I'll be staying in Salzburg for three days next summer, and I'd like to spend one day visiting Hallstatt and the Salzkammergut Lake District. If I rented a car, would a trip to Hallstatt, St. Gilgen, and St. Wolfgang be possible all in one day? The majority of my time would be spent in Hallstatt doing hikes and touring the ice caves, but I would love to have short stop-overs by the lakes to see the hills that are "alive with music" and to get some great photos. Is this possible, or should I just stick to taking the train to and from Hallstatt? Unfortunately, I cannot spend the night in Hallstatt as I'll be leaving for Venice the next day and connections from Hallstatt would be a mess.
Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9363 posts
We did Mondsee, St Wolfgang, and Hallstat in one day.
Posted by
OP
Las Vegas, NV, USA
68 posts
Did you take the train or rent a car?
Posted by
NYC area
2902 posts
Hi Caroline,
We did Hallstatt as a day trip from Ramsau (Berchtesgaden area). We had a car. It was about 1:30 drive each way, should be less from Salzburg as we had to get to and go through Salzburg on the way. With an early start, you should be able to see quite a bit. Beautiful area.
Paul
Posted by
Shoreline, WA
216 posts
This is a perfect reason for a car trip - lots to see, in a limited area, explore on instinct and little time to do it in.
Distances are not great, and driving from Salzburg you pass right through the Lake District, with Mondsee, Wolfgangsee (St. Wolfgang is on the far side) and Fuschlsee close by. Schafbergbahn to the tall peak behind St. Gilgen, summer toboggan close by, the historic resort town of Bad Ischl with the Kathrein gondola taking you up into the 'hills'. Then Hallstadt, salt mines reached via funicular, and farther south the salt mines in Obertraun and the ice caves as well. Heck of a way to max out your expensive car rental!
Posted by
Downers Grove, IL, USA
43 posts
My son and I have a similiar situation as you but are able to spend the night. We couldn't get a room in Hallstatt for one night this August though. Therefore we are staying in Strobl on Wolfgangsee. Check out Bob's Special Tours (www.bobstours.com). They have a 8 hour Hallstatt tour leaving Salzburg at 9am for 80 Euro plus entrance fees to the ice caves and such. The route includes St. Gilgen, Bad Ischl, Mondsee or Fuschl. It may be worth it instead of renting a car. Three years ago we used Bob's for the Sound of Music tour and had a fabulous time. I'm taking the same tour again this summer with another son. Have fun.