Hallstatt, Austria is one of those idyllic towns that ends up on those “must-see-before-you-die” lists as being one of the most beautiful towns to bless this planet. And rightly, so! It has just been one of those towns I saw over and over again on all forms of social media, with picture perfect captures and I couldn’t wait to go one day, aching in my travelous heart until the itch had been scratched.
Located in a remote part of Austria along the banks of the Hallstätter See in the Salzkammergut region, this tiny town has managed to survive through centuries of isolation thanks to the salt that has been mined here even as early as 3000 B.C., making it the world’s oldest salt mine. Hallstatt became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997
We had originally planned to use our tickets to go up the Jennerbahn at Königssee, but the weather was incredibly foggy and it would have been impossible to see anything. So, we decided to make a last minute, sporadic decision to drive the extra hour across the border from Germany to go to Hallstatt. And it turned out to be the best decision EVER! Not only was the town already incredibly picturesque, but autumn had already begun to set in, adding to the majestic beauty of the town.
Until the 19th century, they say that you couldn’t reach the town other than by boat or trails that run above the town in the mountains. Today, you can not drive IN the town, but you can drive through a tunnel behind the town and come out on the other side where you can find parking and walk into town. But this was not how I wanted to have my first glimpse of the town.
So, we drove halfway around the lake, to park on the other side in the small village of Obertraun and take the Hallstatt boat across the lake. We had gotten out to ask the hotel Haus am See where we could park and she said parking was free here and the hotels don’t mind you parking anywhere. The boat dock was right behind the hotel so we quickly grabbed our stuff and hopped on the boat within 5 minutes!
I could hardly contain my excitement as we slowly made our way across the lake. With each minute that passed, the town came closer and closer into view, displaying a bunch of houses clustered together along the shores of the lake.
The boat drops you off right in the center of the town, next to the Evangelical church and below the Pfarrkirche that towers over the town.
Within a few feet, you immediately find yourself in the city’s main square which left me breathless with the shock of the beauty in person. I.could.not.stop.taking.pictures!! It was absolutely stunning!
The town has managed to maintain its classy, historic city full of hotels and houses built into the side of the mountain and the town only seems to bloom under the beauty of endless fall foliage surrounding the houses.
We walked another few feet and were surprised to see that there was a waterfall, flowing behind the houses only to discover that the water then flows through the town before making its way to the lake.
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Before we managed to get very far, we found ourselves enjoying lunch along the banks of the lake on under a canopy tree, well into its autumn bloom decorated with unique looking tree lamps.
We meandered, wandered and strolled our way through the town, taking an endless amount of picture perfect pictures every five feet. And all along the way, we were greeted one after another of what seemed like an endless amount of swans.
One of my favorite parts of the town was actually just a simple staircase with the phrase “Time Travel” written in multiple languages with a few sporadic autumn leaves laying on the steps…plus a few more I added! I’m a bad tourist and didn’t take the time to find out why these steps were here, however, I do believe there was a museum near here.
We reached the end of the town, nearest the Salzwelten cable car before turning back around and heading in the other direction and climbing up some of the paths that lead to the Pfarrkirche (Parish Church) that is perched above the town that we saw as we came in on the boat. It’s a pretty easy walk up with just about two dozen steps or so before you come upon a small tunnel and then emerging at the foot of the church.
The Pfarrkirche dated back to the 15th century with an amazing wooden alter piece of the Virgin Mary. It is a simple church and much of the woodwork inside is still the original.
The church is surrounded by a cemetery so beautiful, it was almost impossible to think that it actually is one. Austrian cemeteries are always so beautiful and this one reminded me of another cemetery I walked through in Salzburg.
Also near the church and by the cemetery is the Beinhaus – a chapel which stores over 1,200 skulls, painted with floral designs with the name, date and cause of death. 10 years after the funeral and the body had decomposed, the remains were moved to the chapel to make room for the next coffin. Needless to say, I did not go in. I simply wandered around the cemetery and enjoyed the view over the lake.
Just below the church and to the left is a great place for a photo op with the town as a backdrop. It offered a great view of the Evangelical church as well as many of the houses below.
My favorite part of the afternoon came when we were waiting for the boat to come to take us back across the lake when I spotted one lone swan swimming near many of the houses and I captured one of my favorite pictures while he was ruffling his feathers.
We did not need more than 4 hours to see the whole town. There is still plenty more that we want to do and we intend to go back and stay longer. Across the lake, on the boat ride back to the car, we spotted the Hallstatt Castle, which seems to be privately owned and is not open to the public.
Even after having written this blog, I am still in awe at the beauty that is Hallstatt! I have been to many picturesque towns in Europe that all have a fairy tale dream feeling to it like something right out a book. But Hallstatt was different. There aren’t enough words in the dictionary to describe the beauty of the town and pictures can only show you so much. It is definitely one of those towns that belongs on those “must-see” lists because you’ll never appreciate the beauty by just looking at pictures!
Check out my list for the Top 10 Most Adorable Towns in Europe!
Things to do while in Hallstatt:
- Salzwelten Cable Car – takes you to the world’s oldest salt mine and offers a panoramic view over the town.
- Dachstein Ice Cave (Dachsteinhöhlen) – One of the largest ice caves in the world
- Punt (Fuhr) across the Lake – take a ride in one of the traditional salt boats across the lake during the summer.
- For more check out the Hallstatt website!
If you’re interested in visiting Austria and are looking for more information, I highly recommend using the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide:Austria! Without these guides, I would be lost! This is my travel Bible!
Ladies snuggle up with this warm and soft blanket scarf and chunky beanie while the Guys look cool in their brown leather jackets!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!
Have you been to Hallstatt? What are some other good to-do tips you can recommend?
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October 20, 2015 at 5:51 am
WOW this town looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. I just adore autumn colors and that castle, amazing! Unfortunately living in Okinawa, Japan we don’t get too much of a fall…it definitely makes me appreciate fall photos when I see them that much more!
October 20, 2015 at 6:01 am
Ohh that’s a shame about Okinawa!! I was born there and have always wanted to go back! When is a good time Roy visit? May/June when the flowers are in bloom?
October 20, 2015 at 6:09 am
you were bon here? amazing! are you a mil child by chance? I do love when all the flowers bloom, they start in late Jan with the Sakura, then go to sunflowers, azaleas, cosmos, iris and the hydrangeas are a big fav for me too (late June). Summer is hot & humid and winter is mild, I really like Sept/Oct weather wise because the humidity is less but its still warm to swim…we just don’t have those typical falls where leaves change colors etc!
October 20, 2015 at 6:13 am
Yup I’m a mil brat! Dad was stationed there couple of times as a kid. But he I don’t remember much – just the apartment we lived in.
If live to see the cherry blossoms in bloom as well as wisteria!
October 20, 2015 at 6:14 am
Yes I would love to visit mainland to see the wisteria….looks so pretty!
October 20, 2015 at 10:39 am
I really need to put Hallstatt higher on my bucket list. It looks stunning. Beautiful photos!
#MondayEscapes
October 20, 2015 at 1:57 pm
I’ve been wanting to visit Hallstatt for a while now after seeing lots of iconic photos of it next to the lake – but your autumn pics make me REALLY want to go, and at the same time of year!! Just gorgeous! #MondayEscapes
October 20, 2015 at 2:12 pm
It was beautiful!!! Is love to go back when it’s covered in snow too!! You have to go!!!
October 21, 2015 at 8:58 am
great photos!I visited it too! #monday escapes
October 22, 2015 at 12:56 am
Picture perfect. I can see why people fall in love with it!
October 29, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Well if it’s one of those places you have to see before you die… then I must go! Hallstatt looks like a real toy town, something you would see at Legoland! Wonderful! Thanks for linking up with #MondayEscapes
October 30, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Hallstatt has been on our must visit list for some time. I’m happy to read a positive review. The last few I’ve read have been less than glowing.
October 30, 2015 at 7:59 pm
That’s a shame because it was amazing! I am sure during high season it is overly crowded, which I would not have liked. I think the winter when it is covered in snow would also be very beautiful!
October 30, 2015 at 10:03 pm
Absolutely gorgeous. I definitely would like to visit Hallstatt.
October 31, 2015 at 1:26 am
Hallstatt looks so beautiful – a picture perfect Austrian village. Love your photos and informative post 🙂
October 31, 2015 at 3:11 am
I LOVE your pictures from Austria! Those fall colors are fabulous. I miss Europe. Thanks for joining us for #TheWeeklyPostcard.
October 31, 2015 at 11:15 am
Wow! What beautiful pictures. Autumn seems like a great time to visit… #theweeklypostcard
October 31, 2015 at 11:44 am
I was in Hallstatt earlier this year in the spring. The autumn colours make it look even more picturesque. Was it overrun with Asian tourists like when we were there?
October 31, 2015 at 1:01 pm
A tad but we went on a cold foggy day which turned out beautiful so it wasn’t quite as crowded as I imagine it could get
November 1, 2015 at 12:19 am
Who would have thought that the oldest salt mine in the world is located in Austria? What a beautiful town, love your photos. Looks like the perfect place to spend an Autumn day- the colours! Amazing! #TheWeeklyPostcard
November 1, 2015 at 5:04 am
Oh my gosh – Thank you for sharing these! Halstatt has been on my wish list for a few years, since I first saw the iconic waterfront photo. Later, I saw the same view in winter (gorgeous) and now your fall photos (also gorgeous)! It’s just too perfect…I must go. 🙂 Thanks again for sharing!
November 29, 2015 at 7:23 am
Hallstatt is so pretty!!! It is really my favorite place in the world, and hope to see it in all seasons. So far, I’ve experienced the beginning of autumn. Lovely pictures. 🙂
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February 16, 2016 at 11:25 am
Your pictures are amazing..may i know exactly which month to visit hallstatt in order to see the blooming autumn leaves? I plan to visit this year. Thanks in advance.
February 16, 2016 at 11:26 am
We went late October and there was still a lot of green so I would say anywhere between end of October to mid November
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August 16, 2016 at 8:27 am
Hallstadt looks like the little town where we spent almost three weeks now – Murau, Austria. We love it. It’s such a laid-back peaceful life here.
August 16, 2016 at 8:28 am
I’ve never heard of Murau! I’ll need to look into it!
August 16, 2016 at 8:35 am
beautiful photos! I’ve visited it too:) #citytripping
August 16, 2016 at 9:58 am
Such a pretty town! Beautiful photos! #CityTripping
August 16, 2016 at 10:09 am
Oh my goodness -this is stunning! I love places where you want to take photos at every turn…Hallstadt doesn’t even need the sun to look beautiful. I want to go! #citytripping
August 16, 2016 at 10:10 am
I think it’s one of those towns that is breathtaking no matter rain, snow or shine!
August 16, 2016 at 12:59 pm
Pinned for later! Thanks for sharing! That’s an amazingly beautiful town! 🙂 #citytripping
August 16, 2016 at 8:34 pm
What a beautiful beautiful place- it almost doesn’t look really. Such a fairytale place #citytripping
August 16, 2016 at 8:38 pm
I felt like we were walking through a fairy tale land!
August 20, 2016 at 2:00 am
This is crazy gorgeous!!! It hardly seems real… Definitely going into my bucket list! #CityTripping
August 20, 2016 at 12:08 pm
We are headed to Hallstatt in Early October and your post could not have gotten me more excited!!!! I haven’t found any other info on the town in autumn. Great read and photos!
August 20, 2016 at 12:11 pm
Oh you will love it!!! Have fun!
September 3, 2016 at 5:13 pm
It looks so magical. Fabulous photos. Great idea to get the boat across the lake into the town.
September 4, 2016 at 3:24 am
Phenomenal! Hallstatt looks like it’s definitely a place to explore in fall. Such beautiful autumnal oranges, reds, and yellows in all of your photos! Thanks for sharing your experience, I hope I can see this someday!
September 6, 2016 at 4:25 am
HallStadt is beautiful, it’s the place to splurge for a waterfront room if ever there was one. I imagine the light is nice in the fall as well as the leaves. Great photos; they capture the town really well.! #wkendtravelinspiration
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