Austria: Zell am See or Hallstatt

I spent two night in Hallstatt last August and enjoyed it. Then I went to Hall and passed through Zell am See on the way. I was keenly interested in seeing if Zell had anything of interest. There's a fairly large lake there which seemed to be well employed for water sports (boating, sailing) but nothing else interested me. Maybe guidebooks show more.

Hallstatt is awesomely picturesque. The town itself is very small. You can see everything there is to see in town walking around in a morning. After that, there is a switch back hiking trail up to a saddle on the mountain above Hallstatt, where there is an archeological dig, the salt mine that created Hallstatt, and a great view of the lake and the surrounding area. There is a funicular from the south end of town to this spot, as well. You can hike from there in the mountains. Across the lake in Obertraun there is a gondola to the Dachstein and ice caves.

HI Lauren,

While Hallstatt is extremelty picturesque, I'd go with Zell am See. We found Hallstatt, while charming, to be too small to spend significant time in. I should mention we're not hikers and didn't visit the ice caves or salt mine while there. You can walk from one end of the village to the other in about 15 minutes.

We stayed in Zell am See last Sept. and visited for a day in 2007. We simply love the old town pedestrian zone, cafes, shops, the lakeside promenade and touring the lake with "our own" electric boat. Rentals are about 20 Euro per hour. Oh, and the scenery is gorgeous! The lake is surrounded by mountains.

www.worldisround.com/articles/355540/index.html

www.worldisround.com/articles/338868/index.html

Just my two cents.

Paul

Lauren,

I really enjoyed Hallstatt, including the tour of the Salt Mine and the lunch at Rudolfsturm (which has an incredible view of the lake and part of the town - unfortunate that I can't post photos here!). There's a very interesting Museum there also, but I just had time for a cursory look. It's a wonderful town for just relaxing!

If you have time in Salzburg, you could also take a day trip to Berchtesgaden, which is another small beautiful town.

Happy travels!

We really enjoyed the salt mine tour in Hallstatt. It was fun and educational plus you can slide down the bannister a couple of times during the tour. The ice caves were nice too and you get a good view of Hallstatt and the lake from high above as you go up. Of the two I liked the salt mine tour better. We only spent a few hours in Zell am See stopping to eat and to spend a little time at the lake so I cannot give you a fair comparison on which to visit. Hallstatt is worth a night or two especially if you just need to relax and recharge your batteries.

Hi again Lauren,

Just wanted to add, you really can't go wrong with either. Austria in general is simply a great place to visit. After seven trips that included Austria, we still can't wait to go back.

Paul

My sister and two friends spent a week in Zell am See and also did a day trip to Hallstaat. We really liked Zell am See(a winter ski town) and would return - especially for dinner at the Steinerwirt - a guest house and restaurant that opened in 1493! Also nearby is the ski resort - Schmittenhohe - gondola ride up to the top of the world! There is a nice,inexpensive cafe at the top; people having lunch, a beer, and playing cards while enjoying a breathtaking view. Nice shopping in Zell, too. Hallstatt is gorgeous, but small. Cannot comment on the salt mine tour as there wern't enough customers, so would not take us (October). The Catholic cemetery was very interesting, as was the Bone Room (creepy, but you get used to it!). When you are in Salzburg, make sure you find the open air market. We discovered it by accident through a gate and bought French cheeses, freshly made pretzels, etc. We are going back this October - can't wait!!

Zell am See is extremely picturesque as is Hallstatt. There are plenty of outdoor activities to recommend either one.

We have been to Hallstatt numerous times and never tire of the beautiful surroundings. Our first visit to Zell am See was in 2009 and it's definitely worth seeing also.

I'd say toss a coin and enjoy. You can't go wrong with either one.

Zell am See is wonderful. We were staying in a timeshare at Maria Alm and went into Zell am See twice. The best is the ride to the top of the mountains. We hit it on an Official Austrian Holiday. Hang gliders from all over Europe were there and the site was the most stunning I have ever seen. Hundreds were in the air all at once. I have been there 3 or 4 times and want to go again. Be sure and get a hotel with A/C in both Munich and Salzburg. It was beyond hot when there in July. When in cities we use the Accor chain. Usually the Ibis hotel. It is neat, clean, has breakfast and a bar. All the necessities. It is on the web.