In the state of Upper Austria, Hallstatt is fast becoming a popular stopping-off point on the road between the cities of Salzburg and Graz. And with the ancient history of the nearby Salzwelten, along with high-altitude trails ready for exploring, it’s not surprising. Here are the best things to do in this beautiful town.
Until the 19th century, Hallstatt, overlooking Lake Hallstatt, was accessible only by boat or mountain trail. Today, it’s a popular tourist destination and a Unesco World Heritage site, as well as a functioning lakeside town with almost 800 residents. Keep this guide handy if you’re planning a trip to this charming destination.
Like the Catacombs of Paris but on a much smaller scale, Hallstatt Ossuary is home to human remains – but with an artistic twist. More than 1,200 skulls are neatly stacked in this subterranean charnel house. Of these, 610 have been delicately hand-painted, creating the largest collection of painted skulls in Europe.
With its 7,000-year history, the Salzwelten is the oldest salt mine in the world. To continue its superlative streak, it’s home to the oldest wooden staircase in Europe, discovered among the mine’s prehistoric tunnels (it dates back 2,800 years). Today, you can head 400m (1,312ft) underground and make your way along the 64m (210ft) miners’ slide before jumping on the mine train, which brings you back to the entrance.
Don’t just marvel at the lake – explore it by paddleboard too. The lake’s calm nature means even stand-up paddleboarding novices will be able to grasp the technique quickly, and you’ll be hopping between bathing spots in no time. Be sure to rent a board close to sunset, as this is when the picturesque village is bathed in a glowing golden hue, allowing you to see Hallstatt in a completely new light.
For those who prefer a more active holiday, nothing will get your adrenaline pumping quite like the rope course on the Dachstein Krippenstein. Here, you’ll be able to traverse a steep rock face, following its wire cables, footholds, ladders and tightropes. It’s not for the faint of heart, but those who do take it on will be rewarded with glorious views.
A schaumrolle pastry is an Austrian delight made up of a cone- or tube-shaped pastry filled with whipped cream or meringue – yes, it’s as delicious as it sounds. The best place to bag yourself one of these in Hallstatt is at Taglich Frisch Gebacken, a charming old-world bakery serving a version of the schaumrolle that is utter marshmallowy goodness.
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