If you’re heading to Salzburg, you’re not far from the beautiful village of Hallstatt, a picturesque village in the Austrian Alps. A Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip is a beautiful, easy drive and definitely worth the trip.
Read on for everything you need to know to plan your Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip.
About Hallstatt, Austria
Nestled in the stunning Salzkammergut region of Austria, Hallstatt dates back over 7,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places on the continent.
Hallstatt’s fame hinges on its long history as a salt mining hub. The wealth generated from salt mining led to a thriving community and the development of a unique Iron Age culture. Visitors can still visit the salt mine, Salzwelten Hallstatt, known as the oldest salt mine in the world.
Is Hallstatt worth a day trip?
Hallstatt is definitely worth a day trip if you’ll be in Salzburg and have a day to spare. The drive takes you through some of the prettiest countryside in Austria, and the village itself lends to beautiful views of Austrian architecture, an Alpine lake, and the surrounding Austrian Alps.
How to get from Salzburg to Hallstatt
By Car: Renting a car offers flexibility and the opportunity explore at your own pace. From Salzburg, head south on the A1 Autobahn, then take the exit for Bad Ischl. From there, follow signs to Hallstatt. It’s an easy, scenic drive.
By Train: The train journey is equally picturesque. Take a train from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Attnang-Puchheim. Then, transfer to the train bound for Hallstatt. The Hallstatt station is situated just across Lake Hallstatt, and you can reach the village center via a short (and scenic!) ferry ride (note: the ferry only accepts cash!)
By Bus: Several bus companies offer direct routes from Salzburg to Hallstatt. It’s a convenient option, allowing you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
The best time to visit Hallstatt
Choosing the best time to visit Hallstatt is a matter of personal preference and what kind of experience you’re looking for, with each season offering distinct advantages.
Spring (April to June): Spring in Hallstatt means blooming flowers, some rain, and snow-capped Alps in the distance. This season offers mild temperatures, making it ideal for hiking and exploring without the summer crowds.
Summer (July to August): Summer is Hallstatt’s peak tourist season; I would avoid it if possible. However, with long daylight hours and warm weather, it’s ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and boat rides on Lake Hallstatt. However, be prepared for large crowds and higher prices during this time.
Autumn (September to November): If you prefer a more relaxing experience while still enjoying beautiful weather, autumn is an excellent choice. This is when I visited and as you can see, the weather was beautiful and we had the whole village nearly to ourselves.
Winter (December to March): Hallstatt in winter is a snow-covered wonderland. Winter enthusiasts can also enjoy skiing and snowshoeing in the nearby Dachstein Alps. Keep in mind some shops, restaurants and experiences may be closed for the off-season.
Hallstatt weather: season-by-season
Hallstatt experiences distinct weather patterns throughout the year, with each season offering opportunities for different experiences. Here’s an overview of the weather in Hallstatt throughout the year:
Spring (April to June):
- Spring in Hallstatt is characterized by gradually warming temperatures.
- Average temperatures range from 7°C (45°F) in April to 17°C (63°F) in June.
- June is the rainiest month in Hallstatt with 18 days of rain.
Summer (July to August):
- Hallstatt’s summer is the warmest time of the year.
- Average temperatures range from 17°C (63°F) in the evenings to 26°C (79°F) during the day.
- This is the peak tourist season with the longest daylight hours.
- It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and boating on Lake Hallstatt.
Autumn (September to November):
- Autumn brings cooler temperatures and changing foliage.
- Average temperatures range from 10°C (50°F) in September to 4°C (39°F) in November.
- October is the least rainy month with 11 days of rain.
Winter (December to March):
- Hallstatt in winter is a snowy wonderland.
- Average temperatures range from -4°C (25°F) to 2°C (36°F).
- The village and surrounding mountains are blanketed in snow, creating a serene and picturesque atmosphere.
Things to do in Hallstatt
From checking out the sights to activities for history lovers, there is plenty to do in Hallstatt during a day trip. Here are a few of the highlights:
Explore the medieval city center
Give yourself time to explore Hallstatt’s central square known as the Marktplatz. The Marktplatz dates back to Hallstatt’s medieval dates, when it was the epicenter of the center for trade and cultural events. Today, you can find art, souvenirs, and wine/specialty foods, such as at the shop above, in and around the central square.
See incredible views
To get a better view of the village and surrounding landscape, take a boat ride on the lake, with a group or rent a boat to explore at your own pace.
You can also find incredible views of the village from the Hallstatt Skywalk. To reach this viewpoint overlooking Hallstatt, follow these steps: From the village center, head toward the Salzbergbahn funicular station, which is easily accessible by foot. Purchase a ticket for the funicular, which will take you up to the viewpoint. The ride itself is a scenic experience. Once at the top, follow the well-marked path that leads you to the viewpoint. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Hallstatt and its surrounding landscape.
Hang out at the cemetery (yes, really)
Hallstatt cemetery, located high above the village, is a peaceful resting place with a long history. Space is limited in this 12th century graveyard, so the remains of many others are located in the nearby ossuary. There, over a thousand skulls are neatly stacked, with 610 hand painted.
Get a bite to eat…or don’t!
In terms of dining, I’m going to be honest: Hallstatt is not a culinary mecca. For an authentic Austrian meal, check out Gasthaus Wes’n in Bad Ischl, a small village in Austria, on your way to or from Hallstatt. Our meals were outstanding. You can find more information on Gasthaus Wes’n here.
In Conclusion & Additional Resources
I hope you enjoyed this post on taking a Salzburg to Hallstatt day trip. I’d love to see how your trip goes, if you want to tag me on Instagram or leave a note below.
Heading to Salzburg? You may enjoy my guide to visiting Salzburg during the winter, or this full review of Hotel Goldener Hirsch, often called the oldest luxury hotel in the world.
