We just returned from a Rick Steves GAS tour. Wonderful time. But here’s a heads up if you are in Lake Hallstatt for a single night during the summer. It was super-crowded and we got to the ticket station around 1:30, hoping to get tickets to the Salt Mine Tour, they were sold out for the day. So I recommend getting your tickets a day or so in advance online. If you’re on a GAS tour or any other tour, check with your guide on the first day you start your tour to get an approximate time of arrival into Hallstatt and book tickets accordingly.
Posted by
26 posts
Thank you, LB for the heads up.
I am on that trip next year and I was thinking of doing the Salt Mine
Since you were just on this tour can I ask a question? What sights or activities (not part of the tour - free time) that you would recommend or you really enjoyed?
Thank You
Siouxzie
Posted by
5 posts
Thanks LB, we plan to be there next week as well. I'm a little confused about what to wear. They mention that they provide some overcoat but in addition is warm clothes/sweater recommended?
How is the summer in Salzburg in general during this part of the year in summer? Would a short sleeve dress or shorts be too light?
Thanks much for all the inputs.
Posted by
TX, USA
4121 posts
intells0819, I was there a couple of weeks ago (last week of July). The three of us wore pants, a short sleeved shirt, and a light jacket under the coveralls-type pants and jacket they give everyone to wear. We were quite comfortable in the mines and a little warm getting in and out (a couple of flights of stairs outside each way). However our weather was on the cool side - not hot at all.
We went around noon and bought tickets onsite and went straight in, but buying ahead by a couple of days is probably wise. It takes time to get up there, plus the time for the tour, and the last funicular down was around 5:30.
The restaurant at the top of the funicular is also great - but be aware they have a break in kitchen service between lunch and dinner. We barely made the cut off.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32212 posts
In the middle of summer tourist season, it's not surprising that it was sold out for the day. I always travel in spring or fall shoulder seasons and getting tickets usually isn't a problem.
Regarding clothing for the Salt Mine tour, as I recall they provide coveralls for the mine tour. You'll exit the mine at a lower level on the mountain than where you entered the mine, so you'll have to walk uphill to the visitor centre to return the coveralls (although my memory is a bit foggy on that point).