Experience the quiet magic of Hallstatt in winter, when snow-dusted alpine peaks and twinkling lakeside streets make this fairytale village feel even more enchanting. Our guide to the most magical things to do in Hallstatt this winter will help you plan an unforgettable cold-weather escape.
Hallstatt is a fairytale town that looks like it was plucked straight from a storybook. Or a snowglobe, if you’re visiting in the winter!
Nestled between a serene lake and towering Alps, this tiny Austrian village is famous for its beautiful architecture, historic charm, and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re planning a day trip from Salzburg, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay in the Austrian Alps, Hallstatt is absolutely worth it (in my humble opinion!).
That said, there are some things you should know to make sure you have the best experience. In this guide, we’re laying out the best things to do in Hallstatt as well as my honest opinions and personal tips so that your visit is perfect!
Hallstatt Winter Guide
- Best things to do
- Hallstatt itinerary
- Where to stay
- Tips for visiting
- Where to eat
- FAQs about Hallstatt in winter
- How to get there
My personal experience in Hallstatt
I’ve been lucky to visit Hallstatt twice, and each experience was truly magical.
- My first visit was on a Christmas markets trip with my mom.
- My second visit was with Ben and our daughter, who was 1-year-old at the time.
Both visits were in the winter, as part of longer European Christmas markets trips. I was worried it would be too crowded or that it wouldn’t live up to my (very!) high expectations.
But spoiler alert, it DID! In fact, it was better than I envisioned and I would return in a heartbeat.
That said, it does get crowded, so my top piece of advice is to stay the night.
I personally don’t think that I’d visit if only for a day trip because midday is very crowded (especially during peak seasons).
Once the day trippers have left, the town is peaceful and cozy and absolutely magical. And early mornings before the crowds arrive, we found Hallstatt to be almost eerily quiet (in the best possible way).
Keep reading for my list of top things to do and my advice for planning your own magical Hallstatt trip this winter!
1. Get lost wandering Hallstatt Old Town
The first thing you’ll want to do is simply get lost in Hallstatt’s Old Town.
Its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful Alpine houses, and charming shops make it perfect for a leisurely stroll and photography.
While it’s fun to truly just wander and get lost, be sure to see Marktplatz, the small but stunning main square.
Make sure you also take some time to just stroll along the edge of the lake, Hallstätter See. If you go down to the water, you’ll likely see swans.
2. See THE iconic view of Hallstatt
You can’t come to Hallstatt without seeing THE view.
You know the one, I’m sure. The iconic view where you can see the church’s steeple, the colorful village, and mountains flanking in the backdrop. It’s stunning in the summertime, but equally as magical in the winter (especially after a dusting of snow!).
It’s actually one of the images in the rotation of screensavers on my TV at the moment.
My personal experience: While it’s an iconic view, it could be easy to miss if you don’t know the physical location. In fact, during my first trip to Hallstatt, it took a fair amount of wandering, backtracking, and a quick last-minute Google search to find it.
Don’t almost miss it like me! Save this location in your maps so you know exactly where to go for the best view of town.
Insider Tip: If you follow our advice and spend at least one night in Hallstatt (please do!), head here early in the morning or in the late afternoon for your best chance of a peaceful experience. If you visit midday (especially during peak season), be prepared to share the view. It’s still worth it though!
3. Do a photoshoot with a local
Taking this photo tour ended up being one of our favorite experiences in Hallstatt.
We learned a ton, got taken to a few secret viewpoints we never would’ve found on our own, and ended up with images we absolutely love.
Not only did we come away with an incredible souvenir—professional family photos—but our photographer (Edwin) was super friendly and knows all the best views and secret spots. We learned a lot about the area too.
For the quality of the experience and the photos, we think it’s very reasonably priced and 100% worth it.
4. Visit Hallstatt Salt Mine
Visiting the Hallstatt Salt Mine is one of the most unique things to do in the region—and way more fun than you might expect!
The mines date back more than 7,000 years, making this one of the oldest in the world. A guided tour takes you through underground tunnels, shows how salt shaped Hallstatt’s history, and includes a few unexpected thrills.
What to expect in the Hallstatt Salt Mine
Ride the funicular up the mountain, suit up in a protective jumpsuit, and step into the chilly tunnels where your guide walks you through centuries of salt-mining history.
But the real highlight? The two long wooden slides that take you deeper into the mine, plus a mini train ride through a narrow tunnel at the end.
My personal experience: I visited with my mom and wasn’t sure what to expect, but we both had a blast and agreed it was absolutely worth it. If you want something fun, educational, and unique, don’t skip the salt mine!
Good to Know Before Visiting the Salt Mines
- Children under 4 years old are not allowed on the tour.
- Reserve tickets in advance to avoid lines (booking available at Salzwelten’s official site).
2025 Note: The Hallstatt Salt Mine is closed until summer 2026 for major renovations. In the meantime, visitors can book an All-Inclusive Tour to the nearby Salt Mines Altaussee, which includes a shuttle to get there and back.
5. Hallstatt Skywalk “Welterbeblick”
For jaw-dropping panoramic views, head to the Skywalk above Hallstatt.
To get here, you’ll take the same funicular as you would to the salt mine, so these can easily be combined.
From here, you can see the lake, town, and surrounding mountains in one breathtaking view.
Touristy? Yes, but still 1000% worth it for those views.
2025 note: This is currently closed as it undergoes renovations and will be opened in summer 2026. A good alternative is #12 on this list.
6. Sip gluhwein with a view
If you’re visiting in the winter, stop by this restaurant near the viewpoint for a warm mug of gluhwein (German mulled wine) which you can enjoy outside with a view, or in the cozy interior.
Our personal experience: We ended up meeting another family from Ireland and sat chatting for an hour while we sipped mulled wine and had lunch. It was a lovely experience!
They serve food, which is nothing memorable, but not a bad choice for lunch.
7. Shop for souvenirs
Browse local shops for souvenirs and artisanal crafts.
Local salt makes a good (& useful!) souvenir to bring home. And at Christmas time, you’ll find booths selling wood handicrafts and many shops selling ornaments (I hang a few from Hallstatt on my tree each year!).
Want a recommendation? Check out this cozy woodworking shop for hand-carved souvenirs (and local schnapps!).
Personal experience: We bought a beautiful wooden carving with a crystal that hangs from our window and makes rainbows in the light! We think of Hallstatt each day when it shines rainbows across our kitchen floor!
8. See Roman ruins inside this shop
While this may look like an ordinary sporting-goods or souvenir shop from the outside, look a little closer and you’ll find one of Hallstatt’s most surprising hidden gems.
Beneath Dachsteinsport Janu lies a real archaeological excavation site, where layers of Hallstatt’s 7,000-year history were uncovered during renovations — including prehistoric salt-mining tools, Roman foundations, and medieval stone walls.
The best part? You can view the excavation for free during store hours. It’s quick, fascinating, and one of those “only in Hallstatt” experiences that brings the town’s ancient story to life right under your feet.
9. Visit the town cemetery
The cemetery next to Hallstatt’s Catholic Church is surprisingly one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in the entire village.
Perched on the hillside, it overlooks the rooftops, the lake, and the surrounding mountains—truly one of the best views in Hallstatt.
The view alone is well worth the uphill walk here, but one of the main reasons to visit is the Beinhaus (see the next item on this list).
10. See painted skulls at the Bone House
Hallstatt’s Bone House (Beinhaus), tucked beside the Catholic Church, is one of the most unique and fascinating cultural sites in the village.
Inside this small ossuary, you’ll find more than 600 hand-painted skulls—many labeled with names, dates, and delicate floral designs.
This centuries-old tradition began when the cemetery ran out of space, and families honored their loved ones by decorating the skulls before placing them in the chapel.
It’s said to be peaceful, not creepy, and only takes about 10–15 minutes to visit. Entry is €2 (cash only).
Hours:
- May – September: open daily, 10 a.m.– 6 p.m.
- During the month of October: open daily, 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.
- November – April: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Personal Experience: Both times I visited Hallstatt, it was closed—which means it’s still at the top of my list for my next trip. If you’re visiting in the colder months, be sure to check opening times in advance. If it’s open during your trip, don’t miss it!
11. Try the local trout & other regional specialties
You can’t visit Hallstatt without sampling the fresh fish from Hallstätter See—trout and whitefish are local favorites, often simply grilled or pan-fried.
Other regional specialties to seek out while you’re in town include:
- Käsespätzle – cheesy, comforting Austrian noodles
- Apple Strudel – warm, flaky classic
- Wiener Schnitzel – breaded and fried veal or pork cutlet
For the best spots to try these dishes, jump down to the Where to Eat section.
12. Snowshoeing at Dachstein Krippenstein
If you want a true winter adventure without skiing, head to the nearby mountains and get read for a day of snowshoeing and Austrian comfort food in cozy restaurants.
The snowshoeing trails at Dachstein Krippenstein are easy, family-friendly, and the scenery is next-level.
We haven’t done this yet, but it’s at the very top of our list for our next Hallstatt visit (and YES—there will be a next visit!).
How to get there:
- Navigate to Dachstein Krippenstein
- It’s easiest if you have a rental car
- Buy gondola tickets, and rent snowshoes (or hike in snow boots if conditions allow)
- Be sure to check here for current hours and days of operations.
- Take two gondolas up to Krippenstein mountain station, from here there are different trail options:
Trail options:
- 5 Fingers Viewpoint (easy, ~1 hour round-trip): Follow yellow signs for “5Fingers.” Don’t miss the quick detour to the World Heritage Spiral along the way.
- Dachstein Shark (moderate, ~2.5 hours): Follow signs for “Dachstein-Hai.” Give yourself plenty of time because the last gondola down is at 4:40 pm.
See more information about the trails here.
Afterward, warm up with a hot drink, käsespätzle, kaiserschmarrn (Austrian pancakes) at Bergrestaurant Dachstein Krippenstein before riding the gondola back down.
13. Spend the night (trust me on this one)
I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: you absolutely should spend the night in Hallstatt.
In fact, the simple experience of being here in the evening after the crowds disappear—and waking up the next morning before they return—is the reason we loved Hallstatt so much.
The village feels calm, intimate, and almost storybook-like during these quiet hours, and it’s when Hallstatt truly reveals its charm.
My personal experience: I’ve stayed overnight twice—once with my mom and again years later with Ben and our daughter—and both trips confirmed that this is the way to experience Hallstatt.
My go-to place to stay is Heritage Hotel, which has a fantastic location, cozy rooms, and a lovely private sauna you can reserve. Find more information about this hotel in the “Where to Stay” section below.
14. Wind down in a sauna
One of the best hidden perks of staying at the Heritage Hotel is the complimentary private sauna for guests.
In our experience, the staff didn’t advertise the sauna. (During my first stay I didn’t even know the sauna existed). So be sure to ask for a time slot when you check in.
My advice: Time your appointment for after sunset so you don’t miss out on the views!
When it’s your turn, you get the entire space to yourself—complete with a cozy sauna, lounge chairs, a tea station, and plush robes. It’s serene, relaxing, and the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring Hallstatt.
Hallstatt Itinerary (3 days / 2 nights)
Follow this itinerary for the perfect winter getaway in Hallstatt…
Day 1 – Arrival & exploring Old Town
Afternoon / Early Evening
- Arrive in Hallstatt and check in to your hotel (we love Heritage Hotel).
- Wander Old Town at a relaxed pace
- Head to the iconic Hallstatt viewpoint—ideally late afternoon for the light and fewer crowds.
Evening
- Grab a warm mug of glühwein at a local cafe or viewpoint restaurant.
- Enjoy the calm village atmosphere after the day-trippers leave.
- Optional: If you’re staying at the Heritage Hotel, book a private sauna session to wind down, complete with robes, tea, and chairs.
Day 2 – History, culture & adventure
Morning
- Breakfast at your hotel.
- Book a morning photo tour with a local photographer for secret viewpoints and the best souvenir.
- Explore the hilltop cemetery for stunning views, then visit the Bone House.
- Stop by Dachsteinsport Janu to see the hidden archaeological excavation beneath the shop.
Afternoon
- Option A: Head to the Salt Mines Altaussee (or the Hallstatt Salt Mine if reopened in 2026) for slides, tunnels, and mini train rides.
- Option B: If winter conditions allow, snowshoeing at Dachstein Krippenstein is a top choice; easy trails with breathtaking alpine views.
Evening
- Wander the village at sunset for peaceful lakeside and mountain views.
- Dinner with local trout or Austrian specialties like Käsespätzle, Wiener Schnitzel, or apple strudel.
Day 3 – Last sights & departure
- Enjoy a leisurely walk and head back to the iconic viewpoint for early morning light without crowds. (It’s nice to see it at different parts of the day.)
- Grab breakfast at the hotel and enjoy a final lakeside stroll.
- Pick up any last souvenirs—local salt, ornaments, or hand-carved wooden keepsakes.
Where to stay in Hallstatt
Hallstatt is small, so staying overnight turns the experience from “touristy day trip” into something truly magical.
We recommend staying in Hallstatt Village if possible, as it is quite magical in the early morning and after the day-trippers have left for the evening.
My personal pick: Heritage Hotel
I have personally stayed at this hotel twice – once with my mom and again with Ben and our daughter when she was 1 year old.
Here’s what I loved about it:
- wonderful location
- comfortable rooms
- reasonably priced for the area
- great breakfast buffet
- nice onsite restaurant
- sauna for guests to use free of charge (be sure to book a time slot when you check in)
Good to know: This hotel has one main building but also has apartments spread throughout the village. It’s hard to tell where you’ll be placed when you’re booking. When I stayed with my mom, we were in an apartment in a residential part of the village which was cool, but also a further walk. During my next stay, we were in the main building, which I’d prefer if given the choice (especially since we had a lake view from our balcony!).
If everything is booked in Hallstatt Village or you’re on a tight budget, there are a couple of other nearby areas to consider:
Lahn
Just south of the village, this area has slightly larger hotels, and gorgeous lakeside views.
Obertraun (budget-friendly + nature-focused)
Across the lake to the southeast, Obertraun is a smart choice if you want more affordable hotels with bigger rooms. If you stay here, you can take a quick ferry into Hallstatt, and the ride itself is part of the charm.
Practical tips for visiting Hallstatt
- Bring cash – not all shops and attractions take cards
- Wear comfy shoes – cobblestones and hills, ‘nuff said
- Visit viewpoints early or late – fewer crowds, better light
- Pack warm layers – lake and mountain breezes can be chilly
- Plan ahead for attractions – some have seasonal hours
- Leave time to wander – hidden corners and photo spots are everywhere
Staying connected
We recommend using Airalo to download a local eSIM to stay connected while traveling abroad. We used ours for our most recent 3-week trip and had great connection.
→ We have an entire article on how to get cell service abroad that walks you through how to use Airalo and other options to consider.
Insider tip: We always download an offline version of Google Maps before we take a trip anywhere in the world.
Where to eat in Hallstatt
I’m going to be very honest here, the food scene in Hallstatt is nothing much to write about.
The restaurants all feel very similar, and there aren’t that many options for dinner.
If you’re staying overnight, most hotels have restaurants for guests and those who are not staying overnight. We recommend making reservations, as they do book up.
We had a nice dinner of local lake trout at our hotel (Heritage Hotel) as well as dinner at another hotel in town.
Here are some more options:
- Zum Bader Gastwirtschaft: cozy restaurant serving traditional regional dishes (not open for dinner service)
- Bräu-Gasthof in Hallstatt: if you’re visiting during the warmer months of the year, this outdoor seating area offers spectacular views of the lake
- Rührwerk Hallstatt Ofenfrische Schaumrollen: best bakery in town, known for egg tarts, croissants, apple hand pies, and schaumrolls (puff pastry filled with meringue)
- Karmez Kebap Cart: this kebab stand next to the ferry terminal has the cheapest food you’ll find in town
- Seecafé Hallstatt: located outside of the old town, this restaurant has some of the better food in the area (nothing all that memorable) and incredible views
Hallstatt FAQs
Got questions about visiting Hallstatt in winter? We’ve got answers!
Is Hallstatt worth visiting?
Absolutely! It’s one of the most beautiful lakeside villages in Europe, after all! Between the mountains, mirror-like lake, charming houses, and historic salt mine, Hallstatt feels straight out of a storybook.
Is Hallstatt crowded?
Yes… during the day. This is why timing matters. Day-trippers typically arrive around 10:30 a.m. and leave by 4 p.m., so mornings and evenings are blissfully calm.
This is why we absolutely recommend spending at least one night!
Is it worth spending the night in Hallstatt?
YES. 100% yes.
Staying overnight completely transforms your experience.
- The village becomes peaceful, quiet, and unbelievably atmospheric
- You get sunrise/sunset views with almost no people
- You can wander the lanes, enjoy the lake, and take photos without crowds
- You experience Hallstatt as it was meant to be—slow, serene, and magical
A day trip is fine… but an overnight stay is unforgettable.
And actually, we recommend spending TWO nights there. Read more on why below…
How long do you need in Hallstatt?
One night and 1.5–2 days is great, but we highly recommend spending 2 nights.
This allows you to leave your luggage in your room while you have a full day for exploring the area. You will also get 2 calm evenings and 2 relaxing mornings.
When is the best time to visit?
Each season has its draws, but we personally think there is nothing like visiting Hallstatt in the winter. It looks like you’ve stepped into a snowglobe!
- Spring & fall will have the fewest crowds.
- Summer is stunning and a great time for hiking in the nearby alps.
- Winter is just truly dreamy!
Will there be snow in the winter?
If you’re visiting during Christmas Market season (late November through December), there may not be snow yet. If you get snow, consider yourself lucky!
Is there a Christmas Market in Hallstatt?
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. Hallstatt hosts a festive Christmas market in the town square (Marktplatz) for just one day. It falls on December 8th each year and features live music, a large illuminated tree, a life-size nativity scene, food stalls, and vendors selling handmade crafts.
But don’t worry if you’re not able to get there for this event. The nearby city of Salzburg has several markets and a visit should absolutely be added on to your trip.
Do you need a car?
No. Hallstatt is very walkable and easy to reach by train + ferry or bus.
A car can be convenient for exploring nearby towns, but not necessary.
During my first visit, I did not have a car. The second time we visited, we did have a rental car. It made it very convenient to get there, but we did not use it in town at all. In fact, tourists cannot drive in town at all.
We parked in a nearby parking garage and our hotel picked us up in a shuttle to bring us and our luggage to the accommodation.
How to get to Hallstatt
Getting to Hallstatt is part of the fun—no matter which route you choose, you’ll be treated to gorgeous Alpine scenery along the way.
From Salzburg (most popular route)
⏱️ 2–2.5 hours
- Take the train to Attnang-Puchheim, then transfer to the iconic Hallstatt train station
- From there, hop on the ferry across the lake (it drops you right in the center of town)
This is the most scenic and stress-free way to arrive.
By car
⏱️ 1–1.5 hours from Salzburg
A flexible option if you’re continuing onward to other Alpine towns.
Note: Parking inside Hallstatt is extremely limited. Most visitors must use designated lots outside the village and walk or take a shuttle in.
From Vienna
⏱️ 3.5–4 hours
Take a direct train to Attnang-Puchheim and transfer to the Hallstatt line, then ferry into the village. Easy and gorgeous.
Plan your winter trip to Europe…
- Keep this list handy of things to do in Salzburg if you’ll be making your way there.
- Check out our round up of the best winter holiday destinations in Europe.
- While you’re at it, we’ve got the perfect winter in Europe itinerary planned for you.
- Don’t miss my list of personal favorite Christmas markets in Europe.
- And in case you’re wondering, here’s what to expect at Christmas markets and all the best Christmas markets food and drink you need to try!
Don’t miss your chance to grab our winter in Europe packing list!
We’ve organized everything you’ll need to pack for a winter trip to Europe into a handy, printable checklist.
Just enter your email and get a FREE printable PDF of this checklist sent right to your inbox!
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these fun things to do in Hallstatt will you be putting on your winter itinerary? Is there anything you think we’re missing from this list? Comment below and we’ll do our best to get back to you!