Travel Stories 31.07.2016

Hallstatt(Hallstatt, Hallstatt) is a small and very picturesque town in Upper Austria, located on Lake Hallstatt ( hallstattersee). Many sources write that it is located in a remote alpine area, and it is not easy to get to Hallstatt, but this is not entirely true. Yes, perhaps the area itself is difficult to access, but it is a small country, and communication is pretty well established there. Both the road and the railway run past Hallstatt, so all you need is a little patience. And we'll tell you how to get there!

There are several ways to get to Hallstatt: by car, by train, or choose the "combined" option (bus + train). It depends on your departure point as well as your preferences. Below is a detailed description of each of the ways that will help you navigate, plan your route in the best way and not get lost on the spot.

Driving to Hallstatt

Wherever you are, in fact, all you need to get to Hallstatt by car is a GPS navigator. It is enough to drive in the next address or coordinates, and follow its instructions.

Of the major cities, it is closest to Hallstatt: the road from it will take about 1.5 hours (the shortest option is about 70 km, through the autobahn - 90 km). Various itineraries can be found at google maps.

note

Some of the routes may include paid sections. You should also take care to buy a special sticker (sticker) for the car in advance if you decide to use the A10 autobahn (they are sold at any gas station and cost about 10 €).

Distance to Hallstatt from is about 300 km, the road will take you a little more than three hours. There are also paid sections of the road, and the travel time is almost the same as by train. Therefore, it may be easier to use public transport. If you decide to go by car, you can see the available routes.

Parking in Hallstatt is bad (in fact, there is simply nowhere to park the car, because the town is very small), so you will need to leave it somewhere at the entrance. There is, however, a small parking lot on one of the "upper levels", just where the road passes through the tunnel.

Small car park in Hallstatt

Getting to Hallstatt by train

As we wrote at the beginning, railway communication in Austria is well developed, so Hallstatt can be easily reached by train. True, there are no direct trains from Vienna or Salzburg, but the optimal route with one transfer will not cause any particular difficulties. On the website of the Austrian Railways, you can get a route from one point to another, choose the most suitable option and, if desired, purchase tickets.

Attention!

By purchasing tickets in advance, you can save money, because. closer to the date of departure, the cost usually increases. Read more information (for example, about the need to reserve a seat): by default, you buy a ticket just for travel, without assigning a specific seat. Although booking is a little more expensive, people take advantage of it, so when boarding, pay attention to seats signed by a surname - they were reserved by someone else.

If suddenly someone did not see the button "Search for a route" on the ÖBB website, here is a link to the planner page. There is all the necessary information, up to the platform of departure and arrival - you just need to be careful and check on the spot if there have been any changes. Navigation at railway stations and stations in Austria is clear, there are various electronic scoreboards, so you are unlikely to get lost 🙂

An example of the route from Vienna to Hallstatt by train built on the website of the Austrian railways

It's important to know

Not many trains stop at the Hallstatt railway station. The ferries that take you to the city from the Hallstatt railway station are “synchronized” with the arrival time of the trains, so you won’t have to wait for anything directly on the spot. The ferry schedule can always be found on the official website of the carrier.

However, just a few kilometers from Hallstatt is Obertraun ( Obertraun) where trains arrive much more frequently. From Obertraun to Hallstatt you can take a bus, swim across by boat, or travel one stop by train (it turns out, as it were, in the opposite direction). Yes, it will be a little more expensive (a boat from Obertraun, for example, costs about 8€, while a ferry from the Hallstatt railway station itself costs 2.5€), but it can be a good option if you want more flexibility for yourself time.

Generally speaking, in Obertraun (more precisely, a couple of kilometers from it) is the famous observation deck "5 fingers", located at an altitude of 2100 meters, as well as other attractions included in this mountain complex (for example, an ice cave), so a trip to Hallstatt can be combined with a visit to Obertraun. According to the author’s personal experience, one day is hardly enough for this, so it’s better to look for a place to sleep in advance, because. hotel prices here "bite" (in principle, there are not very many of them, and in the summer they fly like hot cakes).

A cozy little boat from Obertraun to Hallstatt departs every hour (if the weather permits, of course)

Train from Vienna to Hallstatt

The most optimal variant of the route from Vienna to Hallstatt by train passes with 1 change via Atnang Pusheim Station (Attnang-Puchheim) and takes 3.5 hours. This is a fairly large (by Austrian standards) regional transfer hub, so the transfer time there is usually minimal (10-15 minutes), which means that the road will be quick and not so tiring. Just after Attnang Pusheim, the landscape outside the window is changing, and you are already enjoying the gorgeous views of the "hard-to-reach" alpine terrain.

Of course, there are other options, incl. with two or more transfers, but we don't want to complicate things, do we? Again, if the need arises, you can always find similar routes on the ÖBB website and choose the one that suits you. The cost of the trip will be approximately the same, and the minimum difference in time will be approximately +30 minutes.

Transport from Salzburg to Hallstatt

But the road to Hallstatt from Salzburg looks a little more complicated, because you have to use different modes of transport. In fact, this is the same route with 1 change as from Vienna, only faster: at best, the whole journey will take you 2-2.5 hours.

First you will need get to Bad Ischl (Bad Ischl) by bus number 150. The current timetable can be viewed and downloaded on the official website of the Salzburg Transport Association. There, if you wish, you can plan your route and see all possible options, including trains, and much more. The journey by bus takes a little over an hour, a ticket is purchased from the driver and costs about 10 €.

Attention!

Valid Salzburg city public transport tickets are also valid for longer journeys (i.e. city fares are deducted from the cost of a regional ticket), so if you have one, please let us know in advance when purchasing your ticket to get a discount!

Bad Ischl, by the way, is widely known and popular as a thermal resort, it is also located on the lake in picturesque surroundings, so, if possible, it is also worth taking time for it.

Next head to the railway station Bad Ischl, buy your train ticket and voila, you're about half an hour from your destination! The ticket price will be approximately 4.5 € one way, most often the ticket is given to Obertraun (according to existing zones). Trains to Hallstatt depart every 1.5 hours, so, as we wrote earlier, if you wish, you can take a train to Obertraun, so as not to wait so long, and from there head to Hallstatt.

In order not to get confused along the way, or at the preparation stage, you can download this little infographic for yourself:

How to get to Hallstatt from Vienna or Salzburg: infographic.

Hallstatt is an absolutely amazing town in Austria, hidden between the mountains and the Hallstattersee lake. A peculiar symbol of Austria.

Hallstatt, possibly spelling Hallstatt, is an absolutely amazing town in Austria, hidden between the mountains and the Hallstattersee lake. The entire region is a unique cultural heritage protected by UNESCO.

History paragraph

As early as 5 thousand years BC. e., for the first time in the history of mankind, they began to extract salt on an industrial scale. The wealth and prosperity of the local population, which traded with the Mediterranean and Baltic countries, was based on the extraction of salt. Since that time, the ancient salt mines have been preserved, which today are the main attraction for tourists visiting Hallstatt.

salt mines

Here, visitors will be given overalls and allowed, following the path of the salt miners, to go down twice into the depths of the mine. The descent itself is a kind of children's slide, with the only difference being that their height is 40-60 meters. There will also be offered a tour of the labyrinths of the mine (in German or English) and watching informational films. At the end of the tour, visitors will be taken outside through a narrow tunnel, through which the mined salt was previously taken out of the mine.

Attractions Hallstatt

An amazing place in the town of Hallstatt is the famous St. Michael's Chapel. Near the chapel there is a small cemetery (to match the population of 950 people), so the graves on it are temporary. After the expiration of a certain period, most often it is 10 years, the graves are opened, thereby freeing up space for the new dead. The remains are transferred to the chapel for storage, where any tourist can see them for one and a half euros. In a kind of museum, a huge number of skulls are kept, lovingly signed and decorated with images of doves and roses.

Archaeological excavations are carried out on the territory of the city , available to tourists. The finds are exhibited in the local museum (Museum Hallstatt) or in the major museums of the country.

However, the main feature of Hallstatt is not in its thousand-year history, but in the feeling of detachment and isolation from the rest of the world that appears there. There are only 2 streets in the historical part of the city, but cars can pass only one.

The new part of Hallstadt is also very small, and its entire territory can be walked in half an hour. The buildings are built in incredible proximity to each other. Houses of the second line are at the height of the roofs of the first. Thus, the city has 5 levels of houses, while some buildings are built right on the water.

Entertainment

Guests of the city have the opportunity to ride boats similar to gondolas, go fishing and scuba diving. By the way, licenses are required for the last two entertainments. There is a hotel for scuba divers in Hallstatt. Surprisingly, many of them still dream of finding gold, according to legend, drowned by the Nazis in one of the lakes.

In the new part of the city there is an artificially built island where you can sunbathe and play with children. But only very seasoned people dare to swim in the lake. The water is insanely cold, as it is fed by mountain glacial rivers.

How to get there

From Vienna

The train is direct, it takes a little more than 3 hours, the ticket price is from €19.

From Salzburg

Drive closer, 2 hours, but there is no direct communication. Options: train + train, train + bus, bus + bus; ticket price from €9.

Fairy tale city! Picture City! Postcard City! The most beautiful city in Austria! All this is Hallstatt. I have long dreamed of visiting this city, the image of which often flashed in the Instagram feed of famous travel bloggers. And this summer, my dream finally came true!⠀

The landscape that surrounds this wonderful Austrian town is a harmonious combination of the Dachstein mountain range, the Hallstatt river and the Hallstattersee lake. At a glance at all this splendor, it becomes clear why this region is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The population of Hallstatt is just over 800 people, but due to its popularity, the number of tourists here is many times higher than the number of local residents. It is this fabulous town that is depicted in many paintings, postcards, brochures about Austria and, of course, this is a favorite place for Instagram travel bloggers.

Hallstatt is located far from the autobahns and is hidden behind the impregnable Dachstein mountains. In fact, the town is a narrow strip of charming bright Austrian houses and churches, harmoniously located on the shores of Lake Hallstattersee. Hallstatt is small - we went around the whole city in an hour. But people come here not for a lot of sights (although there are many interesting places). First of all, it is attractive for its incredibly beautiful and picturesque views, unique nature and fabulous atmosphere!

HOW TO GET THERE?

Until recently, Hallstatt was difficult to get to because of its location. But today it will not be difficult for tourists to get to the fabulous town both by car and by public transport. The closest way to get to Hallstatt is from Salzburg and the holiday lake region of the Salzkammergut. Relatively close and from Munich - 207 km, away from Vienna - 290 km.

1. Public transport

Bus number 150 runs from Salzburg (also passes through the town of St. Gilgen on the Wolfgangsee) to the city of Bad Ischl. In Bad Ischl, you need to change: either take bus number 542 and go straight to Hallstatt, or take a train heading towards the Hallstatt railway station. But! The railway station is located on the opposite bank of the lake in the town of Obertraun. Therefore, when you get to the station, you will also need to transfer to the ferry to be in Hallstatt itself. The option with the train is suitable if you plan to visit the observation deck of the Dachstein "5 fingers" mountain range in the town of Obertraun.

2. By car

This option is, of course, much easier. On your own or rented car from Salzburg, drive along the route number 158 (also passes by the Wolfgangsee lake), then through the town of Bad Ischl go to the route number 145, and then at the fork to the route number 166, drive along the lake through many tunnels and finally see the treasured sign "Hallstatt"! There are only 4 parking lots in Hallstatt, the number of free spaces is indicated everywhere. It is better, of course, to come in the morning - when there are not so many tourists yet.

WHAT TO VISIT?

✅Market Square (Hallstätter Marktplatz)

The central square of the city, where cafes and restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops are located. It is here that all major events take place: fairs, concerts and other folk festivals.
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✅ Hallstatt Catholic Church ("Katholische Pfarrkirche Hallstatt")

The church, built in the 12th century, was completely restored and restored in 2002. In front of the church is the Hallstatt cemetery, which in itself is a landmark of the city.
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✅ Evangelical Church ("Evangelische Kirche")

A church that can be seen in every photograph of the city, its spire soars skyward above the small houses of Hallstatt. The church was built in 1785 and is still functioning, it even hosts various cultural events and concerts.

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✅Hallstatt sky walk

If you want to enjoy the panorama of the city from a height of 360 meters, then visiting the observation deck is a must. There is a platform on the way to the salt mines. You can get there by funicular (price 16 euros / adult round trip). The site itself is free. A platform has been built here, which floats at an altitude of 360 meters above the lake and the city, and from where stunning views open.

✅Salt mine "Salzwelten"

Upstairs there is one of the salt mines - "Salzwelten", which are the oldest in the world. A trip to the mine is not only a dive into the underground world, but also an amazing excursion, during which you will get acquainted with the history of salt mining, walk through caves, see videos and a laser show, and ride along wooden chutes that miners used to use for movement. .

✅Observation deck "5 fingers" in Obertraun

Located in the neighboring town of Obertraun - on the opposite shore of the lake. You can get there by boat. The observation deck is located at an altitude of 2100 meters of the Dachstein mountain range and is considered one of the most beautiful viewing platforms in the Alps.

A village of rare beauty, located near Salzburg, it is located in the Dachstein mountain range, on the shores of an emerald lake, with clear water, surrounded by delicate greenery.
It has been written about countless times, in all languages ​​of the world. Therefore, only my impressions.
Hallstatt (Hallstatt Hallstatt). The village is small, about 1000 inhabitants, limited on all sides by water and rocks, due to isolation from the outside world, at the end of the 19th century, only a small passable path led here. he managed to preserve his historical features, some kind of internal isolation and original coloring.
Suffice it to say that it still has rather specific burial traditions.
The relief of the area led to the original multi-level architecture, which gives the town a unique unique look, although the chalets themselves are made quite traditionally.
Narrow serpentine streets, an abundance of greenery, soft light, silence and the virtual absence of vehicles create a rare charm, an idyll of delight and inspiration, a feeling of space curvature and fabulousness of what is happening, and the beautiful mountain air evokes a feeling of slight intoxication, extraordinary spiritual uplift.
The funicular lifts you to a bird's eye view, you see the boundless mountain ranges, the expanse of the lake, the expanses of the forest, the unusual situation enhances the feeling of peace, turning into drowsiness, you just want to sit down and look at all this non-man-made beauty. And to admire people who were smart enough not to destroy all this for the sake of the notorious progress and concern for humanity. At a height you can walk through the forest, take beautiful photos, sit in a cafe.
You can visit ancient salt mines, viewing platforms and other local attractions. But, in my opinion, nothing better and more pleasant than communication with nature cannot be found here. The place is just amazing.
The uniqueness of Hallstatt is evidenced by the fact that the ubiquitous Chinese built in China, its exact copy, their admiration was so great.
There are many cafes and restaurants in Hallstatt, only one thing surprised me, the lack of local lake fish, which, apparently, should be full, high prices and very mediocre service.
Isolation apparently does not contribute much to creativity, although it’s hard to think of what else to do there. But the fact is the fact, I did not manage to find any souvenirs of local production.
Residents of the town take full advantage of the natural uniqueness of the place, deriving the maximum benefit from it. There are obviously not enough places in hotels, boarding houses, and this causes their overpriced. But renting a boat or boat is quite affordable and simple.
The easiest and cheapest way to get there is from Salzburg by rail. Buy an Easy Payc Ticket, take a printout of trains to Hallstatt, and don't forget to ask for the return trip. Change at the station Attnag-Puchheim, to Hallstatt, you can also go to Bath Ischl.
Leaving the train in Hallstatt, go to the lake, where a boat is already waiting for you, which will take you to Hallstatt itself, a round-trip ticket costs some trifle. Travel time from Salzburg to the place is about two hours. The movement of the boat and trains are synchronized.
Attention! Cars of only its residents are allowed into the town.
Hallstatt is not a place for expanding knowledge, its historical relics, let's say for me, are of little significance. But its uncivilized beauty sinks into the heart and serves as a constant incentive to remember this place again and again.

Hallstatt - view from the lake

Along the shore

kirkha

original architecture

Lake Shore

Already in Hallstatt

Hallstatt houses

Pension

Lilac

local river

View from the funicular

high-rise hotel

Bird's-eye

In the mountains

Quiet place

mountain path

Hallstatt Lake

The beauty of the mountains

funicular

The outside

Private sector

local garages

Downtown

On the lake

Captivated by beauty

In the cafe

Higher and higher

Tourists

On the main square

Heritage Hotel

There are not many hotels in Hallstatt

To whom the boat is for rent

On a boat trip

Lake

Europe in April-May 2014. Do you want to visit Hallstatt, but its inaccessibility scares you? It's time to talk about how best to get to Hallstatt. This post will be interesting and useful for those who are going to go to Hallstatt by public transport.

The most convenient way to get to Hallstatt is from Salzburg with a change in Bad Ischl. We started our journey from Vienna, stopped there for a few days, then went to Salzburg, and while we were staying there, one day we went to Hallstatt. Due to such two-day "stops" we did not feel the complexity of the route.

Here it is, Hallstatt on the map with our route from Vienna, with a stop in Salzburg and Bad Ischl.

And now information for those who want more details on how to get to Hallstatt from Vienna or Salzburg.

The best way to get from Vienna to Salzburg is by the train service of the German company "Westbahn", the price of a ticket for one person will cost you 23.90 euros. Read more about how to get from Vienna to Salzburg.

When you are in Salzburg, you will need to change to the 150 bus route to Bad Ischl. We sat down at the bus stop on Minnesheimstraße, 5 minutes from our hotel "Turnerwirt" (the stop is called "Salzburg Volksschule Gnigl").

You can download the schedule of route 150 from Salzburg to Bad Ischl. On the way back (from Bad Ischl to Salzburg) also has its own schedule, download it. This bus starts from the bus stop of the Salzburg railway station (Sbg Hauptbahnhof). At this stop, there are several platforms from which buses depart, you need platform F.

You will need to pay for the road with the driver (we got about 9, 40 euros for 1 person). A ticket from Salzburg to Bad Ischl and back is like a regular check. We were given 1 ticket for three, so the price is appropriate - 30.30 euros.

By the way, we had a ticket that we bought in Salzburg and used on public transport, we showed it to the bus driver, and he gave us a small discount on travel to Bad Ischl. We did not pay for those stops that we passed within the boundaries of Salzburg, since we had a ticket for city public transport. So if you also have a valid ticket for using public transport in Salzburg, present it for a discount!

The bus makes stops in passing towns, where mostly local residents get on the bus. All stops are announced on the bus, so it will be impossible to miss the Bad Ischl railway station! And here is the railway station in Bad Ischl

In Bad Ischl at the railway station, you buy a train ticket to Hallstatt and back. The ticket is most often given to Obertraun (this is the next stop after Hallstatt, just in Obertraun there is the world-famous 5 fingers observation deck).

Trains run infrequently, about once every 1.5 hours. Therefore, be careful and do not miss your stop, as we did. As a result, we had to wait 1.5 hours for the return train, but we could spend this time walking around Hallstatt!

We sat for 1.5 hours at the railway station in Bad Aussee. But the view is beautiful!

I must say that the road to Hallstatt is unrealistically picturesque! Turn by turn you will pass stunning views that are a pleasure to watch!

When you arrive at the Hallstatt railway station, you will see the Hallstattersee lake in front of you, and on its shore, a boat that will ferry you to the other side, to the town itself. The price for the crossing is literally a couple of euros.

Hallstatt is indeed in a remote area, just have a little patience before you set off, but then all your efforts will be rewarded with beautiful views of Hallstatt!