As part of a longer trip through Europe this summer, we’ll have about 2 ½ days in Hallstatt. I am thinking of spending the ½ day (the afternoon) walking around exploring the town and the other 2 days:
- Day trip to Mondsee, St Gilgen, St Wolfgang
- Day trip to Berchtesgaden & Koenigssee (Germany)

Is this a good plan? We will have a car and this is the first time we’ll be in this part of the world, so I’m open to other suggestions.

We are a couple in our 40s, love photography and nice scenery, great vistas, easy hikes and good food. We are trying not to spend too much time in the car, and according to google maps, the drives in any of these days are manageable, about 2 – 2 ½ hours. Thanks

We were in Hallstatt a number of years ago for about the same amount of time and had absolutely no trouble finding enough to see and do right there. I wouldn't even bother about trying to do day trips.

Take a look at the following article and I think you'll find that interesting attractions, great scenery and good hikes abound in Hallstatt: http://www.frommers.com/destinations...876010029.html

Sounds like a good plan to me. We have stayed in Hallstatt many times as well as St. Gilgen.

On our last trip (Sept 2011), we stayed in St. Gilgen and drove to Mondsee and St. Wolfgang. Not too much to see in Mondsee but we enjoyed seeing the church from Sound of Music and the lake is lovely with many swans!

We have also been to Berchtesgaden and suggest you do the boat trip to St. Bartholome on Koenigssee if the weather is reasonably good.

Hallstatt will be crowded during the day in summer but after the daytrippers leave, it should be fine. We loved the Hallstatt Museum because it explains much about the history of this area which is fascinating. And much of the interactive tour is in English. Do rent an electic boat and go out on the lake. The views looking back to the town are great for photos!

This is one of my absolute favorite parts of Europe, so I know you will have a great time.

longhorn,
Thanks a lot - I will take a look at that, glad to hear that is plenty to do right there.

I forgot to mention, we saw Saltzburg, and on our way to Bled (not counted in the 2 1/2 days) we are planning to see the Five Fingers and the Ice Cave there.

Mondsee was a waste of time for me...only my opinion. Like Betty said, there is NOTHING to see or do except the church. You might like taking the cable cars up up Five Fingers. He is quite a sight to see. Looking down on Hallstatt is beautiful. It's only about a 10 minute bus ride. I've been twice and will go again when I'm in Hallstatt.

Thanks for the tip on Mondsee - I guess we will not spend too much time there, but concentrate on St Gilgen and St Wolfgang, which are apparently better.

Of course, our day trips will all depend on the weather, and bettyk, if we get to Berchtesgaden, we absolutely intend to do the boat trip.

Also, thanks for the electric boat idea, sounds like a lot of fun, I need to look into it.