Hallstatt for Christmas?
 

My fiance and I are spending our Christmas honeymoon in Germany and Austria. We're thinking of staying in Hallstatt for a few days and would be there for Christmas and stay at Gasthaus Zauner. Has anyone stayed here? Any suggestions for this area?

Congratulations on your wedding!

In late June, I stayed at the Pension Hallberg for two nights, and dined both evenings at Gasthaus Zauner. The food was delicious, and the guests I spoke with said that they liked their rooms very much. I wish that I could offer more specifics, but would love to read your trip report when you return.

Best wishes and have a wonderful trip!

I haven't been to Hallstatt, but it's on my upcoming list. So, I don't have advice, but just wanted to say that I think being there for Christmas would be a really quaint and wonderful experience.

Congrats on your upcoming wedding and enjoy your trip. I'd be interested in hearing what Hallstatt is like over the holidays.

I don't know how much planning you have done so far, but the last time I was in Hallstatt (1 year) I was told that the city pretty much shuts down during the winter season. That includes the hotels, at least that is what I was told. However, on checking with the manager at the Gruner Baum, I found that he said they open for a few days over the holidays. So I'd suggest you make sure what's open and what's available before you do too much planning. Good luck.

No idea what it is like in December, but I was there in October and LOVED it. I'd recommend going sometime when you can enjoy the hikes in the area and being on the lake.

Wayne - in response to your post, the Gasthaus Zauner is open, as we have already checked with them about a reservation. But we have run into many hotels that are closed as we've been planning our trip, so it will be interesting to see what it's like over there during those days. It's close enough to Salzburg, which I've heard is very festive over Christmas. And since we'll be on our honeymoon, we'll be happy just having a quiet holiday on our own. Thanks though - it is a good thing to look into.

During a month long trip to Germany with a dip into Austria, Hallstatt was one of my favorite places. It was in October and the lake was so beautiful. I thought if I was a writer (in my next life) I would spend a couple of months here. And it's close to Salzburg for a city break. If you have a car you can tour the area between Salzburg and Hallstatt.

I must tell you about this experience at the Gasthaus Zauner restaurant. After a nice dinner, I asked the waiter for a suggestion of a really Austrian dessert. He said that during and right after World War II, when food was pretty scarce in Austria, the Austrians used to make a dessert out of the elderberry bush. They would pluck off the more tender end shoots, leaves and berries and all, dip them in some kind of dough, and then fry them!! I asked for this dessert and was pleasantly surprised when it came to my table. I proceeded to eat it -- leaves, berries, branches and all !!! Believe it or not, it was very tasty. You might want to give it a try when you go. Good luck.