The 10 Best Highlights to See in Hallstatt

Looking like a mountain village plucked from an Austrian fairytale, Hallstatt and its whimsical postcard images have captured the imagination of historians, fantasists and travellers alike.

The dramatic landscapes and humble communities have created a stunning little treasure hidden deep amongst the country’s mighty snow-covered peaks. This quiet little town has long stood out on any Austrian itinerary, and is a place that grips you before you’ve even arrived, and long after you’ve left.

So in that case, here are the 10 best highlights to see in Hallstatt!

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Table of Contents

Hallstatt Skywalk

hallstatt to see — The Hallstatt Skywalk overlooking Hallstatt Lake

There are plenty of spectacular points to see the surrounding area from, but none quite like this! The skywalk lets you feel as if you’re floating above the lake itself with the comforting mountain ranges wrapped all the way around you.

Standing at 350 meters above Hallstatt, it’s not for the faint of heart, but the perfect spot to see an incredible view!

But wait… how do you get there?…

Salzbergbahn

While you could gear up and go for a good old mountain hike like any good Austrian weekend, there’s a much easier way to get to the skywalk! The Salzbergbahn is a funicular that whisks you to the tip-top of the nearby mountains.

The ride also gives you another unique perspective of Hallstatt and its iconic silhouette. It not only takes you to the Skywalk, but if you’re going to visit the salt mines, you’ll need to take it anyway. Speaking of which…

The Salt Mine Adventure (Salzwelten)

Visiting the salt mines of Hallstatt isn’t just a quirky look at a niche industry; it’s exploring the very foundations of civilisation itself!

With a history of over 7,000 years, this makes it one of the oldest anywhere in the world. Salt was mined here while mammoths still walked the Earth! It also contributed to the wealth and development of the early Celtic civilisation. After all of that history, it still produces high-quality salt that you can buy plenty of in the gift shop, of course.

Today, a portion of the mines is open to the public, where you’ll be able to explore deep caverns by sliding down into the abyss, salty deposits and a unique glimpse at what salt mining is really like.

Classic Hallstatt Postcard View

There certainly isn’t any bad angle to see Hallstatt from. That being said, just beyond the main square from the hillside path is where you’ll get the pinnacle postcard image of this fairytale town.

Scores of people line up along the path to have their photo taken with this beautiful backdrop that glistens with beauty regardless of the season.

Hallstatt Ossuary

Photo by Cha già José, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

From the light and whimsical to the dark and morbid. That is the emotional whiplash that comes with this eerie site. Inside the small chapel houses are seemingly endless intricately painted skulls, a strange yet beautiful local tradition.

The “bone house” is where loved ones were brought when people ran out of room to bury them. Instead, they got creative and decided to decorate their skeletal remains instead.

Lake Hallstatt

It will be hard to miss this one, as life around this place revolves around its shorelines. The beauty of the lake can be enjoyed from the mountain tops to the swan-scattered edges, and certainly won’t become a boring sight anytime soon!

Yoy can experience it by walking between it and the traditional wooden houses lining its shores. Better yet, you can ride on the ferry which crosses from Hallstatt Station.

In the warmer months, you can enjoy even more outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, or hiking along scenic trails throughout the year.

Hallstatt Museum

As seen in the salt mines, this area’s history stretches far beyond what you can imagine! This humble little museum has exhibits dating back to the prehistoric period, giving Hallstatt its UNESCO World Heritage status.

The treasures like ancient tools, treasures and burial grounds bring history to life, allowing visitors to experience what daily life in the Iron Age really was like. The museum also sheds light on the region’s unprecedented influence on European history through trade and culture.

5 Fingers Lookout

There can never be too many beautiful views! Reaching out above the Salzkammergut region, the 5 Fingers Lookout offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views the area has to offer. This is even a little higher than the Skywalk at 400 meters above Hallstatt village.

You can get there via the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car and a short hike. You won’t regret the effort as you’ll get a unique vantage point to appreciate the majestic beauty of the Dachstein mountain range.

Dachstein Ice Caves

This mighty landscape has even more treasures buried within it. Hidden deep within the belly of the Dachstein Mountains is an icy spectacle like no other.

The Dachstein Ice Caves are home to intricate ice sculptures, some of which have stood here for millions of years! As you venture inside, you’ll experience the otherworldly atmosphere of shimmering ice walls, frosty stalactites, and vast frozen chambers, making it feel like a secret enchanted palace.

Visitors to the cave can learn more about the geological history that formed the lakes, caves, and mountains that make this region famous.

Marktplatz (Main Square)

The Marktplatz. Photo by Zeitblick, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Last but certainly not least is the quaint little heart of Hallstatt. The Marktplatz, or Main Square, is the charming centrepiece that captures the town’s rustic elegance and rich history. Even more interestingly, the square and its surrounding majesty inspired the settings for the beloved classic Frozen! It’s not hard to see why.

Here you’ll be surrounded on all sides by traditional buildings housing cosy cafes and restaurants under the shadows of the churches’ peaks, adding an appropriate old-world feel to this fairytale town. You can spend your time wandering along cobblestone pathways, popping into souvenir shops and art galleries as you go. Better yet, just savour the moment and enjoy being in the heart of Hallstatt!