A day between mountains, lakes and history
There are days that stay with us – not because of big events, but because of the quiet moments in between. Our Day trip to Hallstatt in the summer of 2025 was just such a day: warm, clear, filled with curiosity and little wonders that you discover along the way.
From Salzburg we drove into the heart of the Salzkammergutinto a landscape that looked as if it had been painted – green hills, reflective lakes and villages that tell stories.
My husband, our children (12 and 15) and I just wanted to have a nice day out, but in the end it became more: a trip that stayed with us for weeks afterwards.
Even on the outward journey, we could sense that this day was going to be special. The sun shimmered over the fields, our driver greeted us with a genuine smile and there was a feeling of freedom in the air that only travel can give.
What followed was not a trip in the classic sense, but a quiet adventure – between crystal-clear lakes, old churches, fragrant coffee and moments that you don’t plan, but simply let happen.
Departure from Salzburg - the start of our journey
The day began quietly. Salzburg was still quiet when we left our hotel shortly before nine o’clock. The morning sun gilded the rooftops of the old town, the smell of fresh pastries and coffee was in the air – and somewhere in the distance, the first church bells rang out.
Our driver greeted us with a genuine smile, helped us load our bags and asked if we were ready for a day full of beautiful views. We were.
The minivan was modern, spacious and pleasantly cool. As soon as we left the city limits behind us, the scenery changed. Instead of baroque towers and cobblestones, we saw wide fields, rolling hills and small villages with red-roofed houses.
It was as if Salzburg was showing its quiet, green side – a side that many visitors never get to see.
Our driver told us that this is where the real Austria between farms, orchards and small chapels at the side of the road. The children pressed their noses against the windows, counted cows in the meadows and laughed when a deer suddenly jumped across the road.
I leaned back, looked out over the glistening hills and thought: This reminds me of Switzerland – only more peaceful, more honest, more real. After about fifteen minutes of driving, the first flashes of blue appeared between the trees. Lake Fuschl lay before us – calm, clear and so reflective that you could hardly tell the difference between the sky and the water.
The day trip to Hallstatt had only just begun – and already everything felt like a vacation.
Along Lake Fuschl - short stop at the Red Bull headquarters
The road meandered through gentle hills, when suddenly a turquoise blue shimmer appeared between the trees – the Fuschlsee. The water lay still in the morning sun, so clear that you could see right to the bottom from the car.
We drove along the shore, past small jetties, green meadows and a play of light that made the lake look like liquid glass. Our driver told us that the Fuschlsee is one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in Austria – drinking water quality, in the middle of nature.
A few minutes later we reached the striking Red Bull Headquarters at the western end of the lake. Our driver stopped briefly so that we could take photos.
Several bronze bulls stand there in the foreground – powerful, gleaming, almost alive – while the glass main building behind them is reflected in the water. The architecture looks modern, almost futuristic, and yet blends in surprisingly harmoniously with its surroundings.
He explained that the site was private property and that visitors are only allowed to move around in the signposted area.
However, if you remain respectful, you can easily stop for a few minutes to experience the unique combination of nature and design – especially in the morning when the light dances across the surface of the water.
After a few shots and one last look at the lake, we drove on. Lake Fuschl remained beside us for a while – calm, glistening, like a silent companion on the way to the Salzkammergut.
The next stop lay ahead of us: St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee, a place that immediately enchanted us.
St. Gilgen am Wolfgangsee - Blossoming promenade & Mozart's legacy
Barely fifteen minutes’ drive and a few conversations later, a wide, glittering lake opened up before us – the Wolfgangsee. Framed by gentle mountains and green slopes, it lay in the morning sun like a piece of painted tranquillity.
Our driver steered the car directly down to the lake promenade of St. Gilgen and stopped at a small parking lot with a view of the water.
“Take as much time as you like,” he said with a smile. And that’s exactly what we did.
We got out of the car, breathed in the fresh air and stood in the middle of a picture that you normally only see on postcards. The lake glistened in the light, the houses all around were decorated with flowers and lush geraniums in all colors hung on the balconies.
Along the promenade were small cafés, traditional inns and stores selling handmade arts and crafts – everything looked neat, friendly and lively.
We walked across the market placepast wooden signs, fountains and fragrant flowerbeds, stopping every now and then to enjoy the view of the water. Right on the shore is the historic Mozart Housewhere the composer’s mother was born – a piece of music history right by the lake.
We finally found a cozy café with a terrace and ordered cappuccino, fresh juices and apple strudel.
From our spot, we watched the boats glide leisurely across the lake, heard the gentle clanking of the masts and the murmur of the guests around us. The sun was pleasantly warm, a light breeze blew across the water – and everything felt peaceful.
St. Gilgen has a special atmosphere:
A mixture of tranquillity, charm and that Austrian serenity that you immediately sense. It’s no wonder that students from all over the world come here for a private school right on the lake – the perfect place to learn and dream at the same time.
After about thirty minutes, we relaxed and returned to the car. Our driver was already waiting with a friendly nod. As we got in, I looked out over the lake one last time – I wanted to remember this image. Then we drove on, into the heart of the Salzkammergut, towards Hallstatt.
On the way to Hallstatt - through the heart of the Salzkammergut
After St. Gilgen, the road became narrower and Lake Wolfgang flashed between the trees for a while before slowly disappearing. The ride felt calm – that pleasant feeling when you’re on the road, but already in vacation mode.
Shortly afterwards we drove through Strobla small, well-kept village right on the shore. Between the houses you could see boats, flowers and people walking along the promenade.
Our driver grinned and said: “It’s a great place to swim in summer – or just get an ice cream and enjoy the lake.” It sounded so relaxed that we almost wished we could stop for a moment.
The road continued through rolling hills and green valleys, past meadows, old wooden houses and small roadside chapels. The further we got, the more pristine everything became – and the mountains became largermore impressive, as if they were showing us the way to Hallstatt.
A little later, the small small town of Bad Ischl appeared before us – quiet, charming, with bright facades and a river meandering through the center.
“Many people come here to relax,” said our driver. “Coffee, cake, hot springs – it’s a good place to stay.”
He laughed, and that pleasant mood spread through the car when you realize that nobody is in a hurry.
We drove on, leaving the city behind us and plunging deeper into the Salzkammergut. The valleys became narrower, the peaks came closer and the light changed – cooler, clearer, almost mystical. The children asked if Hallstatt was near yet. Our driver just nodded: “A few more bends – then you’ll see something very special.”
And he was right.
Suddenly the valley opened up, and in the distance glittered the Lake Hallstatt – still, deep blue and framed by mountains reflected in the water.
It was the moment when everyone fell silent for a moment.
Arrival in Hallstatt - Above the roofs of the World Heritage Site
After a good hour’s drive we finally reached Hallstatt – This place that you have seen countless times in photos without really realizing how beautiful it is. Nestled between the lake and the rocks, the village seemed almost unreal – quiet, compact and lively at the same time.
Our driver parked above the village, briefly explained the route and suggested a meeting point in three hours.
“The best place to start is at the top of the skywalk,” he said, “you’ll have the best view from there.”
A good tip – and that’s exactly what we did.
With the mountain railway we went up to the Hallstatt Skywalkwhich towers high above the village. Even the drive up was an experience: the lake below us, the roofs of Hallstatt tiny, the mountains in the background majestic and close.
Once at the top, we stood on a platform suspended 360 meters above the water – and for a moment, none of us spoke a word.
The view was overwhelming: the village below us, the reflecting lake in front of us, the peaks behind us changing in the light. We almost stayed an hour and a half up here, taking photos, walking along the paths and simply enjoying the moment.
If you don’t like climbing a lot of steps, you should definitely take the train – the path on foot is beautiful, but steep.
Back down in the town, the path led us directly into the center. After just a few steps, we were standing in front of the famous Postcard motif of Hallstatt – the Protestant church by the lake, framed by colorful wooden houses and mountains. This picture looks even more intense in real life than in any photograph.
We strolled on through the narrow alleyways, past small boutiques, souvenir stores and cafés. The marketplace was lively but not hectic – people from all over the world sat in the sun, drank coffee, laughed and took in the place.
Despite the many visitors, there was a pleasant calm, almost as if Hallstatt was bringing everyone into the same gentle rhythm.
The atmosphere was unique:
Between history and the present, between rocks, water and sky. And as we walked along the lakeside promenade, I knew that these three hours would be remembered for much longer than they lasted.
Hallstatt from the water & lunch break at the lake
After the Skywalk and a leisurely stroll through the alleyways, we still had some time to explore Hallstatt from the water from the water – and we didn’t want to miss out on that.
The lake lay calmly in the sun, the light glistened softly on the surface and there was that special stillness that you only find on lakes in the mountains.
We decided to take a short boat tripfor about twenty minutes, just to see the place from a different perspective.
From the water, Hallstatt looked different – smaller, quieter, almost fragile. The church, the wooden houses, the rocks behind it – everything seemed to fit perfectly into the picture, as if someone had deliberately composed the landscape.
The breeze was mild, and while the children took photos, we just sat and watched the light change on the water. The captain briefly told us about the depth and history of the lake – about the salt that was once transported here and about the fact that Lake Hallstatt is one of the cleanest bodies of water in Europe.
That was all it took to make the moment special.
Back on the shore, we walked slowly towards the center. Hunger made itself felt, and right by the lake we found the Seewirt Zaunerwhich our driver had recommended to us. A sunny terrace, a view of the water, friendly service – it was just perfect.
I ordered fresh char with lemon butterMy husband had a tender fillet of beef and the children shared cheese spaetzle and chips. The food was excellent – honest, regional and perfectly prepared. While we ate, boats docked, seagulls circled and the golden light of the early afternoon bathed everything in a warm calm.
When we got up, it was almost time to return to our meeting point.
But before we left, we wanted to take the small path up to the church and the ossuary. ossuary a quiet end to a day that felt much longer than it was.
The church & the ossuary - Silence over the lake
Before we left, we walked up the small path to the Catholic church in Hallstatt. Catholic church in Hallstatt. The climb was short but rewarding – at the top was the cemetery, surrounded by flowers and with a view that took your breath away for a moment.
The lake glistened below us, behind it the roofs of the village, and everything seemed peaceful and quiet.
Right next to the church is the small ossuarya place that seems inconspicuous at first glance, but radiates a deep sense of calm. For a few euros entrance fee, we saw the artistically painted skulls and bones – carefully labeled, not eerie, but touching. It was a moment of silence, almost solemn, and for a moment time stood still.
We then walked slowly back down, past the old stone houses and through the narrow alleyways back to the lake. The sun was lower now, the light soft and golden.
We met our driver at the agreed meeting point, and as we got into the car, I looked back at Hallstatt – this little place between rock and water that had impressed us so much.
It was time to say goodbye, but the impressions remained – calm, clear and unforgettable.
Return journey & conclusion - A day to remember
It was quiet in the car on the way back to Salzburg. The children looked at photos on their cell phones, my husband looked out of the window, and I let the impressions of the day pass by once again – the lakes, the mountains, the narrow streets of Hallstatt, the light on the water.
It was a long day, but not the exhausting kind – rather one that will stay in your memory because everything was just right. The landscape, the weather, the peace and quiet.
And of course our driver, who not only accompanied us safely, but also with a lot of patience, friendliness and little tips throughout the day.
When we arrived back in Salzburg, we said goodbye and thanked them for the wonderful tour. It was one of those days when you realize that travelling is more than just the sights – it’s the people, the paths, the little breaks in between.
Thank you for this day, Hallstatt – and thank you to our driver who made it perfect for us.
Experience Hallstatt like we do – relaxed, private and unforgettable. Book your private Hallstatt tour from Salzburg now!