Too Beautiful To Be Real: Hallstatt

Hallstatt
Hallstatt
Türkçe | English

Again, I’m writing about a place that I waited long long years to visit! I don’t think it’s possible not to come across to the magnificent photos of Hallstatt when you spend time on social media. So, I dreamed of visiting that little village for a long time, and at the end Hallstatt did not disappoint me even for a moment.

Hallstatt

Why to Go Hallstatt?

Hallstatt is a tiny village in the Salzkammergut region of Austria. But when it comes to the majestic mountains, lake and small and charming houses along the lake, it turns out that it is a must-see. As a result, this beauty is of course also in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This is Austria’s oldest residential area. The region is flourished with salt mines. Hallstatt also has a salt mine that has been working for 7000 years.

And this place is so beautiful that; since 1 billion Chinese could not fit here, the built their own Hallstatt in China for those who cannot go! Have a look at this link if you have doubts 🙂

What to Do In Hallstatt?

  • You can visit the most beautiful activity streets step by step. You can spend time in every street as if you were in a separate fairy tale.
  • Also, if you go in good weather, you should definitely hire a boat on the lake.
  • Salt mine may be the funniest activity in Hallstatt. I think it must be visited.
  • Do not miss the Skywalk on your way to the mine.
  • You can also take a bicycle tour around the lake, there are places where a bike can be rented.

Let’s Start With the Streets in Hallstatt

Walking through the streets, you will come across to the city hall, Hallstatt Museum, the Beinhaus, the iconic church in each Hallstatt painting, and the other church that is not so well-known. The Hallstatt Museum is generally related to the history of the city. Beinhaus is a chapel filled with colourful skulls, but it was closed when we were there. Churches are far from being pretentious, completely made for worship. I think you shouldn’t spend much time indoors, so enjoy yourself in the streets, and live this magic!

City hall

Each street of Hallstatt is like another fairy tale. Take your time, go around, you won’t regret it. This village is so small, that it takes about 15-20 minutes to walk from one end to the other, however.

A view from the streets

Don’t Forget To Rent A Boat

You can take your beer and enjoy the wonderful views all over the lake. Don’t forget to try the Hallstatt beer (das Bier).

Boat tour in the lake

Salzwelten Hallstatt

This is a 7000 year old salt mine and is still working. It is interesting and a pretty fun trip is waiting for you here. I said don’t spend too much time indoors, but don’t leave Hallstatt without visiting the mine.

You wear special clothing and you go inside the mine. Note that if you go in summer it will be pretty cool compared to outside. Outfits are not to protect from cold, but for slides waiting for you inside!

Entering the salt mine

Tickets can be bought from the website, but you can also get a ticket from the box office when you go. You can walk up or you can go with the funicular. Ticket prices also vary according to options. As a large group, we chose the funicular, but I’m sure it would be very enjoyable to do some hiking up there.

Skywalk

This is a bridge that joins the mine with the other slope of the mountain and then the view platform. You’ll see it when you’re up to the mine, but you shouldn’t go down without taking a picture at the very end of the platform and having a drink.

Hallstatt
Skywalk

5-Fingers

It’s not in Hallstatt, actually, but it’s pretty close. This view platform in Obertraun should also be visited.

First you need to walk up the cable car and then walk for 20-30 minutes to reach the platform. The walk is not difficult, the scenery is great!

Hiking up to 5-Fingers

You can reach the cable car by car, bike or by boat departing from Hallstatt.

To Be Continued…

Details like how to get there, where to stay, how long should be planned will be on the next post. Stay tuned! 🙂

Click here for the second part!