Halstatt : Day trip or overnight

April isn't the most crowded time to be in Hallstatt but there will still be a significant amount of visitors. The advantage to spending the night is that the day-trippers will not be there late afternoon through mid-morning. If you are an early riser then sunrise is beautiful!

If I'm coming from Salzburg I can take the 6am train and reach at 9am. Not sure if 9am will there be tourists arriving.

I'd suggest spending one night in Hallstatt if possible, as it's very pleasant in the evenings. That will also give you more time to see the Salt Mine.

If I were to stay in Halstatt one night, will I have time to visit Bad Ischl also??

Well the train from the main line between Vienna and Salzburg does go through Bad Ischl. How long you have in either place depends on how long you spend in the other. I would spend all my time in Hallstatt.

Hi Lee

Thanks for the info. Do you think I should stay overnight in Halstatt!?? Some people say it's a small place that u can do a day trip.

Just want some input from you guys that have been there

Thanks

we stayed in Halstatt for a few nights ( we had a car) and it is a beautiful place to visit, busy in the day time with tourists, the salt mine tour was very interesting. the towns beauty really helps if you have nice weather and not too many tourists. IMO. by staying there you get to enjoy the town with far less people.

Hi glennlorrainer

Which hotel did you guys stay?? Which month was it?? Isn't it too long to say there just for a small village?? Some people said you can finish visiting it in 2-3h

While you may be able to see the town in a few hours, it's worthwhile to spend at least one night there because.....

• the town has a different "character" at night and it's great to be able to enjoy that ambience (and of course a fine hot meal with the lake views).
• spending a night there will provide more time to visit the famous Salt Mine, have a "cool one" on the patio at Rudolfsturm (the castle above town - great views) and have a look at the Museum.
• spending several hours travelling for a visit of several hours doesn't seem to be the most efficient travel method.

If you'd prefer a day trip from Salzburg, have a look at Bob's Special Tours.

what ken says is correct, we were there in late May. I think any of the 'best' towns be it in Italy, France or Austria etc etc have the same issues. if you stay overnight you often get to experience how the locals see it. most of the 'day tripper tourists' clear out and you get to wander the streets with a whole different atmosphere and also wake up and experience another different experience. IMO that is what travel is all about. so its true that Halstatt is only small and you can get around it in a few hours but that is missing the point.
we stayed in a hotel on the waters edge 'see hotel gruner baum', near the church at the center of town. we had to leave our car in the car park ( at the top of town) and caught the free shuttle to the hotel. easy. it was nice to not have cars in the town.

Thanks guys. I guess I'll stay a night there. I found Heritage Halstatt to be quite nice. Anyone had any experience with that hotel??