Top 8 Things To Do In Hallstatt For An Alpine Wonderland

Hallstatt, Austria, is a historic village known for its lake, salt mining heritage, and well-preserved landmarks. As one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited places, it offers plenty of things to do in Hallstatt. Visitors can walk through its historic streets, taking in views from the Skywalk, and explore sites like the Salt Mines and Bone House. From exploring museums to hiking trails, Hallstatt has plenty of things to do. This guide covers everything you need to know about exploring Hallstatt, from top activities to must-visit sites, helping you plan a well-rounded trip.

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Top 8 Things To Do In Hallstatt

Here are the top things to do in Hallstatt, Austria, to make your visit unforgettable and full of adventure.

1. Boat Rides On Lake Hallstatt

An image of Lake Hallstatt; boat riding here is one of the best things to do in Hallstatt.

Photo: Yulung Lin / Pexels

A boat ride on Lake Hallstatt is a relaxing way to see the area from a different perspective. Several boat options are available, including traditional wooden boats and modern electric ones. Visitors can take in views of the mountains and lakeside homes as the boat moves across the water. Some tours stop at different points, allowing passengers to explore nearby areas before continuing. The ferry from the train station to the village is another way to experience the lake while providing convenient transport, making boat riding here one of the top things to do in Hallstatt.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 hour
Entry Fee: Varies by operator
Best Time To Visit: Late spring to early autumn
Location: Lake Hallstatt, Austria

2. Explore The Old Town

An image of Hallstatt Town, exploring its Old Town, is one of the top things to do in Hallstatt.

Photo: Udey Ismail / Wikimedia Commons

Hallstatt’s Old Town has colourful buildings, small shops, and centuries-old architecture. Walking through the narrow streets leads to Market Square, a central gathering spot with cafes and local businesses. Many buildings have wooden balconies and intricate designs, reflecting the village’s history. Visitors can stop by local bakeries or restaurants to try regional dishes while enjoying the surroundings. The Old Town is compact, making it easy to explore on foot within a short amount of time. Seasonal decorations and local festivals occasionally add a different experience to each visit.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Morning or late afternoon for a quieter experience
Location: Hallstatt Old Town, Austria

3. Visit The World Heritage Museum

An image of Hallstatt Museum featuring banners and a hillside backdrop with houses.

Photo: Gunnar Richter Namenlos.net / Wikimedia Commons

The World Heritage Museum in Hallstatt provides a detailed look at the village’s history. Exhibits showcase artefacts from the Iron Age, giving insight into how people lived and worked. The museum also covers the importance of salt mining in shaping the region. Visitors can see archaeological finds, interactive displays, and multimedia presentations that bring Hallstatt’s past to life. English-language guides and descriptions are available, making it accessible to international visitors.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹900 for adults
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Hallstatt, Austria

4. Tour The Salt Mines / Salzwelten Hallstatt

An image of a wooden slide inside the Salt Mines, with rails, red traffic lights, and warm lighting.

Photo: Hiroki Ogawa / Wikimedia Commons

The Hallstatt Salt Mines are among the oldest in the world, spanning thousands of years. A guided tour takes visitors through underground tunnels, explaining how salt mining shaped the village. Highlights include a wooden miner’s slide, an underground lake, and multimedia presentations. The funicular ride up to the mine offers wide views of the area. Learning about the role of salt in Hallstatt’s development provides a deeper understanding of the region’s past. The temperature inside the mine is cool year-round, so bringing a light jacket is recommended.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 2.5 hours
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹2,700 for adults
Best Time To Visit: April to September
Location: Salzwelten Hallstatt, Austria

5. Hallstatt Skywalk

Image of the Hallstatt Skywalk, surrounded by snow-covered mountains, with a platform and viewers.

Photo: Magda Ehlers / Pexels

The Hallstatt Skywalk is a viewing platform positioned 360 metres above the village, and viewing the entire town from here is one of the best things to do in Hallstatt. Visitors can reach it by funicular or hike up the hill. The platform extends outward, offering wide views of Lake Hallstatt and the mountains. On clear days, visibility stretches across the entire region, making it a popular place for photos. Arriving early can help avoid long wait times, especially during peak tourist seasons.

Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
Entry Fee: Funicular ride fees apply
Best Time To Visit: Mid-morning for good lighting
Location: Hallstatt, Austria

6. Hiking Around Hallstatt

An Image of a person Hiking, which is one of the great things to do in Hallstatt.

Photo: Jordi Costa Tomé / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Hallstatt has many hiking trails that take visitors through forests, valleys, and mountains. The Echerntal Trail is an easier option, leading past glacial mills and rock formations. The hike to the Salzberg plateau provides a rewarding view at the top for those looking for a challenge. Trails vary in difficulty, so visitors can choose one that fits their experience level. Along the way, informational signs describe local plants and animals. Hiking is a good way to see the natural side of Hallstatt away from busy tourist areas.

Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 4 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Spring to autumn
Location: Various trails around Hallstatt

7. Visit The Catholic Church Of Hallstatt

An Image of a Catholic Church in Hallstatt, Upper Austria, with greenery around.

Photo: Marion & Christoph Aistleitner / Wikimedia Commons

The Catholic Church of Hallstatt dates back to the 12th century and is one of the village’s oldest buildings, making visiting it one of the great things to do in Hallstatt. The interior has well-preserved frescoes, stained glass windows, and religious artwork. The church sits on a hillside, offering a view over the rooftops of Hallstatt. It remains an active place of worship and an important historical site. Visitors can also walk through the adjacent cemetery with carefully maintained graves.

Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Hallstatt, Austria

8. Visit The Bone House

An image of ornately painted human skulls in the Hallstatt Bone House, St. Michael’s Chapel.

Photo: Jiuguang Wang / Wikimedia Commons

The Bone House in St. Michael’s Chapel displays painted skulls and bones. Due to limited burial space, a local tradition developed where skulls were exhumed, decorated, and placed in the chapel. The practice dates back to the 18th century and reflects the community’s approach to remembrance. Visitors can see over 600 painted skulls, each marked with names and dates. This small but significant site provides a different perspective on Hallstatt’s history. The site is open only at specific times, so checking ahead is recommended.

Ideal Trip Duration: 30 minutes
Entry Fee: Approximately ₹135
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: St. Michael’s Chapel, Hallstatt, Austria

Hallstatt is a fascinating place to visit, with its deep history, scenic lake, and cultural sites. There are plenty of things to do in Hallstatt, from strolling through the Market Square to enjoying a boat ride on Lake Hallstatt. Plan your trip with TripXL and explore this town’s rich heritage, from its centuries-old architecture to cultural festivals celebrating its traditions and bringing new energy to the community.

Cover Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag / Wikimedia Commons

Things To Do In Hallstatt – Explore Austria’s Fairytale Village!