Hi Everyone,
We will be spending the Christmas holidays in Vienna. I was considering visiting Hallstatt but never really looked into it because I had read that it is overrun with tourists these days.
Do any of you have thoughts on whether it would be worthwhile to visit it during the winter and, if so, the best way to get there?
Thank you
It is possible to go to Hallstatt as a day trip from Vienna. If you go by the only direct train you will arrive at noon in Hallstatt, having 6 hours for the visit, and leaving at 6pm with the only direct train to go back. If you want to extend your stay, you may leave earlier in Vienna, but you will have a train change in Attnang-Puchheim (or Linz). Same is true for other connections back to Vienna. Don't forget that sunset is about 4:30pm at this time of the year.
Do keep in mind that tge train doesn't really go to Hallstatt. So add 30 to 45 minutes on to the journey in each direction to get across the lake.
Look at the Schladming area. Dachsteine Massive. Many places to stay. Good bus transportation. Multiple ski lifts.
Thank you all for this information. It sounds like it will be a very long journey. Do you think that it is really worth visiting given the long commute? Or, would it possibly be worthwhile to spend the night there (if so, any recommendations on lodging for 5?) and then return to Vienna the next day?
Note that on December 15th there is the regular time table change of all railway operators. You should check train departure times after that date to be sure.
Lodgings for 5? Ching, ching $$$$ I was there a few weeks ago. I wouldn't go in the winter.
Plenty of places closer and interesting for the holidays. And don't pay attention to borders. Slovakia and Hungary are substantially closer than Hallstatt.
Ok. Thanks for the feedback. It doesn't sound worth the time and expense.
But a night in Budapest is worth the time (2.5 hours each way); and a lot cheaper 5 tickets maybe $250. Rooms starting at about $115; with an early train and a late train you could do it in one day, but once you get there I think it may be hard to want to leave so fast. Good Christmas Markets: https://tyr-jour.hkbu.edu.hk/2023/12/12/budapests-advent-basilica-secures-fourth-consecutive-win-as-best-christmas-market-in-europe/#:~:text=Budapest's%20Advent%20Basilica%20has%20clinched,welcomes%20visitors%20until%20Jan%201.
And a bit more to be fair to Hallstatt. When I was there it wasnt crowded. The views are stunning. The problem with an overnight is that the town pretty much closes at 8pm (if that late). My significant other was so impressed though that she wants to return in the Spring. Not that I have a say in that. The last trip was two nights in Hallstatt and two in Salzburg then home. The next I think we will do 2 in Graz and 2 in Hallstatt and home.
Also, thanks to the floods, the trains heading West out of Vienna are a bit of a mess. You will have to research and figure out if it affects the train to Hallstatt. Dont know. Have heard that the mess will be in place to some degree for up to 6 months. That might impact the decision. No problems between Vienna and Budapest though.
Also, thanks to the floods, the trains heading West out of Vienna are a bit of a mess. You will have to research and figure out if it affects the train to Hallstatt. Dont know. Have heard that the mess will be in place to some degree for up to 6 months.
See here how is dealt with this unprecedented situation for the time being:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/austria/flooding-in-austria#2366395
Additonally, as every year, on December 15, 2024 there is the coordinated train schedule change of all European train operators.
All current timetable information past this date is tentative as long as the new schedule has not been confirmed (usually during November).
Therefore you will have to wait for concise information how to get to Hallstatt by train. But I don't expect big problems except a longer travel time.
Thank you both!
