From Vienna: Hallstatt Guided Day Tour (Click it for details!)
Vienna is a great city to visit for the culture and history, but the Austrian countryside has better scenic views (well, except maybe the view from the top of the Wiener Riesenrad) along with its history and culture. My historical countryside recommendation is Hallstatt, a bit of a long day trip from Vienna but so worth it! The picturesque town is built into the steep slopes of the Dachstein mountain range, notable for its prehistoric salt mines and early Celtic settlement (yep, Celtic) dating back to the Iron Age– which is why it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1997. Now that said, the town is extremely popular and sets limits on the number of cars and tour buses allowed in each day– which is easy to do when there is only one road in and out– so book your tour early and/or book for the ‘off-season’. Even in November it was busy!
Hallstatt is about 3 hours from Vienna, so the tour has a few stops along the way allowing you to stretch your legs and grab a coffee and/or snack. The first of the trip is a photo stop along the water at Unterach am Attersee, a favorite spot of Gustav Klimt (probably most famous for The Kiss) which is why there is a bust of him in the waterfront park. The views of the lake with the backdrop of the rugged mountains will make you want to take more photos than is required! Takea seat on the bench for a few minutes and just take it all in…
Jump back on the bus for a 15-minute ride to St. Gilgen, but not before a quick 2nd photo stop outside the town so you can see it from above. You will be given the option to do a hilltop ‘Sound of Music’ spin, but only if you want to do it. Don’t be shy! Once in town, you will get time to grab a coffee and pastry, take some photos and wander at your leisure. Make sure you bring cash as many of the shops do not accept credit cards– also some change for a bathroom break. Once the necessities are taken care of, take out your camera (or phone) and snap a few pictures as souvenirs. All the buildings have such detail and character so make sure you look up! (There is also a great cable car to the top of the nearby mountain but unfortunately there is not enough time- you’ll just have to come back again on your own!) Next stop– Hallstatt, 45 minutes away.
Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a short tour, giving a bit of history and pointing out the highlights and ‘must-sees’– don’t skip it, as you will have free time after to explore on your own. With only one street for cars, the majority of the quaint mountainside town is pedestrian only, so it really gives off a fairy tale vibe with its narrow cobblestone streets and winding paths (must be why it was used as inspiration for Disney’s Frozen). Everywhere you look there is a view! Just remember, people live here so be respectful as you wander around. The town made national news in May of 2023 due to some frustrated residents (as someone who grew up in a tourist town I can relate) so be aware of your surroundings and be kind.
After climbing up to the Parish of Assumption and paying your respect, head back down–but not before stopping for yet another breathtaking view!– and grab a late lunch and/or a tall glass of hefeweizen beer (my fav!). There are several restaurant options near the central square or further down and lakeside– you can’t go wrong with either location. But don’t tarry too long, as you have one last stop which will require a bit of time!
Before you get back on the tour bus, make sure you buy a ticket for the Saltzwelten (salt mine) so you can ride the funicular up the steep slope to the top of the mountain (ticket is not included in the tour). Time is tight, so you may not have time to tour the world’s oldest mine, but at least ride to the top and check out the skywalk overlooking the village below. (My fear of heights prevented me, but my travel companions loved it!) While the path and platform at the top are (relatively) safe, there are several warning signs asking you to be careful if you choose to hike down the steep and treacherous terrain, instead of riding the funicular back down– I kept my feet firmly on the ground and back from the edge at all times just to be safe 😉 That’s it! Now it is time to get back on the tour bus and head back to Vienna (about 3 hours).
For such a small town there is so much to see! Have you been to Hallstatt? Let me know your thoughts below!
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