Hallstatt

Life in megacities brings a lot of stress, and therefore more and more people, when planning their trips, prefer small, cozy towns instead of noisy densely populated capitals. One of these places is the Austrian Hallstatt. Surrounded by the Alps and located on the shores of the lake of the same name, it is the best suited to spend a couple of days there, enjoying the fresh air and the bewitching landscapes that open to the eye. Sometimes it seems that time has stopped here.

They say about Hallstatt: "Millionfold photographed - once copied - never reached", which can roughly be translated as "Millions of times photographed - once copied - can never be achieved." And it’s impossible to say more precisely about this magical place.

How to get there

Hallstatt can be reached in two ways: by public transport or by car. Let's take a closer look at each of them. Do not forget that to visit Austria, Russian citizens need a visa, which must be taken care of at least a couple of weeks before the trip. You can read more about where you can get it by clicking on this link.

By plane

Fortunately or unfortunately, there is no airport in Hallstatt. Perhaps this is still a positive moment, because otherwise the city would have lost its "magic." Closest to it are the airports of Salzburg, Vienna, Bratislava, Munich and Memmingen.

• To the capital of Austria The quickest and easiest way to get there is by plane. Of Moscow On a regular basis, airlines such as Aeroflot, UTair, S7, Austian Airlines fly non-stop to Vienna. The flight lasts about 3 hours. You can also choose a flight with a transfer, which will save a little and give you the opportunity to walk for several hours in another city (see prices here). The most profitable options, as a rule, are AirSerbia, LOT Polish Airlines, Brussels Airlines, AirBaltic. Average direct flight ticket Aeroflot costs about 210 EUR, for a transfer with a transfer - 145 EUR. As a rule, on New Year and May dates, prices rise by several thousand due to the large number of people wishing to fly from the capital. Of Saint Petersburg direct flights Aeroflot and Austrian airlines, and it will take the same 3 hours. If you prefer flights with transfers, at your service, for example, AirBaltic, KLM, Swiss, Lufthansa and Airrance. The cost usually ranges around 160 EUR for a flight with one change, and about 275 EUR for a direct flight. From Vienna Airport to the city center can be reached in several ways. The first, most convenient and most expensive is a taxi. The fixed price is 36 EUR, and you also need to book a car in advance to get a special airport fare. The second way is City Airport Train CAT. This is a train that will take you just 16 minutes from Schwechat Airport to the center of Vienna to the Wien Mitte station (Landstraße Underground Station, intersection of U3 and U4 lines). Trains run every half hour from 6.09 a.m. to 23.39 p.m. One way ticket costs 11 EUR, round-trip ticket - 17 EUR. Children under 14 years old can travel for free. The third way is by bus. There are three companies: Vienna Airport Lines, Eurolines, Blaguss, Flixbus - which connect the airport with the city center. The first takes passengers to the Donauzentrum shopping center at the Kagran metro station, the second, third and fourth to the Erdberg bus station. The fare is from 5 to 8 EUR. The fourth method is the S7 suburban S-Bahn train. In order to get to the aforementioned Wien Mitte station, you need to buy a ticket for two zones, which will cost you 4.45 EUR.

• Also near Hallstatt is the so-called heart of Bavaria - Munich. Before him from Moscow direct flights fly Aeroflot, Lufthansa, S7, UTair, with transfers - KLM, Swiss, AirFrance, LOT. A ticket costs about 190 EUR for a direct flight, while for a connecting ticket it costs about 160 EUR. From the northern capital you can fly to Bavaria with Aeroflot or Lufthansa, as well as KLM, Finnair, AirBaltic, LOT Polish Airlines - but with stops. From St. Petersburg, prices start at 190 EUR for a transfer flight and from 260 EUR for a direct flight. From the airport to the city center can be reached by taxi, which will cost about 60 EUR; by city train S-Bahn via one of the lines: S1 and S8, a ticket for which costs 10.80 EUR; by Lufthansa bus for EUR 11 straight to the Hauptbahnhof.
• In addition, an option with a flight to Salzburgas it is only 100 kilometers from Hallstatt. A significant minus of this method is the lack of direct regular flights between Moscow or St. Petersburg and Salzburg. It is necessary to make a transplant, which equalizes the travel time in comparison with the above options. Prices from Moscow for such a ticket, as a rule, start around 230 EUR, from the northern capital - from 260 EUR. However, for example, the largest European low-cost airline flies to Salzburg Ryanair, therefore, if your route lies from anywhere in Europe, it is worth considering this option as well. You can find out what other airlines fly to Salzburg Airport on this site. To Salzburg Main Station from the airport You can take a bus that runs every 15 minutes. Tickets cost 2.10 EUR.
• I also included in my list Memmingen and To bratislavaas the Russian low-cost airline flies to their airports Victory. If you try very hard, you can “catch” tickets at 999 RUB (do not believe people who say that they do not exist, because my budget trips are direct proof of the opposite), but on average their price fluctuates around 2000-4000 RUB for except for New Year and May holidays. From the airports of Memmingen and Bratislava You can get to Munich and Vienna by bus, which run several times a day, for 5 EUR and 12 EUR, respectively.

By train

• From Vienna or Munich Hallstatt can be reached by train, which in both cases will take around 4-4.5 hours. To do this, drive to Attnang-Puchheim. There you need to transfer to another train, which already follows to Hallstatt. In general, such a route will cost about 50 EUR from Vienna and about 65 EUR from Munich.

• From the main station Salzburg, the location of which you can see in the screenshot, trains run to the same Attnang-Puchheim. The fare costs a little less than 25 EUR, and such a trip lasts only 35 minutes.
• Of course, do not forget that in the case of transfers, you can spend a large amount of time waiting for the next train than originally planned. Therefore, it is necessary to leave this time in advance and check the train schedule on the website of the Austrian railways.

By bus

Also from salzburg You can take a bus to Bad Ischl, from where trains run to Hallstatt. This option will help you save a little, while not inferior in time to travel exclusively by train.

By car

The most optimal from my point of view, I decided to leave in the end. The most convenient way to get to Hallstatt is by car, which can be immediately rented at any rental company in Vienna, Munich or Bratislava upon arrival. It is best to see the prices on this site. The journey from the Austrian capital to Hallstatt will take around 3 hours, from the Bavarian - about 2.5 hours, from the Slovak - a little less than 4 hours. In my opinion, renting a car is the best option, because the path runs along lakes and mountains, and you will certainly want to stop and take a couple of shots or just admire the opening landscapes of one of the most beautiful countries in Europe.

From Moscow

Many motorists dream to go to Europe in their own car. This is a very good option, if you have enough experience, since the road ahead is long. To be precise, the route from Moscow to Hallstatt is 2,200 km and about 24 hours in transit, not taking into account the time at the border and overnight stays, and passes through Belarus, Poland and the Czech Republic. Of course, traveling by car from Russia solely in order to visit Hallstatt is not the best idea, but if you combine this with trips around the country or skiing, you should get a great trip!

From St. Petersburg

The path from the northern capital is a little over 2100 km and takes 25 hours of continuous driving. It passes through the territory of Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and the Czech Republic.

By ferry

If you come to Hallstatt by train, do not forget that the train station is located on the opposite side of the lake from the city.

Between the marinas ferries run all year round, the schedule of which is confined to the train schedule. You can see it here. A ticket for such a vehicle costs 2.5 EUR.

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

In my opinion, there is no such thing as a season in Hallstatt - it’s always good here! In the summer you can escape from the stuffy city and, taking cover from the scorching sun in the shade of the mountains, enjoy the coolness of the lake, in the winter there is a magical atmosphere of a fairy tale and it seems that you got into a frame from some movie.

Hallstatt in summer

In my opinion, summer is a great time to visit Hallstatt! The weather is excellent, as a rule, there is no heat here at this time of year. It is highly recommended to come in the morning or in the late afternoon, so as not to stumble on the considerable size of tourist groups. It should be borne in mind that it is getting dark early enough due to the fact that the sun is hiding behind the mountains.

Hallstatt in the fall

I went to Hallstatt in the fall, and I think this is the best time to visit the town. There were very few tourists, there was a pleasant coolness, we were able to feel the whole atmosphere of this place, sit quietly on the lake and think about something pleasant, and around that autumn was from the pictures, very cozy and beautiful, completely unlike what was happening in Moscow at the same time.

Hallstatt in spring

Unfortunately, I have not yet visited Hallstatt in the spring, so I can only rely on information from the Internet and the experience of friends. At this time of the year the city attracts with flowering, freshness, wonderful weather. What can I say: spring is beautiful everywhere, and even more so in Austria, in Hallstatt!

Hallstatt in winter

In winter, Christmas markets open up in Hallstatt and an enchanting atmosphere reigns. The weather here, I must say, does not always pamper: sometimes the sun is shining and there is no rainfall, and sometimes there is a thick fog above the lake, such that it is not visible to the opposite shore, it is raining, and indeed the city is chilly and cold. It is impossible to predict the weather, but it's worth the risk. I would combine a visit to the winter Hallstatt with skiing or snowboarding.

A very important point: many of the attractions of Hallstatt are closed from November to the end of March.

Hallstatt - monthly weather

Areas. Where is better to live

As for living in Hallstatt, it should be noted right away that in order to see the city itself and the surrounding area, two or three days are enough, so it is quite reasonable to book only one or two nights, depending on your program. In fact, the whole city is a few streets, so it would seem that it should not have a wide selection of hotels and other overnight options. However, due to the fact that in recent years its popularity has grown incredibly, many residents want to earn money from tourists and rent out their homes for the night. Rental prices can be found here. I highly recommend taking care of the issue of accommodation in advance, since in the high season hundreds, if not thousands of tourists come to the city, and there is a great chance to stumble upon the lack of rooms in a particular hotel or guest house.

It should also be noted that housing prices in Hallstatt are not at all welcoming, and therefore many stay for the night in neighboring Obertraun, where you can find hotels two, or even three times cheaper. Often, local residents rent the upper floor of their house to tourists, and live on the lower floor themselves. As a rule, there are two or three bedrooms on the top floor, so this option is suitable for companies or large families, but often the whole house is for rent. A very pleasant bonus will be a fresh breakfast in the best Austrian traditions, which the hostess will prepare for you, as well as a balcony with a view of the lake and mountains. From my point of view, this option is much more authentic and more comfortable than a regular hotel, and it is also more profitable from a financial point of view. In Obertraun, you can also stay at the hostel, where prices start from 21 EUR per night. See room rates here and at Booking.

What are the prices for vacation

I must admit that vacation prices vary from a specific program, as, indeed, everywhere.

For example, you can fly to Vienna in business class, rent a representative car, stay for a couple of days at the most expensive hotel and eat three times a day in a luxurious restaurant; it will be one amount, the extreme boundaries of which I can’t even articulate, because they simply do not exist - it depends on how wide your soul and your wallet are.

Or you can, as I wrote above, fly to Bratislava (from 999 RUB (15 EUR) for one airline ticket Victory without luggage and other surcharges, there you can take the Slovak Lines bus to the Vienna Hauptbahnhof (it costs about 5 EUR, and if you are lucky, you can get to the action and pay only 1 EUR), get to Hallstatt by public transport (train ticket - about 50 EUR) or on an inexpensive rental car (from 20 EUR per day), spend the night in Obertraun (a double room in a guesthouse near the lake costs from 5000 RUB (80 EUR), and for dinner choose not the most luxurious, but this no less cozy and pleasant establishments with traditional cuisine (about 15-20 EUR per schnitzel or trout with a side dish and sides l of wine); and in this case, your trip will come out quite budget.

The main attractions. What to watch

Hallstatt is essentially a small village with a population of just under a thousand people, consisting of the main square, one street running along the lake, and another parallel street just above - and only one of them is allowed to drive. You can get around it all in an hour or two maximum, stopping at every second step, looking at all the souvenir shops along the way and taking photos of the city from all angles. The main attractions include the Catholic Church, built already in the 12th century, and renovated in 2002, Hallstätter Marktplatz - the central square of the city, which hosts all major social events, such as fairs and concerts, the Evangelical Church, which you probably already know - it is visible in all photos of the city. Hallstatt itself is quite similar to any other town in this region, however there are several unique factors that so attract travelers from around the world. Firstly, its location - I have already mentioned this several times, but I’m forever in love with small towns located on the shore of lakes and at the foot of the mountains! It is they who create that peaceful atmosphere of isolation from the whole world for which tourists come here. Secondly, Hallstatt was recognized as a unique cultural heritage and is protected by UNESCO. Third, Hallstatt is the oldest inhabited European village. The first mention of human activity in this region dates back to the 5th millennium BC, when the local population began to extract salt, which the region owes its wealth. Fourth, there is a copy of the Austrian city built in Luoyang city of the Chinese province of Guangdong in 2012. It is because of it that a huge number of tourists from the Middle Kingdom come to Hallstatt who want to look at the original and compare it with a copy. Locals say that initially they were not happy with the construction of the Chinese "remake", but then, when thanks to it the number of tourists increased tenfold, they managed to turn the situation in their favor.Therefore, today the vast majority of local residents work in the tourism sector. Fifth, when planning a trip to Hallstatt, you can and should capture several natural attractions that are certainly worth attention and their inclusion in the must see list. For their inspection, it is very convenient from a geographical point of view to be based in Hallstatt or Obertraun.

Top 3

Here I would like to write about those three attractions that you can not miss out on while being here. I’ll tell you more about each of them below.

• Observation deck 5 fingers - required to visit!
• Boat trip on Hallstattersee;
• And, of course, Hallstatt himself.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

Today, there are two churches in Hallstatt: the Catholic and the Evangelical.

1. The Catholic Church (Die Katholische Pfarrkirche von Hallstatt), also popularly called Maria am Berg (literally translated from German as Mary on the mountain), was built at the end of the 12th century on a rock. In the 19th century, for some time, it was even a pilgrimage center for Protestants. In 2002, the church was completely restored and restored to the condition that we see today. The church is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00. The service is held on Sundays and on religious holidays and starts at 10:15 in the morning. The church has its own official website, however, the information on it is available only in German.
2. The Evangelical Church (Die Evangelische Kirche) was built as a house of worship in the second half of the 18th century, when Emperor Franz Joseph signed a decree granting civil rights and freedoms to all Christians in the political and church spheres. This is the very church, the sharp spire of which is visible in the photographs of each person who visited Hallstatt. It, like the Catholic one, is still functioning. There were many difficult stages in its history, but today it plays an important role in the cultural life of the city - it often hosts various concerts and other similar events. Once every two weeks on Sundays, you can visit the service, which starts at 10:00 in the morning. Twice in November - on the 15th and 29th - the service takes place in a chapel.

What to see in 1 day

As a rule, most tourists come to Hallstatt for a day, because I think this part will be especially interesting to many. Caution! I offer you a fairly rich maximum program, get ready to walk a lot and take pictures.

• So, let’s omit the moments that are associated with the movement and imagine that at 10 in the morning you are already standing on the western shore of the lake and pretending to have time to watch for the day. As an option, for starters, I advise you to take the Austrian Postbus bus to Obertraun and head to Dachstein Salzkammergut, which I will discuss in more detail below. I recommend to go to the ice cave and admire Hallstatt and the surrounding area from a height of 2100 m on the observation deck 5 fingers. It will take about 3.5 hours, respectively, at 2 pm you will be back in Hallstatt. If you are hungry, you can go to a supermarket, for example, Nah & Frisch and take something with you. About 3 hours you can board a boat and go on a sightseeing tour of the lake. You will return to the city at about half past four in the evening, and before you go to dinner, take a walk along the narrow cozy streets of the city, go to the church, go to the main observation deck, from where all the specific photos of Hallstatt were taken. At six in the evening, go to any restaurant by the lake, sit down at a table in the fresh air and be sure to order a trout dish. During the meal you can enjoy the sun hiding behind the mountains.
• The second version of the program begins at the same 10 o’clock in the morning. Buy a ticket for the cable car and go to the Salzberg mountain, where you can visit the salt mines, see Hallstatt from the World Heritage Skywalk observation deck and dine in the restaurant with a beautiful view. Yes, I included a visit to the viewing platforms in both options, because I believe that there is no better way to see the city than to look at it from a bird's eye view. After that (it will be around three in the afternoon), go down by cable car and go to the Hallstatt Museum of History. After the tour, which will last about an hour, you can walk around the city and, for example, go to the store to buy some bread and go to the shore of the lake to feed swans and ducks, again, admiring the sunny sunset.

Food. What to try

Gourmets and simply lovers of delicious cuisine will appreciate the diversity of national and regional culinary in Hallstatt and the region. First of all, this, of course, is a fish. There is a dish for every taste - fish soup, smoked fillet or in its entirety. Since rivers flow around the city, the water of which is still suitable for drinking, fish - trout, carp, pike perch, pike, eel, whitefish - caught in them and the lake, are highly valued. Dishes from lake trout, some even called a local attraction. Of course, here you can also try traditional dishes like schnitzel, but do not forget that Austrian cuisine is very, very diverse. Desserts - apple and plum pies, strudel, pancakes with traditional apricot jam deserve special attention. They say that no one will leave the thinner here, but it seems to me that if you alternate restaurant tastings with conquering mountain peaks, then this statement can be argued.In most establishments, the trout of any kind is the signature dish. Many restaurants are located on the promenade, and their panoramic windows offer stunning views of the mountains and Hallstattersee with swans floating on it. In the warm season, the hosts open the veranda and set tables right next to the lake.

Recommended Places

In Hallstatt, there is a wide selection of different establishments, from expensive restaurants to pizzerias and Chinese eateries, so even the most fastidious and hungry tourist can find something to their taste.

• In the restaurant Zum salzbaronwhich is located in a hotel Seehotel Grüner Baum the signature dish is trout in any form. It is better to book a table in advance, it happens that in the evening there are no empty seats. The panoramic windows offer stunning views of the mountains and Hallstattersee with swans floating on it. In the warm season, the hosts open the veranda and set tables right next to the lake.
• Gasthof zauner - an institution with more affordable prices and an emphasis on fish and meat dishes and vegetable salads. Many locals go there and say that it is the best restaurant in the city.
• Like many other restaurants in small Austrian cities, Gasthof simony located in a large guest house where you can spend the night. The restaurant specializes in traditional regional cuisine. There is a small private beach on the lake and several canoes on which guests can swim.
• Bacht's polreich - A cozy restaurant with a beautiful view of the lake. A great option in case you are tired of Austrian cuisine - here you can also try traditional Italian dishes.
• For a large selection of desserts you need to go to Maislingerwhere you will be served fresh pastries, delicious cakes and homemade ice cream.
• About the restaurant Rudolfsturm I already mentioned, but I repeat - it is located on Mount Salzberg, so you need to get there by funicular or on foot. In my opinion, it’s not worthwhile to go here purposefully, however if you visit a viewing platform or salt mines, you can go here for a snack or a cup of coffee.

Holidays

• At the end of December, Hallstatt is filled with lights, Christmas trees, decorated with all kinds of toys and other Christmas-themed attributes that turn the city into a fairy tale. A Christmas market unfolds on the main square, where you can not only buy various unusual jewelry, but also warm yourself with hot chocolate, punch or mulled wine, as well as try local delicacies. And on the Christmas markets of neighboring cities, whole performances are organized with an emphasis on the national traditions of the region. However, the holiday atmosphere appears at the beginning of the month, when St. Nicholas, the Austrian Santa Claus, comes to the shores of Obertraun with a bag of gifts for children on a boat. Many city dwellers and tourists are looking forward to this time of year, but a real miracle happens on the night of December 31 to January 1, when a huge number of people gather for Silvester Open-Air Party in honor of the New Year, and the sky above the lake is lit up by hundreds of fireworks.

• In the second half of June, the Catholic feast of the Body of Christ (Corpus Christi) is celebrated in Hallstatt. It is of great importance to all believers, but it is in Hallstatt that it is held in a special way - on the lake. On it floated boats decorated with flowers, on which the procession takes place. All the action was launched about 400 years ago, when they realized that the area of ​​the city was too small for such a celebration. Today this holiday is an unforgettable sight that you should definitely visit if you plan your trip in early summer.

You can find more information about the date and time of the procession in the coming June on the official website.

Things to do

Hallstatt, due to its modest size, is not a city where you can walk for a long time, only if you do not like to constantly go to the same places. However, it should be noted that the choice of entertainment and attractions in the city and nearby is very wide, and among them there is certainly something for any person. A small tip: those who are going to spend several days in the Salzkammergut region should take a closer look at the summer or winter card of the same name, which will provide you with a discount of up to 30% in more than 130 companies. You can purchase it at any tourist office or information department. Small life hack: if you have booked accommodation in the region for more than three nights, you can get a card absolutely free - just show the hotel reservation upon receipt. In all other cases, it costs 4.90 EUR. Thanks to her, you can get a discount on the purchase of train tickets, visits to spas and thermal springs, boat trips on some lakes of the region, a visit to the Museum in Hallstatt and even rental of ski equipment. Look here for more information about summer and winter cards.

So what can you do with a couple of days off?

Ride a boat

Water communication has existed since 1862, the first route - between the city itself and the railway station of the same name - appeared in 1881. It is interesting that since 1967 one family manages the system of all water connections on the lake, and they have only 4 ships at their disposal, but this does not prevent these walks from remaining one of the most popular attractions for tourists.Today, there are several routes: the first - the oldest - will take you from the center of Hallstatt to the railway station on the opposite bank, the second and third make circular sightseeing trips around Hallstattersee, capturing other cities located on the lake. So, one runs south and stops at Hallstatt's second marina, called Hallstatt Lahn, in Obertraun and returns. Another goes north and makes stops in cities such as Obersee, Untersee and Stig. In my opinion, one of the best views of Hallstatt opens from the water, so keep your camera or phone ready! You can look at the current schedule, prices, routes, as well as special offers on the organization’s website, where there is information in English and German.

Climb Mount Salzberg

You can get there by cable car, a ticket for which costs 12 EUR one way, or walk by foot, which takes 1-1.5 hours. Be sure to calculate your strength - this option requires some physical training. At the top of the mountain is the World Heritage Skywalk observation deck, which offers a bird's eye view of Hallstatt, the lake and the mountains. There is also a cafe where you can combine admiring the beautiful panorama with tasting dishes of Austrian cuisine. In addition to the observation deck, you can visit the salt mines (Hallstatt Salt Worlds), where they will give you special clothes, talk about the history of the city and where salt came from, how and when it was mined, and why it played such an important role in the development of the region.

More information at this link.

Visit the Hallstatt Museum

This option is great for those who are not very lucky with the weather and need to escape somewhere from the rain. But do not neglect it on sunny days! In the center, next to the main square, is the Hallstatt Museum. There you can learn more about its history from ancient times to the present day, with a culture period of half a century, which is called Hallstatt. In the museum you can look at various archaeological excavations, such as stone axes of the Early Neolithic and Bronze Age, working tools and personal belongings of miners, swords and other weapons found in burial places. Ancient Roman artifacts in all its diversity are also provided to visitors. If you come to Hallstatt in the summer, you can visit the so-called Evenings of Folklore at the museum. For two hours you will enjoy the musical performances and traditional dances of artists in national costumes. Please note that from November to April the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, in the rest of the months it is open daily. Tickets can be bought at the box office of the museum, for adults it costs 8 EUR, for children - 7 EUR.

Conquer Dachstein Salzkammergut

To climb the cable car to the mountains, visit the caves of Dachstein and admire the bewitching view from one of the most beautiful viewing platforms in the world with the unusual name “Five Fingers”, which is located at an altitude of 2100m - sounds attractive, doesn’t it? This entire complex is called Dachstein Salzkammergut and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, and the whole country as a whole. In order to get there, you need to get to Obertraun, in front of the funicular there is a parking lot with quite a lot of places. If you travel by public transport, you can get to Obertraun on the boat described above on the southern route or take the Austrian Postbus bus. Upon arrival, you will see a large building, in front of which there are ticket offices. Inside, you can wait for the cable car to arrive, and there is a placard with a schedule for the cable car. There are several different types of tickets that can be found in advance on this site.

Depending on what you want to visit, you choose the type of ticket you need. The cable car has three levels, including the starting one. On the first is the Koppenbruller Cave, the youngest of the three caves of Dachstein. A ticket to it will cost you the least, since it does not imply the use of a funicular - you can walk to it in 15 minutes. On the second level are mammoth and ice caves. I took a ticket that gives permission to visit one of them, and chose an ice one. I strongly recommend taking comfortable shoes, warm clothes and some kind of headwear with you, since the temperature in the caves usually does not exceed 4-5 degrees Celsius. On the third level there are three viewing platforms - the famous "5 fingers" and the slightly less famous Dachstein Shark and Welterbespirale. Before them you need to walk a little from the cable car, the first is farthest. There is a photo point on the Spiral where you can take a photo and print it for free on the site. The road to the "5 fingers" leisurely step will take 20-30 minutes. I almost forgot - such an interesting name was given to her due to the fact that the shape of the observation deck resembles a hand, the fingers of which are, as it were, extended over an abyss. Each finger has its own special "chip" - on the first is a photo frame, the floor on the second is made entirely of glass, and it seems that there is no surface underneath.The third finger is closed to visitors, which symbolizes the freedom and inaccessibility of the mountains. The fourth finger made a hole in the floor through which you can look at the abyss below you, and on the edge of the fifth you can look at it through a free telescope. Shark is the newest observation deck on Dachstein. The unusual name is due to the fact that millions of years ago there was a sea in which ice sharks swam. For those who need something more interesting and unusual, the option of paragliding is offered. I think this should be planned in advance, but I learned about this option, unfortunately, only on the spot. Well, there is a reason to return and fulfill my little dream!

Visit neighboring towns and lakes

For example, you can go to St. Wolfgang or St. Gilgen, two small towns that are located on different shores of the same Wolfgangsee lake. Or visit both in one day. In order to get to them, you need to take a train from Hallstatt to Bad Ischl, and then transfer to the bus, which takes you to the city of your choice in half an hour.

St. Gilgen

St. Gilgen is considered one of the best holiday destinations in all of Austria. A very calm, cozy city is ideal for leisurely walks and observing waterfowl and steamboats on the promenade to the neighboring cities, Strobl and St. Wolfgang. It should be noted that lovers of outdoor activities will be able to find something to their liking. In the mountains that surround the lake, there are a large number of hiking trails and bike paths. Bicycles can be rented in special companies, of which there are at least two in the city: one in the city center and one at the waterfront. There are also all kinds of summer sports, windsurfing and water skiing, paragliding and rock climbing, diving and jumping into the clear water of the lake from a specially installed tower, not to mention traditional table and tennis, beach volleyball, golf. Fans of a relaxing holiday can relax, basking in the sun on the beach of the lake. In winter, winter sports fans gather here. Near the town there is a ski resort Zwölferhorn, on which three lifts are built, and there are also sections of different difficulty levels, both for beginners and professionals who are ready to confidently conquer the black slopes.

St. Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang is another small cozy Austrian town where many people come to conquer the Schafberg mountain, which offers a fabulous view of several (and to be precise, four) beautiful lakes and the Alps. You can climb the mountain on foot or take a train, the path of which is only 5 km. The ticket, taking into account the ascent and descent, costs 31 EUR. Little life hack: when the train turns, from the places that are at the window on the left in the direction of travel, the most beautiful views open. When planning to conquer the mountain, be sure to check the weather forecast and look at how low the clouds are so as not to be up without the opportunity to see the beauty of this place. In addition, in the summertime in Hallstatt you can go fishing (for this you need a license), try kayaking or canoeing, feel all the delights of rafting or diving, go Nordic walking or paragliding, go on a mountain bike tour around the lake or rent a boat and become her captain for the whole day, play golf, tennis and table tennis, volleyball, or simply sunbathe on the beach and swim in the crystal clear waters of Hallstattersee. In a word, you won’t be bored even in such a calm and quiet place.

How to get around the city

You can and should only move around on foot! As I mentioned, car traffic is allowed only on one of the two streets, so tourists have no particular choice. As for the movement between neighboring cities, you can use a boat, bus or train.

Vehicle rental

As I wrote just above, traveling around the city by car is pointless, but in order to get to Hallstatt or to see the surroundings, it is, of course, necessary. Find the car you need here. The specific price of a car depends on many factors: the rental company, the time of year and even a specific day, the age of the driver, rental location and return of the car. As a rule, it is cheapest to take and rent a car in one and the same place, however sometimes companies, in order to drive a certain number of cars from their fleet to another city or even a country, hold campaigns when this option is significantly cheaper.

In order to understand the general order of prices, I’ll say that usually for a small hatchback or sedan on a mechanic like Skoda Fabia, Renault Clio, Opel Astra or Volkswagen Polo they will ask around 50-80 EUR per day, and for a representative sedan like BMW 3 series or Mercedes C-class - from 110 EUR.

In order to rent a car, you will need a driver’s license: everywhere they say that you need an international standard certificate, but in reality they always accept ordinary Russian ones. However, if you are stopped by a policeman or if an accident occurs, an IDF (international driving license) will be very helpful. You will also need a Visa, MasterCard or Maestro credit card (a deposit will be deducted from it, the amount of which depends on the rental company, the number of rental days and the specific car that you choose) and, of course, your passport. I also highly recommend taking care of the navigator in advance: you can download it to your phone or tablet so as not to overpay for it later. The experience must necessarily be from one year, but the minimum age varies from company to company: somewhere, the car is ready to be handed over to the 18-year-old, and somewhere, they do not want the 21-year-old driver.

Rental companies are different - international and local. The former, as a rule, give greater insurance guarantees, have a more diverse and new fleet, but they also cost more. The second ones offer much more attractive prices, but their cars are usually older (but this does not mean that they will give you a car in 2000 - rather, it will just be the penultimate model), they sometimes have scratches and chips (which you must immediately point out to avoid problems when passing a car).

Tips for motorists

Do not forget that some sections of roads can be paid, gasoline in Austria is not cheap (to be precise, for one liter of the 95th the price is 1.21 EUR, and for the 98th you will have to pay 1.35 EUR), and the fines are higher than the average Russian. For example, for speeding more than 40-50 km / h you will have to pay from 150 to 300 EUR, for using the phone while driving a car - 50 EUR. Also, they strictly check the correct parking, pay special attention to violators who put their car in places for the disabled.

To calculate your expenses, be sure to create your own route in advance in which you will go. Do not forget to also specify information about parking in hotels where you will spend the night. And think about what kind of insurance you need, and whether it is needed at all. All this needs to be solved and calculated before the trip, in order to understand how much money it will take you to rent a car and other costs. However, do not be alarmed - driving a car on Austrian roads is one sheer pleasure, and if you follow all the rules of the road, then you don’t no problems should arise.

Hallstatt - Holidays with children

Perhaps Hallstatt can be a very good place to relax with children. Very comfortable climatic conditions, high level of security, a large number of entertainment. I personally remember a playground near the lake, where local children ran on the bright green grass, swung on a swing, played and fed swans. For a couple of moments I was even saddened by the fact that I did not have the same in childhood.If you suddenly go to Hallstatt with children in December, try not to miss the arrival of St. Nicholas to Obertraun by boat - I think this will leave an unforgettable experience!

Ski vacation

Tourists who come to Hallstatt in winter are given an excellent opportunity to combine a visit to the city and the surrounding area with a ski holiday. The closest to Hallstatt, only 80 km away is Schladming-Dachstein. This is one of the largest and most popular Austrian ski regions. It is one of the top 10 ski resorts in the world. It includes 8 winter sports centers, four of which are part of the Schladming Swing (4Schaukeln) system and are connected by a common network of lifts. Top-level slopes, slopes, the total length of which exceeds 120 km, 44 modern lifts are what awaits you here. Simple "family" alternate with blacks, who seem to challenge experienced skiers and snowboarders. In the resort you can also find a large number of cafes and restaurants, shops of ski equipment and services, where you can rent it, large world hotels and small cozy chalets. In a word, this is a separate world with a special atmosphere, which you will definitely want to return again. For a ski pass for the whole day you need to pay 50 EUR. If you want to spend 3 hours on a slope, then a ski pass will cost you 42 EUR. If you want to arrive on the slope after two in the afternoon, you will be asked only 32.50 EUR. If you arrive at the resort before December 23rd or after March 18th, a ski pass will cost EUR 46.50, EUR 39.50 and EUR 30 respectively. There are good discounts for youth and children. The network of all Austrian resorts Ski Amadé has its own website and the mobile application of the same name.

It should be noted that the tracks on Schladming are mainly suitable for experienced athletes, since for the most part there are red and black sections of the slope. However, if you belong to this category of skiers and snowboarders, you will be able to appreciate the highest quality of tracks and their great variety.

You can get to Schladming by car or by train with a transfer in Steinach (Stainach-Irdining).

Hallstatt is the place to come when you decide to take a break from the accumulated problems or conquer all the mountains of the Salzkammergut region. When you want to try a dish of freshly caught trout or a delicious apple strudel. Try a new extreme sport or lie down on the beach by the lake and read an interesting book. Explore all the caves of Dachstein or enjoy the views of all the nearby lakes. When you want to feel the atmosphere of a Christmas tale or take a ride from the mountain at one of the best Austrian ski resorts. This is the place where everyone will find something for the soul. And this is the place where you will feel at home, being there for the first time in your life.

Watch the video: The Most Beautiful Village in the World. Hallstatt, Austria (April 2024).