Visiting Austria is always a treat, but Hallstatt was quite the fairytale. Despite having prices that rival Disney, it's quite the place. The tiny village was built into a mountain on Lake Hallstatt hundreds of years ago, and is known for its very successful production of salt. I wouldn't recommend a long trip, as there isn't a ton to do, but a night or two is perfect. It's very crowded with day visitors, but the the evenings and mornings are lovely. (fun fact: there is a duplicate of the city built in China!) I had a car, but you can also arrive via ferry (the more attractive way to arrive) or bus. I visited in the summer but seeing Hallstatt in the winter also looks like a blast. Regardless, you won't be disappointed in this picturesque town!
FRIDAY
Arrive in Hallstatt in time to see the sunset over the lake! The best place for a picture (what you have seen as a Google screensaver for years) of the village is a short walk out of town.
There are a few options for dinner: I enjoyed my schnitzel at the Heritage Hotel, but a few other options include the Seewirt Zauner (it's been open for 100 years! If you go here, order the Salzfürstenplatte) and Restaurant zum Salzbaron (great view of the lake).
The town's marketplace often has fun events on the weekend and I was privy to a wonderful orchestra concert (and a pair of girls handing out free schnapps!)
SATURDAY
Get a start the next morning with a hot chocolate and croissant from Café Maislinger. TIP: Stroll through town and snap a few pictures before the buses of tourist start arriving... be sure to go into the two churches, they are both beautiful.
After enough wandering, head over to the funicular. The views from the skywalk are exceptional, especially on a clear day. At the top of the funicular, grab a glass of prosecco or beer at Rudolfsturm. TIP: A tour of the salt mines is a great way to learn more about the history of the area. It's the oldest known salt mine in the world!
Grab a bite to eat from the kebap cart or pizza stand before meandering over to the Catholic Cemetery and Charnel (Bone) House, which is home to the largest collection of skulls in existence. For a small fee, you can see more than 600 painted skulls, which were citizens of Hallstatt dating back to the 18th century. Kind of weird but also very interesting.
Don't leave Hallstatt without the region's famous marshmallow-filled pastry, a Schaumrolle from Täglich Frisch Gebacken! It's worth every calorie, trust me.
After indulging, it's time for a boat ride! You have a few different options, I opted for a darling striped e-boat (still kicking myself for not getting a good photo), but there are also swan boats (check out Bootsverleih Hemetsberger rentals!) and Navia boats (good for groups). Regardless of what you pick, being out on Lake Hallstatt is magical.
Dinner on the water at Bräugasthof has the most delicious pasta and chicken. In short, it's hard to beat.
Round out the evening with a drink at Marktbeisl Zur Ruth. If you're lucky, there might be some more live music to enjoy!
SUNDAY
Head to Café Derbl and wander around the area south of town.
If you want to learn more about the history of the town, you can always visit the Welterbemuseum Hallstatt or do a self-guided walking tour, courtesy of Big Boy Travel.
ADDITIONAL RELEVANT TIPS
Be prepared for high prices. Hallstatt looks like Disneyland and costs about the same. TIP: the merchants have an aversion to credit cards, so bring Euros or prepare to visit the ATM.
There are a handful of options for lodging, I really enjoyed my stay at Pension Bergfried!
Without a car, visiting Hallstatt can be challenging, which is why many rent a car and visit the other lakes in the region.
For World War II buffs, about 75 kilometers west is the Hitler's Eagle's Nest (Kehlsteinhaus). It has quite incredible views, and, again, I used the Big Boy Travel guide. You can also book private tours, but this worked for someone with only a few hours. TIP: You have to pay for parking and you need exact change, so bring coins.
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