Last updated on May 6th, 2022 at 09:26 am
Hallstatt in the Upper Austrian Salzkammergut region is considered by many to be the most beautiful village in Austria.
Situated at the foot of the Dachstein mountains, Hallstatt and Lake Hallstatt are t the heart of the Salzkammergut. The Hallstatt-Dachstein-Salzkammergut region has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since December 1997. The region owes this distinction to its extraordinarily beautiful natural landscape and its scientific significance: salt was mined high in the Hallstatt valley as early as the Bronze Age, and for centuries trade in the “white gold” determined the lives of the inhabitants. Today Hallstatt is still home to the oldest salt mine in the world, which is open to visitors.
Hallstatt is a favourite destination for people from all over the world because of its old half-timbered houses, its stunning location on Lake Hallstatt and the view of the imposing Dachstein massif.
© STMG | Edwin Husic
The picturesque village with only 800 inhabitants is best explored on foot. Visitors who want to learn more about the history of Hallstatt should take a guided tour or visit the World Heritage Museum.
The UNESCO World Heritage Ticket is practical for entertaining day trips. It includes a boat trip on Lake Hallstatt from Obertraun to Hallstatt, the ascent and descent with the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car and the entrance ticket for a visit to the Dachstein Ice Cave there. An audio guide which accompanies visitors through the Dachstein Ice Cave and the Mammoth Cave can be downloaded onto a smartphone. In addition, various themed trails with information boards and interactive elements lead through the region.
More information: dachstein-salzkammergut.com
