We will be staying in Salzburg next month for 4 days. We will have our own car. Planning a daytrip to Hallstatt. What are the highlights of the town? We were planning on doing saltmine tour in Berchtesgaden, but now thinking of doing the one near Hallstatt as our day in Berchtesgaden is pretty full.

We will be with our kids (ages 12 and 16 and my parents).

What about the ice caves?

Much of the beauty of Hallstatt is simply in wandering the town. I can't offer much discussion on the salt mines or ice caves as I didn't see them, but I'm sure they would be interesting as well. It might be fun to rent a boat and go out on the lake.

Have only been to the saltmine in Hallstatt so can't compare to others but we enjoyed it.

There is a wonderful museum in Hallstatt that explains the history of the city. This little lakeside village has been an area of civilization since the Neolithic Stone Age, a result of the precious salt discovered in its hills. Because of archeological discoveries in the Hallstatt burial grounds, the Early Iron Age (800BC - 400BC) is called The Hallstatt Period.

http://www.hallstatt.net/publisher/a...mArticleID/16/

Also, across from the museum, below the sporting goods store, are some Roman and Celtic artifacts found during a recent excavation. Your kids wiould probably enjoy this too.

The Bonehouse in Hallstatt is fascinating. Since the city cemetery is so small and cremations were forbidden in earlier times, the graves were opened every so many years and the bones removed.

http://www.hallstatt.net/publisher/a...mArticleID/17/


So, there is much to do in Hallstatt, but do take time to maybe get an ice cream cone and sit by the lake to take in the incredible beauty.

abby and betty - thanks for those suggestions. I wasn't sure about a boat ride on the lake, as we will probably be doing that on the konigsee, but we can keep it as an option.

Definitely take a boat ride on Koenigsee. It would be better than renting a boat on the lake at Hallstatt IMO especially if the weather is good.

there is nothing much of interest in Halstatt except the appetizing views - salt and ice caves out of town - and if i had two kids like you i'd skip the town or transit it and head to the caves

it's a long way for a day trip as well

have you considered going to the Sound of Music country - St Gilgen St Wolfgang, boat rides on Lake Wolfgang and the steam train from St Wolfgang up the mountain, etc

at least go thru this country en route to Salzburg though the main rail route or freeway would not.

right on Salzburg doorstep

I stayed in Halstatt for only a day a few years ago--did a little hiking, saw the museum, went to the ice caves. Had to take the ferry out the next day and always regretted I didn't stay longer--FWIW, the ice caves were my favorite part! But since I stayed overnight, I don't know how it would work on a day trip. I do think with kids that the ice caves would be more interesting than the saltmines, but that's just because that was my opinion when I was there, and I was 19. =)

Hi,

We thought Hallstatt was beautiful (but rather small). Never did the ice caves or salt mines. We didn't think it was too far for a day trip. We went from ramsau (by Berchtesgaden) to Hallstatt in about 1:30. each way. The drive itself is through beautiful countryside.

Other places to consider:

Ludwig's Neues Schloss (Herrenchiemsee)
http://www.herrenchiemsee.de/englisc...lace/index.htm

There are Sommerrodelbahn's (luge rides) by the Fuschlsee and Wolfgangsee along with one "in" Berchtesgaden that the kids (or everyone!) may enjoy.

www.hochlenzer.de/rodelbahn.html

Hope this helps.

Paul

We stayed across from St Gilgen last year and hiked or did bus/trains to all the areas around there. Hallstatt was loads of fun...if you don't do the saltmines, at least take the cable car up there and have lunch at the hotel up there...great food, beautiful views.
http://llindac.myphotoalbum.com/view...15_Halstatt_21
I think your kids might also enjoy taking the cog train up the Schafberg in St Wolfgang. Taking the lake ferry is really fun. I enjoyed the ice caves, but the commentary is in German, so read about them online before going there and do wear hiking shoes and a jacket. Also, there's a good hike to get up there...straight uphill for at least 3/4 mile and depending on your parents' fitness, it could be a struggle. If you are on the Wolfgangsee, I highly recommend having lunch or dinner at the Gasthof Furberg in their beautiful garden. The food is fabulous!
http://www.fuerberg.at/
There are many little towns on the lakes Strobl, Fuschl, among others where you can enjoy a great meal under trees overlooking the turquoise lakes. Peaceful and serene! here's my trip report:
http://www0.epinions.com/content_381403631236

bookmarking

Hallstatt is great--worth a day, but try to hit Gosausee going or coming. The salt mine at Hallein is regarded as the best.

Linda

Beautiful pictures...well, until the speedo

oh my gosh....forgot about him...I don't want to get flamed again for poking fun at a person's style of dress, but we hid behind some bushes and took that shot. I have never seen a body such as that, LOLOL!!

Linda

His style of dress is the least of his problems.