Spending my 32nd birthday in Hallstatt felt like an absolute dream. This tiny Austrian village, perched between a serene lake and towering mountains, had been on my travel wish list ever since I first saw that iconic photo. You know the one—candy-colored houses, mist rolling over the water, and a picture-perfect church spire piercing the sky.
Table of Contents
Falling for Hallstatt
When planning our five-week honeymoon across Europe, Hallstatt was non-negotiable. My husband, Mike, had never even heard of it—until I showed him a few photos. His reaction? “We should spend an entire week there!” That’s the magic of travel photography; it introduces you to places you didn’t even know existed and makes you fall in love before you’ve even arrived.
After three weeks of bouncing between Europe’s lively cities, we were eager for a change of pace. “I can’t wait to get to Hallstatt and just relax by the lake,” Mike kept saying. And even though I usually go full-speed when I travel, trying to see and do as much as possible, I was ready to slow down—at least, in theory.
As our train wound its way through Austria’s breathtaking landscapes, I found myself glued to the window, watching deep blue lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and rolling green hills rush by. “This is exactly how I pictured Austria!” I exclaimed, nudging Mike to put his book down and soak in the view.
A Grand Entrance by Ferry
Hallstatt’s train station isn’t actually in the village—it’s across the lake. That means you arrive by ferry, which is hands-down the best way to get your first glimpse of this fairytale town. The view from the water? Pure magic.
As we stepped onto Hallstatt’s cobbled streets, we instantly felt its charm. Our hotel was perfectly situated—lake views on one side, the historic Market Square on the other. We couldn’t wait to explore.
Things to Do in Hallstatt
Hallstatt is small enough to explore in a day, but staying longer (especially in good weather) lets you truly experience its beauty. We spent two nights there, balancing relaxation with adventure. Here are some of the best things to do:
1. Glide Across Hallstatt Lake
The first thing we did? Rent a little electric boat and take it out on Hallstatt Lake. The sun was shining, and the water was so still, it felt like we were floating through a postcard. From the lake, we admired the town’s charming architecture and even spotted a few swans. Despite being thousands of miles from home, the peaceful mountain-and-lake combo reminded us of Alberta.
2. Hike from the Salt Mine to the Village
Hallstatt is surrounded by incredible hiking trails, though our plans were cut short by heavy rain. Still, we made it up the mountain via funicular to explore the historic salt mine area. Even though the mine itself had closed for the day, we braved the sky-high observation platform. Standing at the very tip, I tried not to think about the drop below and just focus on the sweeping view of the lake and village. Worth it? Absolutely.
Instead of taking the funicular back down, we hiked. The trail was steep and a bit slippery, but the scenery made every step worthwhile. Along the way, we passed a small waterfall and an old pipeline used to transport salt. Informational signs dotted the path, sharing Hallstatt’s fascinating history as a salt mining hub dating back thousands of years.
Mixed Feelings About the Village
Hallstatt’s history runs deep—people have lived here since the Bronze Age, long before Rome was even a thing. But despite its ancient roots, it’s still very much a living community. And while its residents have done an amazing job preserving their traditions, we couldn’t shake the feeling that tourists weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms.
More than once, we were met with short-tempered service, particularly at Café Derbl, where a waiter actually snatched a menu out of Mike’s hands. That moment stung, especially since all I wanted was a slice of cake for my birthday. Thankfully, we found a much friendlier atmosphere (and delicious food) at the Heritage Hotel later that night.
Not everyone was unfriendly, of course, but the occasional cold reception was hard to ignore. I completely understand wanting to protect the authenticity of such a special place, but given that tourism is a major part of the local economy, a little warmth goes a long way.
Exploring Hallstatt’s Highlights
Despite some awkward encounters, the town itself is undeniably beautiful. Here are a few can’t-miss spots:
Market Square
Hallstatt’s heart is its historic Market Square, where pastel-colored houses frame a picturesque courtyard. The square dates back to the 14th century, though most of its buildings were constructed in the 16th century. In the center stands the Holy Trinity Column, an ornate statue erected in 1743.
Evangelical Parish Church
This iconic lakeside church, with its slender bell tower, is one of Hallstatt’s most photographed landmarks. Built in the 18th century, it took five years to complete and adds to the village’s storybook charm.
Final Thoughts on Hallstatt
Hallstatt is every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, and visiting felt like stepping into a dream. While we had a few less-than-friendly encounters, they didn’t overshadow the breathtaking scenery, peaceful lake, and incredible history.
Would I go back? In a heartbeat—but next time, I’d plan for more hiking and definitely get my birthday cake somewhere else!
