I am now in week two of the official coronavirus lockdown in Spain. It has been a long week. Not only for me, but for so many others around the world. As I was editing my old posts, I realised that Hallstatt in Austria deserved a blog post of its own. After all, it was one of the highlights of that trip. This fairytale village is incredibly charming and definitely worth a visit. So, here it is!
While staying at home, I have been trying to keep busy. So, I spend a few hours each day reading and updating my travel blog posts from 2018. It has been fun to revisit those memories. Although I didn’t take many photos back then, I was still new to travelling and exploring the world.
Now, two years later, I am even more grateful that I made those trips. More importantly, I am thankful that I captured those memories on my travel blog. It reminds me never to take the world for granted.
I also look forward to travelling again, hopefully sooner rather than later. Once life returns to normal, there will be so many places to explore. Above all, this experience has reminded me that life is too short to keep postponing the things you really want to do. Don’t wait if you have the chance. Go and make those memories.
Hallstatt in Austria
I first heard about Hallstatt in Austria while visiting the Czech town of Český Krumlov. Read: Best Towns to see in Czech Republic. Interestingly, Hallstatt is only a few hours away, so many companies offered day trips from Český Krumlov. That made me wonder: is Hallstatt in Austria really worth a visit?
So, I looked it up. Apparently, Hallstatt is considered one of Europe’s must-see villages. Naturally, I had to see it for myself. As a result, I planned part of my Austrian road trip around visiting Hallstatt, after first exploring the beautiful Schönbrunn Gardens in Vienna. Read: Visiting the Schoenbrunn Gardens and Graz.
Hallstatt is a UNESCO World Heritage village in Austria’s mountainous Salzkammergut region, on the shores of Lake Hallstatt. It is an idyllic and incredibly charming place. The 16th-century Alpine houses and narrow alleyways are lined with restaurants, cafés, shops, and traditional homes. Meanwhile, the mountains surrounding the lake create a spectacular backdrop. Even the swans seem happy to call this place home.
One of the nicest things about Hallstatt in Austria is that there is no real itinerary. Simply wander through the narrow streets, stop for a coffee by the lake, and enjoy the mountain views. Around almost every corner, you’ll discover another picture-perfect view. Sometimes, slowing down is the best way to experience a place.
So, is Hallstatt in Austria worth a visit? Absolutely.
The Salt mine and the town
Just above the village, you will find the famous Hallstatt Salt Mine. It is home to an ancient salt mine, a subterranean salt lake, and the impressive Skywalk, which offers breathtaking views over Hallstatt in Austria. A funicular railway connects the village with the mountain, making it easy to reach. Unfortunately, I didn’t go up because the weather wasn’t ideal. However, I can imagine the views are absolutely stunning on a clear day.
You reach Hallstatt through a narrow tunnel. Once there, you’ll find only limited public parking, and it is quite expensive. It is easy to see why. Hallstatt in Austria is a must-see destination for many visitors. As a result, it was a little too crowded for my liking. Even so, I still think it is worth a visit.
That said, I completely understand why Hallstatt has struggled with over tourism in recent years. At the time of my visit, the streets were already busy. However, during the quieter months of the pandemic, the village finally had a chance to breathe again. Hopefully, those peaceful months gave Hallstatt some time to recover and return to its former charm.
Although Hallstatt is a small village, it leaves a lasting impression. The combination of colourful houses, the peaceful lake, and the dramatic mountain scenery makes it feel almost unreal. It is easy to understand why so many travellers include Hallstatt in Austria on their bucket list.
My Travel summary
So, while we are all sitting at home, trying not to go too crazy and dreaming about our next trip, I hope you’ll add Hallstatt in Austria to your travel list. It is definitely worth a visit, and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
However, as with any popular tourist destination, please respect the people who live there. This is especially important in Hallstatt, where many of the beautiful houses you admire while wandering through the narrow alleyways are private homes. The residents deserve their peace and privacy. If you can, try to visit Hallstatt early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The village is much quieter then, making it easier to enjoy its charm. You’ll also have a better chance of taking photos without large crowds in the background.
Hopefully, once this pandemic is behind us and we can travel again, we will all appreciate these special places a little more. What do you think?
Where are you dreaming of travelling next? If you’re looking for more travel inspiration, how about browsing some of my older blog posts.
My post – The Ancient Spots of England?
Or the town Split in Croatia? – Split and Klis Fortress, a city from Game of Thrones
Rome and the Vatican City maybe?
And which island is better? Otres Beach or Koh Rong?
I also loved Pamukkale in Turkey!
Enjoy browsing and stay safe xx
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