JoeTro

Hello,

Have two nights and three days in Salzburg in late August. I want to use some of that time to visit Hallstatt. I'm not crazy about any of the tours, like on Viator or Bob's, as they don't really allow much free time at Hallstatt - just some of the other sites like the bone museum and stuff. My interest there is really just to walk about the lake, the town, etc., more of a chill/relaxed day. Maybe combined with one of the other nearby lake towns, like St. Gilgen or Wolfgang.

Any recommendations for tour providers that might enable me to do this, as a single person (can't do a private tour!)

Or, should I try to get there on my own? Public transport seems a bit much and long, whereas the tours seem to get there more directly.

Thank you.

bvlenci

I would just go by train, which is what I did. There are frequent trains, that take between 2 and 2 1/2 hours. A bus might be faster, but there likely be unnecessary stops along the way if you take a tour, so your total time in Hallstatt might be even less.

You have to change trains at least once, and the train leaves you on the opposite side of the lake to the town, with fast ferry connections to get there.

If you leave early and return as late in the afternoon as possible, you should have plenty of time to visit the town, which isn't large.

When I went, with my daughter, we took a hiking path to the next town in the direction of Salzburg, whose name I forget, and caught a train back from there. It was a beautiful walk, but that choice gave us somewhat less time in the town. However, we did walk around quite a lot, visited the interesting archaeological museum, saw the church with the bone deposit, and had lunch by the side of the lake.

This was about 20 years ago, so I don't want to offer any current advice.

bvlenci

I should have mentioned that there was a very helpful tourist office that gave us hiking trail maps and lots of other useful information.

elberko

I take walking tours frequently, but Hallstatt is so small I don't feel it's necessary there. More of a place to be and wander.

elberko

BTW, I would take the train--a small ferry meets the train and the view across the lake is lovely.

JoeTro

Thanks - just to be and wander is exactly what I want to do there. The distance/time seems daunting, but I suppose that's what reading and looking at scenery is for.

How do I get back from Hallstatt when I want to leave? Do I get a ferry again?

elberko

Yup.

It probably won't work for your schedule, but spending a night in Hallstatt lets you enjoy the town before and after the daytripers fill town.

JoeTro

Panorama Tour allots about 2.5 free hours in Hallstatt. I don't want to see any sights, salt mines, etc., really just wonder around and explore the city and take lots of pictures.

Is this enough time to do this, and maybe even get out on the water a little bit? It just seems much easier than all of the public transport: The total duration is something like 5.5 hours, whereas it could take about that long by itself even to do just the transport by myself.

Thank you!

Trophywife007

Is there any possibility of you renting a car?

fourfortravel

If you aren't interested in the extra activities, then 2.5 hours is plenty of time to walk the entire length of the village (population ~90) and back and take photos. If you're really efficient you can probably take one of the boats out.

Last summer we arrived in Hallstatt around 1230 and sat for lunch. By 1730 we had seen and photographed everything of interest, and returned to our hotel for cocktails on the balcony before dinner. As many others have mentioned, Hallstatt is a different place when the last of the day trippers depart. Both the morning and evening light make for stunning photos; if you can stay overnight, you won't be disappointed.

I hope this is helpful.

wunderbar2

Here are a few options getting from Salzburg to Hallstatt, most are mentioned above also.

https://www.european-traveler.com/au...tt-in-austria/

JoeTro

Thank you! Sadly I'll just be a day tripper this time ...