Hallstatt is about the human being blending in with the nature. The entire town of Hallstatt and the lake is one entity. The lake itself is not the most beautiful lake, however together with the town, the lake becomes a perfect backdrop for photo shoots.
If you are ever in Austria, please, do go to Hallstatt. Words and expressions like "piece of heaven" don't even begin to describe the beauty of this place. It is genuinly a place that leaves you speechless. It's way more beautiful than what you see on google. This is one of those places you need to see in your lifetime.
The ferry is a wonderful way to see Hallstatt and the surrounding area. We didn’t have much time in town so we just took the fairy across the lake to the train station and back (about €5). There are also round trip tickets both North and South around the lake from Hallstatt if you have more time to explore.The ferry can also be used as a water taxi for either hiking or biking. I’d like to come back here when I can stay longer. An all day ticket is only about €17 and you can get on and off any of the ships from any stop. For another €3 you can take your bike as well. Hiking or biking through the surrounding area, getting on or off the ferry wherever you like seems like a great way to spend a vacation. Also, there are other small villages around the lake and a few quaint cafes to stop for refreshment and rejuvenation.
Midway down the path, the amazing spectacular view of Dachstein Alps appeared right in front of my eyes, like a mirage set against the Salzkammergut Lake. The mountains were artfully splattered with snow, it almost looked like Mother Nature had deliberately thrown white paint streaks on those otherwise bluish-brown mountains.Without doubt, I knew I had arrived at the much-raved-about beautiful town of Hallstatt. The beauty which was before my eyes fit, if not exceeded the visual images I had conjured up of the places when I was poring over guide books and travel blogs prior to my visit. There is a ferry service which runs regularly from the train station to the Hallstatt Village across the Lake. The trip takes about 10 mins and costs only EUR 2.20.Read the full review at thefluffymojito travel blog and like thefluffymojito Facebook page.
We went after spending the day in Salzburg and it really paid off. It is a mountain Puebblo in the margin of a beautiful lake. I recommend to stay overnight and enjoy the scenery. The drive is good even if it is a mountain path, traversing a tunnel until you reach the village. You must be careful with the car parks and leave the car at the right if you're going to spend the night or not. If you're quick visit can park at a place for 30 minutes to take some pictures, a coffee or walk to the church. Worth it. 100% recommended.
Cool, clear, refreshing water, convenient and easy to approach, great view, white swans, nice for swimming even in the Fall
This place has my vote for the top ten most picturesque landscapes in the World. We drove here for a day visit on our trip through Eastern Europe. Needless to say, it was worth it. A MUST DO: rent an electric boat from the shoreline of Hallstatt and cruise the glass crystal clear Lake for the best views of the town and mountain side. 14 Euro for an hour and a monkey can navigate the boat it is so simple: one speed control knob; 0,1,2. 2 is still very slow. No big engines allowed on the pristine Lake. Run your hands through the cool pure water and enjoy the mountain pure water (its becoming more and more scarce worldwide). Nature at its best.
Absolutely beautiful place. The ferry ride is quick and short as you cross from the train stop to the village of Hallstatt. When taking the train I recommend you be off the train quickly to be one of the first down the hill to wait at the small ferry port. Getting on the ferry is not an issue, you will have a spot no matter how many are in line. Getting down there quickly is important to have the opportunity for the view. At the ferry port you have an unspoiled view of the village across the lake. It is worth gazing at for the entire time you are waiting for the ferry to arrive from the other side. Get there!
Hallstatt seems unreal: the lake, the mountains, the picturesque town...I would really recommend to make a day trip to Hallstatt (some hours are enough to see it all). I was astonished with its beauty; one of the highlights of my trip around Europe.
My wife and I based our Salzkammergut visit in Sankt Wolfgang, and we knew from all the photographs of Austria that we HAD to include a visit to Hallstatt. It was approximately a 30 minute drive south, signage as is typically the case in Austria is less than perfect, but we only made two brief wrong turns near Bad Ischl before reaching our destination.The parking lots are at the south end of town, after the long tunnel, nicely done in terms of the electronic sign showing how many spots are open at each of the three lots. Typical European arrangement, you get a ticket at the lot, the gate goes up, when you leave you put the card back in the machine, it calculates your fee, your insert the money (machine was broken, glad we had enough coins to make 7.5 Euro), the card is validated, and then you stick it back in the ticket machine as you depart, and the gate goes up.We stopped at the tourist information desk, also at the south end of town, and asked about the ferries...we made it to the 11:00 ferry, opting for the 50 minute "round trip", a counterclockwise cruise which stops at Lahn (right back at the parkings lots) and then across the way in Obertraun before hugging the east end of the lake, and then returning to Hallstatt. As others have noted, the fare is 8.5 Euro per adult.It was a wonderful way to see the lake and obtain those fabulous "from the water" views which adorn every calendar or postcard featuring the Salzkammergut. It is a good idea to visit the area before noon if you wish to take photographs, since the sun hits the town perfectly during the morning.This proved to be a fabulous way to spend an hour, we will always fondly remember the unequalled beauty of the area, this gorgeous lake, and spectacular town.