Did you know that Austria is home to one of the world´s most photographed places? With a permanent year-round population barely cracking 750, the fairytale town of Hallstatt on the shore of the eponymous lake is located in the mountainous Salzkammergut region stretching east of Salzburg, roughly three hours from Vienna by car or rail. In fact, according to Instagram it´s the world´s most beautiful town, famed across the world (the Chinese are so enamoured that they created a housing development modeled after it in their southern Guandong province).
What Makes Hallstatt So Special
Its incomparable beauty, mainly: a mixture of its own thoroughly charming architecture with the nature that surrounds it, including the shimmering blue lake on which it sits and the soaring mountains in the background. And this stunning local scenery is of course one reason why it´s been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for more than a quarter century now. But an even more important one is its very special feature: one of the world´s oldest salt mines, dating as far back as the Bronze Age of the 8th century BCE. Today it´s a popular draw for visitors, as is the Hallstatt Museum, with an impressive collection of artifacts and exhibits offering insights local civilisations through the millennia (with, of course, a particular emphasis on salt mining and the culture surrounding it). The parish church is also worth a look, especially because of its interesting ossuary.
Tasty Local Eats
The village´s robust tourist economy means quite a few high-quality restaurants in which to enjoy – often whilst drinking in the stunning lake and mountain views – the hearty flavours of Austrian cuisine, from the classic Wiener schnitzel to Tafelspitz, as well as the sweet notes of Apfelstrudel and Germknödel plum-jam dumplings. And of course you must try local specialities, many of which centre on the bounty from the region´s lakes and rivers, including carp, char, eels, perch, pike, trout, and whitefish.
Plus Enjoying the Great Outdoors
Throughout this corner of the Salzkammergut there are myriad ways to enjoy Hallstatt´s spectacular natural setting, including hiking, biking, climbing, swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, paragliding, and exploring the incredible ice caves of nearby Dachstein. And of course come winter the surrounding slopes offer first-rate skiing and snowboarding, amongst other frosty fun.
So if you´re looking for a thoroughly delightful autumn or winter getaway, book a flight to Vienna with us and discover the Alpine magic of Hallstatt and Upper Austria!
For more info, check out the Hallstatt Tourism Office website.
Photos| SCStock ; :anzeletti