I am doing research for an upcoming trip to Austria. Many posters on here have used Bob's Special Tours as day trips from Salzburg. I am thinking of taking a day trip to Hallstatt for the cable car ride up the mountain. I will have a rental car, but am thinking that the tour might be better. Other than the fact that they know the area and exactly when and where to start the cable car ride, will they add to the experience enough to offset the additional cost. The tour is 80 euro per person for the ride to Hallstatt and back, with an additional 20 euro for the cable car ride. If the driver "just" drives, 160 euros is an expensive trip. But, if it is truly a "tour" it might be well worth it. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19274 posts
Are you talking about the Salzbergbahn funicular, the one that goes up to the top of the mountain right above Hallstatt, to the salt mine? Is the €20 for the funicular for two, or just one. I spent two nights in Hallstatt in August and rode the funicular. I paid €10 for one person. I can see from their website that the walk-up price is €10 for up and down on the funicular or €22 for RT on the funicular plus the salt mine tour. If you drive, the funicular is less than 30 yds from the large parking lot on the right as you exit the south end of the tunnel bypass. You can't miss it.
Or do you mean the Krippenstein/Dachstein cable car. That's not hard to find, either. Come out of the south end of the tunnel and follow the road around the end of the lake to Obertraun. I was in Obertraun also, to catch the train to Hall. You can see the cable car from town, so it shouldn't be hard to find the base. The regular price is €23 pP; group price €21 pP, so you get a little price break with the tour. According to the website the cable car leaves every 15 min.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
Thanks Lee. The Krippenstein/Dachstein cable car sounds worthwhile to me. Did you happen to go on it while you were there?
Posted by
Northern VA, VA, USA
121 posts
Hi Rob - We found the Bob's guide to be very knowledgeable and friendly about everything from the local history and Motzart history to current environmental laws applicable to property owners. It was worth it to us but it may depend on the driver. We also did not wait in line and were guided to a wonderful cafe on the way back which was on Lake Wolfgang - spectacular! We also did not have a car in Salzburg so that played into our selection of a tour.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Rob,
I'd normally suggest a tour if not using a rental car, as this provides not only the transportation but also some commentary along the way. I've used Bob's Tours for a trip to the Berchtesgaden area and quite enjoyed it. The Guide was excellent!
Although Bob's Hallstatt Tour will pass through a few villages on the way to Hallstatt, this is one case where travelling on your own via rental car might be a better option (since you'll have the car anyway). Rather than being limited by the length of time on the tour, you'll have some flexibility.
I'd suggest going early so that you can not only visit the Salt Mine, but take some time for a "beverage" at RudolfSturm (which is a Castle at the top of the Funicular) - here's a photo....
You could also explore the Museum and village of Hallstatt, take a boat ride on Stefanie for a view of the village from the other side of the lake and enjoy the local restaurants.
After stopping for a fine hot meal at Hotel Grüner Baum, Gasthof Simony or other establishments, you could return to Salzburg in the evening.
Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
425 posts
Great! I looked at "Bob's" website and cheated a little. They are travelling to Obertraun via Golling-Abtenau-Gosau, and returning via Bad Ischl-St. Gilen-Mondsee. So, I think I can leave Salzburg in the morning, do the Dachstein, return via "Bob's route", grab some lunch along the way and be back in Salzburg for dinner.