Hallstatt day trip questions

Yes, you would have enough time to see the Salt Mine. I bought tickets ahead but you can buy them at the base of the funicular too. It is minutes from the dock to the funicular.

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't waste the precious time you have there, going down a salt mine there, unless you're really into that. The reason people flock to Halstatt is the beautiful setting on the lake and the views from the platform up high. If you were going to be there overnight, I might say different.

The salt mine will take you three hours. It takes time to get up there, walk quite a ways, long ticket line, change clothes, guided tour, take off clothes, go back down....

Does your train arrive at Hallstatt station at 09:24? If so you'll have to add about half an hour to that, to allow time for the trip across the lake in Stefanie.

The same is true on the return trip, as you'll have to allow time to get from Hallstatt back to the station, which is across the lake from the town.

That will reduce your time in Hallstatt by at least an hour, so you won't have as much time as you've planned.

I went to Hallstatt and it is beautiful. I did not go to the Saltmine and am sure it is a fun outing. However, I think what is really fun and amazing is taking a hike to see the massive waterfalls. I did that even though it was a bit rainy and wet it was amazing. I loved it and was very impressed with the sights and the beauty and nature. I rather spend my time outside than go to a salt mine if I have only one day to spend there. I did not have time to see the church and walk around the town and go to the lookout point. We did take a lovely boat ride to get to our hotel. I am looking forward to go back this year to Hallstatt and this time seeing the town and the lake.

If you had more days in Hallstatt then by all means go to the salt mine but if the weather is nice then spend it seeing the lake and the town and maybe the hike to the waterfalls.

I agree that you won’t have enough time for the salt mine. You have 4 hours in town, once you travel across the lake. Getting up to the mine will take some time, then waiting for the tour to start. This could eat up all your time. The town is too gorgeous not to see it. Wander the streets, take the funicular up for the view, have lunch and head back to the train. We were there 2 weeks ago and it was hot and crowded. We had lunch at the restaurant at the top of the funicular and enjoyed the breeze, view and food.

We’ve done the salt mine tours in Hallstatt and Berchtesgaden. I preferred BG - you take a train in and out of the mine, in Hallstatt you walk in and take train out. There’s also a big uphill walk to the Hallstatt mine, which takes time. There’s also a mine in Hallein, which is about 25 min south of Salzburg by bus/train. There’s a mountain coaster (sommerrodelbahn) just up the street that my family (2 teens) loved.

Our train from Salzburg is at 07:12 arriving 09:24 in Hallstatt. I didn't realize Stephanie requires 30 min so that will certainly add to our time then, thank you for that info. Although I really want to do the salt mine I think it'll be too tight of a time table. Also I hear that the town can get quite crowded, so is that the same case with the funicular and Skywalk viewpoint?

While I would allow 30 minutes because you have to walk down to the dock from the train, wait to board, then go, and wait for lots of people to get off before you, and walk up into the town, the actual boat ride is quite short.

I used half an hour as a "ballpark number" to account for variables. As Nigel mentioned, there's a short walk from the station to the boat dock. There may also be some waiting time, especially if the boat is on the other side of the lake when your train arrives (that was the case on my last visit there).

Keep some change at hand to pay for the boat ticket. You may also want your camera accessible as the scenery is spectacular.

The salt mines were an incredible experience; we were there this past April. IT does seem that your schedule is a bit too tight, as the process is time-consuming. However, even teens would be impressed with the mine's history.
We purchased tickets on line, and received time-entry tickets. I'm not sure that all tickets have timed-entry, but that could be another factor to consider.
Enjoy this beautiful town, and position your self at the back of the ferry when leaving, to get the best pix of the town's reflection in the waves.
Good luck.

I loved the salt mine tour and would highly recommend it!

I would give the salt mine a miss given your short visit but, if you really want to do it (worth it by all accounts) remember to take warm clothing. Even in August, it will only be 15C or so down there.

Having just been to Hallstatt and spent about the same time there as you will, I can recommend taking the funicular up to the summit and having lunch at the restaurant there. The menu is limited but (as an Australian at least) I found the prices OK and the quality acceptable - but the view! This experience was one of the highlights of our time in Austria.

One point: the queue for the funicular can be quite long, especially at weekends and on public holidays. It's close to town though, so if you get there and it's huge, bail out and head into town.