zhhoo

Hi, I would be in Austria in mid-June, and I wonder if Hallstatt is worth visiting.

It is not recommended in the Fodors Vienna to Salzburg guidebook.

I wonder if Hallstatt is just a tourist trap. Thanks.

bobthenavigator

You will love Hallstatt. Try to include Melk and Gosausee in your travels if you are driving.

Budman

We enjoyed Hallstatt just for a day trip.

BTW, all of Europe is a "tourist trap" -- that's why people go there.

Who said: Nobody goes there anymore because it's too crowded.

tcreath

The town is lovely and absolutely worth visiting. Its fairly small but you will pass through some spectacular scenery as you make your way there, and the town is great for meandering around in.

Tracy

zhhoo

Thanks for the advice.

I wonder if anyone can recommend a place to stay and to eat at Hallstatt.

Chicago_Heather

Budman, Yogi Berra said it about one of his favorite restaurants.

USNR

We went across the lake and stayed in a marvelous little "zimmer frei" -- no crowds, lovely scenery, peace and quiet. It was run by the stationmaster and his wife. He had done a lot of woodcarving throughout their house.

zhhoo

I wonder if you remember what is that place called? It is OK if I just try my luck and go to Hallstatt without booking my accommodation first? Thanks.

USNR

The "zimmer frei" was Haus Ebner, in Obertraun, across the lake from Hallstatt.

bettyk

Hallstatt is fairly crowded in the summer so it wouldn't be wise to go without accommodations. We usually stay at the Seehotel Gruner Baum right on the lake but the Hotel Zauner is nice also.

I always recommend that people stay overnight in Hallstatt because many of the tour buses and daytrippers are gone and you can really experience the beauty of this magical little town.

Here's a couple of websites that list accommodations and other info:

www.hallstatt.net

http://www.tiscover.at/at/guide/5,en...,at2/home.html

panecott

I stayed at the Gasthof Zauner in Hallstadt and loved it. It's on a tiny little square just a stone's throw from the lake and rooms in the front have balconies with lovely views of the church and the lake.

The owners, especially Sepp Zauner, are charming, and their restaurant is wonderful. It served the best food I had in all of Austria, with lots of fresh fish from the lake.
I was there in late April a few years ago for several days. I loved it and found Hallstadt to be the least touristy of all the towns on the lakes.
It is definitely worth visiting.

thursdaysd

Glad to hear that, panecott. I just booked two nights with Zauner in June. The photos of Hallstatt are so gorgeous!

RGTraveler

IMO, Hallstatt is one of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful little lake villages you'll ever see! By all means go for a night or 2; it's too far off the beaten path for a day trip. The salt mine tour is great (and take the walk back down). Room #5 at Pension-Hallberg ( www.pension-hallberg.at.tf/ ) is incredible and makes me smile just writing this post! Enjoy.

panecott

Good for you, Thursday! You will love Hallstadt and the Gasthof Zauner. Be sure to ask for a room facing the lake on the top floor. What views! I booked two nights there and wound up staying three.
And when eating in the restaurant, be sure to save room for dessert!

CDNshelly

We stayed in Hallstatt for 3 days in September 2005, was incredible. Be sure to take the Salt Mine tour and visit the Dachstein Ice Caves in nearby Obertraun. For our accomodations we stayed at Gasthof Hirlatz, this was about a 5 minute walk to the centre of town. A wonderful family run hotel, nice clean spacious rooms. We would come back for dinner each day because the aroma in the morning of the evening meals being prepared was so delectable. Wonderful area to hike.

thursdaysd

Thanks for the advice! I'm really looking forward to Hallstatt. Question - I was thinking of Ice Caves, and hiking, and just taking it easy, and skipping the Salt Mine. I already visited the salt mine outside Krakow - if you had already seen one, would you still visit this one?

bettyk

I've only visited the mine in Hallstatt but I'd say if you've seen one...

What I would add to your list is the Museum in Hallstatt. It really adds to your understanding of the area as far as the Romans were concerned and the role salt played in its development. Very well done. Ask for the information in English that's available.

panecott

I didn't get to see the salt mine in Hallstadt because it was closed when I was there. I did see the one near Krakow and found it fascinating. On that basis, I'd probably want to see another just for comparison. But that's a personal decision.
With only two days there, you might want to focus on your other pursuits, including the museum mentioned in the previous post.

zootsi

If you like to hike, take the gondola up to the ice caves, but continue on the next gondola (you'll need a separate ticket)to the top of the mountain. A wonderful place to hike and explore.

easytraveler

The salt mine in Hallstatt is incredible. Believe it is the oldest salt mine in Europe and the tour is very, very informative. Bring a flashlight - some parts of the caves are very dark and may be slippery. Terrific experience and highly recommend.

Also highly recommend the drive into Hallstatt. The Austrian Alps are so beautiful!