Things to see and do in Hallstatt

Hallstatt Salt Mine (Salzwelten)

Journey deep into the heart of the mountain to explore the oldest working salt mine in the world. After donning traditional miner's overalls, you will wander through illuminated subterranean tunnels, learn about 7,000 years of salt mining history, and glide down the exhilarating wooden miner's slides before riding a scenic miniature train back to daylight.

Lake Hallstatt (Hallstätter See)

The absolute centerpiece of the region, this stunning, fjord-like alpine lake perfectly mirrors the surrounding steep mountain cliffs. Rent an electric boat to cruise the tranquil, glassy waters at your own pace, or board a traditional wooden Zille (plätten) to glide silently past the historic, flower-draped lakeside chalets for a deeply romantic, unforgettable perspective of the village.

Market Square (Marktplatz)

The beating heart of the historic village, this idyllic, cobblestone square looks as though it was plucked straight from a fairy tale. Surrounded by vibrantly painted, ivy-clad 16th-century inns and centered around a magnificent Holy Trinity statue, it is the perfect place to sit at a lively cafe, sip an espresso, and soak in the charming, timeless alpine atmosphere.

Charnel House (Beinhaus)

Tucked away in the 12th-century St. Michael's Chapel within the Catholic cemetery, this small, softly lit room houses over 1,200 human skulls. Due to the severe lack of graveyard space in the cramped village, skulls were historically exhumed, bleached in the sun, and lovingly hand-painted with beautiful floral motifs and family names, creating a beautifully poignant, unique memorial to the town's ancestors.

Evangelical Parish Church (Christuskirche)

With its slender, needle-like spire rising elegantly against the steep mountain backdrop, this 19th-century church is the undisputed icon of Hallstatt's skyline. Situated right on the water's edge, its striking neo-Gothic silhouette is the focal point of almost every postcard and photograph taken of the village, serving as a beautiful symbol of the region's rich history.

Catholic Parish Church (Maria Himmelfahrt)

Perched prominently on a rocky outcrop high above the village, this beautiful late-Gothic church is reached by a steep, covered wooden staircase. Inside, you will find a magnificent, intricately carved double-winged altar dating back to 1515. The adjacent terraced graveyard, overlooking the lake and the Evangelical Church below, is arguably one of the most picturesque and peaceful resting places in the world.

Classic Village Photo Point

Located in the Römisches district, just a short walk north along the main lakeside road, this exact spot is the most photographed location in all of Austria. Stand by the water's edge to capture the ultimate, postcard-perfect view of the village's historic alpine houses clinging to the mountainside, the iconic church spire, and the glassy lake perfectly reflecting the majestic landscape.

Hallstatt Museum (Welterbemuseum)

To truly understand the deep, ancient roots of this tiny village, step inside this fascinating, wonderfully curated museum. It takes you on an immersive journey through 7,000 years of local history, showcasing incredible archaeological finds from the early Iron Age (the "Hallstatt culture"), including ancient mining tools, Celtic jewelry, and Roman artifacts discovered right in the surrounding mountains.

Echerntal Valley and Waldbachstrub Waterfall

Escape the village crowds by taking a peaceful, incredibly scenic hike into the lush, romantic Echerntal valley. The trail winds past babbling brooks, towering rock faces, and quiet meadows before reaching the Waldbachstrub Waterfall. Here, massive torrents of glacial water plunge 90 meters down a rugged, three-tiered gorge, creating a thunderous, misty spectacle favored by 19th-century landscape painters.

Five Fingers Viewing Platform

A short cable car ride up the nearby Krippenstein mountain brings you to this adrenaline-pumping, hand-shaped observation deck. Each of the five metallic "fingers" juts out dramatically over a sheer 400-meter drop, offering wildly thrilling, unparalleled panoramic views over Lake Hallstatt, the surrounding Salzkammergut region, and the snow-capped Dachstein massif in the distance.

Dachstein Giant Ice Cave (Rieseneishöhle)

Located just across the lake in Obertraun, this spectacular subterranean wonderland is accessed via the Dachstein cable car. Guided tours lead you deep into the freezing, echoing chambers of the mountain, where you can marvel at towering, illuminated ice formations, massive frozen waterfalls, and ancient glaciers that naturally form a breathtaking, crystalline labyrinth beneath the alpine rock.