Step off the train in Hallstatt and step straight into a fairytale. Wind whips your hair on the open ferry deck as you glide towards the forest-covered mountains. Their peaks disappear into the clouds before you. Pastel-hued houses stacked like building blocks reflect in the clear lake, sparkling green or blue.
This alpine Austrian village is breathtakingly beautiful. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997, the tiny town has become increasingly popular in the last ten years.
Hallstatt first rose to fame in East Asia, featuring in a South Korean TV show, which inspired the building of a replica town in China. But the village went viral after the release of Disney’s ‘Frozen’, when rumours sparked that Hallstatt inspired Arendelle, the fictional setting of the hit movie. Tourists flocked to visit the enchanting village, and journalists labelled Hallstatt as “the most instagrammable (town) in the world.”
But is fame always a good thing?
This increased attention was bittersweet for Hallstatt. While tourism makes up most of the economy, the rush became overwhelming, and locals complained about a lack of privacy. Hallstatt is home to less than 800 residents, yet reported up to 10,000 daily visitors pre-Covid!
Since then, Hallstatt has applied measures to control the crowds in an effort to focus on ‘quality tourism.’ So, I think as long as you’re respectful and contribute to their economy however you can, you’re welcome. I visited towards the end of April, and it didn’t feel overcrowded, even at the famous viewpoint.
Respect people’s privacy, and don’t be a d*ckhead. Sadly, I did see some tourists taking selfies directly outside people’s front doors. Don’t do this. Remember that people live here.
5 things to do in Hallstatt
1. Explore the village and lake
Climb up to the waterfall or hang out in the village square. Wherever you wander, you’re sure to stumble upon hidden corners and beautiful buildings. Head out of the village, and you’ll find bathing beaches and lakeside parks with incredible views. You can even swim in the lake in summer!
2. Hike in the forest or to the Hallstatt Skywalk
If you continue out of the village, you’ll find a path leading into the forest. A short walk takes you up the mountain, or there are longer hiking trails. You can also hike to Hallstatt Skywalk ‘Welterbeblick’, an observation deck with panoramic views. The path begins next to the funicular railway and takes around an hour to climb the summit.
3. Visit the salt mine
Hallstatt is home to the oldest salt mine in the world, located over 1,150 feet above the lake. Tickets to the salt mine are €40 but cover the funicular return ride, and you can see the Hallstatt Skywalk if you don’t fancy the hike. The experience includes a guided tour in English and German and an underground slide through the mine.
4. Take a break at a lakeside cafe
Cafes and bars spill onto the cobbled streets, and many restaurant terraces overlook the lake. I ate lunch at Umbrella Bar, in the centre of Hallstatt Seestraße (the main street). Cosied under the heat lamps with a mulled wine, this is a great spot for people-watching.
5. Experience the famous viewpoint
And finally, of course, you must visit the viewpoint that mirrors Frozen’s fairytale town. Yes, it’s the most touristy area of Hallstatt, but it’s famous for a reason. This is the magical setting where you imagine you’re Anna or Elsa (or Olaf). However, please do so respectfully; the viewpoint is on a residential street.
How to get to Hallstatt
I took the train from Salzburg, which is around two and a half hours, with one change. Trains are expensive, averaging around €30 one-way. Or it’s cheaper to use a day on your Interrail pass if you have one. Trains from Vienna are around 4-5 hours, so you’d need to stay the night. You can also get a coach from Salzburg or Vienna, but there are restrictions on coaches into Hallstatt, so I’d recommend the train.
The station in Hallstatt is on the opposite side of the lake, so you also get to take the ferry. The small ferry runs hourly, is timed well with the train arrivals and departures, and costs €7 for a return trip. The journey is only 15 minutes, and you can get the best photos of the village, waterfall, and mountains from the open deck.
If you’re staying in Hallstatt, it isn’t cheap, but you could wake up in a beautiful lakeside hotel. Or, for a more budget-friendly option closer than Salzburg, there is a hostel in Bad Goisern, a 20-minute drive from Hallstatt.