Sorry, but I wasn't that impressed with the Salt Mine in Hallstatt, especially for the price (21 Euro per adult). Just my opinion. It was interesting but just not THAT great for me.

Definitely Zauner ... it's pricey compared to the other pensions in Hallstatt, but the food is great ... they ask you what size trout you want for dinner, caught right outside in the lake!

I wish to try Hallssatt for a day this summer too. Any idea how late the ferry runs back to Obertraun if staying there?

We have had the blessing of being able to travel all over the world and if you were to ask my children what was their favorite memory they both would say the time in Hallstatt! We also stayed at the Hotel Gasthoff Zauner. We had a room overlooking the lake and our kids had a room with a rushing stream right outside their window! Honestly, I wish I could have traded! The dinner there was one of the best on that European vacation. Get the lake fish sampler. They prepare it all table side. Our favorite experience there was renting a canoe and a small motor boat and exploring all around the lake. We also enjoyed the salt mines.Two days would be perfect.

Hallstatt is anything but a tourist trap! Visitors will love it, it's not a World Cultural Heritage site (see: http://www.visit-salzburg.net/surrou.../hallstatt.htm) for nothing! Also, it's a perfect day-trip from Salzburg, once you are fed up with all the tackyness of Mozart ;)

Hallstatt is not only worth visiting, but will be one of the highlights of your trip!

I was born and raised just 20 minutes from there (in Bad Ischl), am now living in the USA and am currently creating a website about Austria at www.BeautifulAustria.com on which Hallstatt will get a special place.

It's a must see. But don't miss out on other jewels in the lake region. See towns like St.Wolfgang (codrail up the Schafberg mountain), Bad Ischl (emperor's summer residence), Gosau (great glacier view on sunny days), Bad Aussee (try to find lake Toplitzsee, it's a jewel!), St.Gilgen (gondola up the Zwoelferhorn mountain).

Don't forget to take a ride on one of the big steamboats on the lakes!

For more tips contact me through my site www.BeautifulAustria.com

Enjoy the trip!

Reinhard

I've been to both salt mines...Hallstatt and Krakow. Since you've seen the Krakow Salt Mines, I wouldn't waste the time to see the one in Hallstatt. Yes, the mine is interesting, but after you've seen Krakow's, all the rest pale in comparison.

The beauty of nature wraps it's arms around Hallstatt. You'll love it!