Why you Should Visit Hallstatt, Europe's Most Beautiful Village
Hallstatt is considered the most beautiful village in Europe. Even if it is just a small village with only 1000 villagers, more than 1 million tourists visit every year for breathtaking views and amazing culture. That's why you should put Hallstatt on your bucket list for 2022 and book a trip, to check out the true Pearl of Austria.
Background of Hallstatt
Hallstatt is considered to be the place where the oldest salt mine in Europe exists. Archaeologists assume that mining originated here in the Bronze Age. The period between 800 and 400 BC is called the Hallstatt period, showing the importance of this little village in Europe's history. Due to its salt extraction, the region was very wealthy and gives this village the name, "Pearl of Austria". In 1997, Europe's most beautiful village, was listed as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Since then, the UNESCO World Heritage region of Hallstatt Dachstein Salzkammergut, has attracted millions of travelers. Whether you are seeking adventure, or relaxation, this is a great place to visit.
Things To Do
Up until the 19th century, Hallstatt was accessible only by boat or mountain trail, but nowadays you can reach this amazing small village by car. Hallstatt is the perfect EuroTrip for those who want to sightsee. Hallstatt has amazing natural sites, historical sites, and even some outstanding Baroque architecture. Because it is so small, you only need a couple of hours to visit Hallstatt and enjoy all of its beauty.
Top 6 places to visit in Hallstatt:
- Lake Hallstatt
The lake is one of the many reasons Hallstatt is named one of the most beautiful villages in Europe. You can take a boat trip and admire mountain peaks, enjoy fresh air and the beauties of nature, or swim in the clear water and explore its surroundings. This trip is able to suit everyone's tastes, and can be for those who are looking for romance or just some fun time with the family.
- Hallstatt Museum
The Hallstatt Museum first opened in 1888, after some important archaeological finds, made by Johann Georg Ramsauer. Starting in 1846, he began to discover important and historical cemeteries near the salt mines. Due to the effects of World War II, there were important changes made to the museum's collections that you now see today.
One of the nicest places in Hallstatt, included in UNESCO World Heritage site, is the Hallstatt Market Square. It's an amazing place, with beautiful buildings and picturesque houses. Here, you can find some cozy cafes, restaurants with excellent dishes, and also souvenir shops.
- Hallstatt Charnel House
You can find over 600 painted skulls at The Charnel House. Many visitors are attracted to this destination because of the artistry.
The skywalk is a place where you can enjoy one of the most spectacular views over the Alps. It's a 250 meter sheer rockface, with an amazing mountain panorama. Here, you are in the middle of the clouds and feel like you are on top of the world.
This is the place where the history of Hallstatt began, as well as, 'white gold'. You can get to the salt mine entrance by taking the funicular up to the mountain, or by hiking. The salt mine is also very popular for its therapeutic effects.
"How's the Weather up there?"
Being a small mountain village, Hallstatt is one destination that you can visit at any time of the year. It offers amazing landscapes in spring, summer, autumn, or winter. The minimum average temperature can be -6.5˙C in cold nights of December or January. Daily mean temperature in spring is 8.2˙C. During summer it is on average around 17˙C, and in autumn it is 8.46˙C. With such temperatures, it is always a pleasure to visit the small village. If you are not a person who enjoys the crowd, you should plan a trip during spring, autumn, or winter. Summer months offer large crowds of tourists.
Best Recommended Restaurants
- Das Kainz
Restaurant with a view - Situated near the Hallstatt Lake, Das Kainz is part of the Heritage Hotel. This is where you can try some traditional Austrian dishes on the terrace, and admire the lake. - Gasthof Simony
Restaurant and hotel - The Gasthof Simony is named after Friedrich Simony, the famous explorer of the Dachstein mountain. Here you can also try some delicious local food in a peaceful garden.
- Restaurant zum Salzbaron
A place with a big terrace overlooking the Hallstatt Lake. It is located in the Market Square, and is a good place to try some specific regional food and some of the best Austrian wines.