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Hallstatt is one of the most popular day trips in Austria because it’s a short drive or train ride from Salzburg and Vienna. This picturesque town is a dreamy destination, so here’s how to plan the perfect Hallstatt day trip.
The Ultimate Austria Travel Guide
Know Before You Go: Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded in the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Here’s the ultimate Hallstatt day trip guide!
When To Go
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for limited parking, high prices, long restaurant waits, and crowds. You can avoid some of the other visitors by going on weekdays, arriving early, and staying late. These months have the perfect warm, sunny weather, and all water activities and Alpine excursions will be open.
Apil, May, September, and October are the shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. These months have a higher chance of rain, so bring a rain jacket. Hallstatt is significantly less crowded during these months, and the mountains and lake will still be fully accessible.
Winter is the off-season, but November – March are incredible months for having Hallstatt practically to yourself. Plus, this Alpine town turns into a Winter Wonderland! It will be cold and icy, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many activities and trails will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance.
What To Do
Year-Round Activities: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, and visit the Museum Hallstatt.
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities: take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt, and explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
Winter Activities: go for a snowshoe hike, pamper yourself at the nearby GrimmingTherme spa, and visit the Christmas Market.
Where To Eat
Uferwirt Seeraunzn (Austrian, Germany, $$-$$$)
Restaurant im Seehotel Gruner Baum (International, $$-$$$)
Maislinger (Cafe, $)
Restaurant Rudolfsturm (Austrian, German, $$-$$$)
BRAUGASTHOF am Hallstattersee (Austrian, German, $$-$$$)
Maik’s Heisse Hutte (Quick Eats, $)
Gasthof Simony Restaurant am See (German, Austrian, $$-$$$)
Cafe Bachts Polreich (European, $$)
Taglich Frisch Gebacken (Pastries, $)
Heritage.Hotel Hallstatt (Austrian, European, $$$)
Muk’s Schmankerl (Ice Cream, $)
Gasthof Hollwirt (Austrian, German, $$-$$$)
Where To Stay
If you decide to spend the night or a weekend in Hallstatt, I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes.
Accommodation is limited in Hallstatt, so reserve your accommodation as early as possible, even if you’re visiting in the off-season.
Shop My Austria Essentials
Is there anything you’d add to this Hallstatt day trip? Let us know in the comments!
For Planning The Rest Of Your Trip
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Hallstatt Day Trip
Recommended Tours in Hallstatt
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hallstatt a day trip?
Hallstatt is one of the most popular day trips in Austria because it’s a short drive or train ride from Salzburg and Vienna.
Know Before You Go: Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded in the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Year-Round Activities: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, and visit the Museum Hallstatt.
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities: take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt, and explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
Winter Activities: go for a snowshoe hike, pamper yourself at the nearby GrimmingTherme spa, and visit the Christmas Market.
How many hours do you need for Hallstatt?
I recommend spending as much of the day as possible in Hallstatt.
Hallstatt is one of the most popular day trips in Austria because it’s a short drive or train ride from Salzburg and Vienna.
Know Before You Go: Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded in the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Year-Round Activities: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, and visit the Museum Hallstatt.
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities: take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt, and explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
Winter Activities: go for a snowshoe hike, pamper yourself at the nearby GrimmingTherme spa, and visit the Christmas Market.
Is Hallstatt Austria worth visiting?
Yes! Hallstatt is one of the best destinations to visit in Austria.
When To Go:
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for limited parking, high prices, long restaurant waits, and crowds. You can avoid some of the other visitors by going on weekdays, arriving early, and staying late. These months have the perfect warm, sunny weather, and all water activities and Alpine excursions will be open.
Apil, May, September, and October are the shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. These months have a higher chance of rain, so bring a rain jacket. Hallstatt is significantly less crowded during these months, and the mountains and lake will still be fully accessible.
Winter is the off-season, but November – March are incredible months for having Hallstatt practically to yourself. Plus, this Alpine town turns into a Winter Wonderland! It will be cold and icy, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many activities and trails will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance.
Can you do a day trip from Vienna to Hallstatt?
Yes! Hallstatt is a short car or train ride from Vienna, or you can book a guided trip.
Know Before You Go: Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded in the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Year-Round Activities: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, and visit the Museum Hallstatt.
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities: take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt, and explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
Winter Activities: go for a snowshoe hike, pamper yourself at the nearby GrimmingTherme spa, and visit the Christmas Market.
Is it better to stay in Salzburg or Hallstatt?
You need at least three nights in Salzburg to thoroughly explore the city, and Hallstatt can be visited as a day trip from Salzburg.
Know Before You Go: Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded in the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Year-Round Activities: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, and visit the Museum Hallstatt.
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities: take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt, and explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
Winter Activities: go for a snowshoe hike, pamper yourself at the nearby GrimmingTherme spa, and visit the Christmas Market.
What is the best time to visit Hallstatt?
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for limited parking, high prices, long restaurant waits, and crowds. You can avoid some of the other visitors by going on weekdays, arriving early, and staying late. These months have the perfect warm, sunny weather, and all water activities and Alpine excursions will be open.
Apil, May, September, and October are the shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. These months have a higher chance of rain, so bring a rain jacket. Hallstatt is significantly less crowded during these months, and the mountains and lake will still be fully accessible.
Winter is the off-season, but November – March are incredible months for having Hallstatt practically to yourself. Plus, this Alpine town turns into a Winter Wonderland! It will be cold and icy, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many activities and trails will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance.
Is Hallstatt closer to Vienna or Salzburg?
Hallstatt is closer to Salzburg than Vienna by car and train.
Know Before You Go: Hallstatt is a small town that can be very crowded in the summer months. So if you’re visiting in June, July, or August, arrive as early as possible or stay as late as possible to avoid some of the crowds.
Year-Round Activities: walk the entire length of Old Town, shop at the Central Square Marktplatz, stroll through the Hallstatt Ossuary, and visit the Museum Hallstatt.
Spring, Summer, Fall Activities: take a boat out on the lake, go up to the Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick,” ride the Salzwelten Hallstatt, and explore the Hallstatt Salt Mine.
Winter Activities: go for a snowshoe hike, pamper yourself at the nearby GrimmingTherme spa, and visit the Christmas Market.
How do you get around Hallstatt?
Hallstatt is a pedestrian town, so everywhere is walkable. To get to Hallstatt, you can drive, take a train, or book a guided tour.
When To Go:
June to August is the peak travel season, so be prepared for limited parking, high prices, long restaurant waits, and crowds. You can avoid some of the other visitors by going on weekdays, arriving early, and staying late. These months have the perfect warm, sunny weather, and all water activities and Alpine excursions will be open.
Apil, May, September, and October are the shoulder months. Temperatures will be pleasant during the day and cool in the mornings and evenings. These months have a higher chance of rain, so bring a rain jacket. Hallstatt is significantly less crowded during these months, and the mountains and lake will still be fully accessible.
Winter is the off-season, but November – March are incredible months for having Hallstatt practically to yourself. Plus, this Alpine town turns into a Winter Wonderland! It will be cold and icy, so bring your warmest layers and sturdiest boots. Many activities and trails will be closed or have limited hours, so you’ll need to research any activities you want to do in advance.
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This Hallstatt day trip guide is not a sponsored post, and, as always, the thoughts and opinions expressed in this Hallstatt day trip guide are entirely my own. Some of the links in this Hallstatt day trip guide are affiliate links, and, at no cost to you, I may earn a small commission from this Hallstatt day trip guide.
