Hallstatt in Winter – Why it’s the Most Magical Time to Visit!

STROLL THE SCENIC STREETS

One of the best (if most obvious!) things to do in Hallstatt in winter is to simply take a stroll through the picturesque streets. The town is small and very walkable, but be prepared for many stairs and slopes if you want to get away from the crowds and explore the hilly backstreets.

Marktplatz is where you’ll find the giant Xmas tree (that’s still up in January), and you can venture up and into many of the back alleyways from there. If you’ve got your camera with you you won’t want to put it down as you discover every picture-perfect corner of this fairytale town. Don’t forget to take a walk away from the town, along the waterfront promenade to get another perspective of the lakeside settlement too.

HALLSTATT SKYWALK

Have your camera at the ready for epic views from the Hallstatt Skywalk. You’ll hop on the Salzbergbahn funicular for a short ride that takes you 838 metres up the mountain. Located in front of the picturesque Rudolf’s Tower, ‘World Heritage View’ is the nickname for the lookout platform. 

=> If the funicular is closed, as it often is from early January, you can walk up to the Skywalk instead. Just keep in mind that it can get extremely slippery when there’s ice on the path! Some of the track has handrails, but not everywhere, and there are some steep drops, so it’s not something I’d attempt with children if there’s ice about.

Walk out for 12 metres onto the free-floating structure to the tip. Astounding, panoramic views of the lake, Alpine peaks and the village nestled into the hills completely surround you. After you pick your jaw off the floor, walk across the scenic bridge to Rudolf’s Tower for a bite to eat at the restaurant. Tours of the famous Hallstatt Salt Mine also depart from here, however, check opening times as the site closes at scheduled times in winter. 

ALTAUSSEE SALT MINE

If you can’t experience a Hallstatt mine tour in winter, go deep underground at the nearby Altaussee Salt Mine for a 2.5-kilometre walk through subterranean treasures. Guided by lamps, you’ll traverse tunnels of pure rock salt with walls that glitter in the light. At around 700 metres below ground, discover the Barbara Chapel created by miners in 1935. 

More excitement awaits with the miners’ slides, zipping you down to a subterranean salt lake. Still and flat in a cave, the lake is the focal point of a fabulous light and sound show. Afterwards, check out the Fortune of the Art exhibition to learn about the history of the mines in the exact spot where Nazis once stored stolen art. 

ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH & THE BONE HOUSE

Among the most fascinating Hallstatt winter activities is a visit to the Bone House at St Michael’s Church in the historic centre. The chapel dates back to the 12th century and contains an eerie collection of around 1200 human skulls, 600 of which are hand-painted and arranged into family groups. It’s a tradition that originated in 1720 and the time of death is recorded on each skull.

As the story goes, cremation was once prohibited and the town’s graveyard was too small. Therefore, graves were reopened to create space. The skulls were cleaned and left outside in the sun for bleaching, then painted with wreaths of flowers to symbolise flowers on graves.

To this day, people can request to have their skulls placed in the Bone House ten years after burial. Outside, you’ll see neat rows of gabled wooden graves covered with colourful flowers in the cemetery. 

THE HALLSTATT MUSEUM

With finds from the burial ground in the high valley to everyday cultural items, historic treasures displayed at the Hallstatt Museum help you step back in time from the Stone Age to recent history. This isn’t a dusty old museum that makes the kids groan either, with holographic and three-dimensional displays, along with video animations to keep history lively and interactive. 

Delve into 7,000 years of life in the ancient salt mining town, including transformative events like the Great Fire of 1750. You’ll pop 3D glasses on to see a floating light sword and take a virtual flight over Hallstatt.

Opposite the museum, combine shopping for winter gear with a history fix beneath Janu’s Sports Shop, where archaeological excavations are located in the cellar. 

WARM UP IN THE SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS

All manner of Austrian treats await in Hallstatt’s eateries, and with cosy interiors and traditional decor, they’ll lure you in from the chilly streets. Whether you’re after a quick bite, a full and filling meal, or a warming drink, there’s a restaurant or bar to suit every need and want.

Most of Hallstatt’s shops are located on the main street, and although heavily catered towards tourists, there are a few treasures to be found among the mass. From handcrafted children’s toys to healing crystals, I’m sure you’ll find a little trinket to remind you of your trip to Austria’s fairytale village.

CATHOLIC CHURCH OF HALLSTATT

Built against the steep mountain slopes, the Romanesque Catholic parish church is a source of intriguing stories among Hallstatt World Heritage sites. For example, in the 1980s an Italian couple stole Gothic paintings from the altar. After a 30-year search, the works of art were finally found in a raid.

The picturesque church has been renovated over time from the 12th century and today’s version was completed in 2002. 

WINTER SPORTS

Gear up for snowy action on a Hallstatt skiing holiday across no less than three ski areas within easy reach. You’ll navigate around 200 kilometres of pistes with conditions to suit everyone from kids to professionals. Krippenstein Freesports Arena features one of Austria’s longest ski runs, at a whopping 11 kilometres. You’ll move around on an ultramodern cable car, try snowshoeing along signposted hiking trails and dine at atmospheric mountain restaurants. 

Just a 25-minute drive from Hallstatt, Loser Ski Arena offers a family-friendly piste, off-piste runs for free riders and jumps for snowboarders. Head to the Dachstein West region for a range of ski schools, children’s ski areas and the lovely villages of Gosau and Annaberg.

HALLSTATT WINTER HIKING

There’s no better way to explore UNESCO-listed nature than by donning snowshoes and hitting Hallstatt hiking trails. Snow-topped fir trees and glistening, frozen streams greet you along the Echerntal trail. Along the way, you’ll learn about flora, fauna and history via educational boards. The Experiences trail is a short, panoramic hike from the Dachstein Krippenstein cable car to the incredible 5fingers viewing platform. 

Located on the shores of Lake Hallstatt, the charming village of Bad Goisern stretches from Hallstatt to Bad Ischl. A cleared winter hiking trail weaves along the Traun river and it’s a flat, easy walk for all ages. With streets lined by colourful gingerbread houses, narrow alleyways, steep staircases and countless viewpoints, Hallstatt Old Town features its own heritage walk that starts from the Tourist Office. 

SPAS, HEATED POOLS AND SAUNAS

There’s no doubt about it, Hallstatt winter travel is ideal for pampering treatments at the region’s wealth of wellness centres. Spend a lavish day at the GrimmingTherme in nearby Bad Mitterndorf. The sauna village offers thermal baths with massage jets, plush lounge chairs with Alpine views and playgrounds for kids.

Head to the Gosau indoor pool to heat up with glass walls providing mountain panoramas. Splash out and book into Hallstatt spa hotels for treatments at your fingertips.