long journey.

Hallstatt is beautiful at any time of the year

Travelers often ask: what is the best time of year to come to Hallstatt? Tours to the quaint Austrian town sell equally well. Of course, it will be no secret to anyone that in the summer the city, surrounded by bright greenery, is simply beautiful. Fruit trees, bending their branches to the ground from the abundance of fruits, bend along the stone walls, and local residents can easily harvest directly from the open window. Extraordinarily well-kept houses decorated with fresh flowers cannot but cause delight, and people living in the most beautiful place in Austria are concerned not only with the external decoration, but also with the interior.

Hallstatt in winter is also incredibly beautiful: small streets covered with snow, gingerbread houses decorated with rainbow illuminations, and trees in white, fluffy clothes look like the scenery for a fairy tale about the Snow Queen. Tourists who have vacationed here several times and have ideas about this paradise admit that in winter the village looks very mysterious and see a special charm in it. Therefore, everyone who dreams of meeting an extraordinary New Year in Austria, they book tickets and hotels in Hallstatt in advance, since this is impossible to do closer to the holiday.

Chinese clone

The most devoted lovers of the city are the Chinese. There is a very interesting story connected with them, which at first outraged the Austrians, and then became the beginning of friendly relations with the Middle Kingdom. Enthusiastic admirers of the cozy place decided to recreate its exact copy and have already succeeded in this. Based on the buildings photographed in advance, a twin city was built - an absolute copy of Hallstatt. The authorities decided not to aggravate the conflict, since they did not have the rights to such duplication, but, on the contrary, considered that the double would become a subject of interest to the original. And so it happened: hundreds of curious Chinese, comparing the two settlements, celebrate the New Year in Austria and feel comfortable here in the summer.

A trip to a cozy place is a real little fairy tale for adults. Those who dream of enjoying picturesque views and restoration should, without hesitation, set off on a long and exciting journey.

I don’t remember where I first saw a photograph of this town. But I remember my reaction very well. “It’s impossible for this place to exist in reality!” A smooth lake at the bottom of a gorgeous velvet-green bowl of mountains. Elegant, neat houses, pressed closely together at the very edge of the water, flowing into their reflections like watercolors. Literally on their roofs, with their backs pressed against their neighbors and rocks, the next tiers of houses are huddled together. The church stands tall and strong among them. And the thin triangular spire of the bell tower on a promontory protruding into the lake completes this perfect picture in all respects. The photograph gave the impression of a drawing. Illustrations for a Tyrolean fairy tale. Whoa, he’s there on top of the rock, there’s probably a local dragon living in the cave, and at night mermaid songs flow over the heavy, smooth water. I want to go there!

I, a lowlander, was captivated by the lush green Alps with snow-white mountain peaks, noisy rivers and waterfalls from the first meeting. And here they appeared in all their wondrous beauty. After a short search, the name of the town was found. More precisely, villages. No more than a thousand inhabitants. Hallstatt. Hallstadt. Hallstatt. Postcard city. Door to a fairy-tale world.

For several years this door remained closed to us. Somehow our routes did not run nearby. And finally, when planning the route for this trip, I was able to add the coveted Hallstatt to it. Moreover, it so happened that my good friend vakomin I published a story in my journal about my visit to this place, which only fueled my interest.

As usual, I tried to find as much information as possible about Hallstatt. The town turned out to be small and remote. For almost 7,000 years people have lived here and mined salt. Hall - this is the name of “salt” in Celtic. Archaeologists have found traces of Celtic and Illyrian settlements here. So the term “Halstatt culture” even appeared. In addition, judging by the finds, it was once a fairly prosperous and wealthy city. The Celts began to mine salt here, and it was mined until 1989.

Fun fact - some of the springs in the area are salty. Water seeps through the salt deposits and washes it away. So, back in 1607, for the first time in the world, a salt pipeline (!) was created and successfully functioned here until 1979, through which salt water was supplied to Ebensee to the saltworks, where it was successfully evaporated. Now the mines are open to tourists, who are offered both educational and entertainment programs.

Lake Hallstätter See is located at the foot of the Dachstein mountain range. And the entire region, all cultural and natural landscapes are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. I became somewhat depressed when I realized that we were not in time to embrace both Dachstein and Hallstatt. But after some reflection I decided that this was good. Such beauty demands a leisurely, contemplative visit. Dachstein - his, and Hallstatt - his.

Some time ago, the town itself could only be reached on foot or by boat from Obertraun, located opposite.

Now you can take a bus or car directly to Hallstatt, but you still won’t be able to drive into it. This is only allowed to local residents and, it seems, guests of a couple of hotels. You can leave your car in one of the parking lots in front of the city. We chose P1 because it has a free shuttle into the city. We arrived at dusk; the parking attendant was no longer there. I had to use the shuttle call button near the parking office. The call is sent to the driver’s mobile phone, with whom the conversation is conducted via intercom.

A few minutes after the call, a minibus arrived, driven by a charming, energetic lady. She quickly delivered us to the hotel door and rushed off, wishing us a pleasant stay.

Our hotel is located in one of the fabulous houses on the shore. From the very first glance, even at the photograph of Hallstatt, I wondered what was inside these houses. I was absolutely convinced that there was no way there could be anything ordinary and familiar there. No, I didn’t expect a dragon skin on the wall of the dining room, of course, but I was quite prepared for something like that. And I won’t lie if I say that my expectations were not disappointed.

The room, the corridor, and the stairs were full of wonderful things from the past, the floorboards creaked melodiously and the old clock ticked quietly. And the view from the balcony was absolutely wonderful.

We spent quite a lot of time on this balcony, watching the play of colors of the passing day and meeting the approaching thick blue-black night.

Finally it got completely dark. The city was quiet and empty in the yellow light of the lanterns, so we hurried to our cozy beds to get as much sleep as possible before waking up early. I absolutely didn’t want to miss this alpine sunrise, as it once happened on Mondsee (which I sadly told about at the time).

In the morning we got up after dark. Having crept through the sleepy hotel, we walked along the deserted streets in complete solitude. Low clouds covered the slopes of the mountains, gliding over the water, looking at their reflections. The first rays of the sun fell in warm golden spots on the mountains, the lush foam of clouds and houses.

And where the sun had not yet reached, night hid in a cold gray haze.

Some of the clouds were colored either pink or purple. And this living transparent watercolor floated and flowed around us.

We rejoiced - neither the ubiquitous Chinese tourists, nor even the wind disturbed our intimate rendezvous with the dawn. And even though it was quite cold, we walked and walked. And of course, they completely melted with emotion when they saw the ladder leading out the window and the cat sitting on it in mournful thoughtfulness. The reveler returned home, and everyone was still sleeping there. Now he’s waiting for the window to be opened and let in to a bowl and a warm bed.

And there's no one on the main square! Beauty!

This tree, spread out along the wall of the house, is a pear. If you look closely, you will see reddish fruits on it. I was glad to see her, like an old friend - at one time vakomin I’ve already seen her and was amazed. Now, however, I also know what painstaking work it really is - growing and caring for such a wall garden. Yes, and with such fruiting!

In general, in Austria and Germany you can often see flowers - usually roses - climbing the walls of houses and covering them with a luxurious flowering carpet. In Hallstatt, all the houses are buried in flowers - both hanging and climbing ones. Lushly blooming, fragrant, juicy, bright - they add a fabulous look to the town. Our hotel and nearby houses are the clearest evidence of this. No matter what angle you take it from - it's beautiful!

The rest are not far behind, however.

Meanwhile, the clouds rose and melted. The morning flared up, transforming the entire surrounding landscape.

We, like that cat on the stairs, were chilled, took a walk and were simply happy to return to the hotel, where a delicious breakfast awaited us in the warm dining room.

It was touching and funny to see your name on the board with the list of guests.

After breakfast, we traditionally checked out, left our luggage at the hotel and went for a walk. It's time to tell you about a famous local custom that has become something of a creepy tourist attraction. The fact is that the town is tiny, sandwiched between rocks and water. There is not much space for burying the dead. Therefore, after burial in a tiny local cemetery after 10 years, all remains are removed, signed by their deceased owner and carefully stored in the ossuary, which is located in the basement of the chapel of St. Mikhail. If you are interested, you can be curious - here it is all the same vakomin There is also a photograph.We decided to bypass this place with attention, and spend time going up the funicular and walking around the lake and the city.

Moreover, it was Sunday, so we had the opportunity to look at the preparations for the Sunday service and a small local holiday.

Children are children everywhere. Noisy and constantly flying somewhere.

ABOUT! Sorry, sometimes they don’t fly, but just walk importantly.

Hunter! Well, just like from a fairy tale! Only the dog at the foot is missing.

The socks just blew me away. Various colors, but always intricately lace knitted and with high tops. The knee socks are intact, not the socks.

Ashamed of our impudence, we finally went to the pier, boarded a boat and took a ride on the lake. There are different ships. There are two walking routes, there is also something like a ferry - from the railway station on the opposite bank. You can rent boats - motor and rowing. There is a choice for every taste and budget.

From the water on a bright sunny day, the town and lake look fantastic! There are no ripples on the water, no waves either. The heavy, oily, shiny, smooth, green water surface is mesmerizing.

During our boat trip, there were more tourists on the streets, the sun was starting to get hot, and we hurried to the funicular. An orange trailer will take you to the site from which you can go on foot to the salt mine for an excursion. On the way you can see fragments of the excavations and admire the gorgeous view of the lake. After Wieliczka, our interest in the salt mines had not yet awakened again, so we limited ourselves to a fragment of the excavations of Celtic burials and a viewing platform.

By the way, you can also climb here on foot. There are three walking routes. But it's a bit high. Spank for a long time. Besides, I completely lose my will at the sight of cable cars. Some kind of irrational childish delight. It would seem that it’s cramped, you can’t take anything off through the windows, and even try to get to those windows. And just a few minutes of fun. But here you go. I can’t pass by anywhere!

It was possible to hang around at the top for an indefinitely long time. Watch the shadows of the clouds floating below. Be amazed at how deep green the water looks. To be touched by the tiny people scurrying below and just dreamily glancing at the white ones in the distance snowy peaks mountains But the passage of time is inexorable. It's time to hit the road.

We went downstairs again, returned to the hotel to get our things and went with them to the parking lot, casting parting glances at the streets noisily buzzing with multilingual tourist discord, amazing houses and their smart inhabitants.

By the way, the Chinese liked Hallstatt so much that they cloned him. They recreated an almost exact copy. Interestingly, after this the flow of Chinese tourists to the Austrian Hallstatt not only did not dry up, but, on the contrary, increased. Having seen their Hallstatt clone, most people are eager to see the original.

And yes! Now I have my own personal card. Kolokolenka, houses, lake, clouds and mountains around...

If you are tired of noisy resorts and want to enjoy peace and contemplation of true natural beauty, then you need to visit the fabulous Austrian town of Hallstatt. Austria is famous for its small, fairy-tale-like cities, with neat, bright houses, quiet green streets and a relaxed way of life. However, even against their background, Hallstatt is able to charm and win the hearts of seasoned travelers.

Hallstatt (Austria): description of the city

In the Salzkammergut region (Upper Austria), on the banks of a river, surrounded by the Dachstein mountain range, lies the tiny town of Hallstatt. The unique natural landscapes are appreciated: in 1997, the town was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Hallstatt is a tiny, inaccessible community located in the Austrian Alps, sandwiched between steep cliffs and the lake of the same name. Hallstatt (Austria) is considered the oldest European settlement. And although there are no major highways nearby, thousands of tourists come here from all over the world every year.

Sights of the town

Today many of our compatriots have already visited Hallstatt. Austria, whose sights are well known all over the world, has acquired a new meaning for many in this remote town. There are many interesting places, historical and architectural monuments, but most of all tourists are struck by the extraordinary atmosphere of tranquility and even isolation from civilization that reigns here.

Bright, like toy houses, nestled in several tiers on the mountainside, an azure lake with floating swans, which are reflected in the mirror-like surface of the water and fluffy snow-white clouds, create a feeling of unreality in the picture; in itself, there is a feeling of protection from any of life’s adversities, peace and comfort . Here it is, the fabulous and beautiful town of Hallstatt in Austria. How to get here? We will definitely answer this question, but a little later, but for now we suggest taking a “walk” through its interesting places.

Lutheran Church

Tourists from all over the world are eager to see Hallstatt. Austria can impress with its magnificent nature and numerous monuments, but this one, lost in the mountains locality- this is something that is beyond our understanding of tourism and recreation.

The town, home to about a thousand people, consists of two streets, and only one of them allows movement by car. When going on a walking tour around the city, you will definitely see a beautiful Lutheran church with a high spire, which is located on the very shore of the lake. It was built in the mid-19th century in the Romanesque style. From here there is a stunning magnificent view of the surrounding town.

The church houses unique works of world culture: an ancient altar, which consists of three parts. Opening its doors you can see images of scenes of the Nativity of Jesus Christ and the worship of the Magi.

Rudolfsturm Tower

One of the attractions of the town of Hallstatt in Austria, a photo of which you can see in this article, is the Rudolfsturm tower. It was built by King Albert I at the end of the 13th century, and served to protect miners and their families from enemy attacks, especially during the “salt war” between Archbishop Conrad IV of Salzburg and Albert I.

Inside the tower you can still see the remains of ancient interiors. Today, the tower houses a restaurant where you can relax and have a snack before visiting the underground salt mines.

Ancient mines

Hallstatt (Austria), a photo of which can be seen in all tourist brochures in Austria, is famous for its oldest salt mines in the world. They are located above the town and you can get here by walking along one of two paths, or by using the funicular.

The first path starts at the tourist information center. This is a rather steep staircase, which very soon turns into a complex serpentine. It runs along the pipeline that supplies brine to the Ebensee processing plant. The climb along this path will take you no more than forty minutes.

The second path, starting at the cemetery, is better suited for climbing, and it also offers a magnificent view of the surrounding area. When going on an excursion to the mine, you will receive a special overalls, since it is quite cool inside (about 0 °C). During the excursion you will be able to go down special chutes twice. This is how miners got into the mine in the old days.

Ossuary

Tourists visiting Hallstatt in Austria have mixed feelings when learning about a strange local tradition. Its essence lies in the fact that the dead, whom the residents of the town bury like all people, are removed from the ground ten years later and the remains are left in the open sun for several weeks. They acquire a characteristic ivory color. After this, they are sent for storage to a special ossuary.

This repository is located at the Church of St. Mikhail. Like the church itself, the crypt has been preserved since the 12th century. Today there are more than 1,200 skulls and several thousand bones of the townspeople who left this world. Such a strange and even creepy tradition, which still exists today in the very center of Europe, is not associated with any occult rituals. Everything is explained much more prosaically - the city is catastrophically short of free space for burials. The narrow terrace does not allow expanding the cemetery.

Death dates and painted flowers can be seen on many of the turtles. The next deceased is buried in the vacated grave.

Dachstein Caves

In ancient times, the area in which the Dachstein Mountains are located was penetrated by a huge number of streams and rivers, which later went underground and left many picturesque caves and voids. According to tourists, the most beautiful of them is the Rieseneishohle cave.

As soon as you get into its warmest, first part (+3 °C), you will immediately find yourself in a hall of stalactites, which are considered a huge rarity for Alpine caves. Behind this hall is the so-called King Arthur's Cathedral. In it, the water created a huge arch, a little reminiscent of a church. The temperature here does not rise above +1 °C.

Next comes the Cathedral of Parsifal, followed by the frozen caves. Blocks of ice more than eight meters high are formed in them. Researchers were able to find out that some of them have been lying here for more than five centuries. After the Cathedral of Tristan, you can climb the stairs to the amazing ice chapel, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful creations of nature.

Hallstatt Hotels

Naturally, in such a picturesque place as Hallstatt in Austria, hotels are crowded during the season. Due to the increased demand for overnight accommodations, almost all homeowners are looking to create their own bed and breakfast establishment. If you are unable to stay in Hallstatt during your trip, do not despair - there is always a hotel in Hallstatter See, located on the opposite bank. In addition, accommodation here is much cheaper. But we would like to introduce you to several hotels that are located specifically in Hallstatt.

Phoenix Hall

Located in Hallstatt, two hundred meters from the lake and very close to the city center. The hotel's rooms are individually decorated in a modern country style. The windows and open terraces offer stunning views of the mountains.

Each room has an LCD TV, coffee machine and a very comfortable and spacious bathroom.

Zum Muhlbach

This hotel is located in the very center of the town, close to the Salzbergbahn cable car and a swimming lake. Rooms with terraces are furnished with necessary furniture and household appliances. The only downside is the shared bathrooms.

Breakfast can be served upon request. Guests are offered homemade cakes and National dishes. The hotel has a bar. On site you can enjoy your favorite outdoor activities: cycling, hiking, and skiing in winter.

Apartments Wallner

The apartments offer rooms with a living and dining area. There is a kitchen with an oven, dishwasher, coffee machine and microwave.

Each room has a bathroom with all necessary cosmetics and hygiene items. Towels and bedding are provided.

Hallstatt in Austria: how to get there from Vienna?

Austria has many interesting tourist routes, but Hallstatt is unique. That is why every year more and more tourists from all over the world strive to come here. Fortunately, the times have passed when visiting this extraordinary city was associated with great difficulties.

Today, Hallstatt can be reached by the excellent road for which Austria is famous, or by rail. The easiest way to start your trip to Hallstatt is from Salzburg. From here trains and regular buses run to the town. In just two hours, tourists, amazed by the road through a tunnel in the mountains, find themselves in the center of the town.

We have no doubt that all travelers traveling on the Moscow-Vienna flight to Hallstatt (Austria) are interested in how to get from Vienna by train to the ancient town. Today tourists can travel from the Austrian capital by fast train. The journey will take about four hours.

True, you will have to transfer to a bus at the lake of the same name, which will take you to Hallstatt completely free of charge.

• It is believed that Hallstatt is home to the oldest salt mines not only in Europe, but also in the world. Salt mining in these places has been going on for more than three thousand years.
• The dissolved salt is transported to the Ebensee processing plant via the world's oldest pipeline, built in 1595, with a length of 40 km.
• Information about the town was first preserved in chronicles dating back to 1311.
• In Guangdong Province (China), a local tycoon built an absolutely exact copy of this Austrian town. It cost him a rather impressive amount - about nine hundred and forty million dollars.

Living in big cities brings a lot of stress, and therefore more and more people, when planning their trips, prefer small, cozy towns instead of noisy, densely populated capitals. One of these places is the Austrian Hallstatt. Surrounded by the Alps and located on the shores of the lake of the same name, it is the perfect place to spend a couple of days there, enjoying the clean air and the stunning landscapes that open up to your eyes. Sometimes it seems that time has stopped here.

They say about Hallstatt: “Millionfold photographed – once copied – never reached,” which can roughly be translated as “Millions of times photographed – once copied – can never be reached.” And there is no way to be more precise about this magical place.

How to get there

There are two ways to get to Hallstatt: by public transport or by car. Let's take a closer look at each of them. Do not forget that to visit Austria, Russian citizens need a visa, which must be taken care of at least a couple of weeks before the trip. You can read more about where you can get it by following the link.

By plane

Fortunately or unfortunately, there is no airport in Hallstatt. This is probably a positive thing, because otherwise the city would lose its “magic”. The airports closest to it are Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, Munich and Memmingen.

• To the capital of Austria The fastest and easiest way to get there is by plane. From Moscow On a regular basis, airlines such as Aeroflot, UTair, S7, and Austrian Airlines fly non-stop to Vienna. The flight lasts about 3 hours. You can also choose a flight with a transfer, which will allow you to save a little and give you the opportunity to walk around another city for several hours (see prices). The most profitable options are usually AirSerbia, LOT Polish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, AirBaltic. Average direct flight ticket Aeroflot costs about 210 EUR, for a flight with a transfer – 145 EUR. As a rule, on New Year's and May dates prices rise by several thousand due to the large number of people wishing to fly from the capital. From St. Petersburg direct flights are made Aeroflot And Austrian Airlines, and it will take the same 3 hours. If you prefer flights with transfers, for example, AirBaltic, KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa And AirFrance. The cost usually fluctuates around 160 EUR for a flight with one transfer, and about 275 EUR for a direct flight. From Vienna airport to city center you can get there in several ways. The first, most convenient and most expensive is a taxi. The price is fixed - 36 EUR, and you also need to book a car in advance to receive a special airport rate. The second way is City Airport Train CAT. This is an electric train that will take you from Schwechat airport to the center of Vienna to Wien Mitte station (Landstraße metro station, intersection of lines U3 and U4) in just 16 minutes. Trains run every half hour from 6.09 am to 11.39 pm. A one-way ticket costs 11 EUR, a round-trip ticket costs 17 EUR. Children under 14 years old can travel for free. The third way is bus service. There are three companies: Vienna Airport Lines, Eurolines, Blaguss, Flixbus - which connect the airport with the city center. The first takes passengers to the Donauzentrum shopping center at the Kagran metro station, the second, third and fourth to the Erdberg bus station. The fare is from 5 to 8 EUR. The fourth method is S7 intracity trains railway S-Bahn. In order to get to the aforementioned Wien Mitte station, you need to buy a ticket for two zones, which will cost you 4.45 EUR.

• Also not far from Hallstatt is the so-called heart of Bavaria -. Before him from Moscow fly direct flights Aeroflot, Lufthansa, S7, UTair, with transfers - KLM, Swiss, AirFrance, LOT. A ticket costs about 190 EUR for a direct flight, and about 160 EUR for a connecting flight. From the northern capital you can fly to Bavaria using Aeroflot or Lufthansa, as well as KLM, Finnair, AirBaltic, LOT Polish Airlines- but with stops. From St. Petersburg, prices start from 190 EUR for a connecting flight and from 260 EUR for a direct flight. From the airport to the city center you can take a taxi, which will cost about 60 EUR; on the S-Bahn city train on one of the lines: S1 and S8, a ticket for which costs 10.80 EUR; by Lufthansa bus for 11 EUR straight to Hauptbahnhof.
• In addition, it is possible to fly to Salzburg, since it is only 100 kilometers from Hallstatt. A significant disadvantage of this method is the lack of direct regular air service between Moscow or St. Petersburg and Salzburg. It is necessary to make a transfer, which equalizes the travel time in comparison with the above options. Prices from Moscow for such a ticket, as a rule, start around 230 EUR, from the northern capital - from 260 EUR. However, for example, the largest European low-cost airline flies RyanAir, therefore, if your route lies from any point in Europe, it is worth considering this option as well. You can find out what other airlines fly to Salzburg Airport on this website. To Salzburg main station from the airport You can get there by bus, which runs every 15 minutes. The ticket costs 2.10 EUR.
• I also included in my list Memmingen And Bratislava, since Russian low-cost airlines fly to their airports Victory. If you try really hard, you can “catch” tickets for 999 RUB (don’t believe people who say they don’t exist, since my budget trips are direct evidence of the opposite), but on average their price fluctuates around 2000-4000 RUB per except for New Year's and May holidays. From Memmingen and Bratislava airports You can get to Munich and Vienna by bus, which run several times a day, for 5 EUR and 12 EUR respectively.

By train

• From Vienna or Munich Hallstatt can be reached by train, which in both cases will take around 4-4.5 hours. To do this, you need to get to the city of Attnang-Puchheim. There you need to change to another train, which goes all the way to Hallstatt. In general, such a route will cost about 50 EUR from Vienna and about 65 EUR from Munich.

By bus

Also from Salzburg You can take a bus to Bad Ischl, from where there are trains to Hallstatt. This option will help you save a little, while not being inferior in time to traveling exclusively by train.

By car

I decided to leave the most optimal method from my point of view for last. The most convenient way to get to Hallstatt is by car, which can be rented immediately upon arrival at any rental company in Vienna, Munich or Bratislava. It is best to look at prices on the website. The road from the Austrian capital to Hallstatt will take about 3 hours, from the Bavarian capital - about 2.5 hours, from the Slovak capital - a little less than 4 hours. In my opinion, renting a car is the best option, since the path runs along lakes and mountains, and you will definitely want to stop and take a couple of shots or just admire the opening landscapes of one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

From Moscow

Many car enthusiasts dream of traveling to Europe in their own car. This is a very good option if you have enough experience, since the journey is long. To be precise, the route from Moscow to Hallstatt is 2200 km and about 24 hours on the road, excluding time at the border and overnight stays, and passes through Belarus, Poland and the Czech Republic. Of course, driving from Russia solely to visit Hallstatt is not the most best idea, however, if you combine this with trips throughout the country or ski holiday, it should be a great trip!

From Saint-Petersburg

The journey from the northern capital is a little more than 2100 km and takes 25 hours of continuous driving. It passes through the territory of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic.

By ferry

If you come to Hallstatt by train, do not forget that the train station is located on the opposite side of the lake from the city.

Ferries operate between the piers year-round, their schedules coincide with the train schedules. You can watch it. A ticket for such a vehicle costs 2.5 EUR.

When is the season? When is the best time to go

In my opinion, in Hallstatt there is no such thing as a season - it’s always good here! In summer, you can escape from the stuffy city and, hiding from the scorching sun in the shadow of the mountains, enjoy the coolness of the lake; in winter, a magical atmosphere of a fairy tale reigns there and it seems that you are in a frame from some movie.

Hallstatt in summer

In my opinion, summer is a great time to visit Hallstatt! The weather is excellent; as a rule, there is no heat here at this time of year. It is highly recommended to arrive in the morning or late afternoon, so as not to stumble upon large tourist groups. It should be taken into account that it gets dark quite early here due to the fact that the sun hides behind the mountains.

Hallstatt in autumn

I went to Hallstatt in the fall, and it seems to me that this best time to visit the town. There were very few tourists, it was pleasantly cool, we were able to feel the whole atmosphere of this place, sit calmly on the shore of the lake and think about something pleasant, and all around was the same autumn from the pictures, very cozy and beautiful, completely different from what we had seen before. what was happening in Moscow at the same time.

Hallstatt in spring

Unfortunately, I have not yet visited Hallstatt in the spring, so I can only rely on information from the Internet and the experience of friends. At this time of year, the city attracts with its flowers, freshness, and wonderful weather. What can I say: spring is beautiful everywhere, and in Austria, in Hallstatt, even more so!

Hallstatt in winter

In winter, Hallstatt hosts Christmas markets and a charming atmosphere. The weather here, it must be said, is not always pampering: sometimes the sun is shining and there is no precipitation, and sometimes there is a thick fog over the lake, so much so that the opposite shore is not visible, it is raining, and in general it is chilly and cold in the city. It's impossible to predict the weather, but it's worth the risk. I would combine a visit to winter Hallstatt with skiing or snowboarding.

Very important point: many attractions in Hallstatt are closed from November to the end of March.

Hallstatt - weather by month

Clue:

Hallstatt - weather by month

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

As for accommodation in Hallstatt, it should be immediately noted that in order to see the city itself and the surrounding area, two or three days will be enough, so it would be quite reasonable to book only one or two nights, depending on your program. In fact, the entire city is just a few streets, so it would seem that it should not have a wide selection of hotels and other accommodation options. However, due to the fact that its popularity has grown incredibly in recent years, many residents want to make money from tourists and rent out their houses for overnight stays. Rental prices can be found here. I highly recommend that you arrange your accommodation in advance, because high season Hundreds, if not thousands of tourists come to the city, and there is a high probability of stumbling upon the lack of rooms in a particular hotel or guest house.

What are the prices for holidays?

It must be admitted that prices for vacations vary depending on the specific program, as, indeed, everywhere.

For example, you can fly to Vienna in business class, rent an executive car, stay for a couple of days in the most expensive hotel and eat three times a day in a luxurious restaurant; it will be one amount, the extreme limits of which I cannot even voice, since they simply do not exist - it depends on how wide your soul and your wallet are.

Or you can, as I wrote above, fly to Bratislava (from 999 RUB (15 EUR) for one airline ticket Victory without luggage and other surcharges, there take the Slovak Lines bus to Vienna Hauptbahnhof (it costs about 5 EUR, and if you are lucky, you can get to the event and pay only 1 EUR), get to Hallstatt by public transport (train ticket – about 50 EUR) or in an inexpensive rental car (from 20 EUR per day), spend the night in Obertraun (a double room in a gasthof next to the lake costs from 5000 RUB (80 EUR), and for dinner choose not the most luxurious, but that doesn’t no less cozy and pleasant establishments with traditional cuisine(about 15-20 EUR for schnitzel or trout with a side dish and a glass of wine); and in this case your trip will be quite budget-friendly.

Main attractions. What to see

Hallstatt is essentially a small village with a population of just under a thousand people, consisting of a main square, one street along the lake, and another parallel street just above - with car traffic only allowed on one of them. You can walk around it all in an hour or two maximum, stopping at every second step, looking at all the souvenir shops along the way and taking photographs of the city from all angles.
Main attractions include Catholic Church, built in the 12th century, and restored in 2002, Hallstätter Marktplatz is the central square of the city, where all the main public events take place, such as fairs and concerts, the Evangelical Church, which you probably already know - it can be seen in all photographs of the city .
Hallstatt itself is quite similar to any other town in the region, but there are several unique factors that attract travelers from all over the world. Firstly, its location - I've mentioned this several times already, but I am forever in love with small towns located on the shores of lakes and at the foot of mountains! They are the ones who create that peaceful atmosphere of isolation from the whole world for which tourists come here. Secondly, Hallstatt has been recognized as a unique cultural heritage and is protected by UNESCO. Thirdly, Hallstatt is the oldest inhabited European village. The first mention of human activity in this region dates back to the 5th millennium BC, when local population began to extract salt, to which the region owes its wealth. Fourth, there is a replica of the Austrian city, built in Luoyang City, Guangdong Province, China in 2012. It is because of this that a huge number of tourists from the Middle Kingdom come to Hallstatt, who want to look at the original and compare it with the copy. Locals say that initially they were not happy with the construction of the Chinese “remake,” but then, when thanks to it the number of tourists increased tenfold, they managed to turn the situation in their favor. Therefore, today the vast majority of local residents work in the tourism sector. Fifthly, when planning a trip to Hallstatt, you can and should capture several natural attractions that are certainly worth attention and their inclusion in the must see list. To view them, it is very convenient from a geographical point of view to be based in Hallstatt or Obertraun.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Today there are two churches in Hallstatt: Catholic and Evangelical.

What to see in 1 day

As a rule, most tourists come to Hallstatt for the day, so I think this part will be especially interesting to many. Carefully! I offer you a fairly intense maximum program, get ready to walk a lot and take pictures.

• So, let’s skip the moments that are related to movement and imagine that at 10 am you are already standing on the western shore of the lake and wondering what you can see in a day. Alternatively, to start, I recommend taking the Austrian Postbus to Obertraun and going to Dachstein Salzkammergut, which I will talk about in more detail below. I recommend going to the ice cave and admiring Hallstatt and the surrounding area from a height of 2100m on the 5 fingers observation deck. This will take about 3.5 hours, so at 2 pm you will be back in Hallstatt. If you're hungry, you can go to a supermarket like Nah & Frisch and grab something to go. At 3 o'clock you can board the boat and go on a sightseeing tour of the lake. You will return to the city at about half past four in the evening, and before going to dinner, take a walk through the narrow cozy streets of the city, go to the church, go to the main observation deck, from where all the views of Hallstatt were taken. Around six in the evening, go to any restaurant by the lake, sit at a table in the fresh air and be sure to order a trout dish. During your meal, you can admire how the sun hides behind the mountains.
• The second version of the program begins at the same 10 o'clock in the morning. Buy a funicular ticket and head up to Salzberg Mountain, where you can visit the salt mines, view Hallstatt from the World Heritage Skywalk and have lunch at a restaurant with a beautiful view. Yes, in both options I included a visit to the viewing platforms, because I believe that there is no better way to see the city than to look at it from a bird's eye view. After this (it will be around three o'clock in the afternoon) take the funicular down and go to the Hallstatt History Museum. After the excursion, which will last about an hour, you can walk around the city and, for example, go to a store to buy some bread and go to the lake shore to feed the swans and ducks, again, admiring the sunset.

Food. What to try

Gourmets and just lovers delicious cuisine will appreciate the diversity of national and regional cuisine in Hallstatt and the surrounding area. First of all, it is, of course, fish. There is a dish for every taste - fish soup, smoked fillet or in its entirety. Since rivers flow around the city, the water of which is still suitable for drinking, fish - trout, carp, pike perch, pike, eel, whitefish - caught in them and the lake are especially highly valued. Some people even call lake trout dishes a local landmark. Of course, you can also try traditional dishes like schnitzel here, but don’t forget that Austrian cuisine is very, very diverse. Desserts deserve special attention - apple and plum pies, strudels, pancakes with traditional apricot jam. They say that no one will leave here losing weight, but it seems to me that if you alternate restaurant tastings with conquering mountain peaks, then it is quite possible to challenge this statement.
In most establishments, the signature dish is trout in any form. Many restaurants are located on the embankment, and their panoramic windows offer stunning views of the mountains and Hallstattersee with swans swimming on it. In the warm season, the owners open the veranda and place tables right next to the lake.

In Hallstatt there is big choice a variety of establishments, from expensive restaurants to pizzerias and Chinese eateries, so even the most picky and hungry tourist can find something to his taste.

• At the restaurant Zum Salzbaron, which is located in the hotel Seehotel Grüner Baum The signature dish is trout in any form. It is better to book a table in advance; sometimes there are no empty seats in the evening. The panoramic windows offer stunning views of the mountains and Hallstattersee with swans swimming on it. In the warm season, the owners open the veranda and place tables right next to the lake.
• Gasthof Zauner- an establishment with more affordable prices and an emphasis on fish and meat dishes and vegetable salads. Many locals go there and say it is the best restaurant in the city.
• Like many other restaurants in small Austrian towns, Gasthof Simony is located in a large guest house where you can spend the night. The restaurant specializes in traditional regional cuisine. There is a small private beach on the lake and several canoes for guests to swim in.
• Bacht's Polreich– a cozy establishment with a beautiful view of the lake. A great option if you are tired of Austrian cuisine - you can also try traditional Italian dishes here.
• For a large selection of desserts you need to go to Maislinger, where you will be fed fresh pastries, delicious cakes and homemade ice cream.
• About the restaurant Rudolfsturm I’ve already mentioned it, but I’ll repeat it – it’s located on Mount Salzberg, so you need to get there by cable car or on foot. In my opinion, you shouldn’t go here purposefully, but if you are visiting the observation deck or salt mines, you can come here for a snack or a cup of coffee.

Holidays

• In the second half of June, Hallstatt celebrates the Catholic holiday of Corpus Christi. It is of great importance for all believers, but it is in Hallstatt that it is held in a special way - on the lake. Boats decorated with flowers float along it, on which the procession takes place. The whole action was launched about 400 years ago, when they realized that the city area was too small for such a celebration. Today this holiday is an unforgettable spectacle that you should definitely visit if you are planning your trip at the beginning of summer.

More detailed information about the date and time of the procession in the coming June can be found on the official website.

So, what can you do with a couple of free days?

Take a boat ride

Water communication has existed since 1862, the first route - between the city itself and the railway station of the same name - appeared in 1881. Interestingly, since 1967, the system of all water connections on the lake has been managed by one family, and they have only 4 boats at their disposal, but this does not prevent these walks from remaining one of the most popular entertainment among tourists.
Today there are several routes: the first - the oldest - takes you from the center of Hallstatt to the railway station on the opposite bank, the second and third make circular sightseeing trips around Hallstattersee, capturing other cities located on the lake. So, one runs in a southerly direction and stops at the second pier in Hallstatt, which is called Hallstatt Lahn, in Obertraun and returns. The other heads north and stops in towns such as Obersee, Untersee and Stieg. In my opinion, one of best views Hallstatt can be seen from the water, so keep your camera or phone ready! Current schedule, prices, routes, as well as Special offers you can look at organizations that have information in English and German.

Climb the Salzberg mountain

You can get there by cable car, a ticket for which costs 12 EUR one way, or you can walk there, which takes 1-1.5 hours. Be sure to calculate your strength - this option requires certain physical preparation. At the top of the mountain is the World Heritage Skywalk, which offers a bird's eye view of Hallstatt, the lake and the mountains.
There is also a cafe where you can combine admiring the beautiful panorama with tasting Austrian cuisine. In addition to the observation deck, you can visit the salt mines (Hallstatt Salt Worlds), where you will be given special clothing and told about the history of the city and where salt came from, how and when it began to be mined, and why it played such an important role in the development of the region.

More detailed information at this link.

Visit the Hallstatt Museum

This option is great for those who are not very lucky with the weather and need to escape somewhere from the rain. But don’t neglect it on sunny days either! In the very center, next to the main square, is the Hallstatt Museum. There you can learn more about its history from ancient times to the present day, with a half-century-long culture period called Hallstatt. In the museum you can look at various archaeological excavations, such as stone axes from the early Neolithic and Bronze Age eras, working tools and personal belongings of miners, swords and other weapons found in burials. Ancient Roman artifacts in all their diversity are also presented to visitors. If you come to Hallstatt in the summer, you can attend the so-called Folklore Evenings at the museum. For two hours you will admire musical performances and traditional dances by artists in national costumes.
Please note that from November to April the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, but is open daily during other months. Tickets can be purchased at the museum box office; for adults it costs 8 EUR, for children - 7 EUR.

Conquer the Dachstein Salzkammergut

Taking a cable car to the mountains, visiting the Dachstein caves and admiring the stunning view from one of the most beautiful observation platforms in the world with the unusual name “Five Fingers”, which is located at an altitude of 2100m – sounds tempting, doesn’t it? This entire complex is called Dachstein Salzkammergut and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, and indeed the whole country.
In order to get there, you need to get to Obertraun; in front of the funicular there is a parking lot with a fairly large number of spaces. If you are traveling by public transport, you can sail to Obertraun on the above-described boat along the southern route or take an Austrian Postbus bus. Upon arrival, you will see a large building with a ticket office in front of it. Inside you can wait for the cable car to arrive, and there is also a board with the cable car schedule. There are several different types of tickets, which can be viewed in advance on this website.

Depending on what you want to visit, you choose the type of ticket you need. The cable car has three levels, including the starting level. On the first is the Koppenbruller cave, the youngest of the three caves in Dachstein. A ticket to it will cost you the least, since it does not involve the use of a funicular - you can walk to it in 15 minutes. On the second level there are mammoth and ice cave. I took a ticket that gives permission to visit one of them, and chose the ice one. I strongly recommend taking comfortable shoes, warm clothes and some kind of hat with you, since the temperature in the caves usually does not exceed 4-5 degrees Celsius.
On the third level there are three observation decks - the famous “5 fingers” and the slightly less famous Dachstein Shark and Welterbespirale. To get to them you need to walk a little from the cable car, the first one is the farthest. Spiral has a photo point where you can take a photo and print it for free on the website. The road to “5 Fingers” at a leisurely pace will take 20-30 minutes. I almost forgot - such an interesting name was given to it due to the fact that the shape of the observation deck resembles a hand, the fingers of which seem to be extended over an abyss. Each finger has its own special feature - the first one has a photo frame, the second one has a floor made entirely of glass, and it seems like there is no surface underneath you. The third finger is closed to visitors, which symbolizes the freedom and inaccessibility of the mountains. On the fourth finger there is a hole in the floor through which you can look at the abyss below you, and on the edge of the fifth you can take a closer look at the view through a free telescope. The Shark is the newest observation deck on Dachstein. The unusual name is explained by the fact that millions of years ago there was a sea in which ice sharks swam.
For those who want something more interesting and unusual, the opportunity to fly on a paraglider is offered. I think this needs to be planned in advance, but unfortunately, I only learned about this option on the spot. Well, there is a reason to come back and make my little dream come true!

Visit neighboring towns and lakes

For example, you can go to St. Wolfgang or St. Gilgen, two small towns that are located on opposite shores of the same lake Wolfgangsee. Or visit both in one day. In order to get to them, you need to take a train from Hallstatt to Bad Ischl, and then transfer to a bus that will take you to the city of your choice in half an hour.

St. Gilgen

St. Gilgen is rightfully considered one of the best holiday destinations in all of Austria. A very calm, cozy city is ideal for leisurely walks and watching waterfowl and steamboats on the embankment leaving for the neighboring cities of Strobl and St. Wolfgang. It should be noted that lovers of active recreation will be able to find something to their liking. The mountains that surround the lake have a large number of hiking and cycling paths. Bicycles can be rented from special companies, of which there are at least two in the city: one in the city center and one near the embankment. There are also all kinds of summer sports, windsurfing and water skiing, paragliding and rock climbing, diving and jumping into the clear water of the lake from a specially installed tower, not to mention traditional table tennis and lawn tennis, beach volleyball, and golf. Fans of a relaxing holiday can relax while basking in the sun on the beach of the lake. In winter, winter sports fans gather here. Near the city there is the Zwölferhorn ski resort, which has three ski lifts, and also has sections of different levels of difficulty, both for beginners and for professionals who are ready to confidently conquer the black slopes.

St. Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang is another small cozy Austrian town, where many come to conquer the Schafberg mountain, from which fabulous view by several (four to be exact) the most beautiful lakes and the Alps. You can climb the mountain on foot or by train, which is only 5 km away. A ticket including ascent and descent costs 31 EUR. A little life hack: when the train turns, the seats that are near the window on the left in the direction of travel offer the most beautiful views. When planning to conquer the mountain, be sure to check the weather forecast and look at how low the clouds are, so as not to end up at the top without the opportunity to see all the beauty of this place.
In addition, in Hallstatt itself in the summer you can go fishing (you need a license for this), try kayaking or canoeing, experience all the delights of rafting or diving, do Nordic walking or paragliding, go on a mountain bike tour around the lake or rent a boat and become its captain for the whole day, play golf, tennis, table tennis, volleyball, or just sunbathe on the beach and swim in the crystal clear water of Hallstattersee. In short, you won’t be bored even in such a calm and quiet place.

In winter, you have options such as ice diving, spa relaxation and thermal springs and, of course, the ski resorts for which it is so famous.

How to get around the city

You can and should only move around on foot! As I already mentioned, car traffic is allowed only on one street out of two, so tourists don’t have much choice. As for traveling between neighboring cities, you can use a boat, bus or train.

Transport rental

As I wrote just above, driving around the city itself by car is pointless, but in order to get to Hallstatt or see the surrounding area, it is, of course, necessary. You can find the car you need. The specific price of a car depends on many factors: the rental company, the time of year and even a specific day, the age of the driver, the place of rental and return of the car. As a rule, it is cheapest to rent and return a car in the same place, but sometimes companies, in order to move a certain number of cars from their fleet to another city or even country, hold promotions when this option is significantly cheaper.

In order to understand the general order of prices, I will say that usually for a small hatchback or sedan with a manual transmission like a Skoda Fabia, Renault Clio, Opel Astra or Volkswagen Polo they will ask for around 50-80 EUR per day, and for an executive sedan like a BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-class – from 110 EUR.

In order to rent a car, you will need a driver's license: everywhere they write that you need an international standard certificate, but in reality they always accept ordinary Russian ones. However, if you are stopped by a police officer or suddenly have an accident, an IDP (international driver's license) will be very useful. You will also need a Visa, MasterCard or Maestro credit card (a deposit will be charged from it, the amount of which depends on the rental company, the number of rental days and the specific car you choose) and, of course, your foreign passport. I also highly recommend taking care of the navigator in advance: you can download it to your phone or tablet so as not to overpay for it later. The experience must be at least one year, but the minimum age varies from company to company: in some places they are ready to rent a car to an 18-year-old driver, but in others they are not willing to rent a car to a 21-year-old driver.

There are different rental companies - international and local. The former, as a rule, provide greater insurance guarantees, have a more diverse and new fleet of vehicles, but also cost more. The latter offer much more attractive prices, but their cars are usually older (but this does not mean that they will give you a car from 2000 - rather, it will just be the penultimate model), they sometimes have scratches and chips (which must be pointed out immediately to avoid problems when returning the car).

Don’t forget that some sections of roads may have tolls, gasoline in Austria is not cheap (to be precise, for one liter of 95 the price is 1.21 EUR, and for 98 you will have to pay 1.35 EUR), and the fines are higher, than the average Russian. For example, for speeding by more than 40-50 km/h you will have to pay from 150 to 300 EUR, for using a phone while driving - 50 EUR. They also check the correctness of parking quite strictly; special attention is paid to violators who park their car in spaces for the disabled.

To calculate your expenses, be sure to create your route in advance. Don't forget to also check parking information at the hotels where you will be staying overnight. Also, think about what kind of insurance you need, and whether you need it at all. All this needs to be decided and calculated before the trip in order to understand how much money you will spend on renting a car and other costs. However, do not be alarmed - driving a car on Austrian roads is a real pleasure, and if you follow all the rules traffic, then you shouldn't have any problems.

Hallstatt - holidays with children

Perhaps Hallstatt can be a very good place to relax with children. Very comfortable climatic conditions, high level of safety, plenty of entertainment. Personally, I remember the playground near the lake, where local children ran on the bright green grass, swung on swings, played and fed the swans. For a couple of moments I even felt sad that I didn’t have the same experience as a child.
If you happen to be traveling to Hallstatt with children in December, try not to miss the arrival in Obertraun of St. Nicholas by boat - I think it will leave an unforgettable impression!

Ski holiday

Tourists arriving in Hallstatt in winter have an excellent opportunity to combine a visit to the city and surrounding area with a ski holiday. The closest place to Hallstatt, just 80 km away, is Schladming-Dachstein. This is one of the largest and most popular Austrian ski regions. It is one of the world's 10 best ski resorts. It includes 8 winter sports centers, four of which are part of the same Schladming Ski Swing system (4Schaukeln) and are connected by a common network of lifts.
Top-level slopes, pistes with a total length exceeding 120 km, 44 modern ski lifts – that’s what awaits you here. Simple “family” ones alternate with black ones, which seem to challenge experienced skiers and snowboarders. On the territory of the resort you can also find a large number of cafes and restaurants, ski equipment stores and services where you can rent equipment, major world hotels and small cozy chalets. In short, this is a separate world with a special atmosphere, where you will definitely want to return again.
For a ski pass for the whole day you need to pay 50 EUR. If you want to spend 3 hours on the slope, the ski pass will cost you 42 EUR. If you want to arrive on the slope after two o'clock in the afternoon, you will be asked for only 32.50 EUR. If you arrive at the resort before December 23 or after March 18, the ski pass will cost 46.50 EUR, 39.50 EUR and 30 EUR respectively. There are good discounts for youth and children. The network of all Austrian Ski Amadé resorts has its own website and mobile application of the same name.

It should be noted that the slopes on Schladming are mainly suitable for experienced athletes, since for the most part there are red and black sections of the slope. However, if you belong to this category of skiers and snowboarders, you will be able to appreciate the highest quality of the slopes and their wide variety.

You can get to Schladming by car or by train with a change in Steinach-Irdining.

Hallstatt is the place to come when you decide to take a break from accumulated problems or conquer all the mountains of the Salzkammergut region. When you want to try a dish of freshly caught trout or delicious apple strudel. Try something new extreme view sports or lie on the beach by the lake and read an interesting book. Explore all the caves of Dachstein or enjoy the views of all the nearby lakes. When you want to feel the atmosphere of a Christmas fairy tale or ride down the mountain on one of the best Austrian ski resorts. This is a place where everyone will find something for their soul. And this is the place where you will feel at home, being there for the first time in your life.
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