Hallstatt Austria – A Day Trip from Salzburg

Hallstatt is a picturesque village nestled in the Austrian Alps, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich history. Located in the Salzkammergut region, Hallstatt is famous for its charming wooden houses, breathtaking mountain scenery, and its serene Hallstätter See (Lake Hallstatt). Hallstatt has been on my bucket list for a long time and finally my husband and I made the trip this year.

Highlight of the trip: Brunch by Lake Hallstatt is the mos t memorable part of the trip. We reached Hallstatt by 10am, beating most of the crowds. We found a wonderful restaurant called Braugasthof, they have lovely patio tables by the lake. Surrounded by the beautiful summer flowers, under the warm blue sky, watching sailing boats coming and going, white swans leisurely gliding on the serene lake, eating delicious dish Goulash and drinking local beer, it was just a perfect day! Oh, we also found the spot where the postcard photos of Hallstatt are taken. I used to think the iconic image of Hallstatt in those photos isn’t real, but in reality, it is as stunningly beautiful as the photos, if not more. I also took some photos myself, they look just like those postcards, mission accomplished!

How to get there: Bus 150 + train + boat to Hallstatt from Salzburg. The route may not be the most straightforward, but it is the most scenic one. Bus 150 to Bad Ischl, then you change to train to Hallstatt Station (your bus ticket also covers this). After you get off the train, a waiting ferry (we paid 7€ for the return ticket, cash) will take you across the lake. If you purchase a day ticket and have enough time, you can stop off at either Bad Ischl, Gosaul, or St Gilgen, a lovely way to experience the beauty of the Austrian countryside.

Tips: if you want to guarantee a seat on the bus, get on a bus at the Salzburg main bus station ( starting point). We got on at Mirabell Square ( the second stop), and the bus was almost full. 
 

Where to stay: Hotel am Mirabellplatz. This is our first time in Salzburg, so we want to base in the city and take a day trip to Hallstatt. I think we made the right decision. The hotel is across the Mirabell Palace & Garden, it was nice to have a stroll in the garden after the dinner. You can also catch a concert inside the magnificent Palace.