Salzburg - Halstatt - Vienna

Four people. Two kids. Lovely scenery. Easy driving. Get the car!

We have a car from Vienna Airport-Salzburg-St.Gilgen-Vienna and a daytrip to Hallstatt from St.Gilgen. There is parking in Hallstatt but we have decided to “do” Hallstatt by driving early to Bad Ischl, taking the train to the ferry and crossing the lake to Hallstatt so as not to miss that whole arrival experience. And then reversing to return to St. Gilgen later that day. We plan on the Saltmine, Skywalk and some touristy strolling while we’re there. My understanding is that as long as a train is scheduled coming or going, there is also a ferry to meet it.

We looked at staying in Hallstatt but the consensus on forums seemed to be that it was primarily a day destination that pretty much closes down after a certain time, so we opted for a farm-stay b&b on the outskirts of St.Gilgen instead; bit of a fifferent experience! Make sure your hotel in Hallstatt can provide parking

Have you considered dropping farther south deeper into the Alps while you're so close to the really big mountains? In an hour or two of Salzburg, the scenery is beyond incredible.
For 4 people, we usually try to get a small station wagon--not too small a vehicle. The trunk of a wagon will usually barely hold 4 rolling carryon bags.

Get the car and do the fun salt mine tour in Halstatt. You can go on hikes from there and/or travel a town or 2 over and see the ice caves. Halstatt in the evening is lovely to stroll.

If you and your children do not suffer from fear of height, you should visit the Five Fingers.
https://dachstein-salzkammergut.com/en/summer/above-ground/5fingers/

"consensus on forums seemed to be that it was primarily a day destination that pretty much closes down after a certain time"

I think this summary misses the point that Hallstatt is one of those popular towns where evening is a nice time to enjoy the town itself, after hordes of day-trippers have left. You'll have longer daylight while you're there. With the kids, you're probably not looking for nightlife, anyway.

I also would drive (as I did once years ago).

I am with Laura. Many of the nicer villages quieten down in the evening, it's part of their charm. With a car you can branch out elsewhere from Hallstatt. Wmt1's suggestion looks like fun for your children. Hallstatt itself has a skywalk, boat rides and salt works, plus pleasant hiking in the area. Maybe visit St Gilgen on the way from Salzburg. As per David, you can delve a liitle further south as a day trip. It is all good, your two nights are up before you start.

Look into AutoEurope for your car rental.

Sorry for the late reply and thanks for the input. We have decided to go with the car. We have 2 nights between Salzburg and Vienna (those are pretty much set) so I will look into other suggestions for where to stay over that time. My husband really wants to see Hallstatt, but we don’t necessarily have to stay there. Thanks!!