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Things to do around Hallstatt in winter go beyond just enjoying the snow-covered mountains and frozen lake. The town feels quieter, making it a great time to explore without crowds. You can go skiing, try snowshoe hiking, or enjoy a sleigh ride through the village. Traditional winter activities like curling and ice skating also add to the experience. The local Christmas markets bring warmth with festive lights and seasonal treats. This guide will help you discover the best things to do around Hallstatt in winter and how to make the most of your trip when the town is covered in snow.
Top 8 Things To Do Around Hallstatt In Winter
Here’s a list of the 8 best things to do around Hallstatt in winter for your next visit to Austria:
1. Ice Skating In Gmunden
Photo: Pavel Danilyuk / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Gmunden offers a charming ice-skating experience in winter, though Lake Traunsee rarely freezes solid enough for safe skating. Instead, visitors can enjoy ice skating at designated outdoor rinks set up in town. These rinks provide a delightful way to embrace the winter atmosphere, surrounded by snow-covered peaks. After a skating session, visitors can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at a nearby café, making for a perfect winter outing in this picturesque alpine town.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Varies based on rink or rentals
Best Time To Visit: Midday when temperatures are slightly warmer
Location: Gmunden, Austria
2. Take A Snowshoe Hike At Dachstein Krippenstein
Photo: Jordi Costa Tomé / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Snowshoe hiking at Dachstein Krippenstein offers an immersive winter experience and is one of the best things to do in Hallstatt in winter. In summer, the trails are popular for regular hiking, but in winter, the deep snow turns them into peaceful, untouched paths. The trails pass through alpine forests and open snowfields, where the only sounds are the crunching of snow beneath your feet. Guided tours provide safe routes and interesting local wildlife and geography insights.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Varies; rental costs apply
Best Time To Visit: Morning for clearer trails
Location: Dachstein Krippenstein, Austria
3. Skiing And Snowboarding At Dachstein West
Photo: Draceane / Wikimedia Commons
Dachstein West becomes a skier’s dream in winter, offering well-groomed slopes and consistent snowfall throughout the season. Unlike the busier ski resorts in Austria, this area provides a more relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for beginners and families. Snowboarders can take advantage of terrain parks and freestyle zones. The crisp mountain air, powdery slopes, and panoramic gondola rides make skiing and snowboarding here an unmissable winter experience. After a session on the slopes, visitors can warm up in a cosy mountain hut with Austrian comfort food.
Ideal Trip Duration: Half-day to full-day trip
Entry Fee: Varies by ski pass, approximately ₹5,373 for a day’s pass
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for the best snow conditions
Location: Dachstein West, Austria
4. Try A Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride
Photo: Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
While Hallstatt itself does not typically offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, visitors can enjoy this enchanting winter experience in nearby areas such as Gosau or Dachstein. Gliding through snow-covered trails in a traditional sleigh, wrapped in warm blankets, offers a magical way to take in the serene alpine landscape. This winter-only activity provides a peaceful alternative to hiking or boat rides, making it a memorable addition to any winter trip to the Salzkammergut region.
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Entry Fee: Varies by provider
Best Time To Visit: Evening for a lantern-lit ride
Location: Hallstatt and surrounding areas
5. Go Tobogganing In Salzkammergut
Photo: Margalob / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tobogganing in Salzkammergut offers pure winter fun that isn’t possible in warmer months. Designated runs provide thrilling descents down snow-packed slopes, while the surrounding alpine scenery adds to the excitement. Unlike skiing, tobogganing requires no special skills; you just have to grab a sledge and go, making it one of the best things to do in Hallstatt in winter. Some locations even offer nighttime tobogganing, where floodlights illuminate the slopes for an exhilarating ride under the stars.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹1405 per ride
Best Time To Visit: Afternoon when the runs are busiest
Location: Salzkammergut, Austria
6. Visit The Salzwelten Hallstatt Salt Mine
Photo: Andrew Bossi / Wikimedia Commons
While the salt mine is open year-round, winter is the best time to visit because the underground tunnels provide a warm escape from the cold. The steady underground temperature offers a break from the freezing air above. Walking through ancient mining tunnels and sliding down the wooden miner’s slides feels like stepping into another world. The underground salt lake, illuminated by special lighting, creates a surreal reflection of its cavernous surroundings. Visiting in winter means fewer crowds, allowing for a more immersive experience.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹3,600
Best Time To Visit: Midday to escape the cold
Location: Hallstatt, Austria
7. Visit The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform
Photo: DjSquirrel / Wikimedia Commons
Winter transforms the 5 fingers Viewing Platform into a dramatic lookout point, unlike any other time of year. The walkways extend over a steep drop, offering a wide-open view of the snow-covered valleys and peaks. The journey up to the platform, either via cable car or winter hike, adds to the adventure, making it one of the famous things to do around Hallstatt in winter. The 5 Fingers Viewing Platform may be inaccessible in extreme weather so it is a good idea to check in advance.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free (cable car ticket required, approximately ₹3,942)
Best Time To Visit: Morning for clear skies
Location: Dachstein Krippenstein, Austria
8. Hike To The Waldbachstrub Waterfall
Photo: Arquus / Wikimedia Commons
A winter hike to Waldbachstrub Waterfall offers a different experience than any other season. The trail winds through snow-covered forests, where the silence of winter replaces the usual rustling of leaves. Parts of the waterfall freeze as temperatures drop, creating spectacular ice formations that blend with flowing water. The contrast between ice and moving water makes it a rare sight that can only be witnessed in winter. Proper winter boots are necessary, as the path can be slippery, but reaching the falls in their frozen state makes the effort worthwhile.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Midday when temperatures are milder
Location: Near Echerntal Valley, Hallstatt
There are plenty of things to do around Hallstatt in winter as this season offers new ways to experience the town where simple activities like sleigh rides or ice skating feel more special in the cold mountain air, surrounded by snow-covered streets. With fewer visitors, it is the perfect time to see a different side of this historic place. Plan your winter trip with TripXL and maximise your Hallstatt trip.
Cover Photo: Ioan Sendroiu / Wikimedia Commons
