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Hallstatt is a small Austrian town with a deep history and beautiful natural surroundings. Some of the top places to visit in Hallstatt include the Old Town, where historic buildings line the narrow streets, the mountaintop platforms that offer a wide-open look at the landscape, and the underground salt mines that tell the story of the village’s long connection to salt production. Located between the Dachstein Alps and Lake Hallstatt, this area has been shaped by centuries of tradition. This guide will help you discover the best places to visit in Hallstatt, helping you plan a well-rounded trip.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Hallstatt
Here’s a list of the top places to visit in Hallstatt, Austria, featuring breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and unforgettable cultural experiences.
1. Hallstatt Skywalk
The Hallstatt Skywalk stands 360 metres above the village, offering a high-altitude perspective of the lake and mountains. The platform extends from the mountainside, making it feel like you float above Hallstatt. The journey is just as exciting as the destination, with a funicular ride or a challenging hike leading to the top. At sunrise and sunset, the changing light creates a colourful reflection across the water and mountain peaks, making it one of the top places to visit in Hallstatt.
Must-Have Experience: Stand at the edge of the platform for a high-altitude view of Hallstatt.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately €18 (₹1,600) (includes funicular ride)
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Location: Salzbergstraße 21, Hallstatt, Austria
2. Salzwelten Hallstatt / Salt Mine
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
The Salzwelten Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world, with over 7,000 years of mining history. A guided tour takes visitors deep into the mountain, where they can see tunnels carved by ancient miners, glide down a wooden slide used in historical salt extraction, and view an illuminated underground salt lake. The exhibits explain how salt shaped Hallstatt’s economy and made it an important trade hub. The mine remains at a steady cool temperature, making it an interesting escape from summer heat or a warm retreat during winter.
Must-Have Experience: Slide down the 64-metre wooden miner’s slide inside the mine.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately €36 (₹3,200) (includes funicular ride)
Best Time To Visit: Midday to escape the cold outside
Location: Salzbergstraße 21, Hallstatt, Austria
3. Echerntal Valley
Photo: Shrayas Suryakumar / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Echerntal Valley is a beautiful area just outside Hallstatt that provides a deeper look into the region’s natural beauty. The valley is home to waterfalls, alpine forests, and glacier viewpoints. Unlike the busier parts of Hallstatt, Echerntal Valley offers a quiet atmosphere with fewer visitors. One of the highlights is the Waldbachstrub Waterfall, a multi-tiered waterfall that becomes partially frozen in winter. This area has inspired artists and poets for centuries and remains one of Hallstatt’s most peaceful spots.
Must-Have Experience: See the Waldbachstrub Waterfall, especially in winter when it forms icy patterns.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning for a quiet experience
Location: Near Hallstatt, Austria
4. Dachstein Ice Cave
Photo: Insan7 / Wikimedia Commons
The Dachstein Ice Cave is a network of underground chambers filled with massive ice formations. Cold air trapped inside the cave allows ice to build up over time, forming frozen waterfalls and clear blue ice walls. Guided tours take visitors through different sections, explaining how the cave developed and pointing out some of the most impressive formations. Unlike other caves, which tend to feel warm in summer, this ice cave stays below freezing all year, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Hallstatt.
Must-Have Experience: Walk through the King Arthur Dome, where ice formations are lit up in different colours.
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately €30 (₹2,700) (includes guided tour)
Best Time To Visit: Late morning or early afternoon
Location: Dachstein Krippenstein, near Hallstatt
5. Five Fingers Viewing Platform
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
The Five Fingers viewing platform extends over a steep drop, offering a wide-open view of the valleys below. Each of the five walkways has a different feature, including a glass floor, a photo frame, and an open viewing space. The platform is accessible by cable car and a short hike, making it one of the most popular lookout points near Hallstatt. The dramatic drop below and open walkways make this one of the most striking viewing points in Austria, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Hallstatt.
Must-Have Experience: Step onto the glass-bottom walkway for a direct look at the drop below.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free (cable car ticket required)
Best Time To Visit: Morning for clear skies
Location: Dachstein Krippenstein, Austria
6. Hallstatt Catholic Parish Church And Bone House
Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons
The Hallstatt Catholic Parish Church, also called the Church of the Assumption, is known for its Gothic architecture and hillside location. Next to the church, the Bone House (Beinhaus) holds over 1,200 decorated skulls, a tradition dating back centuries. The church and cemetery provide a quiet place to view the village and lake. The Bone House is an unusual but historically significant site, showing how limited burial space led to this artistic and symbolic tradition. Visitors can see the hand-painted skulls and learn about burial customs unique to Hallstatt.
Must-Have Experience: Visit the Bone House to learn about Hallstatt’s historic burial customs.
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 – 45 minutes
Entry Fee: Small donation requested
Best Time To Visit: Early afternoon for the best lighting
Location: Kirchenweg 40, Hallstatt, Austria
7. Lake Hallstatt
Photo: MontanNito / Wikimedia Commons
Lake Hallstatt stretches across a large part of the region and plays a significant role in the town’s history. The water reflects the surrounding mountains, creating a peaceful atmosphere for those visiting the lake’s edge. Many people sit by the lakefront, enjoying the quiet surroundings and watching the occasional ferry move across the water. In winter, mist often rises from the surface, adding to the scenery. Ducks and swans are common near the shore, making it a relaxing spot for a walk.
Must-Have Experience: Walk along the lakeside promenade and take in the mountain backdrop.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late afternoon
Location: Hallstatt, Austria
8. Hallstatt Museum
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
The Hallstatt Museum provides a detailed look into the village’s history, from prehistoric times to its salt mining heritage. Exhibits include artefacts from ancient burial sites, tools used by early miners, and interactive displays that explain the town’s development. The museum covers different eras, including the Iron Age, which is named after Hallstatt due to significant archaeological discoveries. Visitors can explore how trade, culture, and everyday life evolved over thousands of years. The collection also includes preserved clothing, ceramics, and weapons that provide a deeper understanding of the region’s past.
Must-Have Experience: See the preserved artefacts from the Iron Age burial sites.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately €10 (₹900)
Best Time To Visit: Midday for an indoor activity
Location: Seestraße 56, Hallstatt, Austria
9. Rudolfsturm / Rudolf’s Tower
Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons
Rudolfsturm is a historic tower that once served as a defence post for Hallstatt’s salt mine workers, making it one of the famous places to visit in Hallstatt. Built in the 13th century, it now operates as a restaurant with an observation deck that overlooks the village, lake, and surrounding mountains. The tower’s history as a protective fortress is still evident in its stone walls and medieval architecture. Visitors can enjoy a meal here while soaking in the views, making it one of the most scenic dining spots in Hallstatt.
Must-Have Experience: Enjoy a meal with a view from the tower’s terrace.
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free (food and drinks priced separately)
Best Time To Visit: Midday for a lunch stop
Location: Salzbergstraße 21, Hallstatt, Austria
10. Kalvarienberg Church
Photo: Hubertl / Wikimedia Commons
Kalvarienberg Church is a lesser-known but historically significant site and one of the great places to visit in Hallstatt. Located on a hill, the church offers a quiet escape from the more visited areas of town. Built in the 18th century, the church features Baroque-style architecture and intricate altarpieces. The short uphill walk to the church provides views of Hallstatt from a different angle. Visitors can see religious paintings and wooden carvings reflecting traditional Austrian craftsmanship.
Must-Have Experience: Walk up to the church and take in the peaceful surroundings.
Ideal Trip Duration: 30 –4 5 minutes
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning for a quiet visit
Location: Kalvarienberg, Hallstatt, Austria
This is a beautiful tourist destination and there are many places to visit in Hallstatt, including the ancient salt mine, where you can explore underground tunnels, and the Five Fingers platform, which offers a view of the mountains and lake. Plan your visit with TripXL and discover Hallstatt’s history, from its historic architecture to cultural festivals that honour local traditions and bring the town to life.
Cover Photo: Aliaksandra Liebers / Pexels
