How To Get From Vienna to Hallstatt By Train
Hallstatt is one of those places that looks breathtaking in photos and real life - and I can attest to that! The first time I saw a picture of this picturesque town, I knew I had to visit. Something about the Alpine houses adorned with colorful flowers overlooking a majestic lake that I can't get enough.
Hallstatt, a UNESCO Heritage site, is located on the western shore of Lake Hallstatt in Austria's Salzkammergut region. To get there from Vienna may require a few train transfer and a ferry ride, but trust me, it's worth it!
How To Get From Vienna to Hallstatt
Vienna to Hallstatt by train
The best way to get from Vienna to Hallstatt - if you are not driving - is by train.
The price of a one-way ticket from Vienna to Hallstatt can vary from 19€ to 55€, depending on the season. Also, depending on the time you select, the ride can take 3.5 to 4.5 hours. And it may require one or two transfers. To check all the available options, visit the Austrian Railways ÖBB site.
To search:
Dep: Wien or Vienna Central Station
Arr: Hallstatt Bahnhof
Hallstatt train station is located on the opposite side of the lake. To get to the village, you will need to take the ferry. The boat departs every 30 minutes and usually timed to coincide with the train. Hallstatt Boat Station is only a few feet away from the train station, and you can buy the ferry ticket then and there. I paid 2.5€ for a one-way ticket, but it may be 3€ now. For the boat schedule, check out their website here.
Note: At the time of my trip, I couldn't find any direct train from Vienna to Hallstatt. But from what I read in forums, there used to be a direct train, but it was infrequent, and the hours were not convenient.
Two trains, a ferry, and 3.5 hours later, we arrive at Hallstatt!
Vienna to Hallstatt by car
If you love a road trip, you can drive to Hallstatt from Vienna. The ride is about 3.5 hours, and parking won't be a problem if you arrive early. However, you can't drive to the town center, so you will have to leave the car in a parking lot right outside the old town - but don't worry, you won't need a car once you are in the town center. As you approach Hallstatt, you will see parking signs that will direct you to the parking lot. For more information, click here.
If you book accommodation in the town center, you can park in the parking lot for overnight visitors, P1. For more info, click here.
Vienna to Hallstatt with a guided tour
If you can't be bothered with the logistic, you can book a guided tour. This tour will take you from Vienna through the Austrian Alps to Hallstatt on a day trip.
Day Trip To Hallstatt from Vienna
Although it is possible to visit Hallstatt on a day trip from Vienna, I recommend staying overnight. That way, you get to enjoy the quiet side of the famous town once the crowd departs. Not to mention, it is a long ride to go back and forward on the same day.
Things to do in Hallstatt
Hallstatt is a charming town where one comes to soak up the jaw-dropping vista and not armed with a big list of things to do. But with that in mind, here a few things you can do while in town.
Walk around Hallstatt
Honestly, the best thing to do in Hallstatt is to walk around and explore its small alleys and soak in the stunning views. It's easy to lose track of time, so I wouldn't fault you if you leave no time for anything else.
For the postcard shot of Hallstatt, go to the north side of the town until you reach the B&B Haus Cian. Click here for the exact location on Google Map.
Visit the Skywalk
Get a panoramic view of Hallstatt and the entire Dachstein Salzkammergut region! To get to the Skywalk, take the funicular - ticket cost 10€ one-way or 18€ for a roundtrip ticket.
Tour the salt mine - Salzwelten
Enjoy history? Take a guided tour of the oldest salt mine in the world! Tickets cost 34€, which includes the funicular round trip ticket. For more information, check out their official site.
Sadly, when I visited - during the low season, the salt mine was closed. But even if you don't get to tour it, Hallstatt is still very much worth visiting. I guess I have an excuse to return to this charming town - not that I need one.
Catholic Church Ossuary
Small town means limited land for burial. As space ran out, bodies were exhumed and stacked in Hallstatt Charnel House. What makes this ossuary unique is that some bones are painted with symbolic graphics and dates to identify them. I'm not a fan of ossuaries, so I didn't visit it. But if this interset you, know that there's one in Hallstatt.
Soak in the view from the lake
Rent a small boat and sail in the lake! The boat options are endless: paddling board, electric boat, swam shaped boat, or even get a local to take you around to all the best spots. For price and info, visit their site.
Where to stay in Hallstatt
There isn't a big array of accommodations in Hallstatt, but there are a few hotels and B&Bs for you to choose from. I stayed at Seehotel Grüner Baum, located in the heart of the town, in front of Market Square. You can get a room facing the square or the beautiful lake - but honestly, you can't go wrong with either view. Dining options are minimal as well, especially during the low season. Still, I tried the hotel restaurant overlooking the lake, and it was lovely.
If you are looking for budget-friendly alternatives, you can also stay in the nearby town of Obertraun.
Best time to visit Hallstatt Austria
Hallstatt is breathtaking at any time of the year. But in the summer it can get very crowded in the petite Austrian town. If summer is your only time to visit, I recommend going early in the morning or staying overnight - the crowd leaves in the afternoon.
Spring, Fall, and Winter are a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crow and enjoy the town all to yourself. But you will find many shops closed as well as the salt mine. I visited in October, and many shops were closed. Still, it was very calm and lovely - great for those looking to enjoy the views and have a nice meal overlooking the lake.
BOOK YOUR VIENNA, HALLSTATT TOURS