Salzburg to Halstatt

Steve, I took the trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt in May. The cost shown on the ticket was €21.60 (one way). One train change is required in Attnang-Pucheim. The small station in Hallstatt is across the lake from the village, so a short boat ride is required also (€2 from what I recall). The trip took about four hours, however there was maintenance in progress on the rail line which made the trip longer than normal (we had to disembark from the train, take a Bus for a short distance, and then board another train).

You could probably visit Hallstatt as a day trip, however I'd recommend at least two nights as it's an incredibly beautiful spot (a great place for a "vacation from your vacation"). Sitting on the lakeside patio at Gasthof Simony having a cold Beer in the afternoon is one of my best memories! Hotel Gruner Baum is right next door and they have a great patio location also. If you're planning to visit the Salt Mines or the Museum, it's nice to have the time to do that without rushing. If you go up to the Salt Mines, you might stop for a "cool one" or a meal at Rudolphsturm, as the view over the town and the lake is fantastic!

Another option you might consider is a day trip with Bob's Special Tours from Salzburg. They're listed in Rick's book, and offer a one day trip to Hallstatt via MiniVan. However, when arriving by road you won't have the incredible view of Hallstatt from across the lake (however, you could spend a few Euros and take the boat across to the station to get some photos).

While Hallstatt is a very small town, it's over 7000 years old so has lots of history to explore. If you can spare more than one day, you'd probably find lots to do.

Hope this answers your questions?

Happy travels!!!

Steve, we went from Salzburg to Hallstatt. It took 2-3 hours. Not expensive. We spent 2 nights there and my wife said it was the best part of the 12 day trip. Definitely a vacation from your vacation. I wish we had stayed longer.

Wonderful! My wife really wants to visit and I am trying to work it out for an overnight stay.

one day and night is sufficient. there are many cheap pensions.

Thanks Mike,

In addition to Mondsee, what other towns outside of Salzburg would you recommend? Hallstatt would be a stretch for a day trip and I am not convinced that I want to stay overnight since we have a timeshare in Schliersee paid for. Thanks!

Search on this site because Hallstatt has been discussed before. Personally I would visit one of the other lake towns in the area instead of Hallstatt; I took the Bob's Sound of Music tour (which I recommend highly!) and we went by Mondsee which I thought was a more interesting town to visit (as opposed to photograph). Hallstatt is worth driving thru but I don't think its worth more than a few hours time.

Hi Steve,
... Hallstatt is a good base location from which to explore other areas after enjoying the Hallstatt village-area sights.
... For example, it's a short bus ride from Hallstatt to the extremly scenic Gosausee (Gosau lake). The bus stop is reached by stairway - just above the center of Hallstatt.

... A short train ride away is Bad Ischl, where there is a famous Konditorei (Zauner's)and their fab pastries, coffee, etc. Also, in Bad Ischl is the Kaiser Villa (the hunting lodge of Emperor Franz Josef). It's an appropriately royal-rustic facility. A boat (motor launch) meets every train arriving at Hallstatt station - as you will see - just across the lake from Hallstatt.
... Above Hallstatt, in the mountains, you may visit the ice caves. Inquire locally about transportation.
... And if you guys like hiking, there are miles of very scenic trails waiting for your trek right in and around Hallstatt.
... Gute Reise! ...P

Sorry, I don't know the other lakes in the area. Rick's guide book does talk about some other non-lake towns to visit in the area; I think one has a famous abbey.

All of the Salzkammergut lakes are worthy of a visit. I'm not being prejudiced, but as a native of the state and having visited the area last week, there is much to commend for any visitors.

Check out the state website www.salzkammergut.at and see if you agree - the region is Austria's favorite vacation spot (so be aware of lodging options during summer or winter months).

Hallstadt is worth a visit, but only that. The town is very compact, the funicular to the Salz mines runs frequently, and you can be in-out of the attractions within 6 hours - unless you insist on finding overnight accommodations. Spend the night in nearby Bad Goisern or Bad Ischl instead; both cities are also tourist meccas and have more lodgings.

Hallstatt can be almost be a drive-by. Well, the cute factor is high here, get out and do Rick's self-tour. Grab a meal and then keep cruising. As the PP mentioned, the whole Salzkammergut area (upper Austria)is just gorgeous!

Gmunden is my favorite backdoor and on another lake, about 40 min from Hallstatt. The Keramik factory there is - ok, the shop mainly - is AWESOME! I'm going down there again this fall with my mom and we're dragging my hubby and dad along this time too - bribed with promises of Alpine hiking.

Bad Ischl has a killer spa/pool complex and I want to try sleeping there this fall instead of Gmunden, so am currently looking for cheap digs for a night or two there.

A few weeks ago we took the train from Salzburg to Hallstatt via Attnang-Puchheim which took 2 hours and 20 minutes. The view from "Stefanie", the boat that takes you from the train over to the quiet little town is unbelievable. So are the views from the cable car that takes you up to the salt mine. Returning we took the train to Bad Ischl (about 20 minutes)and then took a bus to Strobl on Wolfgangsee for E5.80 where we stayed the night. The next morning we took a bus to Salzburg for E5.80. We enjoyed taking those buses since we had spent much time on the trains earlier in the week. There was much more to see from the buses than the trains.

I'm a bit behind as far as timing on my response -- but Hallstatt was the BEST part of my trip in 2005. Definitely spend 2 nights there, you won't regret it!