Where history, mountains and lake merge
Between steep rock faces and the sparkling Lake Hallstatt lies a place that looks as if it has sprung from a fairy tale: Hallstatt. The small village in the Salzkammergut is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in the world.
Hardly any other place combines so much history, nature and culture in such a small space.
At first glance at the old town, time seems to stand still – narrow alleyways, traditional wooden houses and the mountains reflected in the clear water.
High above the village hovers the Skywalkdeep in the mountain, the salt mine tells of 7,000 years of history, and peaceful spots with views of the lake await on the shore.
Whether you are planning a day trip to Hallstatt or stay for a weekend – these five highlights will show you what really makes this place so magical. Authentic, impressive and unforgettable.
1st Hallstatt Skywalk - The floating view over the World Heritage Site
Far above the rooftops of Hallstatt hovers one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Alps – the Hallstatt Skywalk.
At a dizzying height, around 360 meters above the lakea panorama opens up here that leaves even frequent travelers speechless: the glistening water, the narrow streets of the old town and the peaks of the Dachstein massif behind.
The Skywalk is easily accessible with the Salzbergbahn in just a few minutes from the valley station in the town center to the Hallstatt Salzberg.
If you prefer to be active, you can also hike to the viewpoint: The ascent takes about 45 minutesThe ascent takes around 45 minutes and leads along shady forest paths, offering small views of the lake time and again.
Once at the top, the platform seems to lead directly into the sky. Here you can understand why Hallstatt is known as UNESCO World Heritage Site – the view is simply overwhelming.
Especially in the early morning or shortly before sunset, when the light falls softly over the lake, the place unfolds its full magic.
Prices:
Combined ticket (Salzbergbahn + Skywalk): approx. 24 € adults / 12 € children (4-15 years)
On foot: free of charge – the viewpoint is freely accessible
💡 Our tip: Combine the visit with a guided tour of the Hallstatt Salt Mine – they start right next to the mountain station. In one day, you can experience the history of salt mining, the power of the mountains and the most beautiful views in the Salzkammergut.
2. salt worlds Hallstatt - the oldest salt mine in the world
Deep in the mountains, high above the lake, lies one of the most fascinating places in Austria: the Hallstatt Salt Mine. Here, in the oldest still accessible salt mine in the world, a journey through time begins that takes you back around 7,000 years – to the beginnings of salt mining and the history that made Hallstatt world-famous.
With the Salt Mountain Railway The ride up the Hallstatt salt mountain is comfortable. The journey itself offers impressive views of the lake; at the top, a short walk leads to the entrance of the mine.
Inside, you can expect shiny tunnels, wooden slides, underground lakes and multimedia shows that bring the life of prehistoric miners to life.
Particularly impressive is one of the oldest wooden staircases in Europe – over 3,000 years old and a masterpiece of ancient technology.
Prices (current status):
Combined ticket (Salzbergbahn + Salzwelten): approx. 43 € adults / 21 € children (4 – 15 years)
Only Salzbergbahn + Skywalk: approx. 24 € adults / 12 € children
The cable car takes you from the valley station in the old town to the mountain station in just a few minutes – where both the guided tours of the mine and the route to the Skywalk Hallstatt.
💡 Our tip:
Start the day with an early guided tour of the Salzwelten – so you avoid waiting times – and then enjoy the skywalk in the soft morning light. History and views in one place – an experience that you can only find in Hallstatt.
3. old town & market square - the heart of Hallstatt
Between the lake and the rock face lies the lively center of Hallstatt: the old town with its picturesque market square. Narrow alleyways, colorful houses and wooden balconies full of flowers give this place an atmosphere you won’t forget.
No wonder the square is one of the most photographed places in Austria.
Hallstatt’s heart beats here: in the morning it smells of fresh pastries, at lunchtime the terraces of the cafés fill up and in the evening the warm lights of the houses are reflected in the lake.
Around the square you will find small boutiques, traditional inns and workshops where locals still sell wooden figures, ceramics and, of course, the famous Hallstatt salt.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle for a moment, you should take the short walk up to the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary walk. From up there, the most famous view of Hallstatt opens up – the pointed church towers, the roofs of the old town and the glistening waters of the lake.
Right next to it is the small cemetery with the ossuary, a place of silence and unique tradition.
💡 Our tip:
Visit the old town in the early morning or towards the evening when the day tourists have left. Then Hallstatt becomes quiet, the light softens – and the place reveals its true beauty: authentic, peaceful and completely timeless.
4th Ossuary of Hallstatt - The silent soul of the village
Just a few steps above the old town, next to the Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Marylies one of the most moving places in Hallstatt: the ossuary. Nestled in the small cemetery, with a view of the lake and mountains, this inconspicuous room tells a story of remembrance, transience and deep respect.
As space in the cemetery was limited, older graves had to be closed after a while. The bones of the deceased were carefully recovered, cleaned and stored in the ossuary – not out of irreverence, but as a sign of respect.
Many skulls were then carefully paintedlabeled with names, dates of life and delicate ornaments. Oak leaves stand for strength, roses for love, ivy for eternity.
Today, around 1,200 skullsabout 600 of them artistically decorated – Each one has a face, a story, a memory. The ossuary is not a place of horror, but a place of peace.
A silent testimony to how the people of Hallstatt have remained in harmony with death and life for generations.
💡 Our tip:
Come early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there are hardly any visitors. Then the cemetery is peaceful and quiet – and the view of the lake from the churchyard is incomparable.
A moment when you understand why Hallstatt is more than just a beautiful place: it is a feeling.
5th boat trip on Lake Hallstatt - The most beautiful view of Hallstatt
If you really want to experience Hallstatt, you should see the town from the water. Only on the Lake Hallstatt the village reveals itself in all its beauty – nestled between rock faces and mirror-smooth water, above which the church spire rises into the sky.
The gentle rocking of the boat, the glistening of the sun on the lake and the echo of the mountains make this moment unforgettable.
There are several ways to get out on the lake shore: classic rowing boatsmodern e-boats or the small ferrythat runs regularly between the station and the old town.
A round trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes – enough time to discover Hallstatt from a new perspective and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake.
The Shipping Hallstatt also offers trips to Obertraun or to the waterfalls in the Echerntal on. A trip in the late afternoon is particularly atmospheric, when the sun slowly sinks behind the mountains and the sky is reflected in the lake – Hallstatt then looks like a painting that comes to life.
Prices (approx.):
Boat tour: from 10 € per person
Ferry Hallstatt – train station: approx. 4 € one way / 8 € return
E-boat rental: from 20 € / 30 minutes
💡 Our tip:
Hire a small e-boat and glide out into the middle of the lake. From there, Hallstatt lies at your feet – the church, the mountain backdrop, the quiet rooftops of the old town. At this moment, you understand why this place touches so many hearts: Hallstatt isn’t just beautiful, it’s completely peaceful.
Conclusion - Experience Hallstatt in one day
Hallstatt is not a place that you simply visit – it is a place that you experienced. Between lake and mountains, past and present, a magic unfolds that remains.
Whether you are on the skywalk over the rooftops, deep in the salt mine into the past, stroll through the old town or gliding silently across the lake – every moment tells its own story.
Even if you can explore Hallstatt in a day, it actually takes time to really understand this special place. Perhaps this is precisely its appeal: the tranquillity, the simplicity, the connection between man and nature.
💡 Our tip:
If you want to experience Hallstatt without the hustle and bustle, plan a private day trip from Salzburg. Our Hallstatt tours combine all the highlights – from the Skywalk to the Salt Worlds and the boat trip – with a comfortable transfer and a local guide who will show you the hidden corners of the village.
Discover now: Private Hallstatt tours from Salzburg
Experience history, nature and tranquillity – all in one unforgettable day.
Or read next: Top 10 things to do in Hallstatt – The complete guide to sights & experiences